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Microscopic investigation of pollen attachment on different fabric types: Implications for forensic and allergy research
No full textPollen grains, in addition to their allergenic properties, play an important role in the temporal and spatial analysis of forensic events and are considered secondary trace evidence. Pollen analysis requires expertise in microscopy techniques and palynology. This study aims to determine the persistence of pollen on common used fabric types and how much of it can be removed through washing. The structural properties of the tested pollen grains and fabrics were analyzed using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the study aims to provide data to help individuals sensitive to allergenic pollens in selecting suitable fabrics. Pollen grains from Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Chenopodium album, Corylus avellana, Parietaria officinalis, and Platanus x acerifolia, which had not been tested in previous studies, were examined on five different fabric types commonly used in the textile industry: denim, artificial leather, lacoste cotton fabric, linen, and printed cotton fabric. It was determined that pollen adhesion capacity and persistence varied based on the fabric's structure and first wash was the most effective for removing pollen from fabrics. Removal of pollen grains through washing from linen, printed cotton fabric, and lacoste cotton fabric were found to be easier from denim and artificial leather. The study revealed that pollen could still be detected on fabrics even after six washes. This finding highlights the potential use of pollen grains as valuable trace evidence in forensic cases
Factors influencing critical thinking during ai use among university students: The mediating effects of epistemic laziness and metacognitive weakness
No full textWith the widespread adoption of generative AI tools, many university students now regularly utilize these systems for research, content generation, and assignment preparation. Despite growing evidence suggesting that high dependence on AI systems may negatively impact students' levels of critical thinking, the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon remain underexplored. In this context, the present study aimed to examine the impact of AI tool usage on university students' critical thinking and identify the mediating roles of epistemic laziness and metacognitive weakness in this relationship. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 422 students from three universities in western T & uuml;rkiye. Participants completed scales measuring AI tool usage, epistemic laziness, metacognitive weakness, and critical thinking. The hypothesized relationships were tested using structural equation modeling, and mediation effects were evaluated with 5,000 bootstrap samples. Findings revealed that AI tool usage significantly and negatively predicted critical thinking (beta = - 0.37, p < .001). AI tool usage was also found to positively predict epistemic laziness (beta = 0.34, p < .001) and metacognitive weakness (beta = 0.40, p < .001). Epistemic laziness and metacognitive weakness were negatively associated with critical thinking (beta = - 0.72 and beta = - 0.22, respectively, p < .001). Moreover, both variables mediated the negative relationship between AI tool usage and critical thinking. The results suggest that the influence of AI tool usage on critical thinking operates predominantly through psychological intermediary mechanisms. These findings highlight the necessity of developing educational interventions-such as activities that promote active inquiry, cross-source verification, and structured self-monitoring-to reduce epistemic laziness and enhance metacognitive awareness in AI-supported learning environments
From addiction to pervasiveness: Validation of the smartphone pervasiveness scale in turkish adolescents
No full textThe present study aimed to adapt the Smartphone Pervasiveness Scale (SPS) into Turkish and to examine its psychometric properties among Turkish adolescents. To this end, two studies were conducted. Study 1 explored the factor structure of the SPS through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), using data collected from 216 adolescents (M-age = 14.50, SD = 1.55). Study 2 employed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with multi-group analysis (MGA) on a separate sample of 314 adolescents (M-age = 13.87, SD = 2.10) to confirm the factor structure of the SPS and to assess measurement invariance across gender. In addition, Study 2 examined the associations between SPS scores and several external variables-problematic smartphone use, well-being, loneliness, psychological distress, and academic performance-as evidence of criterion-related validity. In both studies, Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability (CR) coefficients were calculated to assess reliability. EFA results in Study 1 supported a 7-item, single-factor structure, with factor loadings ranging from .46 to .67. CFA results in Study 2 confirmed this structure. Measurement invariance across gender was supported by the MGA. Moreover, criterion-related validity was demonstrated in Study 2: SPS scores were positively correlated with problematic smartphone use, loneliness, and psychological distress, and negatively correlated with well-being and academic performance. In both studies, Cronbach's alpha and CR coefficients were observed at .71 or higher. In conclusion, the Turkish version of the SPS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the pervasiveness of smartphone use among Turkish adolescents
