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The purpose of this study was to explore the opinions of administrators about the effect of administrator replacement circulation in non-formal education institutions providing adult education on organizational culture. In this qualitative study, ten randomly selected administrators were interviewed using the convenience sampling method. The data were analyzed via the content analysis technique. As a result of the research, most managers think that the institutions providing adult education should be subjected to a different management appointment system than other institutions. While some managers find the organizational change circulation necessary and important for organizational culture, and the preservation and development of the existing culture, some managers stated that changes negatively affect the organizational culture structure. Although there are some differences in opinions among the managers, all managers agree on the importance and provision of the organizational culture in terms of a healthy system functioning in such institutions.

The purpose of this study is to reveal the relationship between effective school characteristics and effective leadership qualities from the perspective of a group of teachers in Antalya, Turkey, who were selected based on the demographic diversity of the population. The questionnaires "Qualifications of Effective Leaders Questionnaire" and "Effective School Characteristics Inventory" were used to collect data for the study. The data were collected from 560 school teachers working in the five central provinces in Antalya. Spearman correlation analysis and Linear regression were used in the study analyses. Consequently, the findings showed that there is a positive and significant correlation between effective leadership qualities and effective school characteristics. The results of the linear regression analysis further demonstrate statistically significant correlations. Specifically, there is a significant correlation between being democratic and tolerant, and limited learning obstacles. Additionally, a significant correlation exists between communication, excitement, and the dimensions of flexible resources, as well as focusing on basic skills. Lastly, there is a significant correlation between communication, excitement, vision, and monitoring students' progress within effective schools.

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to determine whether organizational deviance perception was affected by organizational climate according to teachers' perceptions. Research Method: The research was designed in a survey model. In determining the sample of the research, the random sampling technique was used. The sampling of the study was made up of 384 teachers serving in primary and secondary schools in Mugla province in the 2017-2018 school year. To collect the data for the study, Organizational Deviance Scale for Schools and Organizational Climate Scale were used. Findings: According to the findings of the research, general organizational deviance was at a low level. When general organizational deviance and its dimensions were examined according to the gender of the teachers, a significant difference was observed in favor of the male teachers. Additionally, regression analysis showed that dimensions of organizational climate were separately moderate predictors of the teachers' dimensions of organizational deviance perceptions. At the same time, dimensions of organizational climate were strong predictors of the teachers' organizational deviance perceptions. When the regression coefficient beta value was considered, the most important variable for organizational deviance perception and its dimensions separately was the Cooperative Teacher dimension. Implications for Research and Practice: The increase in the support and cooperation activities among the teachers leads to the improvement of organizational climate and decrease of organizational deviation behaviors in the school. Education administrators are recommended to take necessary measures to increase the support and cooperation among teachers. This study examined negative organizational deviations. It is also suggested that researchers investigate positive organizational deviation.

We aimed to examine the opinions of parents' having a child with ASD, on genetic testing, in a Turkish sample. 951 parents' attitudes towards genetic testing were included. 89.1% of the parents did not take a genetic test during pregnancy. 87.6% of the parents agreed to take a genetic test if it could explain the cause of ASDs. 93% agreed to take a genetic test, if it would help to have a better treatment in the future. 63.8% of the participants would approve the storage of their DNA samples for the future studies. 94.8% considered being informed about the purpose of taking DNA material for the early diagnosis and 84.2% considered being suggested genetic tests for early diagnosis as important.

This study aims to determine the relationship between leadership styles of school principals and whistle blowing behaviors of teachers. The sample of this study, which is designed in the relational survey model, consists of 393 teachers working in primary, secondary and high schools in the province of Mugla. The data were collected through "School Principal Leadership Style Scale" and "Whistleblowing Scale." In data analysis, descriptive statistics and regression analysis were applied. According to the findings obtained from these data, it was identified that teachers preferred internal whistleblowing at the highest level whereas they opted for external whistleblowing behavior at the lowest level. Besides, according to teachers' opinions, it was asserted that at the very most level school principals demonstrated transformational leadership behaviors. In addition, it was also determined that there was a medium level of significant relationship between the leadership styles school principals demonstrated and whistle blowing behaviors of teachers. Moreover, it was stated that as long as school principals demonstrated transformational leadership behaviors, teachers mostly preferred the internal whistleblowing type of behavior. On the other hand, it was remarked that teachers opted for anonymous whistleblowing behaviors as long as school principals demonstrated laissez-faire leadership behaviors.

Problem Statement: Literature reviews clearly document that students still show a tendency to use violence in resolving interpersonal conflicts in school. Results from various research conducted in Turkey suggest that violence, aggression, and bullying behaviors are still rampant in the primary and high schools. Studies conducted in primary and middle schools toward decreasing aggression and preventing violence focus on programs such as violence prevention, conflict resolution, and peer mediation. While these programs are mainly based on peacemaking strategy, prevention programs based on positive peace and peacebuilding strategy with tested effectiveness are rather limited. Thus, a peace education program based on positive peace and peacebuilding strategy was developed and its effects on aggression levels of sixth grade students were investigated. Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of peace education program on sixth grade students' aggression. Furthermore, students' perspectives and experiences related to peace education program were examined. Method: In the research conducted in two low-SES middle schools, an embedded mixed method design was used. The qualitative study was embedded within a pretest-posttest control group using a quasi-experimental design to learn more about the experiences of students who receive peace education training. The peace education program was applied on experimental group, while the control group has not been provided any treatment related to the research topic. The experimental group included 84 girls (53.85%), 72 boys (46.15%), and 156 students (59.54%) in total. The control group included 54 girls (50.94%), 52 boys (49.06%), and 106 students (40.46%) in total. The Aggression Questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data. After the experimental treatment process was completed, a total of 20 students were interviewed and their perspectives and experiences related to the peace education program were examined. A semi-structured interview form was used to obtain qualitative data. Findings and Results: Research results indicated that aggression levels of the experimental group were significantly reduced compared to the control group students. Analyses of qualitative data provided evidence that the peace education program led to positive changes in student behaviors and improved relationships among and between students and teachers. Conclusions and Recommendations: In the research, it was determined that the peace education program was effective in decreasing aggression levels of the sixth grade students. The findings in this study are parallel with the findings of previous experimental studies. Thus, the research validated the assumptions that implementing peace education programs in schools will enable students to gain fundamental life skills to constructively resolve interpersonal conflicts.

