bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Brand Attitude and Loyalty according to Cosmetic Brand’s Environmental Management and Involvement
Authors: Lim Suyeun , Kwon Ki Han
Published: October 2023

Purpose: This study aims to comprehend the impact of consumers’ perception of environmental management strategies on their involvement in eco-friendly attitude formation and loyalty to cosmetics brands.Methods: The research hypothesis was confirmed by performing frequency, correlation, and confirmation factor analyses, and the structural equation model, using the statistical processing program SPSS 28.0, on 316 adult men and women who use cosmetics brands.Results: First, it was discovered that environmental management awareness for cosmetics brands had a significant positive influence on forming consumers’ brand attitudes and loyalty (p<0.001). Second, it was observed that consumers’ eco-friendly involvement had a significant positive effect on attitudes toward cosmetic brands and loyalty (p <0.001).Conclusion: This study confirmed that cosmetics brands’ environmental management strategies and consumers’ eco-friendly involvement have a significant impact on each brand’s attitude formation and brand loyalty, implying that marketing strategies for target consumers with high eco-friendly involvement are required.
Gıda Ürünleri İmalatı Sektörünün Finansal Performansının TOPSİS Yöntemiyle İncelenmesi (Investigationof the Financial Performance of the Food Products Manufacturing Sector by TOPSIS Method)
Authors: Özşahin Koç Filiz
Published: October 2023

Amaç –Çalışmada 2011-2021 yıllarına ilişkin Türkiye Cumhuriyet Merkez Bankası (TCMB) Sektör Bilançoları kullanılarak gıda ürünleri imalatı sektöründe faaliyette bulunan şirketlerin finansal performanslarının incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır.Yöntem –Çalışmada Türkiye Cumhuriyet Merkez Bankasının yayınlamış olduğu sektör bilançolarından elde edilen finansal performans oranları TOPSIS yöntemiyle analiz edilmiştir.Bulgular –Çalışma sonucunda gıda ürünleri imalatı sektörünün finansal performans bakımından en iyi yılın 2019 yılı, en kötü yılın ise 2013 yılı olduğu belirlenmiştir.Tartışma –Sanayi ve Teknoloji Bakanlığı tarafından yayımlanan “Gıda ve İçecek Sektörü 2019 Raporuna” ve “Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu (TÜİK) tarafından açıklanan 2019 yılı Gayri Safi Yurt İçi Hasıla (GSYİH) verilerine” göre gıda sektörüne doğrudan yatırımların 2019 yılında artması, GSYİH harcamalarının büyük bir kısmını gıda ürünleri harcamalarınınoluşturması ve gıda sektörü ihracat rakamlarının 2019 yılında yükselmesi gibi nedenlerden dolayı 2019 yılının gıda imalatı sektörü için finansal performans bakımından en yüksek yıl olduğu ifade edilebilir.
Covid-19 and Revisit Intention: Evaluation of Destination Social Responsibility, Visitor Satisfaction, Perceived Value, and Fear Arousal
Authors: Özcanlı Mehmet , Bayram Pelin
Published: October 2023

Purpose –This study is an attempt to understand the changes in consumer behavior in the tourism industry related to the pandemic affecting society. This study aimed to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of destination social responsibility (DSR) on the revisit intention of visitors who once visited Turkey before the Covid-19 pandemic breakthrough. Moreover, this research aimed to investigate fear arousal as a moderating effect between tourists' intention of repeat visits and its associated antecedents due to COVID-19.Design/methodology/approach –The research model was examined empirically by targeting 388 tourists from 10 different countries. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the gathered data.Findings –The outcomes of the study demonstrated that DSR is positively and remarkably affected by TS and PV. Also, the results showed that PV has a mediating impact on revisit intention. On the other hand, findings showed that TS has not a remarkable and positive effect on revisit intention. Moreover, the results revealed that FA has a moderation effect on the relationship between DSR-RI, TS-RI, and PV-RI.Discussion –A finding that emerged at the end of this study and contradicted previous studies was obtained. It is a generally accepted phenomenon in the literature that tourist satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on revisit intention. Results show that fear of COVID-19 affects perceived value, tourist satisfaction, and revisit intention differently. Tourist satisfaction and perceived value are undoubtedly two important mediating variables. This contributes to the tourism literature on tourist behaviors.
Tarihî Gelişimi Bağlamında Paranın Doğasını ve İcadını Tartışmak (Discussing The Nature and Invention of Money in the Context of Its Historical Development)
Authors: Ayyıldız Yahya , Arısal Murat
Published: October 2023

Amaç –İktisat teorisinin ve tarihinin tartışmalı konu başlıklarından biri, paranın doğası ve icadıdır. Bu zamana kadar paranın doğası konusunda tatmin edici bir açıklama yapılamadığı gibi paranın Lidyalılar tarafından icat edildiği iddiası da yeni bulgularla hergeçen gün zayıflamaktadır. Bu makalede paranın ne olduğuna ilişkin tutarlı bir açıklamaya ulaşılmaya çalışılmıştır. Bununla birlikte paranın ne zaman ve kimler tarafından icat edildiği de araştırılmıştır.Yöntem –Bu araştırma için tarihsel-karşılaştırmalı yöntemin yanı sıra yorumsayıcı veya tarihselci yöntemden de faydalanılmıştır. Bununla birlikte kavram ve teorilerin iktidar ilişkilerinden azade olmadığını söyleyen eleştirel yöntem, Lidya iddiasının sorgulanmasına katkı sunmuştur. Ayrıca paranın ne olduğu konusunda para nesnesine değil de para fikrine odaklanmak gerektiği hususunda kurumcu iktisadın yaklaşımından faydalanılmıştır.Bulgular –Metalizmin yanı sıra devlet ve kredi teorileri de paranın kendisi ile işlevleri veya para kavramı ile para nesnesi arasında açık bir ayrım yapmamıştır. Bu durum, para olgusunun açıklanmasını veya anlaşılmasını zayıflatmıştır. Bu makalede paranın, değeri temsil eden yasal sembol olduğu öne sürülmüştür. AyrıcaLidya iddiasının temel dayanakları olan damgalama, elektron madeni ve Lidya’nın öncülüğü varsayımlarının geçersizliği ortaya konulmuştur.Tartışma –Paranın ne olduğuna ve ne zaman icat edildiğine ilişkin tutarlı bir açıklama yapılamayışının nedeni, iktisat teorisinin Batı merkezci karakteridir. İktisat teorisinin bütün toplumlara hitap edebilmesinin yolu, Batı merkezci karakterinin tartışılması ve sorgulanmasından geçmektedir. Bu makale, bu amaca yönelik bir girişimdir
An Examination of the Relationship between Nurses Perceived Leadership Behaviors in their Managers and Their Attitudes to Change
Authors: Ünal Aysun
Published: October 2023