Validation of the short form of the remote work stress scale
No full textPurposeThis study aims to develop and validate a reliable and psychometrically robust Short Form of the Remote Work Stress Scale (SRWSS), derived from the original 15-item RWSS.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the three-phase, nine-step scale development framework by Boateng et al. (2018), the study involved qualitative item generation, expert reviews, pilot study, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and validation with a sample of 602 remote workers from T & uuml;rkiye. The short form was tested for reliability, validity and path analysis performed via SmartPLS with the original form and its sub-dimensions.FindingsThe SRWSS demonstrated excellent internal consistency (a = 0.88), strong construct and criterion validity, and a high correlation with the original scale (0.94). Results showed that female, highly educated and non-managerial employees reported higher levels of stress. Age was negatively correlated with stress levels.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is confined to a specific demographic (Turkish remote workers), necessitating cross-cultural validation to ensure generalizability.Practical implicationsThe scale enables quick stress assessments to inform targeted interventions and HR strategies in remote and hybrid work settings.Social implicationsFindings highlight demographic disparities in remote work stress, informing equitable workplace policy development.Originality/valueThis study pioneers the development of a validated, unidimensional 5-item scale, offering a novel, efficient instrument for assessing remote work stress, enhancing research and practice in HRM
Examining the financial well-being in challenging economic conditions: Structural equation modeling evidence from Türkiye
No full textThe purpose of the study is to examine the dynamics of financial well-being in the context of challenging economic conditions. Central to this research are the key concepts of financial stress, social support, and financial self-efficacy, which are recognized as having a significant impact on individuals' financial well-being. Using a conceptual model that encompasses these determinants, this research employs a structural equation modeling to examine the intricate relationships between these variables. The goodness-of-fit indices obtained for the structural equation model is found X2/df = 2.666; RMSEA = .048 SRMR = .053; CFI = .97; GFI = .94. The model showed a good fit. Based on a sample of 738 participants, the analysis examines how social support, self-efficacy, and stress shape individuals' financial well-being, and identifies both the direct and indirect relationships. This study makes a significant contribution by examining financial well-being in the context of challenging economic conditions, shedding light on the psychological implications of social support, stress and self-efficacy in this area
A novel softsign fractional-order controller optimized by an intelligent nature-inspired algorithm for magnetic levitation control
No full textThis study presents a novel softsign-function-based fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (softsign-FOPID) controller optimized using the fungal growth optimizer (FGO) for the stabilization and precise position control of an unstable magnetic ball suspension system. The proposed controller introduces a smooth nonlinear softsign function into the conventional FOPID structure to limit abrupt control actions and improve transient smoothness while preserving the flexibility of fractional dynamics. The FGO, a recently developed bio-inspired metaheuristic, is employed to tune the seven controller parameters by minimizing a composite objective function that simultaneously penalizes overshoot and tracking error. This optimization ensures balanced transient and steady-state performance with enhanced convergence reliability. The performance of the proposed approach was extensively benchmarked against four modern metaheuristic algorithms (greater cane rat algorithm, catch fish optimization algorithm, RIME algorithm and artificial hummingbird algorithm) under identical conditions. Statistical analyses, including boxplot comparisons and the nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test, demonstrated that the FGO consistently achieved the lowest objective function value with superior convergence stability and significantly better (p < 0.05) performance across multiple independent runs. In time-domain evaluations, the FGO-tuned softsign-FOPID exhibited the fastest rise time (0.0089 s), shortest settling time (0.0163 s), lowest overshoot (4.13%), and negligible steady-state error (0.0015%), surpassing the best-reported controllers in the literature, including the sine cosine algorithm-tuned PID, logarithmic spiral opposition-based learning augmented hunger games search algorithm-tuned FOPID, and manta ray foraging optimization-tuned real PIDD2. Robustness assessments under fluctuating reference trajectories, actuator saturation, sensor noise, external disturbances, and parametric uncertainties (+/- 10% variation in resistance and inductance) further confirmed the controller's adaptability and stability under practical non-idealities. The smooth nonlinearity of the softsign function effectively prevented control signal saturation, while the fractional-order dynamics enhanced disturbance rejection and memory-based adaptability. Overall, the proposed FGO-optimized softsign-FOPID controller establishes a new benchmark in nonlinear magnetic levitation control by integrating smooth nonlinear mapping, fractional calculus, and adaptive metaheuristic optimization
