bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Zinc and Probiotics in Preventing Pediatric Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Southern Iran.
Authors: Rahmati Mohammad Bagher , khodadadzade Razieh , Ahmadi Mehran , teshnizi Saeed i Hoseini
Published: September 2024

Background
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a frequently encountered complication that arises from the administration of antimicrobial agents.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the impacts of zinc and probiotics on the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD).
Patients and methods:
This is a randomized clinical trial involving 165 children referred to Bandar Abbas Children's Hospital, which necessitated antibiotics for any given reason. They were randomly assigned to three groups of equal size, exclusively receiving the standard antibiotic regimen or the zinc and probiotics groups. Age, sex, length of hospital stay, treatment duration, type of antibiotic, and incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) were documented for all patients.
Results:
Among the 165 children who participated in the survey, AAD occurred in 12.7% of the zinc group, 9.1% of the probiotics group, and 10.9% of the control group; however, the difference among the groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.829). There was no significant association between AAD and age, sex, hospital length of stay, type of antibiotic, or patient grouping.
Conclusions:
Despite the lower incidence of AAD, duration of hospital stay and duration of treatment in children in the probiotic group, these findings were not statistically significant.
iTBAformer: A Time Series Modeling and Prediction Framework Based on Time Block Attention Mechanism
Authors: Fang Chengyuan , Zhang Ke , Qiu Sa , Zhou Sihao , Zhong Yang , Zhang Lang , Jiao Pengju
Published: September 2024

Transformer is a widely used model in time series forecasting tasks. Recent research, iTransformer, has made significant improvements to the traditional methods, achieving remarkable results. However, encoding an entire single-variable sequence into an embedding vector can result in temporal information loss. Additionally, traditional methods typically handle one-dimensional time series, facing significant challenges in feature learning due to complex temporal patterns. Although multivariate time series offer richer information, their disrupted original ordering complicates capturing abstract relationships. To address these issues, this paper proposes a time series forecasting model that relies on Time block attention mechanism(iTBAformer) to model the relationships of full-variable time blocks, with the following two improvements. Firstly, multidimensional time blocks containing more temporal information are used instead of single time steps. Time blocks with multiple time step features can better express the changing patterns of time series. Secondly, the time block attention mechanism based on Graph Neural Networks(GNNs) is applied to capture the potential temporal relationships. GNN works better for time blocks where the original ordering relationship is broken and contains complex relationships. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms baseline models in prediction performance on public datasets.
Effectiveness of home-based exercise programme in improving function, activity and participation for children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ibeneme Sam Chidi , Chimereze Ngozika Roselyn , Fortwengel Gerhard , John Jeneviv Nene , Ibeneme Georgian Chiaka , Nwosu Akachukwu Omumuagwula
Published: September 2024

Background
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor impairments that impact children's activities of daily living (ADL). Home-based exercise programs (HEPs) are emerging as a promising intervention. The question arises: What is the effectiveness of home exercise programme in the management of function, activity of daily living and participation in children with cerebral palsy?
Methods
A systematic search was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines across six databases: PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Psychological Information Database (PsycINFO), and MEDLINE for studies published up to June 2024. Studies assessing the impact of HEPs on motor function and ADL in children with CP were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were independently performed by two reviewers. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model, with standardized mean difference (SMD) as the summary statistic. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results
Six high-quality studies involving 310 participants (111 females, 137 males, and 62 of unspecified gender) aged 2 to 16 years met the inclusion criteria. The HEPs included Wii Sports Resort™ training, constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), strength training, and intensive bimanual training (IBT), with varying frequencies and durations. The meta-analysis revealed a small, positive, but statistically non-significant improvement in motor function (SMD = 0.033, 95% CI -0.106 to 0.156, p = 0.664, I² = 20.49%). Both studies assessing ADL, involving 139 participants, reported positive improvements, while no study examined participation.
Conclusion
Home-based exercise programs show a trend toward improving motor function and ADL in children with CP, though the results were not statistically significant. Further research is needed to optimize these programs, explore long-term outcomes with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods and assess their impact on participation.
A Study on Regional Differences and Convergence of Nursing Human Resource Levels in the Yangtze River Economic Belt：An Empirical Study
Authors: Chen Jieting , Liu Yongjin , Qu Yanbo , Xing Juan , Zhu Yan , Li Xinyue , Wu Xiangwei
Published: September 2024