Purpose –The purpose of this study is to examine the connection between manager nurse's leadership styles and employees' attitudes toward change.Design/methodology/approach –This research was conducted with structural equation model, which is one of the quantitative research methods.The study conducted with 222 nurses working in three state hospitals in two towns in the south of Turkey.Data were collected using the Leadership Behavior Questionnaire and the Attitude towards Change Scale.Statistical analyses of the data were performed using SPSS Statistics Base version 23. The correlation between the Leadership Behavior Questionnaire and Attitude to Change Scale was analyzed using Pearson (r) correlation analysis. For structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis and testing research hypotheses AMOS 21 program was used.Findings –Nurses' perceived leadership score averages were found to be highest in the "Task Oriented Leadership" sub-dimension and the lowest in the "Employee Oriented Leadership" sub-dimension. It was determined that the average score of the nurses' attitude towards change was positive.All leadership styles explained the results of change in a positive and meaningful way through the management style in change.Discussion –In the study, nurses' perception of their managers as more business-oriented leaders and lower mean score for employee and change-oriented leadership revealed the need to develop employee and change-oriented leadership skills of manager nurses.The results of the research show that the results of change will be more efficient if nurse managers create institutional policies and strategies for change.However, since nurses have resistance to change, it is important to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes for managers to cope with these resistances.
Afghan Consumers Beliefs, Attitudes, And Behaviors Towards Social Media Advertising: A Case Study on Parwan-Afghanistan
Authors: Hasnat Md Abu , Rahimi Ziauddin , Ahmad Farid , Kara Mehmet
Published: October 2023

Purpose–This study aims to examine how consumer behavior toward social media advertising among Afghan consumers relates to belief determinants, attitudes, and consumer behavior. The study also examines the impact that social media advertising has on consumer behavior in Afghanistan in order to properly comprehend how it impacts men's and women's consumption patterns separately.Design/methodology/approach–Data were collected from Parwan city in Afghanistan. A total of 433 questionnaires delivered functional data and were examined using IBM SPSS 26 and IBM AMOS 24. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the participant's demographic traits (frequencyand percentage). The structural equation model (SEM) is used to test the research hypothesis.Findings–Information, entertainment, credibility, economy, and value corruption were shown to be the five belief elements that affect Afghan consumers' attitudes regarding social media advertising. The attitude toward social media advertising was significantly predicted by entertainment, credibility, economy, and value corruption. The attitude of Afghan customers was discovered to be a highly important and favorable predictor of behavioral actions related to social media advertising. The association between Afghan consumers' attitudes and behaviors about social media advertising is unaffected by the moderator (gender).Discussion–Understanding how people from a potentially rising market view social media as a method of advertising might be beneficial for Afghan marketers. As a result, the study will help companies and organizations employ social media advertising in their regional marketing campaigns more successfully and effectively. Since there hasn't been any previous research on the subject from an Afghanistan perspective, the investigation of Afghan consumers' attitudes about social media advertising enhances existing research on attitudes in Afghanistan and may have important consequences for growing the economy nationwide.
Sağlıkta Davranışsal İktisadın Araştırma Alanlarının İncelenmesi (Examination of Research Areas of Behavioral Economics in Health)
Authors: Arslan Aras İlknur
Published: October 2023

Amaç -Bu çalışmanın amacı, sağlıkta davranışsal iktisat (SDİ) konulu yayınların bilim haritalama tekniğiyle analiz edilmesidir. Yöntem -Web of Science veri tabanı kullanılarak “health” ve “behavioral economics” anahtar kelimeleri kullanılarak 15.05.202-01.01.1992 tarih aralığında “topic” seçeneğiyle aramaya tabi tutulmuştur. İngilizce yayınlar, makale ve derleme çalışmalar olarak sınırlandırılmış 876 yayın incelemiştir. Veriler R programının bibliometrix paketi seçilerek analiz edilmiştir. Bulgular -Analiz sonucunda 2008 yılından sonra SDİ konulu çalışma sayılarında artış gözlenmiştir. “Volpp, K” h-endeksi en yüksek olan ve en fazla yayın yapan yazardır., en çok atıf alan yazarın Almlund ve diğerleri, 2011 olduğu saptanmıştır. “Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology” dergisi SDİ konulu çalışmalar içinde en etkili dergidir. Ülkeler arasında en fazla işbirliğinin 28 sıklıkla Birleşik Krallık ve ABD arasında 28 sıklıkla ülkeler arasında en fazla işbirliği yapıldığı ortaya koyulmuştur. Davranışsal iktisat, tercihler, teşvikler ve sağlık şeklinde 1992 yılından günümüze değişim göstermiştir.Tartışma -Bu çalışma ile araştırmacılar SDİ alanın dinamiklerini ve yapısını görsel olarak görerek ortaya çıkan bilgi boşluklarını, yeni araştırma alanlarını, ve potansiyel disiplinler arası işbirliklerini belirlemelerine faydalı olacaktır. SDİ alanında çalışma yapacak olan araştırmacılar, yüksek merkeziliğe ve yoğunluğa sahip olan fiziksel aktivite ve obezite, araştırma alanıyla ilgili olup ancak gelişmeye ihtiyacı olan davranışsal iktisat ve dürtme konularına öncelik verebilir. Ek olarak, SDİ üzerine araştırma yapmayı düşünenler için, bu alanın hızla büyüdüğü ve büyük bir önem kazandığı görülmektedir. Davranışsal iktisat ilkelerinin sağlık hizmeti kararlarının oluşturulmasına entegre edilmesi ve bibliyometrik yöntemlerin kullanılması, sağlık alanında faaliyet gösteren paydaşların doğru kararlar almasına, etkili müdahaleler tasarlamasına ve bireyler ile toplumlar için daha iyi sağlık sonuçlarını destekleyen politikaların oluşturulmasına yardımcı olabilir.
Bağımsız Denetim Kalitesinin Pay Senedi Getirisine Etkisi: Bist Tüm Endeksi Üzerine Dinamik Panel Veri Analizi Uygulaması (The Effect of Auditing Quality on Share Return: Application of Dynamıc Panel Data Analysis on Bist All Shares)
Authors: Doğan İrem
Published: October 2023