Background: The literature on the use of inflammatory indexes for palliative care patients without malignancy is scarce. Aims: To determine which inflammatory indexes are associated with the mortality risks of non-malignant patients hospitalised and receiving palliative care. Methods: Discharged or deceased patients in a palliative care unit of a secondary care hospital were included. The laboratory values were obtained during the first 48 hours of hospitalisation. Findings: As a result of univariate Cox regression analysis, 14-day mortality rate was affected by lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil-to-albumin ratio (NAR), C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR), multi-inflammatory indexes (MII-1) and MII-2 (p<0.001, p=0.001, p=0.002, p=0.009 and p=0.003, respectively); NLR, CLR, NAR, CAR, MII-1 and MII-2 (respectively p=0.005, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.001 and p<0.001) affected 28-day mortality rate. Indexes that statistically significantly increased both 14-day and 28-day mortality rates independently of other variables were CLR, NAR, CAR, MII-1 and MII-2. Conclusion: High values in inflammatory indexes, including C-reactive protein and albumin increase the risk of 14-day and 28-day mortality rates in palliative care non-malignant patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an automated workflow for drought monitoring in Burdur Lake, Turkey, utilizing Sentinel-2 satellite data and K-means clustering. Five Sentinel-2 images from 2019 to 2023 were processed to derive spectral water indices. A water mask was generated by thresholding the indices, allowing for the distinction of water bodies. Kmeans clustering quantified changes in the lake area over time. The results reveal a decreasing trend in water extent from August 2019 to August 2023. In August 2019, the water extent was approximately 18.53% (138.9456 Km2), which declined to around 16.64% (124.7500 Km²) by August 2023, signifying an approximately 10.3% reduction in water extent between the start and end years. This approach demonstrates a valuable framework for the integration of freely available satellite data and machine learning algorithms in operational drought monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to identify the level of mobbing behaviour faced by teachers and managers working in primary schools, their responses to such behaviour and the difference in these responses according to the gender variable. The sample of the research consists of a total of 1,316 teachers and managers including 691 men and 625 women from 21 provinces of Turkey. The data collection instrument for the research was prepared by the researcher (except for the NAQ scale). The NAQ scale was used to identify the level of mobbing behaviour faced by teachers and managers. The frequency, cross-tab, chi-square, Varimax factor reversal and t-test techniques were used in the research. The results were tested at the level of p less than 0.05. Following the research, it was found that 4.1% of the teachers and managers working in primary schools faced mobbing behaviour every day and that the male teachers and managers encounter mobbing more than the female teachers and managers. In addition, it was revealed that two thirds of the men and one third of the women perceived mobbing behaviour as normal.

Introduction: Covid-19 presents with a wide variety of clinical manifestations, and these patients are also admitted to intensive care units (ICU). Long ICU stays, gastrointestinal involvement, and prolonged hospital stays can result in hypomotility and ischemia of the intestines, which may further result in increased mortality. In severe ARDS cases, the prone position is applied to the patients. In patients in the prone position, deep sedation with muscle relaxants and parenteral nutrition is generally preferred. We aimed to evaluate the Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS 2002) score at first hospitalization, the nutritional status of the patients, and their relationship with mortality in patients followed up for Covid-19. Methods: In this study, after the approval of the ethics committee (FSMEAH-KAEK2021/28), patients aged 18 years and over who had Covid-19 PCR test positivity and who were hospitalized in the ICU for more than 24 hours between 01.03.2020-28.02.2022 were included. Demographic data, APACHE II, SOFA, SAPS II, NRS 2002 scores, comorbidities, need for mechanical ventilation (MV), non-invasive MV or high-flow oxygen therapy, length of stay, enteral, parenteral, or oral nutrition and durations, need for prone positioning, time of first nutrition, inotrope requirement, discharge from the ICU, and mortality were recorded. SPSS v20.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Sixty-nine patients were studied in the study (35 male (50.7%), 34 female (49.3%)). The mean age of the patients was 72.2±12.3. The prone position was applied in 87% of patients on invasive mechanical ventilators, 30.4% of patients on non-invasive mechanical ventilators, and 7.2% of patients on high-flow oxygen therapy. Enteral nutrition rate was 89.9%, parenteral nutrition rate was 43.5%. Time to first nutrition was 1.4±0.6 days, and time to first enteral nutrition was 1.7±1.0 days. The number of patients who used vasopressor agents was 52 (75.4%), and the mortality rate was 69.6%. The mean NRS 2002 score was 4.2±0.9. SOFA score, IMV, NIMV, prone positioning, and vasopressor agent use were high in the mortality group. Discussion and Conclusion: The presence of extrapulmonary involvement, associated dysmotility, deep sedation, the use of muscle relaxants, and the resulting intolerance affect the complications of ICU admissions and ICU discharge in Covid-19 disease. Therefore, ICU management and the nutritional state of Covid-19 patients can influence ICU discharge and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Al-Nahrain Journal for Engineering Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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 reveal the relationship between effective school characteristics and effective leadership qualities from the perspective of a group of teachers in Antalya, Turkey, who were selected based on the demographic diversity of the population. The questionnaires "Qualifications of Effective Leaders Questionnaire" and "Effective School Characteristics Inventory" were used to collect data for the study. The data were collected from 560 school teachers working in the five central provinces in Antalya. Spearman correlation analysis and Linear regression were used in the study analyses. Consequently, the findings showed that there is a positive and significant correlation between effective leadership qualities and effective school characteristics. The results of the linear regression analysis further demonstrate statistically significant correlations. Specifically, there is a significant correlation between being democratic and tolerant, and limited learning obstacles. Additionally, a significant correlation