bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
actors Impacting Teachers’ Behavioral Intention to Use the Interactive Whiteboard in Hebei, China
Authors:   School of Education, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, Zhao Weihao
Published: April 2024

The present study aimed to investigate factors impacting teachers’ Behavioral Intention (BI) to use the Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) based on the theoretical foundations of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Specifically, it examined the effect of TPACK on teachers’ BI to use the IWB and mediating effects of Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEU) in the relationship between the teachers’ TPACK and BI to use this educational tool. To achieve these objectives, a quantitative research design was employed. Data were collected using a questionnaire, involving a total of 794 high school teachers who participated in this study. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used for the data analysis, whereby the results revealed that TPACK moderately influenced teachers’ BI to use the IWB. Additionally, PU and PEU were influential mediators in the relationship between TPACK and teachers’ BI to use this tool. Accordingly, the findings provided empirical evidence on the use of IWB and important input for educational authorities and institutions on further improvements with regard to the IWB and its use in schools. Moreover, the findings indicated a need for training to enhance teachers’ skills in using the IWB within the classroom setting. Finally, research limitations and suggestions for future studies were discussed.
Exploring the Influence of Student Interaction with ChatGPT on Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Creativity
Authors:   Information Technology College, University of Fujairah, Fujairah, UAE, Qawqzeh Yousef
Published: April 2024

In this comprehensive study, 515 participants within educational settings were engaged to investigate the multifaceted impact of ChatGPT interactions. By scrutinizing critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and learning domains, the research uncovered nuanced perspectives. The results presented diverse views on how ChatGPT influenced cognitive abilities—some observed substantial improvements, while others perceived limited effects. Notably, intriguing correlations surfaced between enhanced critical thinking and subsequent impacts on problem-solving, creativity, and overall learning approaches. The outlined recommendations underscored the importance of responsible usage, preferring guidance over direct solutions and advocating for instructor involvement. These insights collectively underline ChatGPT’s promising potential as an adjunctive educational tool, suggesting its capacity to cultivate dynamic and intellectually engaging learning environments. Despite varied perceptions and user readiness, these findings highlight ChatGPT’s intriguing role in shaping educational experiences.
Assessment of a Holistic Approach to Managing Contractor Claims for Building Projects in Two Selected Local Authorities in Botswana
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, University of Botswana, P. Bag 0061, Gaborone, Botswana, Ssegawa J. K.
Published: April 2024

This article discusses findings of a study that investigated the effectiveness of seven strategies that were identified for holistically managing contractor claims for building projects. Previous findings had indicated that almost half of the contractor claims were due to the clients’ behavioral aspects which were within their control. The study was the premised on a notion that a holistic approach in managing contractor claims avoids or prevents their occurrence and may reduce their impact on projects. Two local authorities in Botswana were used in the study in which three methods were used. A questionnaire survey, focus group discussion and interview were used to collect data and triangulate the results. Results indicated that the studied local authorities did not fully utilize the seven strategies for holistically managing contractor claims and average score 43% was achieved, which was below the 50% mark that had been set for effectiveness. Specifically, lack of effective management of events leading to claims arose due to lack of institutionalizing post-completion project evaluations; lack of employer’s restraint in making significant changes during construction, client delays during the construction period; client lack of an adequate and versatile project team to deal with activities and processes in the pre-contract, post-contract and contract phases. Despite the limitation of selecting two local authorities out of a total 16 local authorities, the results provide an insight into the claim management regime of these entities namely that improvement is needed for strategies to reduce avoidable claims that increase project completion periods and costs.
Egészségügyi információszerzés módjai szakrendelésen megjelent betegpopuláció körében
Authors: Molnár Regina , Sági Zoltán , Fejes Zsuzsanna , Törőcsik Kálmán , Köves Béla , Paulik Edit
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Obtaining health information is an important part of health behaviour. However, there is limited data available about information gathering habits of patients. Aims: To identify different patient groups according to their information gathering habits.Methods: Questionnaire survey among potential patients in an outpatient clinic in Budapest. The survey consisted of the following domains: sociodemographic data; habits of visit a doctor; communications method with a specialist; use of technical devices.Results: The survey was completed by 260 patients (36,2% men; 63,8% women). Patients primarily get medical information from their doctors, followed by the internet, where different websites and Facebook groups are the most common sources of information. Mostly they use the internet for checking their symptoms and complaints, however searching for data about their physicians and healthcare institutions are uncommon. Patients who are young, active workers, highly educated are more active, while elderly patients and widows search less information on the internet. Conclusions: There are socio-demographic groups who are underinformed by digital healthcare related issues. Audited websites and social media releases could play an important role inthe information gathering process of patients, and also supplement patient-doctor relationship.
Перспективы развития фондового рынка РФ в условиях геополитической нестабильности
Authors:   Кубанский государственный технологический университет, Тернавщенко Кристина Олеговна , Лехман Елена Владимировна ,   Кубанский государственный технологический университет, Подиева Елена Александровна ,   Кубанский государственный технологический университет
Published: April 2024