Amaç –BİST Tüm Endeksinde yer alan şirketlerin 2013-2022 yılları arasında bağımsız denetim kalitesi ile pay senedi getirisi arasındaki ilişkisinin incelenmesidir.Yöntem –Çalışma örneklemimizi 135 şirket oluşturmaktadır. Çalışma örneklemimiz ve çalışma yıllarımız itibari ile Dinamik Panel Veri Analizi (GeneralizedMethod of Moments –GMM) yönteminin kullanılabilmesi için oluşturulan modelde 4 bağımsız ve 4 kontrol değişkeni kullanılarak, bağımlı değişken üzerindeki etkisi tespit edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Söz edilen değişkenlerin kullanılabilmesi için ihtiyaç duyulan verilere; BİST Data Store, Yahoo Finans ve Kamuyu Aydınlatma Platformu (KAP)’ndan ulaşılmıştır.Bulgular –Çalışma sonuçları doğrultusunda; bağımsız denetim firması, bağımsız denetim raporunda açıklama paragrafının olması ve iki bağımsız denetim raporu arasında geçen süre ile pay senedi getirisi arasında anlamlı bir ilişki tespit edilirken, bağımsız denetçi görüş türü ile pay senedi getirisi arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir ilişki tespit edilememiştir.Tartışma –Çalışmanın ampirik sonuçları değerlendirildiğinde; potansiyel ve/veya mevcut yatırımcıların yatırım kararlarını bağımsız denetim kalitesi açısından etkileyen faktörler arasında; şirketin bağımsız denetim faaliyetinin dört büyükler (4BÜYÜKLER) tarafından gerçekleştirilmesi, bağımsız denetim faaliyeti sonucunda düzenlenen bağımsız denetim raporunda açıklama paragrafının olması ve bağımsız denetim raporlarının muhasebe bilgi kullanıcılarının kullanımına sunulması arasında geçen sürenin olduğu tespitedilmiştir.
İhracat Performansı Üzerine Türkiye de Yapılmış Lisansüstü Tezlerin Bibliyometrik Analizi (A Bibliometric Analysis of Graduate Theses on Export Performancein Türkiye)
Authors: Kahveci Ata
Published: October 2023

Amaç –Bilimsel bilginin üretilmesi ve yayılması açısından üniversitelerde yazılmış tezler büyük önem taşımaktadır. Bu araştırmada, ihracat performansı konusunda Türkiye’de yazılmış olan lisansüstü tezlerin içerik analizi yöntemi kullanılarak incelenmesi ile bu tezlere ilişkin genel bir çerçeve ortaya konulmasıamaçlanmıştır.Yöntem –Araştırmanın kapsamını YÖK Ulusal Tez Merkezinde kayıtlı olup, adında ihracat performansı geçen lisansüstü tezler oluşturmaktadır. YÖK Ulusal Tez Merkezinde 15 Ekim 2022 ile 24 Kasım 2022 tarihleri arasında araştırmacı tarafından “ihracat performansı” yazılarak yapılan aramada toplamda 131 adet lisansüstü teze ulaşılmış olup yapılan incelemede 7 adet teze erişim izni olmadığı için 124 adet lisansüstü tez araştırmaya dahil edilmiştir. Verilerin toplanması sürecinde doküman analizi yöntemi kullanılmıştır.Bulgular –İhracat performansı konusundaki lisansüstü tezlerinbüyük çoğunluğunun devlet üniversitelerinde üretildiği, en çok yayının2019 yılında yapıldığıvetezlerin %75’inin yüksek lisans tezi olduğutespit edilmiştir.Tezlerin %80’inin Türkçe olduğu, %85’ininSosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü’nde yayınlandığı ve en fazla tezin KTO (Konya Ticaret Odası)Karatay Üniversitesi’nde üretildiği görülmüştür. Tez danışmanlıklarının %54’ünün profesör unvanı olan öğretim üyeleri tarafından yapıldığı vedanışmanların%63,7’sinin erkek olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, tezlerin%89’unda nicel yöntem, %65’indebirincil veri, veri toplamada çoğunluklaanket yöntemi ve analiz yöntemi olarakiseistatistiksel analizyöntemikullanıldığı tespit edilmiştir. Tartışma –Bibliyometrik analiz yöntemi kullanılarak uluslararası ticaret alanının alt başlıklarında yapılan lisansüstü tezlerin ve makalelerin incelendiği birçok çalışma bulunmaktadır. Bununla birlikte; bu araştırma ihracat performansı konusunu doğrudan ele alan ilkbibliyometrik analiz çalışmasıdır. Bu nedenle, ihracat performansı konusunda çalışma yapacak olan araştırmacılarave uygulamacılarabütünsel bir bakış açısı sunulacağı ve alanyazında var olan boşluğun doldurulacağı düşünülmektedir.
Göz İzleme Tekniği ile Bir Siyasal Pazarlama İletişimi Araştırması: TürkiyeCumhuriyeti 2023 Cumhurbaşkanlığı Seçimi Billboardlarının Analizi (A Study of Political Marketing Communication using Eye Tracking Technique: An Analysis of 2023 Republic of Türkiye Presidential Election Billboards)
Authors: Yüksel Doğuş
Published: October 2023