exists between communication, excitement, and the dimensions of flexible resources, as well as focusing on basic skills. Lastly, there is a significant correlation between communication, excitement, vision, and monitoring students' progress within effective schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to determine customers' perceptions of the ethics of social commerce platforms by investigating the role of the impact of information quality, information credibility, website quality, innovativeness, altruism, sense of belongingness, self-enhancement, social support, and valuation of electronic word of mouth (eWOM) on the perception of ethics of social commerce platforms. In addition, the strength of the relationship between these factors and the perception of ethics of social commerce platforms was determined by the mediating role of the perceived risk of ethical violations. To this end, this study complements academic literature by integrating structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi criteria decision making (MCDM) techniques. In order to complete the strategic decisive solution, this study uses a survey to collect data from customers of rural communities in Malaysia and Turkey. The results demonstrate that perceived risk of ethical violations has a partial mediating role in the relationship between dependent variables and the perception of ethics of social commerce platforms for Malaysia and Turkey. Benchmarking and ranking customers from best to worst based on the perception of ethics of social commerce would identify customers with a high perception of the ethics of social commerce platforms and motivate them as opinion leaders of such platforms. Contrarily, social commerce platforms can treat worst-ranked customers with caution and strive to turn a negative perception into positive ethics. Besides, the cross-cluster study at the level of Asia and Europe would contribute to the literature to identify insights into the differences and similarities between the Asian and European contexts based on multiple and diverse cultures regarding social commerce ethics of rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on the literature on culture and intercultural communication, current discussions surrounding English as an international language (EIL), and cultural appropriation of ELT books in local communities, this article reports the findings of a qualitative and qualitative research study with English language teachers from Inner (40 American, 36 British), Outer (44 Indian, 40 Malaysian), and Expanding (44 Iranian and 40 Turkish) circles based on Kachru's model (1992) to explore their attitudes toward cultural content of ELT books within the framework of EIL and how they see themselves in relation to the language and culture. The findings demonstrate that most teachers are in favor of implementation of EIL and culture and understanding their perceptions plays a key role in this matter. The findings also highlight the "glocal" aspect of English that the ELT materials should include a blending of cultures, both local and international, so that learners can naturally merge their local experiences and cultures with those that are offered in the ELT materials. This article argues that together with valuing intercultural communication and awareness, it is important to promote ways for the development of EIL and culture in the classroom. Issues like cultural representation, cultural priority of teachers and students, cultural presence within the EIL framework in ELT books and pluralistic and dynamic feature of English language with cultural diversity in the globalized world must be heard and not assumed in order to develop cultural awareness.

In place of categorical hypotheses for rejection or acceptance of isolated or integrated form-focused instruction (FFI) in (quasi) experimental studies, this survey was intended to gauge the complementary versus competing nature of isolated and integrated FFI from learners' perspective. The impetus behind this study was the overwhelming lack of learner-centered surveys and overconduction of experimental, quantitative and non-ethnographic examination of FFI. Adopting the questionnaire developed and validated by Spada et al. ("System" 37:70-81, 2009), the researchers gave it to 454 Turkish low- and high-proficiency learners of English to test their preference toward grammar learning. Statistically speaking, whereas beginner learners did not have a specific preference toward isolated or integrated FFI, advanced learners showed a particular preference toward integrated FFI. The nonexistence of determination among beginner learners was likely to be related to their lower proficiency. In contrast, advanced learners' decided preference toward integrated FFI is correlated with their higher proficiency.

The present study aims to understand the phenomenon of intermarriage between Alevi and Sunni groups in Turkey through reactions of the family, relatives, and social environment toward such marriage decisions, along with the effects of these reactions on the marriage and the effects of intermarriage on spouses' relations with third parties. To this end, in-depth interviews conducted with 43 Alevi-Sunni intermarried spouses were subjected to content analysis. This analysis showed that the reactions of parents, relatives, and friends were generally positive, in line with previous research on intermarriages. Apart from focusing on the challenges faced by intermarried spouses, the study adopted a positive framework regarding intermarriage by considering the processes and coping strategies ensuring success in such relationships. Focusing on these relational processes is thought to encourage further studies on managing intercultural differences and similarities in intermarriage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of conflict resolution and peer mediation (CRPM) training among 10- and 11-year-old elementary school students was examined. The CRPM training program consisted of skills, such as understanding the nature of interpersonal conflicts, communication, anger management, negotiation and peer mediation. The research was carried out using pretest/posttest-quasi-experimental design. The sample included 591 students; 326 in the experiment and 265 in the control group. A self-report questionnaire which consisted of four subscales (integrative/constructive, smoothing, forcing and withdrawing/avoidance) was used to collect data related to conflict resolution strategies. The CRPM training program significantly improved students' "integrative/constructive" conflict resolution strategy and reduced their "forcing" and "withdrawing/avoidance" strategies. However, no statistically significant difference was found in the "smoothing" strategy. When boys' and girls' results were examined separately, boys' "integrative/constructive" conflict resolution strategy scores increased after the training, while their "forcing" scores decreased. CRPM training was not found to be effective in girls. (Contains 2 tables.)