На сегодняшний день фондовый рынок обладает высоким финансовым и инвестиционным потенциалом. Этот рынок трансформирует сбережения физических и юридических лиц в инвестиции. Фондовый рынок, как часть финансовой системы, в сложные для экономики страны периоды, является достаточно уязвимым и нуждается в государственном регулировании и поддержании его стабильности. На сегодняшний день на фондовый рынок оказывает давление санкционные ограничения, что приводит к принципиальному изменению функционирования российского фондового рынка. Целью исследования является обоснование основных направлений повышения эффективности функционирования и развития фондового рынка РФ в условиях геополитической нестабильности. Предметом исследования выступают финансово-экономические отношения, формируемые на уровне фондового рынка РФ. В статье рассматриваются особенности функционирования фондового рынка РФ в условиях геополитической нестабильности. Проведен анализ показателей, характеризующих фондовый рынок РФ. Выявлены основные угрозы функционирования фондового рынка и рассмотрены основные направления развития фондового рынка РФ в условиях геополитической нестабильности. Предложенные направления развития фондового рынка будут способствовать поддержанию его достаточного уровня, а также обеспечат безопасность участников рынка и национальную безопасность страны в целом.
Assessment of SPECT Image Reconstruction in Liver Scanning Using 99mTc/ EDDA/ HYNIC-TOC
Authors: Abdulhusein Naeem Shareef , Deevband Mohammad Reza , Ghodsirad Mohammad Ali , Behmadi Marziyeh , Mehri-Kakavand Ghazal
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Given that the Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) image quality is defined experimentally, developing a specialized scanning technique for each procedure is necessary to increase the diagnosis accuracy. This study aims to determine the optimal algorithm for liver scan reconstruction using 99mTc/SPECT.
Materials and Methods: The Filtered Back-Projection (FBP) reconstruction method was used in liver scanning using 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC (Tektrotyd) for SPECT images of 30 patients which were acquired with a dual-head EvoExel detector system. Using different types of filters in SPECT imaging, various optimal results can be achieved in the processed images, such as artifact reduction, noise reduction, or signal enhancement and recovery. To evaluate the effect of different filters on image quality, Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR), Contrast-to-Noise-Ratio (CNR), and contrast parameters were calculated.
Results: Applying filters enhanced contrast in the images in most cases as well as CNR and SNR. Metz (power = 2), Shepp-Logan (Cut-off frequency = 0.67) and Metz (power = 2) filters increase the CNR, contrast and SNR in images more than the other filters, respectively. The maximum improvement for CNR, contrast and SNR was from 0.62 to 2.35, 0.99 to 1.31, and 8.48 to 14.70, respectively.
Conclusion: Based on the results, the Hamming filter, due to providing high-quality images for visual analysis of liver SPECT, and the Butterworth filter, due to balancing the image quality and noise for quantitative analysis, are recommended.
Evaluation of Eye-Blinking Dynamics in Human Emotion Recognition Using Weighted Visibility Graph
Authors: Goshvarpour Atefeh , Goshvarpour Ateke
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Designing an automated emotion recognition system using biosignals has become a hot and challenging issue in many fields, including human-computer interferences, robotics, and affective computing. Several algorithms have been proposed to characterize the internal and external behaviors of the subjects in confronting emotional events/stimuli. Eye movements, as an external behavior, are habitually analyzed in a multi-modality system using classic statistical measures, and the evaluation of its dynamics has been neglected so far.
Materials and Methods: This experiment intended to provide an innovative single-modality scheme for emotion classification using eye-blinking data. The dynamics of eye-blinking data have been characterized by weighted visibility graph-based indices. The extracted measures were then fed to the different classifiers, including support vector machine, decision tree, k-Nearest neighbor, Adaptive Boosting, and random subset to complete the process of classifying sad, happy, neutral, and fearful affective states. The scheme has been evaluated utilizing the available signals in the SEED-IV database.
Results: The proposed framework provided significant performance in terms of recognition rates. The highest average recognition rates of  > 90% were achieved using the decision tree.
Conclusion: In brief, our results showed that eye-blinking data has the potential for emotion recognition. The present system can be extended for designing future affect recognition systems.
Radioprotective Effects of Thymus Vulgaris L. Essential Oil on Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Sanati Pegah , Shams Ali , Rostami Atefe , Shabani Masoud , Hamzian Nima
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Generated free radicals by ionizing radiations, as powerful cytotoxic agents, can damage DNA and proteins. Thymus vulgaris L (thyme) plant is a rich source of antioxidant phenolic compounds, which makes it a preferable candidate for medical applications. Given this, we set out the present study to investigate the effectiveness of thyme essential oil on Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) as a radioprotector agent against ionizing radiations.
Materials and Methods: We extracted the thyme essential oil by the conventional Clevenger extraction method. Heparinized peripheral blood samples were also collected from five male volunteers, aged 22-25, without a history of smoking and irradiation. PBMCs were isolated and the maximum nontoxic concentrations (85µg/ml (of thyme essential oil were determined based on the result of the MTT method. In the next step, the PBMCs were cultured in the presence of thyme essential oil before and after X-irradiation with doses of 0.25 and 2.00 Gy.
Results: The most radioprotective effect was observed in the dose of 2.00 Gy for thyme-treated cells 24 hours before the irradiation (p-value ≤ 0.001) by a survival enhancement factor of 1.67, compared to the control group.
Conclusion: Our results showed that thyme essential oil can be used as an effective radioprotector agent for PBMCs against ionizing radiations. The most radioprotective effect was observed in the presence of thyme essential oil during irradiation.
Prevalence and Severity of COVID-19 among Pediatric Patients with Atopy: A Cross-sectional Study in Kerman, Southeast Iran
Authors: Shafiee Fakhry , Sarafinejad Afshin , Harandi Nasrin Bazargan , Hosseininasab Ali , Ebrahimi Sareh Saadat
Published: April 2024