Amaç –Türkiye Cumhuriyeti 2023 Cumhurbaşkanlığı Seçimlerinde kullanılan billboard çalışmalarının göz izleme yöntemi ile analiz edilmesi ve elde edilen bulgular doğrultusunda siyaset ve pazarlama bilimlerinin kesişiminde ortaya çıkan siyasal pazarlama bakış açısıyla billboardların verimliliğinin değerlendirilmesi araştırmanın temel amacını oluşturmaktadır. Yöntem –Araştırma kapsamında adayların, partilerin ve ittifakların resmi seçim kitlerinden billboardlar elde edilmiştir. Araştırma resmi seçim kiti yayımlayan aday, parti ve ittifaklar ile sınırlı tutulmuştur. Çalışmada yapay zekâ tabanlı göz izleme yöntemi kullanılarak billboardlar analiz edilmiştir. Yapay zekâ tabanlı göz izleme yöntemi, gerçek göz izleme verileri ile eğitilen algoritmaların yeni görselleri analiz etmesine dayanmaktadır.Bulgular –Yapay zekâ tabanlı göz izleme analizleri sonucunda, ısı haritaları elde edilmiştir. Billboard tasarımlarında yer alan ögelere olan ilgi, ısı haritalarıyla görselleştirilmiştir. Metin içerikli ögelerin daha çok ilgi gördüğü ve “doğru, istiklal, sağlam ve Cumhurbaşkanı” gibi anahtar kelimelerin sloganların odak noktasında olduğu tespit edilmiştir.Billboardlarda yer alan öge sayısı arttıkça ilginin ögelere dağıldığına ulaşılmıştır.Tartışma –Billboardlar hakkında geleneksel metotlar ile elde edilmesi mümkün olmayan önemli bulgular göz izleme yöntemi ile elde edilmiştir. Bu sebeple, siyasal pazarlama iletişimi kampanyalarında nöropazarlama araçlarının kullanımı, kampanyanın olağan bir parçası haline gelmelidir. Güven verici anahtar kelimelerin kullanılması, sloganlara olan ilgiyi arttırmaktadır. Kelime işareti türü logoların (metin logolar) tercih edilmesi logolara karşı ilgiyi arttıran bir unsur olarak değerlendirilmiştir. Kampanya stratejisinin verimliliği için daha az ögeye sahip billboardların oluşturulması ya da çok sayıda öge kullanılması durumunda billboardların çeşitlendirilmesi önerilmiştir.
Determinants of Pharmaceutical Expenditure in OECD Countries: Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Bağcı Hasan
Published: October 2023

Purpose –The objective of this study is to identify the main factors affecting pharmaceutical expenditures in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries.Design/methodology/approach –In this study, it was investigated whether the university graduate rate(UNI), the unemployment rate(UNEMP), gross domestic productper capita (GDP) in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP $),and the number of physicians per 1,000 people (PHY) affected per capita pharmaceutical expenditures (PHAR)(PPP $) by using panel data analysis. The population of the study was 33 OECD countries whose data were available. The data consisted of the time period of 2013-2016. Results –GDP and UNIstatistically significantly increased PHAR (p<0.05). The UNEMPand PHYalso increased PHAR, but the effects of these variables were not found to be statistically significant (p>0.05). The variables included in the model explained 22% of the variance in PHAR.Conclusion –PHAR are affected by economic factors and sociodemographic factors as well as health systems' structure. Therefore, governments wishing to control pharmaceutical expenditures should also focus on these variables.
Kajian teknis kestabilan lereng batuan granit PT Hansindo Mineral Persada Desa Peniraman Kalimantan Barat
Authors: Kurniawan Bayu Dwi , Murad Murad , Setiawati Septami
Published: October 2023

PT Hansindo Mineral Persada (PT HMP) merupakan salah satu perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang penambangan batu granit dengan menggunakan sistem tambang terbuka yaitu metode quarry. Berdasarkan hasil pengamatan dan diskusi dengan KTT PT HMP, kondisi lereng memiliki ketinggian >50 meter dikarenakan ketidaksesuaian awal perencanaan tambang yang diajukan oleh perusahaan kepada ESDM dengan hasil izin yang diberikan dan belum ada penelitian sebelumnya mengenai studi kestabilan lereng pada perusahaan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan jenis potensi longsoran lereng, menghitung nilai faktor keamanannya, dan merekomendasikan upaya untuk meminimalisir longsor. Kajian teknis kestabilan lereng dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode analisis kinematika berdasarkan orientasi dan geometri lereng, orientasi kekar, sifat fisik dan mekanik batuan. Potensi jenis longsoran diproyeksikan dengan bantuan software Rocscience Dips 6.0 dan perhitungan faktor keamanan dilakukan berdasarkan hasil dari proyeksi stereografis longsoran. Hasil dari penelitian menunjukkan lereng berpotensi untuk terjadinya longsoran baji berdasarkan analisis kesesuaian syarat longsoran baji dengan data streoplot pada stereonet. Kestabilan lereng menunjukkan lereng berada dalam kondisi yang labil dengan hasil perhitungan faktor keamanannya adalah 0,254. Sehingga rekomendasi upaya yang dilakukan untuk meminimalisir longsor adalah dengan cara merekayasa geometri lereng menjadi lebih datar atau mengurangi sudut kemiringannya dari 65° menjadi 54° dengan hasil nilai faktor keamanannya menjadi 1,729.
Motherhood, Disability, and Employment: Understanding the Workplace Experiences of Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Al Oraini Badrea
Published: October 2023