This study aims to analyse the effects of conflict resolution and peer mediation (CRPM) training on the levels of aggression of 10-11-year-old Turkish primary school students. The study was conducted using a quasi-experimental design. The experimental group of the study included 347 students (173 girls, 174 boys), and the control group had 328 students (158 girls, 170 boys). Data for the research were collected using the "Aggression Scale". Data analyses revealed that CRPM training was effective in lowering the aggression scale scores of the students. Boys seem to have benefited more from the training than girls. CRPM training was found to reduce student aggression which may lead to more constructive, restorative and peaceful behaviour in classroom and school settings. Since less energy and time will have to be allocated to resolving problem behaviour, academic success may increase, and a safer school atmosphere may be attained. (Contains 6 tables.)

Oligoglena sirintaylan sp. n. is defined from Saklıkent in Mediterranean Turkey, which are part of the Taurus Mountains. Taurus Mountains are known for their high diversity and endemism rate of both plants and animals. The new species has a characteristic morphology and is distinguished from all other species of the genus Oligoglena Horváth also by its behavioural character. It prefers the subalpine zone and lives in gramineous vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different health management strategies may need to be implemented in different regions to cope with diseases. The current work aims to evaluate the relationship between air quality parameters and the number of new COVID-19 cases in two different geographical locations, namely Western Anatolia and Western Black Sea in Turkey. Principal component analysis (PCA) and regression model were utilized to describe the effect of environmental parameters (air quality and meteorological parameters) on the number of new COVID-19 cases. A big difference in the mean values for all air quality parameters has appeared between the two areas. Two regression models were developed and showed a significant relationship between the number of new cases and the selected environmental parameters. The results showed that wind speed, SO2, CO, NOX, and O3 are not influential variable and does not affect the number of new cases of COVID-19 in the Western Black Sea area, while only wind speed, SO2, CO, NOX, and O3 are influential parameters on the number of new cases in Western Anatolia. Although the environmental parameters behave differently in each region, these results revealed that the relationship between the air quality parameters and the number of new cases is significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While COVID‐19 implications for prejudice have been investigated among adults in previous research, children's intergroup reactions to the pandemic and specifically how native children's contact behaviours with refugees might have changed after the pandemic has not been examined yet. Drawing on a unique longitudinal school dataset (N = 861, 5th graders, Mage reported at T1 = 10.38, SD = 0.68) collected before the onset of the pandemic (T1, pre‐lockdown), after the onset of the pandemic (T2, post‐lockdown), and 6 months after the post‐lockdown (T3, follow‐up) in Turkey, we examined how children's contact behaviour (positive and negative contact), contact motivation (self‐efficacy and volition), as well as behavioural tendencies (approach and avoidance) have shifted during this period (2.5 years). We observed a consistent pattern of improvement in contact behaviours demonstrated by increases in positive contact variables and decreases in negative contact variables particularly from T1 to T2. The change in some positive contact variables was stable for 6 months, while negative contact and avoidance rapidly regressed to the baseline during the normalization period (T3). The boosting effect of the pandemic was particularly pronounced among children who displayed greater prejudice towards refugees before the pandemic. Findings contribute to the growing research literature delineating the potential benefits of COVID‐19 at the collective level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the causal relationship between the Turkish stock market returns, namely XU100, and foreign exchange rates, namely USD/TRY and EUR/TRY, in Turkey using the wavelet coherence approach. In this study, we focus on the period from April 2000 to March 2019. Our findings reveal the following: (i) While we identify substantial volatility in the exchange rate during the 2000 November (banking crisis), 2001 February (economic crisis), and 2018 July (exchange rate crisis) periods, significant volatility was observed in the Turkish stock market during the 2000 banking crisis, 2001 economic crisis, and 2008 global crisis periods; (ii) There is a negative correlation between the Turkish stock market and foreign exchange rates at different frequencies over the selected sample period; (iii) A unidirectional causality runs from the Turkish stock market to foreign exchange rates between 2000 and 2004 at a scale of 4 months and between 2008 and 2012 at a scale of 32 months; (iv) Although inconsistent results are observed for the models of USD/TRY‐XU100 and EUR/TRY‐XU100, our empirical results show that the correlations between USD/TRY and XU100 are stronger than between EUR/TRY and XU100. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the misbehavior of students within primary classrooms in Turkey and England. Focuses on data collected from primary school teachers (n=20), through the use of in-depth interviews and observation. Finds there are differences in student behavior between the two countries. Includes references. (CMK)

The growth of the components of Russian political, economic and military power in the international political system has led to an increase in the effectiveness of the Russian role in the environment of regional interactions, especially in the regions of the Middle East, Central Asia and the Caucasus.aAfter them, the Russians realized two regional powers in those areas, as the Russian leadership succeeded in employing the elements of its strategic power to influence the context of Iranian-Turkish relations in the post-2011 phase. Therefore, the continuation of Russian influence towards both Iran and Turkey, as well as the nature of Russian-Iranian partnerships and the nature of Russian-Turkish interests, and on the other hand, the existence of determinants governing the Russian role towards the two countries, which in turn will reflect on the future of the Russian role in Iranian-Turkish relations in light of three possibilities, including the continuation of the Russian role at the same level it is, in addition to the crystallization of the possibility of the growing Russian role as well.aOn the possibility of a decline in the Russian role in the context of Iranian-Turkish relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past century, Turkey has experienced various and dissimilar governance methods, such as constitutional, singleparty, multi-party, fiduciary, participatory liberalism, conservative liberalism, delegative and quasi-authoritarian, each of which has influenced democratization process in either positive or negative way. This issue raises numerous doubts about the why and how of the impact of governance method on democratization process, a subject that has not received adequate attention by researchers (background) so far. The main question in this study involves the explanation and elaboration of such positive or negative effects. This is fulfilled via process tracing method, expression of the causal mechanism (mechanism finding), and the use of library and digital resources. Justice and Development Party, as the leading sovereignty of Turkey for the last two decades, has employed three governance methods of “conservative liberalism”, “delegative” and “quasi-authoritarian” with positive, positivenegative and negative impacts, respectively on democratization process. The main finding of this study, therefore, is that the type of governance method can act as either a barrier or a facilitator on the path to democratization process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a historical overview