The tragic COVID-19 pandemic affected many children worldwide. Among the factors that may influence the course of viral infections including COVID-19, it is still uncertain whether atopy has a protective or predisposing role. The study aims to address the knowledge gap by investigating the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 among atopic children in Kerman, in 2022.
A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study on children with a history of atopy was performed in Kerman Medical University. Demographic information, type of atopy (including allergic rhinitis, Hyper-Reactive Airway Disease (HRAD) or asthma, eczema, urticaria, anaphylaxis, and food allergy), history of COVID-19 infection, and disease severity were recorded.
A total of 1007 children and adolescents, (boys: 56.4%, girls: 43.6%, age:5.61±2.64 years) were included in the study. History of COVID-19 infection was positive in 53.5%, with 75.9% of the cases exhibiting mild disease severity. The frequency of atopies was HRAD or asthma (67.2%), allergic rhinitis (42.6%), and food allergy (27.4%). The frequency of COVID-19 cases was significantly higher among patients with HRAD or asthma, whereas it was significantly lower among those with food allergies, anaphylaxis, and eczema. Among atopic individuals, COVID-19 severity was significantly lower in those with allergic rhinitis, while the opposite trend was observed among food-allergic individuals.
This study sheds light on the relationship between atopy and COVID-19 among pediatric patients. It seems specific types of atopies may influence the risk and severity of COVID-19 infection differently. A better understanding of these associations can inform clinical management and preventive measures for vulnerable pediatric populations.
Interferon-γ Induces Interleukin-6 Production and Alpha-smooth Muscle Actin Expression in Systemic Sclerosis Fibroblasts
Authors: Rokni Mohsen , Farhadi Elham , Kavosi Hoda , Akhtari Maryam , Madreseh Elham , Enayati Samaneh , Sadeghi Shaker Mina , Mostafaei Shayan , Gharibdoost Farhad , Mahmoudi Mahdi , Vodjgani Mohammad
Published: April 2024

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune systemic disease that is characterized by immune dysregulation, inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. Tissue fibrosis plays an important role in SSc and can affect several organs such as the dermis, lungs, and heart. Dysregulation of interferon (IFN) signaling contributes to the SSc pathogenesis and interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) has been indicated as the main regulator of type I IFN.
This study aimed to clarify the effect of IFN-gamma (-γ) and dexamethasone (DEX) on the IRF1, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in myofibroblasts and genes involved in the inflammation and fibrosis processes in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). A total of 10 early dcSSc patients (diffuse cutaneous form) and 10 unaffected control dermis biopsies were obtained to determine IFNγ and DEX effects on inflammation and fibrosis. Fibroblasts were treated with IFNγ and DEX at optimum time and dose. The expression level of genes and proteins involved in the fibrosis and inflammation processes have been quantified by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot, respectively.
IFNγ could up-regulate some of the inflammation-related genes (Interleukin-6; IL6) and down-regulate some of the fibrosis-related genes (COL1A1) in cultured fibroblasts of patients with early dcSSc compared to the untreated group. Besides, it has been revealed that IFNγ can induce fibroblast differentiation to the myofibroblast that expresses α-SMA.
Concerning the inhibitory effect of IFNγ on some fibrotic genes and its positive effect on the inflammatory genes and myofibroblast differentiation, it seems that IFNγ may play a dual role in SSc.
ALKBH5 Modulates Asthma Progression by Downregulating N6-methyladenosine Methylation
Authors: Fan Xiang , Wei Chen , Han Yongguang
Published: April 2024