Background The Yangtze River Economic Belt, as a core economic region in China, is facing the dual challenges of an aging population and growing healthcare demand, and the balanced development and optimal allocation of nursing human resources is crucial to the region's healthcare system. An in-depth study of the regional differences and convergence of nursing human resources in the region will provide a key basis for policy makers to achieve equity and efficiency in healthcare services and meet the growing demand for healthcare.Aim To analyze the regional differences and convergence characteristics of nursing human resource levels in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and to provide scientific references for optimizing regional nursing human resource allocation.Methods Based on the panel data of 107 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2010 to 2020, the regional differences and their sources were analyzed by using Dagum's Gini coefficient, and the convergence characteristics were examined by the coefficient of variation and spatial convergence model.Results The average water value of nursing human resources in the Yangtze River Economic Belt is 2,132,300,000, with obvious regional differences, and the hypervariable density difference (53.01%) is the main source of the regional differences; there are obvious trends of σ-convergence and conditional β-convergence of the level of nursing human resources in the overall and the three major regions of the upstream, midstream, and downstream, and different factors have different moderating effects on the speed of spatial convergence in the other areas.Conclusion The implementation of precise policies for nursing human resources in different regions of the Yangtze River Economic Belt steadily reduces the regional differences between the upper, middle, and lower reaches and enhances the spatial linkage between regions of nursing human resources to improve the quality of nursing human resources.
Synthesis, Characterization, Computational Studies, Microbial Activity, Larvicidal Activity and Theoretical Biological Potential of various Imidazole Scaffolds
Authors: Rayate Ankita M. , Gaware Manoj R. , Lokhande Dnyaneshwar D. , Kategaonkar Amol H. , Bhagare Arun M. , Shelke Bharat N. , Kale Avinash S. , Bhamare Sapana S.
Published: September 2024

In this paper we have reported synthesis evaluation imidazole by solvent free multi component scaffolds (NEAT Reaction) by simple and very effective protocol. The compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, Mass and I.R spectral studies. The theoretical interpretations of synthesized compounds with optimized by 6-311 + + G(d, p) basic set and different parameters using Gaussion-09 software .The PASS web-based application gave predicts the biological activity spectrum of a compound based on structure. It is useful to estimate the probable biological activity profile. The analysis shows that compound 6b shows high activity for Antieczematic and Gluconate 2-dehydrogenase (acceptor) inhibitor (Pa > 0.07). The bioactivity against Etiella zinkenella was evaluated. The result obtained showed a significant (P < 0.06) larvicidal activity with Lethal concentration (LC50) = 0.22 ppm for compound 6d at concentration ranging between 0.02–0.08 ppm.
Regulation of Partial Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition by circATXN1 in Ischemic Diseases
Authors: Gao Lu , Li Yue , zheng zhe , Li Yanze , Fan Siyuan , Kong Lingyao , Fu Wanrong , Li Zhonggen , Zhang Jianchao , Li Shuang , Cao Jinhua , Hao Zhenxuan , Xiao Lili , Du Youyou , Wang Xiaofang
Published: September 2024

We conducted circRNA sequencing of endothelial cells (ECs) subjected to hypoxia and serum deprivation to ascertain molecules linked to partial or transient mesenchymal activation in endothelial cells (ECs) following tissue ischemia/hypoxia. The outcome demonstrated that the circATXN1 expression was significantly raised. Herein, we estimated the circATXN1 function in regulating mesenchymal characteristics during the partial endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and its impact on angiogenesis. Over-expression of circATXN1 inhibited mesenchymal traits in endothelial cells, whereas circATXN1 knockdown promoted partial EndMT by upregulating mesenchymal markers and partially reducing endothelial markers. In vivo, circATXN1 knockdown enhanced angiogenesis and functional recovery post-ischemia, while circATXN1 overexpression impeded these processes. Mechanistically, circATXN1 specifically stabilized SLUG mRNA by interacting with ALKBH5, an mRNA demethylase, without altering its transcription. CircATXN1 regulated the subcellular localization of ALKBH5, preventing its nuclear entry and thus stabilizing SLUG mRNA via decreased m6A methylation. This interaction was confirmed through RNA pulldown, LC-MS/MS, and RIP assays. Our findings position circATXN1 as a crucial regulator in ischemic diseases, particularly in angiogenesis. CircATXN1’s downregulation enhances SLUG-mediated partial EndMT, leading to increased ECs proliferation, migration, and sprouting. Targeting circATXN1 with RNA interference (RNAi) represents a potential therapeutic strategy for ischemic disorders.
Genetic and neuro-epigenetic effects of divergent artificial selection for feather pecking behaviour in chickens
Authors: Haas Elske N. , Pértille Fábio , Kjaer Joergen B. , Jensen Per , Guerrero-Bosagna Carlos
Published: September 2024

Feather pecking (FP) is a repetitive behavior in chickens, influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, similar to behaviors seen in human developmental disorders (e.g., hyperactivity, autism). This study examines genetic and neuro-epigenetic factors in the thalamus of chickens from lines selected for seven generations for high or low FP behavior (HFP or LFP). We integrate data on DMRs, SNPs, and CNVs in this controlled artificial selection process. Significant differences in behavior, immunology, and neurology have been reported in these lines. We identified 710 new SNPs related to FP, and found that CNVs was the omic level most affected during selection. The largest CNVs found were in RIC3 (gain in HFP) and SH3RF2 (gain in LFP) genes, linked to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor regulation and human oncogenesis, respectively. Our study also suggests that promoters and introns are hotspots for CpG depletion. The overlapping of the omic levels investigated here with data from a public FP QTL database revealed novel candidate genes for understanding repetitive behaviors, such as RTKN2, associated with Alzheimer’s disease in humans. This study suggests CNVs as a crucial initial step for genomic diversification, potentially more impactful than SNPs.
Comparative Analysis of Macular Choroidal Thickness in Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma, Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, and Healthy Controls
Authors: Chatterjee Ananya , Ambiya Vikas , Kapoor Gaurav , Sharma Vijay
Published: September 2024

