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Disasters are inevitable facts of life. It is difficult to deal with disasters and emergencies because of the uncertainties they contain. Managing disasters and emergencies requires integrity with before and after processes. No matter how well-informed people may be when faced with a disaster, they may not act consciously due to the shock of the event, fear and anxiety. Therefore, the recovery phase after a disaster is very important. In the presented paper, meeting areas after a disaster for Istanbul, which is one of the closest witnesses of the earthquake reality, were examined. The motivation of the paper is to evaluate the assembly areas in Istanbul on the basis of all districts under expert opinions and to compare and rank the suitability of the currently existing emergency assembly areas for the expected major Istanbul earthquake. This ranking was made by the help of the fuzzy logic integration of the Multi Attributive Ideal Real Comparative Analysis (MAIRCA) method, which is one of the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Techniques (MCDM). It is thought that this ranking will be useful in revealing the current situation of the districts and raising awareness. As far as is known, according to the results obtained from the paper in which the spherical fuzzy logic integrated MAIRCA technique was used for the first time, Kadıköy district was determined as the district with the best conditions assembly areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gazi Medical Journal is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and Aim: Path integration refers to the capability of utilizing self-motion information produced by one's own bodily movements to accurately determine and maintain one's position in space. Typically, path integration mechanisms come into play when visual information is limited or absent. The objective of this study was to develop a path integration test that relies solely on self-motion cues derived from body movements, without the involvement of visual cues. Methods: The study involved 157 volunteers (86 females and 71 males) aged between 18 and 70 years. Participants were asked to walk on a coordinated ground with their closed eyes and follow the six different commands. They were, after that, requested to return their initial position. Movement time was manually measured by the stopwatch. The distance between the original reference point and estimated starting point was recorded. Results: The second command that showed the lowest standard deviation out of the six commands given to the participants was observed as the more reliable test among the other commands (47.51±33.75). In addition, the completion time of the second command increased with increasing age (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study introduces an innovative spatial navigation approach utilizing the second command set. As an alternative, this command can be used to assess the human spatial navigation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bezmialem Science is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this study is to identify the key factors to minimize carbon emission problem. Within this framework, an examination has been made by considering both data mining and fuzzy decision-making techniques. In the analysis process, N-gram methodology is implemented to the abstracts of 1711 studies in the "Sciencedirect" platform and five different indicators are selected. In the proposed decision-making model, firstly, selected criteria are weighted by Spherical fuzzy CRITIC. Secondly, E7 economies are ranked with RATGOS. Thirdly, a sensitivity analysis is performed, and a comparative evaluation is conducted by MAIRCA technique. The most important originality of this proposed model is generating a new technique named RATGOS. In the literature, there are various decision-making models to rank the alternatives. However, lots of researchers criticized these approaches due to some reasons, such as using Euclidean distance by calculating the distances to the negative ideal solutions. Thus, it is seen that there is a need for a new technique that considers geometric mean in proportional concepts. To reach this objective, the RATGOS technique is introduced so that it can be possible to reach more accurate results. The findings indicate that renewable energy usage is the most critical item to overcome carbon emission problem. Therefore, some measures should be taken to increase renewable energy investments. First, governments can offer incentives for renewable energy investments. These incentives may include various incentives such as tax exemptions and low interest loans. Moreover, more research and development works are required for the development of renewable energy technologies. In this way, it can make renewable energy technologies more effective and efficient. For future research directions, an evaluation can be carried out for developed countries because carbon emissions problem also plays a crucial role for the social and economic improvements of these economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new fuzzy decision-making model is created to evaluate whether the solar panels are efficient to minimize energy costs of the hospitals. The weights of the criteria are calculated by considering T-Spherical fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method. Moreover, for the purpose of measuring the coherency of the findings, analysis results are also calculated for different t values. Additionally, by making improvements to some criticisms to the classical DEMATEL method, a new technique is created by the name of TOP-DEMATEL while integrating some steps of technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) to the DEMATEL technique. The main novelty of this study is that it is analyzed whether the solar panels are effective in reducing the costs of hospitals with an original decision-making model. It is concluded that generating own energy in the long run is the most crucial item according to both T-Spherical fuzzy DEMATEL and TOP-DEMATEL methods. The analysis results are quite similar for different t values. This situation gives information about the coherency and reliability of the findings. This situation gives information that the solar panels should be taken into consideration for the hospitals because they will minimize energy dependency of the hospitals. On the other side, the results of T-Spherical fuzzy TOP-DEMATEL indicate that the high initial investment cost is the