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that is characterized by airway inflammation, excessive mucus production, and airway remodeling. Prevention and treatment for asthma is an urgent issue in clinical studies. In recent years, N6-methyladenosine methylation (m6A) has emerged as a promising regulatory approach involved in multiple diseases. ALKBH5 (alkB homolog 5) is a demethylase widely studied in disease pathologies. This work aimed to explore the regulatory mechanisms underlying the ALKBH5-regulated asthma.
We established an interleukin-13 (IL-13)-stimulated cell model to mimic the in vitro inflammatory environment of asthma. ALKBH5 knockdown in bronchial epithelial cells was performed using siRNAs, and the knockdown efficacy was analyzed by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Cell viability and proliferation were measured by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assay. The ferroptosis was assessed by measuring the total iron, Fe2+, lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. The enrichment of N6-methyladenosine methylation (m6A) modification was detected by the MeRIP assay.
Knockdown of ALKBH5 significantly elevated the survival and colony formation ability of bronchial epithelial cells in the IL-13 induction model. The levels of total iron, Fe2+, lipid ROS, and MDA were remarkedly elevated, and the SOD level was reduced in IL-13-induced bronchial epithelial cells, and depletion of ALKBH5 reversed these effects. Knockdown of ALKBH5 elevated the enrichment of m6A modification and expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Knockdown of GPX4 abolished the pro-proliferation and anti-ferroptosis effects of siALKBH5.
Knockdown of ALKBH5 improved the proliferation of bronchial epithelial cells and alleviated cell ferroptosis.
Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of diclofenac against levofloxacin-resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates; emphasizing repurposing of diclofenac
Authors: El-Soudany Ingy , Abdelwahab Ibrahim A. , Yakout Marwa Atef
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen causing nosocomial infections. Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory drug that is considered a non-antibiotic drug. This study assessed the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of diclofenac and levofloxacin/diclofenac combination against levofloxacin resistant isolates.
Materials and Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration was determined using broth microdilution method for levo- floxacin, diclofenac, and levofloxacin/diclofenac combination. Biofilm forming capacity and biofilm inhibition assay were determined. Relative gene expression was measured for efflux pump genes; smeB, and smeF genes and biofilm related genes rmlA, spgM, and rpfF without and with diclofenac and the combination.
Results: Diclofenac demonstrated MIC of 1 mg/ml. The combination-with ½ MIC diclofenac- showed synergism where levofloxacin MIC undergone 16-32 fold decrease. All the isolates that overexpressed smeB and smeF showed a significant decrease in gene expression in presence of diclofenac or the combination. The mean percentage inhibition of biofilm for- mation with diclofenac and the combination was 40.59% and 46.49%, respectively. This agreed with biofilm related genes expression investigations.
Conclusion: Diclofenac showed an antibacterial effect against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The combination showed in-vitro synergism, significant reduction in biofilm formation and in the relative level of gene expression. Furthermore, it can potentiate the levofloxacin activity or revert its resistance.
Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance in Escherichia coli isolates from commercial broiler chickens in Semnan, Iran
Authors: Javadi Behrouz , Kafshdouzan Khatereh , Emadi Chashmi Seyed Hesamoddin , Pazhand Omid
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives: Antibiotic resistance within the poultry sector presents a considerable health concern due to treatment inefficacy and resistance transmission to humans and the environment. The investigation of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) in Escherichia coli, acknowledged for its role in advancing resistance, remains inadequately studied in Iranian poultry. This study aimed to evaluate PMQR gene prevalence as well as to determine correlation between resistance phenotype and genotype in E. coli obtained from poultry colibacillosis.
Materials and Methods: A collection of 100 E. coli isolates from the viscera of broilers suspected to colibacillosis was assessed. Using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, antimicrobial susceptibility tests were conducted for ofloxacin, nalidixic acid, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ampicillin. Additionally, PCR was employed to screen for qnrS, qnrB, and aac(6)Ib-cr genes.
Results: Among the analyzed E. coli isolates, 51% demonstrated resistance to at least one of the tested antibiotics, with 17% exhibiting resistance to four different antibiotics. Nalidixic acid displayed the highest resistance rate at 48%, while ampicillin had the lowest at 16%. PMQR genes were detected in 28% of the E. coli isolates, with aac(6′)-Ib-cr being the most prevalent at 14%, followed by qnrB in 13%, and qnrS in 7%.
Conclusion: The study underscores the vital need for careful antibiotic usage in poultry to curb the emergence of antibi- otic-resistant bacteria. The results illuminate the prevalence of PMQR genes and their association with resistance trends in Iranian poultry, forming a pivotal basis for forthcoming approaches to combat antibiotic resistance within the poultry sector.
The phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic susceptibility of vaginal Lactobacillus with potential probiotic properties isolated from healthy women in northern Iran
Authors: Zare Hakimeh , Amol Rabeeh Izadi , Zaboli Fatemeh , Rezapour Maysam , Kaboosi Hami
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives: This study assesses the antibiotic susceptibility of vaginal Lactobacillus strains and provides data for determining the prevalence of certain antibiotic resistance genes in the new strains of lactobacilli serving as probiot- ics and selected from healthy women in northern Iran.
Materials and Methods: One hundred premenopausal non-pregnant women in the reproductive age range of 22-50 years participated in this study. The potential probiotic vaginal lactobacilli used in the study included Lactobacillus crispatus (34.2%), Lactobacillus gasseri (26.3%), Lactobacillus johnsonii (10.5%), Lactobacillus acidophilus (15.7%) and Lactoba- cillus jensenii (13.1%). The phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility of the strains was determined by E test and DNA extraction and PCR were performed to examine the antibiotic resistance genes.
Results: 38 potential probiotic vaginal lactobacilli were isolated. All the strains of lactobacilli were resistant to metronida- zole and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and all of the strains were susceptible to ampicillin and chloramphenicol antibiotics. The results showed that ermB, ermC, and ermA genes were observed in the strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus. Metronida- zole resistance (nim) gene was also found in one strain of Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus johnsonii. The amino- glycoside resistance (aac6'-aph2") gene was observed in 8% of the strains. Also, tetM, tetK and tetW genes were found in more than 80% of the Lactobacillus strains.
Conclusion: The antimicrobial susceptibility of vaginal lactobacilli is an important criterion for establishing whether or not the organism is a probiotic. A high level of resistance to clinical antibiotics, such as metronidazole and aminoglycosides, was demonstrated. Antibiotic resistant genes also appeared widely in vaginal lactobacilli.
Transfusion transmissible malaria: seroprevalence of malaria parasitemia in blood donors in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Bansal Naveen , Bansal Yashik , Singh Charu , Pahwa Vandita , Kumar Satish
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives: Malaria was the first ever reported case of transfusion transmitted infection (TTI). Transfusion transmissible malaria (TTM) can result in febrile transfusion reaction in the recipient. TTM can be fatal if the blood transfu- sion recipient is from vulnerable population i.e. pregnant women or young children. Therefore, the present study was done to estimate the seroprevalence of malaria parasitemia among blood donors in Garhwal region.
Materials and Methods: Study subjects were healthy blood donors who had passed the screening criteria for blood do- nation. Donors with a history of malaria were temporarily deferred for 3 months following full recovery. Screening of the donated blood units for malaria parasite was done using immunochromatography based rapid diagnostic test. Thin smear examination was performed for malaria parasite species identification.
Results: A total of 1984 blood donations were screened for TTI. The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV HIV and syphilis was 0.3% (n=6), 0.25% (n=5), 0% (n=0) and 0% (n=0) respectively. The seroprevalence of malaria parasite was 0.05% (n=1). Plasmodium vivax was identified upon thin smear examination. The donor reactive for malaria parasite was a replacement donor and gave no recent history of fever or any past history of malaria.
Conclusion: Meticulous donor screening combined with rapid diagnostic tests for malaria parasite is the most practical strategy to prevent TTM in Garhwal region of India.
SWOT Analizi Yöntemiyle Karasu Nehri Yukarı Havzası’nın (Van) Arazi Kullanım Planlama Önerileri
Authors: Seyitoğulları Mehmet Akif , Matpay Bülent
Published: April 2024