Purpose
To compare macular choroidal thickness (CT) among eyes with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEG), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and healthy control eyes.
Methods
The study compared macular CT among 60 eyes in each of PEG (Group A), POAG (Group B) and age and sex matched healthy controls (Group C). Key inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years, BCVA ≥ 20/40 and IOP ≥ 21 mmHg. Exclusion criteria were axial length ≥ 25 mm, neurological disorders, retinal or choroidal diseases. Enhanced-depth spectral domain optical coherence tomography (EDI- SD OCT) was used to measure the choroidal thicknesses across all zones of Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid of all subjects.
Results
The average macular CT showed a significant decrease in PEG compared to controls (p = 0.02). CT was also thinner in PEG in the nasal inner (p = 0.03), superior inner (p = 0.01), inferior inner (p = 0.01), superior outer (p = 0.01), and temporal outer (p = 0.03) subfields of the macula compared to controls. In POAG, thinner choroid was observed in the central (p = 0.02), nasal inner (p = 0.02), and superior inner (p = 0.02) subfields compared to controls. When comparing PEG to POAG, thinner choroid was seen in the inferior inner subfield of the macula in PEG (p = 0.01).
Conclusion
The significant thinning observed in various macular subfields of PEG and POAG groups, underscores the importance of evaluating CT alterations in glaucoma.
Task success in trained spiking neural network models coincides with emergence of cross-stimulus-modulated inhibition
Authors: Zhu Yuqing , Smith Chadbourne M. B. , Jabri Tarek , Tang Mufeng , Scherr Franz , MacLean Jason N.
Published: September 2024

The neocortex is composed of spiking neurons interconnected in a sparse, recurrent network. Spiking within neocortical networks drives the computational processes that convert sensory inputs into suitable behavioral responses. In this study, we train biologically realistic recurrent spiking neural network (SNN) models and identify the architectural changes following training which enable task-appropriate computations. Specifically, we employ a binary state change detection task, where each state is defined by motion entropy. This task mirrors behavioral paradigms that are performed in the lab. SNNs are composed of interconnected excitatory and inhibitory units with connection likelihoods and strengths matched to mouse neocortex. Following training, we discover that SNNs selectively adjust firing rates depending on motion entropy state, and that excitatory and inhibitory connectivity between input and recurrent layers change in accordance with this rate modulation. Recurrent inhibitory units which positively modulate firing rates to one input strengthened their connections to recurrent units of the opposite modulation. This specific pattern of cross-modulation inhibition emerged as the solution regardless of the output encoding schemes when imposing Dale’s law throughout training of the SNNs. Disrupting spike times and recurrent excitatory connectivity significantly impaired performance, indicating that precise spike coordination and recurrent excitation are critical for the network's behavior. Using a one-hot output encoding resulted in balanced spike rates in response to the two different motion entropy states. With this balance, the same cross-modulation inhibition solution emerged. This work underscores the crucial role of interneurons and specific inhibitory architectural patterns in shaping dynamics and enabling information processing within neocortical circuits.
A clear distinction and presence of Acropora divaricata within Acropora solitaryensis species complex along their biogeographic distribution in East-Asia
Authors: Chow Savanna Wenhua , Chen Chih-Hsun , Tsai Du-Yang , Mezaki Takuma , Kubota Satoshi , Keshavmurthy Shashank , Chen Chaolun Allen , Hsieh Hernyi Justin , Baird Andrew H.
Published: September 2024

In the Anthropocene, scleractinian corals face unprecedented threats from synergistic stressors, including rising seawater temperatures that surpass critical thresholds that lead to global coral reef degradation. With over 1,698 coral species in the order Scleractinia, their conservation is increasingly complex due to their morphological plasticity and the challenge of accurate species identification. The genus Acropora, with approximately 400 nominal species, exemplifies these challenges, as morphological traits often vary within and among species, complicating taxonomic efforts. Traditional methods based on skeletal characteristics are insufficient for delineating Acropora species, prompting the use of integrative approaches combining morphology, reproduction, and molecular data. In this study, we employ multi-locus phylogenetic analyses and morphometric measurements to distinguish different growth forms of Acropora solitaryensis as distinct species and delineate the species range boundaries of A. divaricata and A. solitaryensis in East Asian coral ecosystems. We identify arborescent and intermediate morphotypes belonging to A. divaricata, which is distributed from tropical reefs in southeastern Taiwan to temperate non-reefal communities in Shikoku, Japan. Conversely, the solid-plate morphotype aligns with A. solitaryensis from the holotype locality in Solitary Island, Australia, found primarily in subtropical non-reefal regions in northern Taiwan and Japan. The distinct distribution patterns of A. divaricata and A. solitaryensis underscore the necessity for biogeographic sampling in Acroporataxonomy, considering the Kuroshio Current's impact on coral distributions, and a re-evaluation of poleward coral migration or expansion due to climate change. Our findings challenge the traditional taxonomy of A. divaricata and A. solitaryensis, revealing that they may instead encompass multiple species. This has significant implications for coral conservation strategies, as accurate species identification is crucial for understanding coral responses to environmental changes and for informing conservation efforts in the face of climate change.
Bacterial membrane nanovesicles encapsulating prodrug assemblies combine chemical and immunological therapies for chronic bacterial infection management
Authors: Liu Yong , Li Yuanfeng , He Wei , Piao Yinzi , Wang Yumeng , Peng Mengna , Li Huaping , Hu Rongdang , Li Dongdong , Shi Linqi
Published: September 2024