beginning in 1949, when the new democratic administration initiated administrative improvements based on international research. Following World War II, there was an increase in the number of Civil Servants, as well as economic concerns such as rising inflation and declining living conditions. The bureaucracy's problems with successive governments stem from their failure to comprehend the bureaucracy's role. During the 1960 revolution, three groups with specific responsibility for reorganising economic and administrative institutions and executing five-year plans were established. Discusses the long-term effects of the excessive inspection and evaluation that has persisted in all areas of government activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, the tourism industry has brought many economic and social changes in different countries of the world, and its economic importance compared to other industries has attracted the attention of many researchers and political and economic decision makers. The tourism industry in Iran, despite the historical background, high natural and cultural attractions in the region, compared to many countries, including Turkey, which is in the neighborhood of Iran, is not up to its name. In this research, the author tried to study the comparative tourism between Iran and Turkey by using the descriptive-analytical method, and by asking the question, what was the reason for the success of Turkey in the tourism industry compared to Iran? It seems that Turkey's success compared to Iran in the tourism industry is due to long-term planning, media attention and modern infrastructure, strengthening the private sector and removing social and cultural barriers, rather than natural attractions. The results of this research show that, firstly, the attention of the Turkish media in advertising and attracting tourism has a more defensible performance compared to Iranian media, and secondly, the opportunities and natural and cultural attractions of Iran with long-term planning and extensive and targeted advertising. Reducing the government's responsibility and using effective human resources can become an emerging power in the tourism industry in the future. Thirdly, Turkey can be a recreational tourism destination and Iran can be a cultural tourism destination with many potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a challenging exclusion diagnosis for breast lesions, manifested as benign, chronic inflammation of the breast tissue. Although some evidence suggest that IGM cases are not uniformly distributed worldwide, few investigations have specifically addressed this topic. This study aims to examine the distribution of IGM cases among countries and races/ethnicities based on reported cases. Methods: A review of studies with a report of at least one IGM patient published from 2011 to 2020 inclusive was conducted. The search was performed in MEDLINE, and citations were filtered in two stages by title/abstract and full text. Those cases with a positive growth of pathogens, male granulomatous mastitis and review articles were excluded. Results: Among 365 retrieved publications, 218 were finally included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, comprising 7161 patients from 34 different countries. Turkey, the United States, and China were the countries where the most publications (including case reports) originated. Considering the number of patients within papers, Turkey, Iran, and China were the pioneers. Conclusion: Based on the published literature, some populations seem to be more prone to IGM. Further investigations may reveal the genetic and environmental factors associated with this disease in different geographic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shatt Al-Arab River in Basrah province, Iraq, was assessed by applying comprehensive pollution index (CPI) at fifteen sampling locations from 2011 to 2020, taking into consideration twelve physicochemical parameters which included pH, Tur., TDS, EC, TH, Na+, K+, Ca+2, Mg+2, Alk., SO4 -2, and Cl-. The effectiveness of multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) for predicting comprehensive pollution index was examined in this research. In order to determine the ideal values of the predictor parameters that lead to the lowest CPI value, the genetic algorithm coupled with multiple linear regression (GA-MLR) was used. A multi-layer feed-forward neural network with backpropagation algorithm was used in this study. The optimal ANN structure utilized in this research consisted of three layers: the input layer, one hidden layer, and one output layer. The predicted equation of the comprehensive pollution index was created using the regression technique and used as an objective function of the genetic algorithm. The minimum predicted comprehensive pollution index value recommended by the GA-MLR approach was 0.3777. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric and esophageal cancers are 2 of the most prevalent cancer types worldwide. Polymorphisms in the genes that code the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme increase the formation of both cancer types. In this study, it was aimed to research the relationship between the existence of MTHFRC677T and A1298C polymorphisms in patients with gastric and esophageal cancer and the lifespans of patients. This prospective study was performed at Van Yuzuncu Yil University. Included in the study were 30 patients with esophageal tumors, 70 patients with gastric tumors, and 61 healthy volunteers. From each of the patients, 5 mL of blood was drawn. DNA was isolated via kits with spin-column technology. It was concluded that the risk of developing gastric cancer was 4.13 times higher in individuals who had the AC genotype of the A1298C polymorphism when compared to those who had the AA genotype, while the risk was 2.91 times higher in individuals who had the CC genotype when compared to those who had the AA genotype (P = 0.001, P = 0.027). Carriers of the AC genotype of the A1298C polymorphism had 2.89 times higher risk of developing esophageal cancer when compared to those who had the AA genotype (P = 0.033). It was determined that individuals who had the 1298 CC genotype were not at higher risk of developing esophageal cancer when compared to those with the AA genotype (P = 0.863). It was concluded that individuals who had the TT genotype of the C677T polymorphism were not at higher risk of developing gastric and esophageal cancers when compared to those who had the 677CC genotype (P > 0.05). There was no difference in terms of the life spans of the patients with regards to the genotypes (P > 0.05). The results showed that the A1298C polymorphism on the MTHFR gene can be a risk factor for gastric and esophageal cancer in eastern Turkey. These polymorphisms may have no effect on the life spans of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Erciyes Akademi is the property of Erciyes Universitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi 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 assessed the long-run (LR) and short-run (SR) impacts of climatic and non-climatic factors, i.e., CO2 emissions (CO2e), average level of temperature (ALT), average level of precipitation (ALP), area harvested of wheat and rice crops (AHW and (AHR), domestic credit (DCR), and agricultural labor (ALB) on wheat and rice production (WP and RP) in Turkey by using annual time series data ranging from 1980 to 2016 and by employing several econometric techniques. The autoregressive distributed lag-bounds (ARDL) approach and the Johansen and Juselius cointegration (JJC) test confirmed a valid long-term connection among underlying variables. The estimation results from the ARDL model reveal that climatic factors such as CO2 emissions and temperature adversely affected wheat production in the long run as well as in the short run, whereas precipitation positively improved wheat production in both periods. Further results indicate that non-climatic factors like area harvested of wheat and domestic credit positively and significantly enhanced wheat production in the long run and short run. Similarly, CO2 emissions also adversely affected rice production in both periods, while temperature and precipitation positively contributed towards rice production in both cases. In addition, area harvested of rice positively and significantly boosted rice production in the long run as well as in the short run, while domestic credit negatively influenced rice production in the long run but in the short run positively improved rice production. Additionally, the outcomes of the VECM Granger Causality for both rice and wheat production confirm that both climatic and non-climatic variables have a strong influence on the production of both crops. This study found that climate change has a deleterious influence on both wheat and rice production; therefore, the study suggests that temperature-resistant varieties of both crops should be developed and introduced by agricultural research institutions. In addition to this, up-to-date information is more needed related to climate change, and in the farming communities, it should be provided by agricultural extension workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Many traditional treatments have been recommended in the alternative system of medicine for treatment of diabetes mellitus; however, the mechanism of most of the herbals used has not been defined. Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of grape seed extracts (GSE)in streptozotocin induced diabetic albino rats through assessment of the Blood sugar, serum insulin,C‐peptide, α-amylase, α-Glucosidase and lipase. Materials & Methods: This experimental study was conducted in 2018 at college of veterinary medicine / Tikrit University. Sixty rats were randomly divided to ten equal groups: non diabetic control, diabetic control, experimental groups received grape seed extract (GSE) at doses100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg of body weight in a period of 7 weeks . Blood sugar, serum insulin,C‐peptide, alpha amylase, and lipase activity were measured. The data were analyzed by one way analysis of variance, ANOVA, followed by Turkey, s test with SPSS software. Results: Compared to normal control, the diabetic control rats showed significant increase in serum glucose, α-Glucosidase, and lipase levels and decrease in serum insulin and C‐peptide, and α-amylase levels were observed. Concurrently, administration of GSE decreased the serum glucose, α-Glucosidase, and lipase levels meanwhile, significant increase in serum insulin and C‐peptide, and α-amylase activities when compared with untreated induced diabetic group. In conclusion, these results suggest that the GS Extract” may possess anti-hyperglycemic potential in diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The success or failure of global and national efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic depends on public knowledge, attitude, and practice. Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey are among the most affected countries in which they have approximately similar socio-cultural structures. This is an online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice levels toward the COVID-19 pandemic among the adult population of these nationalities. Methods: A total of 2736 individuals including 1080 from Turkey, 1025 from Iran, and 631 from Afghanistan responded to the questionnaire. The data was collected online through a survey using the Google form and Porsall platforms. In addition to demographic characteristics, the questionnaire consists of three main sections including items of awareness, attitude, and practice of the participants about COVID-19 using four Likert scale questions. Descriptive statistics were used to estimates the proportions of items. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent T-test was used to analyze the difference between KAP scores among sociodemographic variables and between countries. All analyses were done with the 95% confidence level and the significant level was defined as pvalue < 0.05. Results: Overall KAP scores were over 3 out of 4 among Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan respectively. Despite no differences between subpopulations in each country, the overall attitude and practice score of the Afghan population was significantly lower than Turkish and Iranian populations (P-value<0.05). Conclusion: In spite of the high level of knowledge, positive attitude, and acceptable practice in all populations understudy, a low-risk perception in a considerable part of the population was discerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dependence of European gas imports on Russia has led European countries to consider different ways to compete with Russia. One of the most important of these is the Caspian and Middle East countries, which delivers gas to Turkey via the southern corridor and then to other European countries. The region's gas supplies are still in dispute. One of the main concerns of European countries is to choose the best option for gas supply for this project. Currently, not only Azerbaijan exports to Europe, but other countries are also interested in European countries due to concerns over its ability to continue exporting. Therefore, in addition to Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Iraq are among the main gas supply options in the region. In the present article, with the approach of cooperative game theory, different gas export coalitions from this region to Europe have been investigated and bargaining power of all countries has been obtained through Shapley solution. The results show that Turkey plays the most important role in the gas pipeline network as a transistor, because without this country no area would be able to export gas to Europe. It also appears that the pipelines could increase the bargaining power of one country, which could increase gas transmission capacity without the need for a country other than Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asphalt is considered as a valuable construction material because of its strong, adhesive, and durable characteristics. Asphalt cement (AC) binder is a viscoelastic material with different behaviors under different climate conditions, traffic loadings, and speed. Dynamic modulus of asphalt mixtures E* is an important factor in pavement design. The determination of E* is either by direct testing, which is difficult and expensive, or by using correlations with simple tests. Most correlations depend on viscosity's determination under different temperatures and loading rates (speed), which can be calculated using temperature susceptibility parameters A–VTS values. This study aims to determine a simple and appropriate method to calculate A–VTS parameters using simple tests. An experimental program has been conducted for testing different typical virgin and modified asphalt binders in Turkey. The results have been analyzed using mechanistic–empirical pavement design method (MEPDM) with an available analysis tool. A simple method for the determination of A–VTS has been recommended using penetration tests at temperatures of 4, 25, and 35 °C, and other significant findings were recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite burgeoning evidence for the effectiveness of intergroup contact on prejudice reduction, relatively less is known about how much individuals' internal control and active choice is involved in the formation of intergroup contact. Through four correlational studies (Ntotal = 1043, Study 1 in Cyprus and Studies 2–4 in Turkey), we investigated the construct of 'contact volition'—the extent to which one engages in intergroup contact deliberately. Studies 1–3 showed that intergroup contact perceived as primarily intentional and pursued by the active choice of the self (volitional contact) was associated with greater intimacy and positivity and thereby more positive attitudes, compared to contact that is primarily based on external/situational conditions (contingent contact). Study 4 showed that contact quantity was associated with more positive attitudes and behavioral tendencies through greater intimacy and positivity, only when contact was volitional. Findings contribute to the recently emerging research literature on motivated contact behavior that can help maximize the effectiveness of contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Trauma & Emergency Surgery / Ulusal Travma ve Acil Cerrahi Dergisi is the property of KARE Publishing 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.)