Çalışmaya konu olan Yukarı Karasu Havzası, Türkiye’nin doğusunda ve İran sınırına sıfır bir konumda olup Van Gölü Havzası içinde yer almaktadır. Dünyada her geçen gün artan nüfus ve ihtiyaçlar doğal ortam kaynakları üzerinde baskı oluşturarak dönüşü mümkün olmayan çevre sorunlarına neden olduğu bilinmektedir. Benzer biçimde çalışma alanı da artan nüfus, kontrolsüz ve bilinçsiz doğal kaynak kullanımı ve araziden faydalanmada yapılan yanlış tercihler doğal ortam tahribatına ve sorunlara neden olmaktadır. Keza bölgede son yıllarda kendini iyice gösteren kuraklık koşulları, ekolojik ortamda değişikliklere neden olduğu görülmüştür. Yöre insanının bu değişiklikleri fırsata dönüştürdüğü (örneğin kurumuş sulak alanların tarıma açılması gibi) zannedilse de aslında bunun kimi yerde tehdit olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Bu çalışmada Yukarı Karasu Havzası’nın SWOT (Güçlü yönler, Zayıf yönler, Fırsatlar, Tehditler) analizi ortaya konulmuştur. Bunun için arazi çalışmaları ve fotoğraflamaları, istatistiki veriler, çeşitli haritalar (1/25.000-100.000 ölçekli jeoloji, topoğrafya, arazi kullanımı), Uzaktan Algılama (UA) ve Coğrafi Bilgi Sistemleri (CBS) teknikleri ve literatür çalışmalarından faydalanılmıştır. Bu verilerin sentezi sonucunda sürdürülebilir bir havza modeli için SWOT analizi önerilmiştir. Yapılan bu analizle Yukarı karasu Havzası’nın güçlü yönlerinin, Karasu ve Yücelen Derelerinin yukarı çığırlarının mera potansiyeli açısından zengin olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Zayıf yönlerinin arazinin bilinçsizce/yanlış bir şekilde kullanımı, havzada fırsat olarak, ulaşımda lojistik destek açısından önemli sahada bulunmasının (İran sınırına yakın olması) ön planda olduğu ve kır nüfusunun göçü ve doğal afet riskinin tehdit unsuru oluşturduğu anlaşılmıştır.
Kar Düzleştirme Üzerinde Ertelenmiş Vergi Varlığı, Vergi Planlaması Ve Finansal Performansın Etkisi
Authors: Kurt Yusuf
Published: April 2024