Addressing the challenges of drug delivery to infection sites and modulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment are critical hurdles in treating chronic bacterial infections, characterized by intracellular bacteria and resilient biofilms. To overcome these barriers, we report a multifunctional nanomedicine (CpE@BMV). The prodrug conjugate (CpE), composed of two phenylboronic acid-modified ciprofloxacin (Cip-pba) molecules and ellagic acid (Ea), self-assembles due to its amphiphilic nature. Bacterial membrane vesicles (BMVs) derived from Escherichia coli aid in CpE assembly and structural stabilization. Upon administration, pathogen-associated molecular patterns on CpE@BMV engage toll-like receptors on macrophages, activating these cells and enhancing their phagocytic response. Once internalized, CpE responds to elevated intracellular H₂O₂ levels, releasing Cip to eliminate intracellular bacteria. Additionally, Ea scavenges excess reactive oxygen species in inflamed macrophages and modulates the expression of inflammatory factors, preventing an exaggerated inflammatory response. The CpE@BMV formulation also penetrates biofilms, eliminating bacteria and releasing antigens. These antigens are transported to draining lymph nodes, where they induce dendritic cell maturation and trigger a robust T and B cell-mediated immune response, helping restore immune balance and combat pathogens effectively. Therefore, our CpE@BMV provide an efficient strategy combining chemical and immunological therapies for chronic bacterial infection management.
Diskursanalyse jenseits von Big Data – Editorial
Authors: Dang-Anh Mark , Acke Hanna , Bonacchi Silvia , Meier-Vieracker Simon , Warnke Ingo H.
Published: September 2024

Editorial
Epistemische Architekturen von Texten
Authors: Simon Niklas
Published: September 2024

In the article, I propose that considering established concepts from text linguistics, such as propositions and text worlds, more systematically can be fruitful for a discourse pragmatic analysis that aims to describe knowledge constitution. Drawing from the model proposed by Werth (1999) in his text-world theory, I introduce the concept of epistemic architecture and demonstrate its usefulness by closely analyzing two texts from the discourse on pesticide use in Germany. The analysis shows differences in the integration of relevant propositions into the epistemic architecture that can be interpreted as meaningful when trying to understand discursive knowledge constitution.
Design Project Classroom: Fostering Industry-Ready Industrial Designers through Academic-Industry Collaboration
Authors: Amirul Fahmi Razali  , Addy Putra Md Zulkifli  , Sharih Ahmad Mohamad
Published: September 2024

As the demands of the job market continue to evolve, it becomes imperative for educational institutions to equip students with the necessary skills and competencies to thrive in their respective industries. This article explores the implementation of a design project classroom as an innovative approach to preparing students for the job market, specifically in industrial design. The research employs the method of participant observation combined with interviews to gain valuable insights from industry professionals and student participants. Collaboration with industries is integral to this research, where it enables students to engage directly with real-world design challenges and obtain expert guidance. By leveraging the expertise and resources of these partnerships, this project aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry expectations. The results of this study showcase several key elements that students need to master before graduating, identified through feedback from both students and mentoring companies. The findings underscore the significance of hands-on experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry engagement in preparing students for successful careers as industrial designers. The positive feedback received from both students and industry partners affirms the effectiveness of this approach in grooming students and enhancing their readiness for the job market. This article contributes to the literature on design education, and the insights provided serve as a foundation for educators and institutions seeking to enhance their design programmes, ensuring that students are adequately equipped with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience to enter the job market.
Rhythms of Kinabalu 2022 “Coming Back Stronger”: A Review
Authors: Shahnaz Mohd Baldev Shah  , Khairul Anuar Samsuddin
Published: September 2024