While extended intergroup contact has been commonly studied in the context of prejudice reduction, less is known about its implications for processes related to the ingroup. Through three correlational and one experimental studies (total N = 897) conducted in two different intergroup contexts (Turkey and United Kingdom), we investigated whether extended intergroup contact relates to social distance and attitudes towards ingroup members as a function of outgroup attitudes. We also investigated ingroup identification and perceived ingroup morality as potential mediators in these associations. Correlational studies demonstrated that especially when outgroup attitudes were more negative, participants' positive (but not negative) extended contact was related to a more negative evaluation of the ingroup; whereas when outgroup attitudes were more positive, extended contact was associated with positive attitudes towards the ingroup. We found experimental evidence for the suggested relationships in relation to ingroup social distance. Findings are discussed in the light of vicarious dissonance theory and deprovincialization hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated whether and how the experience of being tolerated and of being discriminated against are associated with psychological well‐being in three correlational studies among three stigmatized groups in Turkey (LGBTI group members, people with disabilities, and ethnic Kurds, total N = 862). Perceived threat to social identity needs (esteem, meaning, belonging, efficacy, and continuity) was examined as a mediator in these associations. Structural equation models showed evidence for the detrimental role of both toleration and discrimination experiences on positive and negative psychological well‐being through higher levels of threatened social identity needs. A mini‐meta analysis showed small to moderate effect sizes and toleration was associated with lower positive well‐being through threatened needs among all three stigmatized groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy systems are a cheaper and easy solution to cope with severe energy crisis especially in emerging economies including Turkey which exerted huge efforts to enhance the existing solar power projects. However, the selection of the optimal site for the installation of solar projects needs vigorous investigation through various factors. Adequate quantitative scientific research is required for the process of site selection in Turkey. This paper categorizes various sites in Turkey through various factors such as economic, environmental, and social factors. Various major criteria have been combined through mathematical development to install the solar power project in remote areas of Turkey. The scientific evaluation of remote and rural solar projects in Turkey has been taken as a case study in the current paper. Additionally, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and F-VIKOR methods were used to aggregate the criteria. The results show that economic and social ratio is significant, whereas the transmission matrix, land cost, and the sun irradiance got a major score in order to generate electricity. The study results show that total sunshine time per year determined is 2741 h (a total of 7.5 h per day) and the total solar energy obtained each year is 1527 kWh per square meter per year (a total of 4.18 kWh per square meter per day). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean Sea has been a vital passage since time immemorial. It was the cultural and ideological fault line between empires in eastern and western countries. Contrary to its previous past, the last century saw the peaceful sea. However, Greece and Turkey's recent standstill ruins this ideal time. Turkey's assertive policies to explore gas and oil in the Mediterranean Sea, known as the Blue Homeland approach, have been a significant disruption in the region's status quo. The presence of France, Egypt, and the UAE in the dispute has exacerbated this rivalry. The negotiated conflict settlement is essential; otherwise, NATO's very existence and regional stability are in danger. The author explains the conflict actors' their interests and introduces the potential solution to this conflict and NATO alliance revitalization that could end Russian aggression in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Higher education institutions (HEIs) are responsible for training and transforming the students into valuable resources. Although students are believed to be the principal stakeholders in HEIs, limited research studies are available on service quality (SQ) in HEIs from students' perspectives. This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating the factors, which constitute SQ in HEIs, specifically from students' perspective, as existing literature on this topic is either from management and general perspective or is time dated. Design/methodology/approach: The current study contributes by reviewing qualitative responses received through interviews and focus groups session with 43 students from 3 Turkey-based private HEIs. Data was collected from 43 students through 26 individual interviews and 3 focus group sessions and was analyzed through deductive reasoning using narrative and framework analysis with open coding. Findings: The analysis of data indicated six main themes, specifically: teaching quality, facilities, support staff quality, employability links, safety and security and extra-curricular activities as indicators of SQ from students' perspective. The findings of the study strongly comply with Maslow's hierarchy of needs and take steps by identifying employability and safety and security as new emerging indicators of the existing literature of SQ in HEIs. Originality/value: The existing literature lacks to provide qualitative data on SQ in HEIs from students' perspectives in Asian countries, particularly, in Turkey, the place of current research. The findings of the present research provide valuable insights to HEIs' management to understand students' perceptions of SQ, their expectations and experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research has examined the dynamic linkages among climate change factors, such as CO2 emissions, temperature, rainfall, and cereal yield in Turkey from 1968 to 2014. At first step, we tested stationary properties of the climatic factors and crop yield by using both traditional and breakpoint unit root tests. After the confirmation of given properties, we used the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model to capture the dynamic relationship among the variables in the given span of time. The empirical results show that there is a long-run equilibrium relationship that exists between climate change factors and cereal yield. CO2 emissions and average temperature have a diverse effect on the cereal yield, whereas average rainfall has a positive effect on the cereal yield in both the long run and short run. To check the causality, we use the Granger causality test that reveals a significant effect of climate change variables on the cereal yield. The unidirectional causal link is significant among temperature and rainfall factors. The results show that the cereal yield is affected by more climate factors like