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A review on the behavior of FRP-reinforced ultra-high-performance concrete tubes
Get PDFThis paper reviews previous research on ultra-high-performance concrete
(UHPC) tubes confined with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP). It summarizes
current studies and provides insights for future research. UHPC-filled FRP
tubes with different fiber types and tube thicknesses were tested to investigate
their mechanical properties. It focuses on how different FRP types and numbers of FRP layers affect failure modes, mechanical properties, energy absorption, and ductility. Generally, the specimens failed by rupture of the tube at or
near the midheight. Similar to conventional concrete, test results showed significant enhancements in the ultimate strength and strain of UHPC compared
with its unconfined counterpart. For the same level of FRP confinement, the
highest increase in ultimate strength is observed in CFRP-confined UHPC columns, as CFRP has higher stiffness compared to other FRP types such as
AFRP and GFRP. The paper also examines models used to simulate experimental results, helping to understand UHPC behavior under FRP confinement
better
Numerical, analytical and experimental thermodynamic analysis of the design of an innovative ring array concentrator solar system with solar furnace containing phase change material
Get PDFThe rising demand for reliable and sustainable renewable energy has increased the need for efficient thermal energy storage. This study introduces a novel solar furnace integrated with a Ring Array Concentrator (RAC) system—rarely explored in literature—and investigates high-temperature thermal storage using Phase Change Materials (PCM) through experimental and theoretical methods. Two solar storage units were developed: Model-I with a flat receiver and Model-II with finned cylindrical receiver for enhanced heat transfer. The newly developed RAC system was tested experimentally in the Trabzon province of Turkiye. Instantaneous solar irradiation for the region was also determined analytically. During a 10-hour operating period, Model-I successfully melted 0.7 kg of solar salt and 3.8 kg of Hitec salt. In contrast, the enhanced Model-II system achieved full melting of 18 kg of Hitec salt within 7 h, reaching an average temperature of 455 K. Experimental and numerical results revealed that the RAC system achieved an optical efficiency of 58.8 %, with the receiver efficiency calculated at 64.3 %. The maximum thermal efficiency and exergy efficiency of the solar furnace are determined to be 39 % with a 3.4 % uncertainty and 20 % with a 1.3 % uncertainty, respectively. A strong agreement was observed between experimental measurements and theoretical predictions for both furnace models. This work offers a novel and integrated solar thermal system by combining advanced RAC optics with PCM-based thermal storage, making a significant contribution to sustainable energy technologies through improved heat storage performance, reduced CO 2 emissions, and adaptability to varying environmental conditions
Development and psychometric evaluation of the life management skills scale for children with type 1 diabetes
No full textObjective This study aimed to develop and psychometrically evaluate the Life Management Skills Scale (LMSS-T1D), designed to assess coping and self-management skills in children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). Methods A methodological and correlational study was conducted between May and December 2024 with 367 children aged 10-18 years. Content validity was assessed by expert review (CVI: 0.80-1.00). Construct validity was tested via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Internal consistency was measured with Cronbach's alpha; test-retest reliability was assessed using Pearson correlation. Results The scale revealed a two-factor structure "Diabetes Coping Skills" and "Diabetes Management Knowledge" explaining 70.9 % of the total variance. Factor loadings ranged from 0.832 to 0.963. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good model fit (chi(2)/df = 1.683, RMSEA = 0.069, CFI = 0.968). Cronbach's alpha was 0.980 for the total scale; 0.971 for the "Diabetes Coping Skills" subscale and 0.984 for the "Diabetes Management Knowledge" subscale. Item-total correlations were significant (r = 0.823-0.904). Test-retest reliability was high (r = 0.979-0.988), and no significant differences were found between applications (p > 0.05). Conclusion The LMSS-T1D is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating life management skills in children with T1DM. It offers a structured framework for assessing coping and self-management capabilities and may support individualized interventions. Implications for practice The scale may assist healthcare providers in identifying strengths and weaknesses in pediatric diabetes management, guiding personalized care plans. (c) 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies
How does civil war affect food security? A case of Yemen
Get PDFThis article aims to examine the impact of the ongoing civil war in Yemen on severe food insecurity. The conflicts in Yemen have deepened food security issues through economic collapse, loss of agricultural production, and the destruction of infrastructure. The war economy has diverted resources away from civilian needs, prioritizing conflict-related expenditures. Rising inflation and currency devaluation have increased food prices and further deepened poverty. Humanitarian efforts, however, face numerous challenges such as limited access, political interference, and lack of funding. The article suggests long-term solutions, such as increasing humanitarian aid, rebuilding agricultural capacity, and restoring economic stability, while highlighting the particular needs of vulnerable groups, including women and children. Emphasizing the importance of international cooperation, it calls for coordinated efforts to address Yemen's food crisis
Enhanced Drought Vulnerability in the Kızılırmak Basin: Understanding the Influence of Climate Models
Get PDFThis research examines how significant atmospheric
fluctuations affect drought conditions, in the Kızılırmak Basin in
Tu¨rkiye. We studied the impact of climate indices like NAO, Nin˜o,
AMO, PDO, ONI, and SOI by using the Standardized Precipitation
Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) as an indicator of drought. The
findings reveal an increase in both the frequency and severity of
droughts after 2015. In the 2000s, short-term droughts lasted from 1
to 3 months. However, after 2020, longer-term droughts lasting
between 6 and 24 months have become more severe. Correlation
and lead-time analyses reveal ENSO indices, particularly Nin˜o 3.4
and ONI, as primary drivers of drought, with a positive impact. The
SOI emerged as a significant predictor of future drought conditions.