This article reviews the Rhythms of Kinabalu 2022 from the dual perspective of management and performance. Ever since its commencement in 2011, Rhythms of Kinabalu has been a yearly large-scale event organised by the National Department for Culture and Arts under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia along with other collaborative bodies. The aim of this festival is to showcase the diversity and uniqueness of the dances, arts, and music in Sabah for the purpose of their continued popularity, relevance, and sustainability. As such, the review examines the current nature of festival, paying attention to the various categories of performances and performers in Rhythms of Kinabalu 2022 as well as the favoured and less favoured performances and/or artists as indicated by viewer turnouts of the live shows. At the same time, the article seeks to understand the local audiences’ reception and/or reaction towards the event and its many shows to signal the current festivalgoers’ taste and preference of the performing arts. A main observation reveals the striking presence of the art of busking and an imbalance in the representation of modern and traditional art forms. Essentially, the representation of traditional arts was limited and those artists struggled to keep up with their more modern counterpart. Technology, namely, social media, has been identified to have played a major role in influencing this outcome and contributing to this scenario. Management wise, the lack of cooperation from business entities (i.e., premise operators and owners) in support of the local artists, performers, small and medium enterprises, and the event itself is a cause for concern as this has caused several setbacks which were detrimental to the festival’s operations. Hence, the art-based and managerial issues identified in this review may benefit the relevant stakeholders in its decision-making of the festival’s future cycles.
The Impact Of Social Media On Destination Choice: A Study on Generation Z
Authors: AKIN Halit , ŞENER Büşra
Published: September 2024

It is known that social media, which has become an indispensable part of daily life with thedevelopments in information and communication technologies, is extensively used by Generation Z.Social media, which offers easier and faster access to accurate and reliable information, has an importantplace in the preference processes of tourism components that cannot be experienced before. Therefore,this study aims to determine whether social media has an impact on Generation Z's preference processesfor destinations, one of the most important components of tourism. For this purpose, descriptive andinferential statistics were used to analyze the data collected from 402 participants in onlineenvironments. Within the scope of the research, it was found that there is a relationship between thedestination preference of Generation Z and all elements of social media and that destination image,behavioral intention, and tourism satisfaction elements on social media have a significant impact ondestination preference. The information shared by travelers and the impacts of social media onmarketing elements have been found to be associated with destination preferences; however, it has beendetermined that they do not have an effect on preferences. This is associated with the fact that the mostimportant factor in the preference process of Generation Z is their own decisions.
Sustainable Practices in Culinary Programs: Views of Chef Lecturers Regarding Food Waste Management
Authors: YILDIRIM Kutay Arda , YILMAZ Yenilmez Ufuk , REZAPOURAGHDAM Hamed
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the extent to which corporate social responsibility (CSR) and more specifically, food waste management is incorporated into a university's tourism faculty's practical courses, with a focus on sustainability methods used in food production procedures. The study looks into the crucial issue of food waste, an essential part of sustainable practices, by drawing on the concepts established in the Sustainable Development Goal 12 of the United Nations; Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. The research reveals various viewpoints on CSR and food waste implementation through qualitative research including 11 instructors. The results show a variety of techniques for reducing food waste in practical classes, from careful control to acknowledged flaws in waste management. Notably, the study draws attention to the lack of a specific CSR curriculum for students enrolled in culinary education practical training. In order to provide a more comprehensive knowledge of CSR integration in culinary schools, the paper finishes by outlining possible directions for future research.
A Bibliographic Research on Globalization Strategies of Fast Food Businesses
Authors: HASANÇEBİ Batuhan , KESKİN Emrah , YORGANCI Bülent
Published: September 2024

In this study, it is aimed to reveal the current status of the relevant literature by examining the articles and postgraduate thesis studies on the globalisation strategies of fast-food businesses through bibliometric analysis method. In the study, as a result of searching the concepts of "fast food", "glocalisation" and "global" in Google Scholar, Wos and Scopus databases, a total of 27 scientific studies, 21 articles and 6 master's theses, were reached. During the analysis, the distribution of the relevant studies according to years, distribution according to countries of publication, frequency of use of keywords and number of citations were taken into consideration. In the light of the data obtained, it is thought that the number of publications between 2010 and 2023 does not meet expectations and presents an unstable image, since the relevant literature is still new. While the USA is the country that has contributed the most to the literature, the leading researchers of the literature are Dumitrescu Luigi and Vinerean Simona. It has been determined that the most used concepts in the relevant literature are "globalization" and "glocalization". In line with the data obtained, this study aims to reveal the current situation in the relevant literature, to see the deficiencies and to serve as a source for future studies.
The Impact of Local Community Attitudes Towards Sustainable Tourism Development on Tourism Development Support
Authors: DOĞAN Yunus , TEKELİ Mehmet
Published: September 2024

This study aims to examine the impact of local residents' attitudes toward sustainable tourism on supporting tourism development. Conducted in Mersin, a significant destination for Turkish tourism, the study collected survey data from 415 local residents. Various dimensions of sustainable tourism development were considered through a structural model constructed using structural equation modeling. The analysis results indicate that perceived social costs negatively influence tourism development. Additionally, factors positively affecting local residents' support for tourism development include perceived economic benefits, environmental sustainability, maximizing community participation, long-term planning, a community-centered economy , and visitor satisfaction. These findings underscore the importance of local residents' attitudes for the sustainable development of tourism destinations.
Medikal Turizm Verileri ve İstatistikleri: Gelişmekte Olan Ülkelerin Yükselişi ve Türkiye (Medical Tourism Data and Statistics: The Rise of Developing Countries and Turkey)
Authors: BÜYÜK Özge , AKKUŞ Gülşah
Published: September 2024