second most critical factor in this respect. This finding is quite different by comparing with the results of T-Spherical fuzzy TOP-DEMATEL. Hence, it is seen that cost effectiveness should also be taken into consideration for the decision of generating the solar panels in the hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In metropolitans, where public transportation is used extensively, bus drivers are one of the occupational groups with a high risk of contracting COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the difference between the clinical status of a group of bus drivers and field officers with COVID-19 on public transportation lines in Istanbul. METHODS: The study was conducted with 477 male volunteer participants. COVID-19 was confirmed through a positive nasopharyngeal culture sample using the real-time PCR test. Demographic information, biochemical parameters, clinical status, and the use of nutritional supplements were compared between those who recovered from COVID-19 at home or in the hospital. RESULTS: The body mass indexes (BMI) of 83.9% of individuals was above normal and 75.4% were treated for the disease at home. There were significant differences in terms of age, BMI, weight loss, smoking, use of nutritional supplements, blood glucose levels and vitamin B12 values. However, there was no significant difference between the types of nutritional supplements used or other biochemical parameters. CONCLUSION: It was determined that those who survived the disease at home were younger and had a lower BMI. It is important for both individuals and for general public health to create healthy working environments, especially for bus drivers, who have a high risk of COVID-19 contamination and transmission due to their long exposure time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying abroad has increasingly become prestigious in the world and its causes and effects are significant. In this study, we aimed to determine which factors are the most important for international students in choosing a country in which to study. In this respect, seven factors have been identified and analyzed with spherical fuzzy DEMATEL. The most important contribution of this study to the literature is that we analyzed it with numerical variables and a multi-criteria decision-making method based on non-numerical data and expert opinions. Thus, we aimed to guide policymakers and researchers. According to the study results, the most important factor for international students in choosing a country in which to study is legal and political factors. Therefore, it is crucial that countries provide attractive government policies and implement legal regulations Also, it is important to make legal systems more democratic. In addition, taking the necessary security precautions regarding routes to school and places where international students live, ensuring stress-free visa procedures, and simplifying legal requirements will encourage more international students to pick the country. In this way, economic and social development of the country will be facilitated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study aims to evaluate the significant risks in geothermal energy investments. For this purpose, a model is suggested by considering the Spherical fuzzy DEMATEL technique. With the help of the literature examination, eight important risks are identified for these projects. In the following step, their weights are calculated so that more significant risk issues can be understood. Another calculation is also performed by triangular fuzzy DEMATEL to check the consistency of the analysis results. The results of both Spherical and triangular fuzzy DEMATEL techniques are similar. The most essential risk issues are the same for both methods that demonstrate the validity of the findings. The results indicate that the risk of accidents because of incorrect design‐material use has the greatest importance since it has the highest weight. Moreover, the risks of decreased water resources and pollution of them also play a significant role in this regard. Great attention should be paid to the quality of the material to be used in geothermal energy facilities. Otherwise, there is a risk of explosion and fire in the facility. These problems threaten the lives of many people. In this process, states also have very important duties. Some standards should be determined for the quality of the material used in these facilities. In addition, the compliance of the quality of these materials with the regulations should be checked with the routine inspections. This situation will minimize the risk of accidents due to using poor‐quality materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E-Commerce is a shopping method that allows trading or placing an order for any product or service on a website with various payment methods. This method is gaining importance day by day and increasing its market share. Although the reasons for choosing e-commerce for consumers are different from each other, in general, criteria such as time, payment options and individualization affect preferences. In this study; e-commerce sites were compared, and 14 e-commerce sites were determined as alternatives based on expert opinions. These identified ecommerce sites were evaluated in terms of criteria such as brand image & reliability, campaign, cargo speed, packaging, payment options, personnel, call center services and functionality of the application. In the first part of the study, two clusters of e-commerce sites were created using cluster analysis. These clusters are grouped as general service e-commerce sites and specific service e-commerce sites. Thus, two homogeneous groups were formed from the large heterogeneous group. In the second part of the study, the criteria were compared and sorted using the spherical fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study discusses the relationship between perceived stress and emotional eating based on shiftwork in city bus drivers. It was conducted with 1403 male city bus drivers working in Istanbul. Questions about the drivers’ physical activity and dietary habits, the Healthy Diet Index (HDI), Emotional Appetite Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale-10 data were collected and evaluated in two groups: shift and non-shift employees. It was found that the shift workers (SWs) have lower perceived stress, physical activity, HDI and positive emotional appetite averages. In addition, for SWs, a positive correlation was found between negative emotional appetite scores and