: This study investigates the workplace experiences of mothers of children with intellectual disabilities. These mothers may face challenges in balancing motherhood, disability, and employment. Therefore, it is important to understand the challenges they are facing and the mechanisms they use to cope with caregiving and work responsibilities in managing the stress that develops throughout this ongoing experience. The purpose of this research was to investigate the workplace experiences of single mothers of children with intellectual disabilities. A review of the literature was conducted. For this research, a qualitative methodology was adopted to gain an in-depth understanding of the mothers’ experiences. A narrative method was used for data collection. Thematic analysis was utilized to obtain a clear understanding. The findings suggest that mothers of children with intellectual disabilities face difficulties in balancing between caregiving for their child with a disability and their job responsibilities, in addition to showing that there is a lack of flexibility in the workplace, less awareness from colleagues and bosses of the challenges these mothers face, and a lack of organizational legislation that supports these mothers. According to our findings, workplaces should provide assistance to mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in order to ensure that they are not disadvantaged in their employment.
Impact of Hydrocarbon Emissions from Oil and Gas Deposits on δ13С Variability in Pine Tree Rings
Authors: Churakova (Sidorova) Olga V. , Batalin Georgy , Gareev Bulat , Mingazov Gazinur , Terekhin Andrey , Tishin Denis , Kuzina Dilyara , Nurgaliev Danis
Published: October 2023

Human-caused anthropogenic greenhouse emissions impact climate globally. In this pilot study, we aim to reveal the impact of oil and gas emissions from local oil deposits in the regime of their natural degradation and development and eco-physiological changes of pine forests in Tatarstan Republic, Russia over the past century.

We performed stable carbon isotope analysis in pine tree rings (13Cptrw) to reveal the impact of oil and gas emissions from the giant oil field reservoirs located in Leninogorsk region (UVRT) and the natural reserve site in Raifa.

Our results show decreasing 13Cptrw at UVRT in 1943 when oil extraction was started, and in 1970, when it reached the maximum production. We found that 13Cptrw from UVRT indicates on developing unfavourable drier conditions and suppressed tree growth caused by both human-induced oil and deposit infrastructure and natural processes compared to undisturbed Raifa. The 13Cptrw from Raifa is more negative compared to UVRT, which can be explained by higher forest sensitivity to human-induced impact. From an ecophysiological point of view decreasing intercellular to ambient CO2 concentration at the leaf level and increasing intrinsic water use efficiency along with decreasing tree-ring width at UVRT (1970-2021) indicate on development of drought conditions.
Insights from a Comprehensive Case Series Analysis: Exploring Individualized Approaches to Managing Vancouver B Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures
Authors: Cursaru Adrian , Popa Mihnea Ioan-Gabriel , Cretu Bogdan , Iacobescu Georgian , Spiridonica Razvan , Rascu Angel , Iordache Sergiu , Serban Bogdan , Cîrstoiu Cătălin
Published: October 2023

The increasing prevalence of periprosthetic femoral fractures, specifically in the vicinity of the hip, has emerged as a significant issue in recent times. Consequently, there is a need for a thorough examination to enhance the effectiveness of management and treatment approaches. The findings emphasized a significant disparity in the occurrence and characteristics of these fractures, as multiple studies have highlighted the efficacy of various treatment strategies, such as open reduction and internal fixation, as well as the utilization of cortical strut allografts. Furthermore, the research has identified potential risk factors that have an impact on the characteristics of fractures, providing valuable insights that could be crucial in the development of preventive strategies. This research provides a thorough examination of periprosthetic femoral fractures, highlighting the importance of a cohesive treatment algorithm to improve the handling of such fractures. Moreover, it promotes the need for a collaborative endeavor in conducting research in this field, cultivating a more profound comprehension that has the potential to drive progress in therapeutic approaches, ultimately enhancing patient results over an extended period of time. It is crucial that forthcoming research endeavors persist in expanding upon these discoveries, striving towards a unified methodology in tackling this substantial clinical obstacle.
Individual Keratinocyte Necrosis in the Epidermis Includes Apoptosis in the Skin: A Case Report.
Authors: Tachibana Mitsuhiro , Hamayasu Hideki , Tomita Kazuki , Kage Yuta
Published: October 2023

The patient was a 44-year-old woman with suspected Stevens-Johnson syndrome due to Baktar® (sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim) medication received at our outpatient dermatology clinic. Histopathological examination of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous adipose tissue samples showed numerous necrotic keratinocytes in the epidermis. Apoptotic nuclei were visualized as diaminobenzidine brown deposits with immunoperoxidase staining for cleaved caspase-3. Cleaved-caspase3-positive findings were consistent with eosinophilic material that appeared to be necrotic cells within the epidermis. Therefore, these eosinophilic materials must be apoptotic bodies. Generally speaking, and especially in Japan, these materials are considered necrotic keratinocytes. To our best knowledge, no studies have used apoptotic immunohistochemical markers to examine whether these structures are apoptotic.
Modeling the Grinding Process of the Cereal Grains as a Result of Friction in the Millstones
Authors: Ilie Filip , Cotici Constantin Daniel , Hristache Andrei-Florin
Published: October 2023