While PDO and AMO influence drought, their effects are less
pronounced. Understanding these complex relationships is crucial
for developing effective regional drought management strategies
TPACK Development in Teacher Education: A Simulation-Based Learning Approach
No full textThis chapter aims to extend the variety of current learning and teaching methods to the application of the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) framework within the context of simulation-based learning. Virtual classroom simulations are digital tools that allow pre-service teachers to observe possible situations that may occur in the classroom, prepare for these situations, and support practice lessons. Simulation-based teacher training for the teaching practicum internship was conceptualized based on the TPACK framework. This program provides the opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice during the construction of TPACK knowledge and skills. This chapter examines the contemporary trends in learning and teaching methods for TPACK development, the role of simulation-based learning in teacher education, and current virtual classroom simulations. This chapter contributes to the related literature by connecting the simulation-based learning approach with TPACK training in teaching practicum internships. Simulation-based teacher training provides a tangible case for implementation in teacher education programs for TPACK development for future studies. © 2026 selection and editorial matter, Michael Phillips, Evrim Baran, Punya Mishra, and Matthew J. Koehler; individual chapters, the contributors
How psychological and organizational factors shape career motivation: the serial mediating roles of career adaptability and the quality of work life
Get PDFCareer motivation (CM) is essential for self-directed career development, particularly in work environments that negatively impact employees' quality of work life (QWL). This study explores the serial mediation effects of career adaptability (CA) and QWL in the relationship between psychological flexibility (PF) at work and CM. Data were collected from 503 white-collar employees (53.9% female; 46.1% male). Findings indicate that CA and QWL sequentially mediate the relationship between PF at work and CM. These results contribute to career motivation, career construction, and acceptance and commitment theories, providing insights for career development interventions aimed at enhancing adaptability to work contexts and organizational culture.
La motivation de carri & egrave;re (MC) est essentielle au d & eacute;veloppement professionnel autodirig & eacute;, en particulier dans les environnements de travail qui affectent n & eacute;gativement la qualit & eacute; de vie au travail (QVT) des employ & eacute;s. Cette & eacute;tude examine les effets de m & eacute;diation en s & eacute;rie de l'adaptabilit & eacute; de carri & egrave;re (AC) et de la QVT dans la relation entre la flexibilit & eacute; psychologique (FP) au travail et la MC. Les donn & eacute;es ont & eacute;t & eacute; recueillies aupr & egrave;s de 503 employ & eacute;s de bureau (53.9 % de femmes ; 46.1 % d'hommes). Les r & eacute;sultats indiquent que l'AC et la QVT jouent un r & ocirc;le de m & eacute;diation s & eacute;quentielle dans la relation entre la FP au travail et la MC. Ces r & eacute;sultats contribuent aux th & eacute;ories de la motivation de carri & egrave;re, de la construction de carri & egrave;re, ainsi qu'& agrave; la th & eacute;orie de l'acceptation et de l'engagement, en fournissant des pistes pour des interventions de d & eacute;veloppement professionnel visant & agrave; renforcer l'adaptabilit & eacute; aux contextes de travail et & agrave; la culture organisationnelle.
Karrieremotivation (KM) ist f & uuml;r die eigenverantwortliche Karriereentwicklung von zentraler Bedeutung, insbesondere in Arbeitsumgebungen, die sich negativ auf die Arbeitslebensqualit & auml;t (ALQ) der Besch & auml;ftigten auswirken. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die seriellen Mediationswirkungen von Karriereadaptabilit & auml;t (KA) und ALQ im Zusammenhang zwischen psychologischer Flexibilit & auml;t (PF) am Arbeitsplatz und KM. Die Datenerhebung erfolgte bei 503 Angestellten im B & uuml;robereich (53.9 % Frauen; 46.1 % M & auml;nner). Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass KA und ALQ die Beziehung zwischen PF am Arbeitsplatz und KM in sequenzieller Weise vermitteln. Diese Befunde leisten einen Beitrag zu Theorien der Karrieremotivation, der Karrieregestaltung sowie der Akzeptanz- und Commitment-Theorie und liefern Anhaltspunkte f & uuml;r Interventionen zur Karrieref & ouml;rderung, die auf eine Verbesserung der Anpassungsf & auml;higkeit an Arbeitskontexte und Unternehmenskultur abzielen.