Çalışmada Borsa İstanbul (BIST) gıda ve içecek endeksinde işlem gören işletmelerin kar düzleştirmeleri üzerinde ertelenmiş vergi varlığı, vergi planlaması ve finansal performans düzeyinin etkisinin tespit edilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu doğrultuda gıda ve içecek endeksinde işlem gören işletmelerin 2013 ve 2022 yıllarına ilişkin kar/zarar tablosu ve finansal durum tablolarına ilişkin veriler kullanılmıştır. İşletmelerin kar düzleştirme yapıp yapmadığına karar verebilmek için Eckel (1981) endeksinden elde edilen skorlar kullanılmıştır. İşletmelerin ertelenmiş vergi varlığı kalemindeki değişimin bir dönem önceki ertelenmiş vergi varlığına bölünmesi suretiyle ertelenmiş vergi varlığı değişkeni hesaplanmıştır. Vergi planlaması değişkeni dönem net karının, aynı dönemdeki vergi öncesi kar kalemine bölünmesiyle belirlenmiştir. Finansal performans boyutunda ise vergi öncesi karın aktif toplamına bölünmesiyle hesaplanan aktif karlılığı formülasyonu kullanılmıştır. Lojistik regresyon yönteminin kullanıldığı çalışmadan elde edilen sonuçlara göre ertelenmiş vergi varlığı ve aktif karlılığı bağımsız değişkelerinin kar düzleştirme üzerinde etkisi olmadığı gözlemlenmiştir. Fakat vergi planlaması bağımsız değişkeninin kar düzleştirme bağımlı değişkeni üzerinde negatif ve anlamlı bir etkisi olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Araplarda Hakemlik ve Hz. Peygamber'in Kabe Hakemliği
Authors: Yıldırım Nur
Published: April 2024

İslâmiyet’in doğuşundan günümüze kadar tüm dünya Müslümanları için ortak kıble olan Kâbe, tarihî süre içerisinde çok defa yıkılıp yeniden inşa edilmiştir. Bu onarım ve inşalardan biri de İslâm öncesi dönemde Hz. Peygamber’in de mensubu olduğu Kureyş kabilesi tarafından gerçekleştirilmiştir. Kureyş’in Kâbe’yi onarımı sırasında kabileler arasında hacerülesved taşını hangi kabilenin yerine koyacağı ile ilgili ihtilaf yaşandığı, Hz. Peygamber’in bunu çözüme kavuşturduğu bilinmektedir. Yaşanan bu ihtilafın çözümünde Hz. Peygamber’in üstlenmiş olduğu hakemlikle ilgili farklı görüşler söz konusudur. Bu görüşlerden biri, Hz. Muhammed’in cahiliye dönemindeki hakemler arasında yer almadığı, onun Kâbe hakemliğinin yalnızca rastlantı sonucu gerçekleştiği yönündedir. Bunun yanı sıra Hz. Peygamber’in İslâm öncesi dönemdeki hakemler gibi bir hakem olduğunu savunanlar da bulunmaktadır.
Araştırmada Hz. Peygamber’in hakemliğinin, İslâm öncesi Arap toplumunda cari olan hakemlikten farklı olup olmadığı konuyla ilgili rivâyetler bağlamında kritik edilmektedir. Ancak öncelikle Hz. Peygamber’in Kâbe hakemliği bağlamında Hacerülesved ve Kâbe hakkındaki bazı rivâyetlerin tahlili yapılacaktır. Böylelikle konunun okuyucuların zihninde daha doğru bir şekilde anlaşılması amaçlanmaktadır
Post-harvest Losses and Food Waste: The Key Contributing Factors to African Food Insecurity and Environmental Challenges
Authors:   Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Obayelu Abiodun Elijah
Published: April 2024

Food losses and waste are becoming increasingly critical to the African farmer and threats to sustainable food and environmental security. Analysis of the current food situation shows that almost 1.2 billion people are going hungry in the world and onethird (1/3) are found in Africa with many being farmers [1]. About 1.3 billion tonnes of food waste has also been reported to be produced annually around the world at a direct economic cost of $750 billion [2, 3]. A report by Food and Agriculture Organization [2] shows that while about 54% of the world's food waste occurs 'upstream' during production, post-harvest handling and storage, only 46% happens 'downstream,' at the processing, distribution and consumption stages. Food losses and waste are, therefore, not only causing major economic losses but also wreaking significant harm on the natural resources that humanity relies upon to feed.
Food Security for the Next 100 years "Remembering Norman E. Borlaug born 100 years ago, on March 25, 1914"
Authors:   African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Oniang'o Ruth
Published: April 2024

“Food is the moral right of all who are born into this world.” by Norman Borlaug, lifted from Dr Amit Roy’s article in this issue on his own reflections of the man.
African Food Scientists on the World Stage
Authors:   UNSW, Buckle Ken
Published: April 2024

The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) is a global voice for food science and technology through the national Adhering Bodies that are its members. The first World Congress of Food Science and Technology was held in Washington, DC in 1970, the year that IUFoST was established. It followed two world conferences held in London (1962) and Warsaw (1966). Congresses were held every 4 years (5 years for Kyoto 1979) until Sydney hosted the 10th Congress in 1999, beyond which congresses were held every 2 years (or 3 years for Nantes in 2006).
The G20
Authors:   African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Oniang'o Ruth
Published: April 2024