The grinding process by friction at the micro-scale in a mill with stones is considered a variable combination of contacts: with two-body (the asperities of lower millstone in direct contact with the asperities of upper millstone) and the three-body (micro-particles of ground seeds trapped between the asperities of lower and the upper stones of the mill). Three elements are described: (1) the mechanic contact of the asperities of the lower and upper millstone, to predict pressures on asperities, by modeling; (2) tests on a millstone sample covered with grinding particles, and (3) tests on a wafer sample formed by the millstones with the grinding particles between them. The paper highlights the combined effects of the micro-scale friction by individual measurements and to sum these effects an analytical model was used, and to validate the model, several experiments were performed. A suitable grind by friction assumes the grain’s movement and the interaction between the seeds and solid surfaces and is highlighted through theoretical and experimental studies. Topography analysis of the surface of the millstones revealed the model of microscopic frictional force. Endpoint measurements (the traces of the surface topography evolution), enable model verification in the grinding process.
Optimal Design and Fish-Passing Performance Analysis of Fish-Friendly Axial Flow Pump
Authors: Yang Chunxia , Zhang Qianxu , Guo Jia , Wu JiaWei , Zheng Yuan , Ren Ziwei
Published: October 2023

In the process of construction and operation of the pumping station, a large number of axial flow pumps pose a threat to the survival of fish in the natural environment. Through experiments, the survival conditions of many kinds of fish in extreme positive and negative pressure environment are explored, and -40 kPa is established as the low pressure damage threshold, which is used as a reference to analyze the probability of fish damage caused by pumps. The immersion boundary-lattice Boltzmann numerical method (LES-IB-LBM) based on large eddy simulation is used to optimize the parameters of the prototype runner of axial flow pump. A new type of runner with leading edge thickness of 11.4mm and blade cutting angle of 18 ° is optimized. This kind of runner has both hydraulic performance and fish-passing ability. The runner of the fish-friendly axial flow pump effectively guides the fish into the low risk area and reduces the risk of friction, shear and impact damage to the fish. the total impact mortality ratio of the runner of the axial flow pump before and after optimization is close to 7:1. The pressure damage analysis shows that the lowest negative pressure of the fish is -59.2 kPa, which is higher than -64.5 kPa of the prototype pump, and the highest positive pressure of the body surface is 11.8 kPa, which is lower than the 43.8 kPa of the prototype pump. Shear damage analysis shows that the fish will not be damaged by shear in the prototype pump and fish-friendly pump.
Arabidopsis 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases/C4-Decarboxylases are Essential for the Pollen and Embryonic Development
Authors: Pan Jiawen , Li Weifeng , Chen Binzhao , Liu Linchuan , Zhang Jianjun , Li Jianming
Published: October 2023

The biosynthesis of C27-29 sterols from their C30 precursor squalene involves C24-alkylation and removal of three methyl groups, including two at the C4 position. The two C4 demethylation reactions require a bifunctional enzyme known as 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/C4-decarboxylase (3βHSD/D) that removes an oxidized methyl (carboxylic) group at C4 while simultaneously catalyzing the 3β-hydroxyl3-keto oxidation. Its loss-of-function mutations cause ergosterol-dependent growth in yeast and congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform erythroderma and limb defect (CHILD) syndrome in humans. Although plant 3βHSD/D enzymes were well studied enzymatically, their developmental functions remain unknown. Here we employed a CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-editing approach to generate knockout mutants for two Arabidopsis 3βHSD/D genes, HSD1 and HSD2, and discovered the male gametophytic lethality for the hsd1 hsd2 double mutation. Pollen-specific expression of HSD2 in the heterozygous hsd1 hsd2/+ mutant not only rescued the pollen lethality but also revealed critical roles of the two HSD genes in embryogenesis. Our study thus demonstrated essential functions of the two Arabidopsis 3βHSD/D genes in male gametogenesis and embryogenesis.
Conical emission induced by the Filamentation of femtosecond vortex beams in water
Authors: Liu Yang , Huo Yuchi , Zhu Lin , Jin Mingxing , Zhang He , Li Suyu , Hua Wei
Published: October 2023

Conical emission is a typical nonlinear phenomenon that occurs when the femtosecond laser pulses interact with transparent media. In this work, the conical emission induced by two kinds of typical vortex beams (i.e., Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) and Bessel-Gaussian (BG) beams) in water is experimentally studied. By recording the light spots of different wavelengths on the screen, the characteristics of the conical emission induced by femtosecond vortex beams are studied. It is found that the spots of the supercontinuum induced by the two kinds of vortex beams differ greatly from each other: The spots of the supercontinuum induced by the BG beam are a set of concentric rings like a rainbow with a white center, while the whit light spot in the case of the LG beam are a circular white disk, which is different from the commonly observed white light spots. By measuring the maximum divergence angle, it is observed that the divergence angle increases with the decrease of the wavelength, while the TC merely affects the divergence angle, which is explained from the formation mechanism of conical emission in terms of self-phase modulation. We hope this work can be helpful to the understanding of interaction between the intense laser pulses and matters.
Targeting Interleukin-17 as Novel Treatment Option for Fibrotic Diseases
Authors: Sisto Margherita , Lisi Sabrina
Published: October 2023

Fibrosis is the end result of persistent inflammatory responses induced by a variety of stimuli, including chronic infections, autoimmune reactions, and tissue injury. Fibrotic diseases affect all vital organs and are characterized by a high rate of morbidity and mortality in the developed world, although currently there are no approved antifibrotic therapies. In recent years, high levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) have been associated with chronic inflammatory diseases with fibrotic complications, that culminate in organ failure. In this review, we provide an update on the role of IL-17 in fibrotic diseases, with particular attention to the most recent lines of research in the therapeutic field represented by the epigenetic mechanisms that control IL-17 levels in fibrosis. A better knowledge of the IL-17 signalling pathway implications in fibrosis could design new strategies for therapeutic benefits.
SARS-CoV-2 Impact on Red Blood Cell Morphology
Authors: Kondratov Kirill , Artamonov Alexander , Mikhailovskii Vladimir , Velmiskina Anastasiya , Mosenko Sergey , Grigoryev Evgeniy , Anisenkova Anna , Nikitin Yuri , Apalko Svetlana , Sushentseva Natalya , Ivanov Andrey , Shcherbak Sergey
Published: October 2023