La motivaci & oacute;n profesional (MP) es fundamental para el desarrollo profesional autodirigido, especialmente en entornos laborales que afectan negativamente la calidad de vida laboral (CVL) de los empleados. Este estudio explora los efectos de mediaci & oacute;n en serie de la adaptabilidad profesional (AP) y la CVL en la relaci & oacute;n entre la flexibilidad psicol & oacute;gica (FP) en el trabajo y la MP. Se recopilaron datos de 503 empleados de oficina (53.9% mujeres; 46.1% hombres). Los resultados indican que la AP y la CVL median secuencialmente la relaci & oacute;n entre la FP en el trabajo y la MP. Estos hallazgos contribuyen a las teor & iacute;as de la motivaci & oacute;n profesional, la construcci & oacute;n de carrera y la aceptaci & oacute;n y el compromiso, proporcionando perspectivas para intervenciones de desarrollo profesional orientadas a mejorar la adaptabilidad a los contextos laborales y la cultura organizacional
A machine learning approach to predict self-efficacy in breast cancer survivors
Get PDFPurpose To determine predictors of self-efficacy in breast cancer survivors and identify vulnerable groups. Methods This descriptive study was conducted between November 2023 and April 2024 at three hospitals in Türkiye and involved 430 breast cancer survivors. Data were collected through face-to-face surveys using a patient identification form and the Breast Cancer Survivor Self-Efficacy Scale. This study identified patient characteristics that indicate a tendency towards higher self-efficacy using four machine learning models; Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), XGBoost (XGB). Results The mean age of participants was 50.7 ± 11.5 years. Majority of the participants (n = 425) were female. AUC values were used as ranker for the machine learning models. The ranks of the models were as follows; logistic regression model (0.715), RF (0.710), SVM (0.704), and XGBoost (0.694). Education level ranked first in the LR (0.3874), RF (0.3290), and SVM (0.1250) models, and was the second most important variable in the XGB (0.2327) model. Conversely, the cancer stage stood out in the LR (0.2466) and RF (0.1935) models, ranking third and fourth, respectively, while it ranked third in SVM (0.0683) and fourth in XGB (0.1872). Additionally, comorbidity ranked third in importance in the LR (0.2213) and RF (0.1681) models, but second in SVM (0.0705) and seventh in XGB (0.1393). Conclusion The study demonstrated that the self-efficacy of breast cancer survivors was associated with their sociodemographic and medical characteristics. These characteristics may assist healthcare professionals in enhancing the care provided to breast cancer survivors. It is of the utmost importance to consider the aforementioned patient group as being vulnerable with regard to breast cancer survivor self-efficacy. There is a clear need for a focus on this vulnerable cohort
Pedagogical bridges to heritage: teacher attitudes and practices in heritage language maintenance
Get PDFThis study examines the perspectives of teachers in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Cameroon on maintaining students' heritage languages and how these attitudes are reflected in classroom practices. The research highlights teachers' attitudes toward heritage languages maintenance and their impact on cultural and cognitive development. The study utilised a mixed-methods approach and involved a diverse cohort of 358 teachers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Cameroon, encompassing various demographic characteristics in three countries. Data were gathered via the Teachers' Attitudes Towards Students' Heritage Language Maintenance Survey, which included 35 Likert-type items and three open-ended interview questions. Quantitative findings indicate that demographic factors such as professional experience and language proficiency do not significantly impact teachers' attitudes toward heritage language maintenance. Qualitative data reveal that teachers emphasise cultural maintenance and cognitive development as reasons for supporting heritage language maintenance. Significant barriers identified include educational challenges and social integration issues. The research underscores the critical role of collaboration between teachers and parents in sustaining heritage languages. These findings indicate that academic policies and teacher-parent partnerships could play a role as important as individual teacher characteristics in encouraging educational institutions to develop more inclusive policies, promote linguistic diversity, and build effective partnerships to create more inclusive educational environments
Success factors in online architectural education: Comprehensive analysis of digital learning platforms
Get PDFIn recent years, the online education system (OES) has been actively used at all educational levels for various reasons, becoming a lasting element of education. Identifying critical success factors for effective online architectural education (OAE) is essential for educational sustainability. This study aimed to pinpoint these success factors and identify an appropriate digital platform to uphold education quality. A mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative techniques, was utilised. A systematic literature review (SLR) identified 69 success criteria (SCs). A survey was conducted with 232 architecture students in Turkey, and the data were analysed quantitatively. This research comprehensively quantified transition process-related SCs impacting OAE, categorising them by scope and impact and uncovering their sub-dimensions. The study also calculated effect sizes and determined the significance levels of these factors. It explored the relationship between these factors influencing the success of OAE and digital platforms, while examining the correlation between course types and these platforms