Sağlık turizmi şemsiyesi altında hem tıbbi prosedürleri hem de turizm aktivitelerini kapsayan bir kavram olarak değerlendirilen medikal turizm, sınır ötesi sağlık arayışı ve seyahat olgusunu birleştirerek gelişmekte olan ülke ekonomileri için önemini arttırmakta ve hızla büyümektedir. Bu turizm türü için tercih edilen destinasyonlar, finansal getirilerini artırmanın yanı sıra turizm ve sağlık sektörlerini de geliştirme potansiyeline sahip olmaları nedeniyle pazardaki rekabeti yükseltmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, günümüzde popüler bir hal alan medikal turizmin kapsamlı tanımını, gelişimini, dünyada ve Türkiye’deki durumunu, turist profillerini irdelemek ve rekabetçi ülkelerin etkinlikleri ile ön plana çıkan yönlerini ortaya koymaktır. Çalışmanın katkı sunmayı amaçlayan özgün yanları arasında, kapsamlı literatür taraması sonucunda ön plana çıkan tedavi türlerinin ve fiyat farklarının karşılaştırılması, Türkiye’nin de yer aldığı rekabet eden oyuncuların hangi medikal turistlerce öncelikli olarak tercih edildiklerinin ve henüz yeni bir kavram olan medikal turist tipolojisi ile bu turistlerin motivasyon unsurlarını betimsel olarak ortaya koyması yer almaktadır.
Mardin deki Butik Otellerde Ziyaretçi Deneyimlerinin Netnografik Yöntem ile Belirlenmesi (Netnographic Examination of Visitor Experiences in Boutique Hotels: The Case of Mardin)
Authors: KODAŞ Davut
Published: September 2024

Bu araştırmada Mardin ilinde hizmet veren butik otellerdeki turist deneyimlerinin ortaya çıkarılması amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaca ulaşmak için nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden biri olan netnografik yaklaşım tercih edilmiştir. Bu çerçevede dünyadaki en popüler çevrimiçi platformlardan biri olan Tripadvisor internet sitesinde Mardin’deki butik oteller hakkında turistlerin yapmış olduğu çevrimiçi yorumlar incelenerek deneyimler belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Araştırma amacı doğrultusunda veriler ziyaretçilerin butik otellerde konakladıkları süre boyunca yaşamış oldukları deneyimlere ilişkin yaptıkları çevrim içi yorumlardan oluşmaktadır. Toplam 1184 çevrimiçi yorum bu araştırmanın veri setini oluşturmaktadır. En eski tarihten günümüze kadar geçen sürede yapılan yorumlar araştırma analizine dahil edilmiştir. Veriler nitel araştırma analiz tekniklerinden biri olan içerik analizi yardımıyla yorumlanmaya çalışılmıştır. Ayrıca ortaya çıkan temaların desteklenmesi için alıntılar yapılarak betimsel analizden yararlanılmıştır. Elde edilen bulgulara göre butik otel deneyimlerinin beş tema altında ortaya çıktığı saptanmıştır. Bu temalar misafirperverlik, fiziksel çevre, hatırlanabilir deneyim, temizlik/hijyen, gastronomi şeklinde adlandırılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda elde edilen bulgular doğrultusunda teorik katkı ve pratik öneriler sunulmuştur.
A discussão sobre desenvolvimento com enfoque territorial no Brasil
Authors: Dallabrida Valdir Roque
Published: September 2024

Nas últimas décadas, no Brasil, a discussão sobre desenvolvimento com enfoque territorial foi um tema abordado por um pequeno número de autores. Sustenta-se a hipótese de que os autores que inseriram o tema em suas publicações, inicialmente, o fizeram sem estarem amparados em um saber amplo e detalhado, tendo como base reinterpretações de publicações de autores referenciais e que, só mais recentemente percebem-se avanços significativos, a exemplo de estudos que propõem referenciais epistêmico-teórico-metodológicos que convergem com o enfoque ou abordagem territorial. Neste artigo, propõe-se reafirmar a suposição referida, recorrendo a publicações que tangenciaram o tema desenvolvimento com o enfoque territorial, descrevendo a trajetória acadêmica de um dos estudiosos, no sentido de identificar suas principais contribuições, mais ou menos razoáveis, além de evidenciar os principais avanços na explicitação e aprofundamento do tema.
ÉTICA DA RESPONSABILIDADE AMBIENTAL
Authors: Gabriel Fábio Antônio , Moreira Elisângela , Cristina Formaggi Cavaleiro Navi Patricia , Pereira Ana Lúcia
Published: September 2024