physical activity and HDI scores. In conclusion, the drivers working in shifts were found to be slightly overweight and had lower physical activity levels, had lower HDI scores, and their nutritional status was more negatively impacted than their counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify the necessary strategies for the development of a sustainable financial system. For this purpose, a novel approach could be provided for soft computing with Gaussian-based fuzzy DEMATEL approach to understand the significant levels and impact-relation degrees of these criteria. For robustness check, this evaluation has also been performed for triangular and trapezoidal fuzzy sets. There are many novelties of this study. Firstly, computer science has a significant role in the decision-making process. Another specificity is that the use of Gaussian numbers with fuzzy numbers is a new area. In addition, interval type-2 fuzzy (IT2F) sets also provide a significant advantage in decision-making under uncertainty. The results demonstrate that the size of the alternative financing, investment in efficient projects, and effective advertisement/promotions are the most important items to affect the performance of alternative banking system of emerging economies. Hence, it is recommended that the new banking applications should be applied by the state or the state can provide some incentives for foreign banks to invest in emerging economies, such as tax reduction. Another important point is that the financial intermediations should generate a component financial analysis team to examine the financial reports of the companies in detail so that the financial credibility of these companies can be evaluated more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Contaduría y Administración is the property of Facultad de Contaduria y Administracion-Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aims to evaluate the effect of electricity production on industrial development and sustainable economic growth. In this context, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS), countries which have the highest increase in electricity production in the period of 2000–2018, are included in the scope of this study. Annual data of these variables in the period of 1991–2018 are used and three different models are created by using Vector Auto Regression (VAR) methodology. The findings state that electricity production in BRICS countries has a positive effect on both industrial production and sustainable economic growth. Hence, electricity production needs to be increased for them. For this purpose, it is important to encourage investors with tax advantages, location orientation and financing. Moreover, BRICS countries should give importance to renewable energy investments in order to increase electricity production. These issues have a contributing effect to sustainable economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the realm of academia, psychosocial risk factors play a pivotal role, exerting considerable influence on the well-being and performance of scholars. Factors such as excessive workloads, unrelenting performance expectations, time constraints, and competitive atmospheres can detrimentally affect their health and overall quality of life. Moreover, issues like social isolation, work-life imbalance, and academic anxiety further compound these challenges, impeding academic progress and success., Objective: Thus, it is imperative to identify, mitigate, and manage psychosocial risk factors effectively to foster a conducive academic environment conducive to productivity and achievement., Methods: This study employs a novel approach, integrating expert opinions and utilizing sine trigonometry Pythagorean fuzzy numbers to ascertain the degrees of importance and rank psychosocial risk factors through the DEMATEL method. This methodology presents a unique contribution to existing literature, offering fresh insights into this critical area of study., Results: Evaluation of 25 factors reveals burnout, job dissatisfaction, precarious working conditions, lack of trust, unfair treatment, job insecurity, and limited developmental opportunities as primary concerns, underscoring the multifaceted nature of these challenges., Conclusions: In the occupational sphere, active participation from all stakeholders in addressing psychosocial risks is paramount for effective problem resolution. It is incumbent upon parties involved to discharge their duties, foster collaboration, enhance working conditions, ensure equity, and facilitate avenues for professional growth. Each identified risk factor addressed and preempted translates into a tangible reduction in workplace accidents and occupational ailments, underscoring the tangible benefits of proactive risk management.

Hospitals need to identify issues of greater importance on waste management because the implementation of many different strategies may lead to an unconscious increase in costs. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to define the most effective waste management strategies in the service industry. For this purpose, a novel fuzzy decision-making model is proposed that has two different stages. In this context, six JCI-based indicators are weighted by using sine trigonometric fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology. Additionally, a comparative evaluation has also been conducted with sine trigonometric fuzzy Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) technique to check the reliability of the findings. On the other hand, five different strategy alternatives are selected by considering the principles of the integrated waste management hierarchy approach. These items are evaluated by considering sine trigonometric fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity (TOPSIS). On the other side, these factors are also ranked with the help of sine trigonometric fuzzy Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) to test the consistency of the results. The main contribution is that prior strategies can be presented to the hospitals to have appropriate waste management process by defining the most important factors. Criteria weighting and alternative ranking results are the same in all combinations. Therefore, it is seen that the proposed model creates coherent and consistent results. It is defined that efficient storage of waste is the key issue to have effective waste management process. Moreover, 'reduce' is found as the most critical stage of this process., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.