As I prepared this editorial, the G20 Summit was taking place in Germany. The G20 was founded in 1999, and consists of a group of influential countries and Governors of Central Banks to collaborate to discuss international financial stability. For a while I kept wondering what this year’s AGENDA would be. I wondered whether it would include anything about world hunger and the suffering of so many women and children who continue to go hungry each day, year in year out. The world today faces enormous challenges and fairly serious problems: yes, financial stability is always and the very reason why G8, which then became the G20, was established in the first place; terrorism and cyber-attacks are now taking centre stage. Climate variability and the environment cannot be left out. Energy issues and how to continue to power the world in an environmentally sustainable way, is a major issue of concern. The United Nations was created in 1946 after both the 1st and 2nd World Wars, to bring nations together to address the issues facing the globe then, which could not be solved by any one nation or organization.
Single people in Poland and Brazil on social isolation: living situations
Authors: Czernecka Julita , Andrade Darlane
Published: April 2024

This text is a report related to the quantitative data of the study “Single people in social isolation: a transnational study”. This research started in 2020 and aims to understand, from a gender perspective, how single people from Brazil and Poland experienced social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The research included single adults of both sexes who were not involved in a romantic relationship at that time. The study is exploratory, with quantitative methods, using questionnaires as instruments. In this text, we are going to present the profile of the participants in the Brazilian and Polish samples, seeking to describe from a gender and an intersectional perspective how single people lived in the first months of 2020 when the pandemic was recognised by some essential socio-demographic characteristics, living conditions, parenting, casual relationships.
Badanie społeczności internetowych: nowe wyzwania dla badacza
Authors: Mincewicz Wojciech
Published: April 2024

Artykuł stanowi głos w dyskusji na temat badań prowadzonych w społecznościach internetowych przez badaczy społecznych. Składa się z trzech części. Po wprowadzeniu autor wskazuje na istotne cechy, które określają te społeczności oraz wskazuje na typy wyróżnione przez innych badaczy, porządkując dotychczasową refleksję o charakterze metodologicznym. Społeczności wirtualne, czyli takie, w których ludzie spotykają się w cyberprzestrzeni i komunikują na tyle długo, aby poznać i stworzyć trwałe relacje w momencie, gdy staje się obiektem eksploracji empirycznej, wymaga wykorzystania określonych metod i technik badawczych. Problem podejmowany w drugiej – najbardziej obszernej części opracowania, dotyczy wykorzystania klasycznych metod obserwacji rzeczywistości społecznej podczas badań nad społecznościami internetowymi. Ostatnia, trzecia część to próba naświetlenia problemów i wyzwań, jakie stoją przed badaczami wobec cyfryzacji życia społecznego. Wśród zidentyfikowanych znalazł się dostęp do danych, które mają charakter cyfrowy, a jedną z istotniejszych umiejętności badaczy jest dotarcie do tychże.
Gender socialisation and perception of gender by non-heteronormative people
Authors: Izydorczyk Natalia
Published: April 2024

The submitted report focuses on the results of research carried out for a bachelor’s thesis titled “gender socialisation and perception of gender by non-heteronormative people”, in which the author focuses on gender socialisation of interviewees of non-heteronormative gender and/or sexual identity, their narrative about gender identity (in general, as well as personal sense) and gender expression, social roles expected of them as a result of their gender assigned at birth and restrictions they face in their daily life due to their gender identity. Social constructivism points out that masculinity and femininity are not constant but able-to-be-modified fluid products of everyday interactions. The process of constructing one’s gender connotates strictly with domineering discourse defining norms of masculine and feminine behaviour, which become overwhelmingly restrictive in regards to an individual’s thinking and actions. For this research, data was gathered from nine individual in-depth interviews supported by a script. During those interviews, interlocutors shared their personal stories about their gendered upbringing, explained what it means to identify with gender on a spectrum, indicated it through appearance and described their coming-out experiences.
Undergraduate Research in Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences: Helping Students Navigate Uncertainty and Build Community through a Structured Cohort-Based Program
Authors: Toven-Lindsey Brit , Sparck Erin , Kistner Kelly , Ardam Jacquelyn , Arnold Whitney
Published: April 2024

The benefits of undergraduate research experiences are well documented, yet few studies focus on programs designed to support students conducting research in the fields of humanities, arts, and social sciences. In this study, the authors examine learning experiences of students participating in the undergraduate research programs (URP) at UCLA, which support students conducting multiterm research or creative projects with faculty mentors. Drawing on data from students who participated in URP from 2015 to 2022 (N = 431), findings indicated that URP offered students structure, resources, mentorship, and peer networks to help them succeed. Further, students made significant gains in feeling connected to the research community and reported that undergraduate research was an important component of their academic career.
NSF GEO REU Program Coordinators Show Adaptability and Resiliency During the Pandemic
Authors: Lamphere Jenna , Palmer Marissa , Sloan Valerie
Published: April 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many undergraduate internships, including the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs, were canceled or moved online. Although several studies have examined student success during the online transition, less research has examined how REU programs have changed from this experience, the ongoing and novel challenges, and strategies that program coordinators employed to overcome them. To investigate this gap, REU site programs were surveyed in the NSF Geosciences (GEO) Directorate, with findings that many students declined participation after having been accepted into programs, and that there were difficulties accessing institutional support services and meeting changing student needs. Despite these challenges, nearly all respondents reported program satisfaction, with several indicating the importance of GEO REU community support. Overall, REU coordinator resilience appears to be a major factor in program success.
Investigating the Development of Team Science Skills and an Improved Understanding of Multidisciplinary Research through Parallel Courses in Biology, Geology, and Environmental Engineering
Authors: Vance-Chalcraft Heather , Etheridge Randall , O’Driscoll Michael , Peralta Ariane , Andersen Clark , Freeland Fiona , Walker Joi
Published: April 2024