Ancorado no referencial teórico da ética da responsabilidade do filósofo Hans Jonas, neste artigo, discute-se a necessidade emergente de uma conscientização ambiental. Dialoga-se com a pedagogia histórico-crítica, cujo entendimento norteia a ideia de que não bastam discussões filosóficas inconclusivas acerca de uma prática social transformadora. Relata-se a experiência de uma atividade de sensibilização pedagógica ecológica em um curso técnico integrado de formação de docentes no interior do norte do Paraná, tendo como pressuposto teórico a pedagogia histórico-crítica. Com base em Gasparin (2005), defendem-se cinco passos da pedagogia histórico-crítica para a educação ambiental em uma perspectiva crítico-transformadora: prática social inicial; problematização; instrumentalização; catarse; e prática social final como ponto de chegada. Essas direções apresentam caminhos possíveis para o trabalho com a educação ambiental. Os resultados desta investigação apontam para a necessidade de que instituições de ensino contribuam para uma sensibilização humana em prol de uma sociedade sustentável, por meio de diversas formas e meios, no intuito de concretizar práticas na promoção de uma transformação da consciência ambiental.
A Study of Impact of Digital Technology and Use of Blockchain Technology from the Consumer Point of View
Authors: Vishvas Shilpa Dhanaji , Kumari Sarita
Published: September 2024

This chapter explores the impact of blockchain technology on consumers,
delving beyond its association with cryptocurrencies. Blockchain, a distributed ledger
shared across a computer network, securely stores digital data. While cryptocurrencies
like Bitcoin popularized blockchain as a secure platform for transaction records, its
potential extends far wider. Businesses and investors are recognizing blockchain's
disruptive potential in various sectors, including finance, governance, smart contracts,
the Internet of Things, and the sharing economy.
However, for many consumers, blockchain remains synonymous with cryptocurrencies.
These digital currencies are often seen as a subset of alternative currencies and, more
specifically, digital currencies. Consulting firms predict that by 2025, blockchain will
become a significant technological platform. Though research on blockchain is
ongoing, with a focus in engineering and finance, few studies consider the consumer
perspective. Neglecting this perspective creates an incomplete picture of such a
revolutionary technology. After all, consumers are the lifeblood of the economy,
making their experience crucial in understanding any business innovation.
Deiodinases in the Brain
Authors: Bernal Juan
Published: September 2024

Deiodinases (DIO) are central to regulating thyroid hormone action in the
brain because they control the tissue concentration of the active hormone
triiodothyronine (T3). DIO2, the outer ring, 5’-deiodinase expressed in the brain,
converts T4 to T3 and is active primarily in two glial cell types: astrocytes and
tanycytes. Astrocytes produce all of brain T3 during the fetal period and a significant
fraction in adults. T3 from astrocytes reaches other neural cells, mainly neurons, devoid
of DIO2. The T3 produced in the tanycytes travels to hypothalamic nuclei to perform
neuroendocrine functions. DIO2 is expressed in the human fetal brain’s neural stem
cells, known as outer radial glia. The inner ring, 5-deiodinase DIO3, converts T4 and
T3 to the inactive compounds reverse T3 (rT3) and 3,3’T2, respectively, a reaction
equivalent to suppressing thyroid hormone action. Brain DIO3 is active mainly in
neurons. Thyroid hormones regulate the gene expression and enzymatic activity of
DIO2 and DIO3. When T4 concentrations rise, DIO2 activity falls, and when T4 goes
down, DIO2 increases. T3 stimulates the DIO3 gene, and DIO3 activity increases when
T3 increases. The combined actions of DIO2 and DIO3 exert a “homeostatic-like
mechanism” to maintain locally appropriate bioactivity of thyroid hormone by
providing individual brain cells with the optimal concentrations of T3 required at
different stages of development. These mechanisms regulate thyroid hormone action
with a timeline specific to different brain regions.
Endemic Goiter and Cretinism: Pathophysiology of Iodine Deficiency
Authors: Bernal Juan
Published: September 2024

Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones, and its deficiency
causes endemic goiter, cretinism, and a constellation of syndromes known as iodine
deficiency disorders. Although iodine deficiency still affects most of the world,
national or regional salt iodization programs have increased the number of countries
with adequate intake. Endemic cretins were classified as either predominantly
neurological or myxedematous (hypothyroid). Severe maternal iodine deficiency
causes fetal neurological damage during the first half of gestation, which is prevented
by administering iodine to mothers before or early in pregnancy. Myxedematous
cretins present thyroid atrophy, hypothyroidism, and growth arrest, and no neurological
involvement. Physiological adaptations to iodine deficiency include thyroid growth
(goiter) and thyroidal autoregulatory mechanisms leading to decreased serum T4 and
preserved serum T3. This situation is known as hypothyroxinemia, as described in
Chapter 4. The brain, which depends on the T3 generated locally, shows an increased
type 2 deiodinase activity and T3 formation from T4. When iodine intake is severe,
these mechanisms cannot maintain T3 concentrations in the brain, leading to brain
damage.
Cellular Transporters for Thyroid Hormones
Authors: Bernal Juan
Published: September 2024

Thyroid hormones require transporter proteins that facilitate their influx and
efflux through the cellular plasma membranes. There are many families of thyroid
hormone transporter proteins, most of which transport other substrates, including bile
acids, amino acids, monocarboxylates, and organic anions. The only transporter
specific for thyroid hormones is the monocarboxylate 8 transporter or MCT8. MCT8 is
present in the brain barriers and the membranes of neural cells. MCT8 mutations cause
the Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome, described in the next chapter. Besides MCT8,
the amino acid transporters LAT1 and LAT2 might have a physiological role in T4 and
T3 transport. The organic anion transporter polypeptide 1C1 or OATP1C1 is a T4
transporter present in the mouse, but not the human, blood-brain barrier, and facilitates
T4 transport to astrocytes and radial glia expressing type 2 deiodinase. A
neurodegenerative disorder in a patient has been attributed to an OATP1C1 mutation.
This chapter describes the physiological aspects of thyroid hormone transport across
the different transporter families.
Thyroid Hormone Receptors in the Brain: Distribution and Deletion Effects on Brain Structure and Behavior
Authors: Bernal Juan
Published: September 2024