Severe COVID-19 alters the biochemical and morphological characteristics of blood cells in a wide variety of ways. To date, however, the vast majority of research has been devoted to the study of leukocytes, while erythrocyte morphological changes have received significantly less attention. The purpose of this research was to identify erythrocyte types that were unique to COVID-19, compare the number of different poikilocyte types, and measure erythrocyte sizes to provide data on size dispersion. Red blood cells obtained from 6 control donors (800-2200 cells for each donor) and 5 COVID-19 patients (800-1900 cells for each patient) were examined using low voltage scanning electron microscopy. We did not discover any forms of poikilocytes that would be unique to COVID-19. Among COVID-19 patients, we observed an increase in the number of acanthocytes (p=0.01) and a decrease in the number of spherocytes (p=0.03). In addition, our research demonstrates that COVID-19 causes an increase in the median (p=0.004) and interquartile range (p=0.009) when assessing erythrocyte size.
The Response of Surface-Level Atmospheric Electrical Parameters in Israel to Severe Space Weather Events
Authors: Yaniv Roy , Yair Yoav Yosef , Price Colin Gregory , Reuveni Yuval
Published: October 2023

We report on ground-based measurements of the atmospheric electric field (Ez= -Potential Gradient (PG)) and current density (Jz) that were conducted at two locations in Israel. One is the Emilio Segre cosmic ray station located on Mt. Hermon (34.45 N, 2020 m AMSL) located in northern Israel near the Syrian-Lebanon border and at the other at the Wise astronomical observatory in the Negev desert highland plateau of southern Israel (31.18 N, 870 m AMSL). We searched for possible effects of strong, short-term solar events on the potential gradient and the vertical current density, as disruption to the Global Electric Circuit are often observed following strong solar events. The first case study (St. Patrick Day, 17 March 2015) was classified as the strongest event of 2015. The second case study (8 Sep 2017) was categorized as the strongest event of 2017 and one of the twenty strongest events on record to date. The results show that the electrical parameters measured at ground level at both stations were not affected during the two massive proton events and the ensuing geomagnetic storms. The magnetospheric shielding in lower latitudes is strong enough to shield against flux of energetic particles from solar events, obscuring any impact that may be noticeable above the local daily variations induced by local meteorological conditions (aerosol concentrations, clouds, high humidity, and wind speed) which were investigated as well.
Revealing EFL Teachers' Experiences in the Integration of Web-based Assessment Media for Assessment
Authors: Bulqiyah Suhaimah , Munir Ahmad
Published: October 2023

This study presents the integration of web-based assessment media for assessment in EFL online classrooms from the teachers’ points of view. This study aimed at exploring their experiences in online assessment using various web-based media. Additionally, this research shows both excellent and limited characteristics of web-based platforms implemented in online assessment as well as the influences on their teaching praxis. Five high school teachers from two different areas were invited to the online interview. This study found that the selected online media used by the teachers in their assessment are based on personal reasonings such as the features, form of assessment, and forth. the technology adoption to language assessment also explicitly indicates positive impacts on teachers’ professional affairs, particularly in the assessment field. The same effects are also reflected in students’ learning environment that makes them more involved in online learning and gets valuable assessment. The findings of this research have contribution to the development of assessment media for both English instructor and web-developer.
Philosophy of Progressivism in Learning IPS Education in The Era of Society 5.0
Authors: Falaq Yusuf , Faza Iqbal , Samders Amrei
Published: October 2023

Social studies education is a form of integration of the social sciences and humanities which aims to make students able to be independent, responsive, responsible and think critically about a social problem that occurs in their surroundings. Of-course this will have an impact on changes that make progress in society and the country. A framework that understands that social studies education is a reflection of civilized national character is needed in the midst of the Society 5.0 era which requires society to be able to control and balance artificial intelligence and social intelligence in order to solve all kinds of national problems. Society 5.0 provides an illustration that everything can be moved and connected through data, including in it as an effort to overcome social problems in society. Social studies education is very strategic because it can balance the two things. This is in accordance with the flow of progressive philosophy which emphasizes the word progress in changes that lead to a good direction. In particular, this writing has the aim of bringing more open and broader thinking about the development of the times so that it is more perceptible that an education aims to lead to better progress. This writing uses a library study method. From the results of this literature study resulted in writing the implementation of the philosophy of progressivism in social studies education.
User's interface for extraction of the chemical structure information from the systematic name of organic compound
Authors: Grigoryan L. A.
Published: October 2023

The user's interface «Nomenclature Generator» for extraction of the chemical structure information from the systematic name of organic compound represented according to IUPAC nomenclature is developed at the All-Russian Institute for Scientific and Technical Information of Russian Academy of Sciences.
Treatment characteristics of patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis: a cohort study
Authors: Qarni Taha , Jones Felipe J.S. , Drachman Brian , Khella Sami , Pieretti Janice , Bustamante Nicolas Sarmiento , Karam Chafic
Published: October 2023