Collaborative teamwork is fundamental to successful research and is a desirable skill set for employers. Yet students receive little training in how to effectively work in teams. This article presents the preliminary design and implementation of course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) in biology, geology, and environmental engineering in which student teams address questions related to their discipline while contributing to a shared research project. Team science training in communication, research planning, and conflict resolution was embedded into CURE classes at a regional R2 university. Although barriers to this approach were present, evidence in the form of writing prompt scores and team science products suggested student understanding of effective teams and the benefits of working with individuals within and across disciplines to solve complex problems increased.
Unraveling the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in design thinking proficiency among instructional designers
Authors: Al-Zahrani Abdulrahman
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the factors that influence the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in design thinking among instructional designers. It explores the perceptions of instructional designers regarding the impact of AI on design thinking and the challenges associated with its integration. The research employs quantitative methodology, utilizing an online survey questionnaire distributed to 152 instructional designers. Descriptive and MANOVA tests are used for analysis. The findings shed light on several influential factors including gender, education level, years of experience, awareness of AI implications, subjective expertise, AI actual integration, and self-confidence. Gender differences are observed, with male instructional designers perceiving a higher impact of AI compared to their female counterparts. Education level plays a significant role, with participants holding bachelor's degrees or PhDs demonstrating a deeper understanding of AI's potential in design thinking. The study concludes that addressing gender differences, enhancing education and awareness, supporting early-career professionals, promoting hands-on experience, and building self-confidence is crucial for successful AI integration in design thinking.
Keywords: AI; artificial intelligence; design thinking; instructional design; instructional designers
Sustainability of the Brussels Effect and Network Externalities: Focusing on Inelastic Targets and Non-Divisibility
Authors:   Global Studeis Education Association, Lee Young Ju
Published: April 2024

The Brussels effect refers to a kind of normative or soft power inherent in the EU. The EU is able to use its regulatory power to force firms in the region, or those wishing to enter the region, to accept EU regulation and, in the process, to disseminate internalized regulation as an international standard. Bradford identifies market size, regulatory capacity, strict regulation, inelastic targets and non-divisibility as the components of the Brussels effect. This study focuses on inelastic targets and non-divisibility as key to the sustainability of the Brussels effect. Inelastic targets refer to products or producers that are unresponsive to regulatory change, locking them into a particular regulatory regime. Non-divisibility refers to the globally uniform and indivisible nature of rules or regulations set by a strong regulatory authority. This paper explains The interaction of inelastic targets and non-divisibility, and results in so-called network externalities, which increases the sustainability of the Brussels effect.
The Design of the Integrated Curriculum for Ecological-oriented ESD
Authors:   Global Studeis Education Association, Jang Eun Young , Kim Yong Lyun
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is as follows. First, it is to examine the theoretical background of the integrated curriculum for ecological-oriented ESD practice. Second, in order to revitalize ESD, it is to design integrated curriculum activities for ESD practice. To this end, the theoretical background of the integrated curriculum for ESD practice was presented in three aspects: ecological-oriented education, complexity education, and community-based learning. Next, an integrated curriculum activities for ESD practice were designed for the 2022 revised high school curriculum, and examples of activities were presented by selecting two or more of the 5Ps of SDGs as common topics. Three projects were presented: “Human Life for Me and Us,” “The World Around Me, Cooperation for the Earth,” and “Effort for a Sustainable Future,” and the integrated performance evaluation activities for each project were presented. The projects presented in this study can be carried out in connection with democratic citizenship education and ecological-oriented education, and students can develop attitudes and practical skills to implement local problems in connection with their lives as ecological citizens.
Colombia’s Journey to Building Sustainable Peace: Implementation of Peace Agreement and Peace Education for Social Integration
Authors:   Global Studeis Education Association, Kim You Kyoung
Published: April 2024

In 2022, Gustavo Petro, the first leftist president in Colombian history, took office. President Petro criticized the previous government's delay in implementing the Peace Accords and advocated a “total peace policy” that emphasized the immediate implementation of the Accords, the promotion of peace negotiations with the ENL and FARC-EP factions, and substantive changes in the local community and social integration. Accordingly, in addition to the faithful implementation of the agreement, there is a growing demand for social integration and peace education that will allow for long-term and sustainable peace. This demand can be partially explained by evaluating the extent of the implementation of the agreement to date, carefully examining its limitations, and considering effective ways to build sustainable peace through the integration of Colombian society. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to review the content, implementation, and limitations of the 2016 Peace Agreement, and to propose the need for active peace education as one of the effective measures for social integration. For this purpose, the process of concluding the 2016 Peace Accords, the content of the Peace Accords, the degree of implementation, and the limits of implementation are reviewed, as well as the role of peace education in building sustainable peace.