The thyroid hormone receptors, encoded by the THRA and THRB genes,
transduce the actions of T3. Receptor expression analysis gave clues on thyroid
hormone and receptor functions in specific brain regions or cell types. This chapter
describes the studies performed on rodents on receptor expression by various
methodologies, including in situ hybridization and the phenotype of Thra and Thrb
knockout mice. Most brain regions express the receptors from fetal stages. Receptor
expression studies on rodents indicate that thyroid hormones regulate neuronal
migration and differentiation during neocortical and cerebellar development. Given the
critical role of thyroid hormones in brain development, it was expected that disruption
of the receptor genes would be equivalent to hormone deprivation. However, in many
cases, this is not so, raising the question of the role of unliganded receptor activity in
hypothyroidism. This chapter ends with the few available data on receptor expression
in the human fetal brain.
Pathophysiology and Mouse Models of Thyroid Hormone Resistance Syndromes: A Focus on the Brain
Authors: Bernal Juan
Published: September 2024

Thyroid hormone receptor mutations cause syndromes of resistance to the
action of thyroid hormones (RTH) with autosomal dominant inheritance. Mutations in
the THRA gene, encoding TRα1 and TRα2, cause RTHα, and those in THRB, encoding
TRβ1 and TRβ2, cause RTHβ. In RTHα, relatively mild changes in circulating thyroid
hormones coexist with signs of congenital hypothyroidism. In contrast, in RTHβ, TSH
levels are not suppressed despite elevated thyroid hormone levels. The mutant
receptors have low or no T3-induced activation and display dominant negative activity,
inhibiting the wild-type receptors’ transcriptional activation. This chapter describes the
main characteristics of RTH, including a discussion of the mouse models of the
disorder, with an emphasis on neural aspects.
Thyroid and Brain: Understanding the Actions of Thyroid Hormones in Brain Development and Function
Authors: Bernal Juan
Published: September 2024

This comprehensive textbook offers an in-depth exploration of how thyroid hormones influence brain development and function, particularly on cellular and molecular mechanisms. Readers will find current insights into the complex interplay between the thyroid and neurological systems, making it a valuable resource for researchers, advanced learners and clinicians in the fields of endocrinology, neuroscience, and developmental biology.

The book starts with a review of thyroid physiology, setting the stage for subsequent chapters that cover specific topics such as the impact of maternal thyroid hormones on fetal brain development and the effects of iodine deficiency. From here, the book progresses to cover the regulation of brain gene expression, neuronal and glial cell differentiation, and myelination by thyroid hormones, and how thyroid hormones shape the brain. Finally, the book addresses the link between thyroid dysfunction and mood disorders.

Key features

- A thorough examination of the historical and the latest research findings through 14 chapters

- Clear explanations of molecular pathways

- Emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical applications

- Detailed and research-focused content scientific references for further reading
Validade estrutural e concorrente da versão brasileira do Questionário de Estratégias de Motivação para Aprendizagem (MSLQ)
Authors: Pedrosa Neves Aichinger Ana Luiza , Rosa Franco Vithor , Luiz Castro de Mesquita Ricardo
Published: September 2024

O Questionário de Estratégias de Motivação para Aprendizagem (Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire – MSLQ), desenvolvido por Pintrich e colaboradores na década de 1980, tem sido um instrumento amplamente utilizado no contexto educacional. Contudo, os estudos de validade realizados internacionalmente têm identificado fragilidades que devem ser aprofundadas sobre a qualidade psicométrica do instrumento. O objetivo desta pesquisa é explorar as evidências de validade estrutural e concorrente do MSLQ. Para isso, foram coletados dados de forma online com 403 estudantes universitários, os quais, além de responderem ao MSLQ, também avaliaram o seu desempenho escolar de “ruim” a “excelente” numa escala de seis pontos. Uma análise fatorial confirmatória foi utilizada para se avaliar a validade estrutural de três modelos: o unifatorial; o modelo original com 15 subescalas; e o modelo exploratório estimado com a exploratory graph analysis. Também se utilizou uma regressão logística ordinal para avaliar se escores fatoriais gerados por esses modelos eram capazes de predizer a autopercepção de desempenho. Os resultados indicam que o modelo exploratório apresentou melhor validade estrutural, bem como melhor validade preditiva em comparação com os outros dois modelos. Esse resultado demonstra algumas fragilidades da estruturação teórica original do MSLQ. Discutem-se as similaridades e idiossincrasias dos nossos resultados com outros estudos, bem como são feitas recomendações para estudos futuros sobre o MSLQ.