Background
There are novel medications approved for the treatment of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv), classified as transthyretin (TTR) stabilizers or gene silencers. While many patients may be on both classes of medications, there is no data available on the safety and efficacy of combination therapy.
Objectives
To describe ATTRv patient and TTR-targeted therapy characteristics in a US cohort, and compare outcomes with combination therapy versus monotherapy.
Methods
We performed a retrospective cohort study with electronic health record data of patients with ATTRv seen at a single institution between January 2018 and December 2022. We collected data on symptomatology, gene mutation, disease severity, ATTRv treatment, hospitalizations, and mortality.
Results
162 patients with ATTRv were identified. The average age at diagnosis was 65 years. 86 patients (53%) had the V122I variant. 119 patients were symptomatic, of whom 103 were started on ATTRv-specific treatment. 41 patients (40%) had cardiomyopathy only, and 53 (51%) had a mixed phenotype of cardiomyopathy and neuropathy. 38 patients (37%) received therapy with both a gene silencer and protein stabilizer. 9 patients (15%) in the monotherapy group had two or more cardiac hospitalizations after starting treatment, compared to 3 patients (9%) on combination therapy (p = 0.26). The adjusted hazard ratio of all-cause mortality for the patients on combination therapy compared to monotherapy was 0.37 (0.08–1.8, p = 0.21).
Conclusions
While the efficacy is unproven, over one-third of patients with ATTRv are on both a stabilizer and a silencer. There were no safety issues for combination therapy. There was a trend towards improved hospitalizations and survival in patients in the combination group but this was not statistically significant. Larger studies with longer follow-up are necessary to determine benefit of combination therapy.
Early Resistance Rehabilitation Improves Functional Regeneration Following Segmental Bone Defect Injury
Authors: Guldberg Robert , Williams Kylie , Harrer Julia , LaBelle Steven , Leguineche Kelly , Kaiser Jarred , Karipott Salil , Lin Angela , Vongphachanh Alyssa , Fulton Travis , Rosenthal J , Muhib Farhan , Ong Keat , Weiss Jeffrey , Willett Nick
Published: October 2023

Mechanical loading is integral to bone development and repair. The application of mechanical loads through rehabilitation are regularly prescribed as a clinical aide following severe bone injuries. However, current rehabilitation regimens typically involve long periods of non-loading and rely on subjective patient feedback, leading to muscle atrophy and soft tissue fibrosis. While many pre-clinical studies have focused on unloading, ambulatory loading, or direct mechanical compression, rehabilitation intensity and its impact on the local strain environment and subsequent bone healing have largely not been investigated. This study combines implantable strain sensors and subject-specific finite element models in a pre-clinical rodent model with a defect size on the cusp of critically-sized. Animals were enrolled in either high or low intensity rehabilitation one week post injury to investigate how rehabilitation intensity affects the local mechanical environment and subsequent functional bone regeneration. The high intensity rehabilitation animals were given free access to running wheels with resistance, which increased local strains within the regenerative niche by an average of 44% compared to the low intensity (no-resistance) group. Finite element modeling demonstrated that resistance rehabilitation significantly increased compressive strain by a factor of 2.0 at week 1 and 4.45 after 4 weeks of rehabilitation. The resistance rehabilitation group had significantly increased regenerated bone volume and higher bone bridging rates than its sedentary counterpart (bone volume: 22.00 mm3 ± 4.26 resistance rehabilitation vs 8.00 mm3 ± 2.27 sedentary; bridging rates: 90% resistance rehabilitation vs 50% sedentary). In addition, animals that underwent resistance running had femurs with improved mechanical properties compared to those left in sedentary conditions, with failure torque and torsional stiffness values matching their contralateral, intact femurs (stiffness: 0.036 Nm/deg ± 0.006 resistance rehabilitation vs 0.008 Nm/deg ± 0.006 sedentary). Running on a wheel with no resistance rehabilitation also increased bridging rates (100% no resistance rehabilitation vs 50% sedentary). Analysis of bone volume and von Frey suggest no-resistance rehabilitation may improve bone regeneration and hindlimb functionality. These results demonstrate the potential for early resistance rehabilitation as a rehabilitation regimen to improve bone regeneration and functional recovery.
High bile titer and high bile to serum ratio of CYFRA 21-1 reliably discriminate malignant biliary obstruction caused by cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Jiancong , Liang Jiahua , Xu Borui , Liang Jianbo , Ma Mingjian , Wang Zicheng , Zeng Guangyan , Xu Qiongcong , Liang Lijian , Lai Jiaming , Huang Li
Published: October 2023

Introduction
Previously we demonstrated that elevated serum CYFRA 21 − 1 is a reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for biliary tract cancers. This study aims to explore the diagnostic performance of bile CYFRA 21 − 1 (bCYFRA 21 − 1) in discriminating malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) caused by cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).
Methods
77 CCA patients ((17 intrahepatic CCA (iCCA), 49 perihilar CCA (pCCA) and 11 distal CCA (dCCA)) and 43 benign patients with MBO were enrolled. Serum and bile levels of CYFRA 21 − 1, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19 − 9 (CA19-9) were quantified. Diagnostic performances of these biomarkers were estimated by receiver operator characteristic curves. Subgroups analysis of these tumor markers among CCA subtypes was performed.
Results
High bCYFRA 21 − 1 (cut-off value of 59.25 ng/mL with sensitivity of 0.889 and specificity of 0.750) and high bile to serum ratio of CYFRA 21 − 1 (b/sCYFRA 21 − 1, cut-off value of 31.55 with sensitivity of 0.741 and specificity of 0.778) achieved better diagnostic performance than any other biomarker in discriminating MBO. Subgroup analysis revealed that bCYFRA 21 − 1 was significantly elevated in all CCA subtypes; moreover b/sCYFRA 21 − 1 was upregulated in pCCA and dCCA (the mean b/sCYFRA 21 − 1 of pCCA was highest among CCA subtypes: 57.90, IQR 29.82-112.27).
Conclusions
Both high bCYFRA 21 − 1 and high b/sCYFRA 21 − 1 were reliable diagnostic biomarkers for MBO caused by CCA.