rain fall and temperature due to CO2 emissions as compared to land and labor use. Based on the findings of the study, few suggestions have been made to address the climate change factors. Devise agriculture-specific adaptation policy for the farmers to build their capacity and resilience to tackle climate changes, for example, farm practices. Agriculture research and development should work on cereal crop varieties that can tolerate the high temperature and precipitation. These policies could help the agriculture sector to sustain production and allocation efficiency in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated whether existing intergroup contact experiences moderated the associations between prejudicial attitudes and behavioral tendencies towards outgroups across five studies in Turkey (total N = 1,281). Findings showed that among Turks who reported higher levels of cross‐group friendship quantity (Study 1) and greater positive (but not negative) contact (Study 2) with Kurds, prejudicial attitudes did not predict negative outgroup behavioral tendencies. Confirming these studies, Study 3 indicated that the association between homophobic attitudes and outgroup avoidance/approach tendencies was weaker among individuals who reported more LGBTI friends. Study 4 replicated the latter finding among children using Syrians as the target outgroup. Study 5 further showed that the buffering role of intergroup contact occurred only among participants who held less certain attitudes towards Syrian refugees. Findings provide insights into how existing contact experiences shape the relationship between negative attitudes towards outgroups and relevant behavioral intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to highlight the effects of liquidity regulations on Islamic banking using Turkey as a case study. It recommends an alternative mechanism using capital market standards for liquidity requirement of Islamic banks to mitigate certain risks. Design/methodology/approach: The paper evaluates the correlation between cash and profit and between liquidity coverage ratio and capital adequacy ratio of participating banks in Turkey. Findings: Islamic banks hold higher cash than they should. The paper suggests a maximum liquidity ratio for Islamic banks. Applying a cap to the liquidity coverage ratio will impose discipline on Islamic banks to manage their assets appropriately as well as to encourage their financial intermediation to the real sector. In addition, the authors argue that even if the cash outflows from investment account on the right side of Islamic banks' balance sheets are included in the short-term projection, they should not be included in the denominator of the liquidity coverage ratio. Practical implications: The current Basel requirements and Islamic Financial Services Board standards are disincentives to Islamic banks to provide risk-sharing or partnership-based investments and services to their customers and depositors. Effective legal and regulatory framework and supervisory oversight need to take into account the difference between the risk profile of a typical Islamic bank and a conventional bank. Originality/value: Although it is well accepted that without adequate regulatory involvement it would not be possible to control and mitigate the risks related to Islamic banking financial intermediation, there should be a balance between the growth and stability of the industry. The regulatory involvement that satisfies this balance would be welcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the conducting the present study, the Gomphocerinae specimens were collected from June to September between 2003 and 2017 according to factors such as the Black Sea Region's topography, its vegetation and altitudes. A total of 207 different localities (including 70 main localities) from 25 provinces in region (7 of them from neighbour to region provinces) were visited. Approximately 5991 adult sample belonging to Gomphocerinae subfamily were collected from the Black Sea region. The collected samples comprised 53 Gomphocerinae taxa, belonging to 17 genera. The total number of Gomphocerinae taxa in the study area reached to 59 with six species from the literature. According to data from this study and other literature, the Black sea region ranks first among the geographical regions of Turkey with regard to the presence of the Gomphocerinae genera and its species number. It has been determined that some 17 species in area belong to Europe (Boreal) sub-region in Palaearctic. The data reveal that the Gomphocerinae taxa prefers mostly altitudes ranging between 600 and 2250 meters in Castanetum zone, Broad-leaf deciduous forest zone, and subalpine meadows in this elevational range. According to all data from this study, the Gomphocerinae taxa prefer the Black Sea Region as refugia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to understand how cultural differences affect conflict experiences in intermarriages, uncover any conflict resolution patterns used by couples in these marriages, and explore any protective dynamics that prevent cultural differences-related conflicts in Turkey. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 43 Alevi-Sunni intermarried individuals (18 couples and 7 individuals). Data were analyzed using content analysis. Most couples did not identify cultural differences as causing crucial marital problems, whereas only a minority of them faced some further challenges and conflicts due to differences in cultural orientations. Disapproval of the other's traditions/values, prejudices and discrimination, and intergroup competition were emerged themes of cultural differences-related conflicts. Four conflict resolution strategies were identified: sensitivity to one another's cultural differences, avoidance, building a "we" as a couple, and pressure to assimilate. In terms of the protective dynamics preventing cultural differences-related conflicts, secularization, universal/humanistic values, integration, and common political view emerged as themes. This study provides a step toward understanding conflict experiences in intermarriages in Turkey. Furthermore, our findings add to a growing body of literature on positive couple functioning in intermarriages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In January 2016, 1128 predominantly Turkish intellectuals signed an Academics for Peace petition to draw attention to the conflict in southeastern Turkey. Their actions were met with outcry from the government, accusing the signatories of disloyalty to the state, even treason. This paper is an analysis of the responses of 60 of these scholars to a questionnaire sent to the entire Academics for Peace email list. Respondents, including 58 signatories, provided various perspectives on academic freedom in Turkey, as well as their own experiences of signing the petition. We contend that the responses faced by these intellectuals illustrate the homogenizing effects of power to silence criticism and ensure loyalty to the government and its ideas of Turkishness. It reflects a continuation of the suppression of academic freedom in Turkey, an issue that sees little sign of abatement or reform in the light of present challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]