Invoking the sacred in a secular age: Modernist appeals to the divine in t. s. eliot and i̇smet özel
No full textThis article offers a comparative study of T. S. Eliot's Ash-Wednesday and & Idot;smet & Ouml;zel's "Ament & uuml;" to examine how modernist poetry refunctions ritual language as an aesthetic and spiritual response to different modernities. Drawing on world-systems theory and the sociology of secularization, the study argues that Eliot and & Ouml;zel exemplify two structurally distinct but related modern experiences: Eliot writes from within the West's internal fragmentation, while & Ouml;zel speaks from the periphery of an imposed, Westernizing modernity. These divergent contexts produce contrasting religious modernisms-Eliot's introspective Anglo-Catholic poetics of inward renewal versus & Ouml;zel's populist Islamic poetics of collective dissent. Both poets employ modernist form-fragment, refrain, montage-to reassert the sacred within secular conditions, yet with opposing cultural motivations. The comparison demonstrates that religious modernism is a transnational phenomenon, not a Western anomaly, and that literary modernism itself adapts to the asymmetries of global modernity. The article concludes by proposing "religious modernist poetics" as a comparative framework for studying faith and form across literary traditions
The use of virtual reality to develop vocabulary in German as a foreign language lesson
No full textVirtual Reality (VR) ist eine Technologie, die das Erlernen von Fremdsprachen revolutionieren kann, indem sie den Lernenden immersive und interaktive Erfahrungen bietet, die ihren Spracherwerb verbessern. Diese Doktorarbeit untersucht den Einsatz von VR-Technologie zur Wortschatzentwicklung im Deutsch-als-Fremdsprachen-Unterricht. Die Bedeutung des Zweitspracherwerbs und die Notwendigkeit effektiver Sprachlernmethoden haben die Erforschung des Potenzials von VR zur Verbesserung der Sprachlernerfahrungen angeregt. Die Studie wurde mit Lehramtskandidaten der Uludag Universität durchgeführt und umfasst die Entwicklung sowie den Einsatz der speziell konzipierten GermanVR-Anwendung. Ziel war es, die Effektivität und das motivierende Potenzial von VR-Technologie im Vergleich zu traditionellen Lernmethoden zu bewerten. Zu Beginn der Untersuchung wurde ein Vortest durchgeführt, um die Meinungen der Teilnehmenden zum Wortschatzerwerb durch VR zu erfassen. Anschließend arbeiteten die Teilnehmenden mit der GermanVR-Anwendung, in der sie in einer immersiven virtuellen Umgebung interaktiv Vokabeln lernten. Nach der Nutzung der Anwendung wurde ein Nachtest durchgeführt, um Veränderungen in den Meinungen der Teilnehmenden zu ermitteln und die Ergebnisse mit den ursprünglichen Einschätzungen zu vergleichen. Die Erhebung der Daten erfolgte unter Verwendung standardisierter LikertSkalen, die eine quantitative Analyse der Meinungen und Erfahrungen der Teilnehmenden ermöglichten. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass VR ein effektives und motivierendes Werkzeug für den Wortschatzerwerb darstellt. Die immersive Natur der GermanVR-Anwendung erhöhte das Engagement der Teilnehmenden und unterstützte sie dabei, Vokabeln in einem sinnvollen und praxisnahen Kontext zu erlernen. Mit dieser Arbeit wird ein wichtiger Beitrag zur Erforschung innovativer, technologiegestützter Lernmethoden im Fremdsprachenunterricht geleistet. Sie bietet wertvolle Einblicke für Lehrkräfte und Bildungseinrichtungen, die moderne Technologien wie VR in ihre Lehrmethoden integrieren möchten. Abschließend werden Empfehlungen für die Optimierung und zukünftige Nutzung von VR im Sprachunterricht gegeben.Sanal Gerçeklik (VR), öğrencilere dil edinimlerini geliştirirken sürükleyici ve etkileşimli deneyimler sunarak yabancı dil öğreniminde devrim yaratabilecek bir teknolojidir. Bu doktora tezi, yabancı dil olarak Almanca öğretiminde kelime dağarcığının geliştirilmesi için sanal gerçeklik teknolojisinin kullanımını incelemektedir. İkinci dil ediniminin önemi ve etkili dil öğrenme yöntemlerine duyulan ihtiyaç, sanal gerçekliğin dil öğrenme deneyimlerini geliştirme potansiyeline yönelik araştırmaları teşvik etmektedir. Çalışma, Uludağ Üniversitesi öğretmen adayları ile gerçekleştirilmiş olup, özel olarak tasarlanmış GermanVR uygulamasının geliştirilmesini ve uygulanmasını kapsamaktadır. Çalışmanın amacı, VR teknolojisinin etkinliğini ve motive edici potansiyelini geleneksel öğrenme yöntemleriyle karşılaştırmaktır. Araştırmanın başında, katılımcıların VR ile kelime dağarcığı edinimine ilişkin görüşlerini toplamak için bir ön test yapılmıştır. Daha sonra katılımcılar, kelimeleri etkileşimli bir şekilde öğrenebildikleri bir sanal ortamda GermanVR uygulamasını kullanmışlardır. Uygulamanın kullanımının ardından, katılımcıların görüşlerindeki değişimleri belirlemek ve sonuçları başlangıçtaki değerlendirmelerle karşılaştırmak için bir son test uygulanmıştır. Veriler, katılımcıların görüş ve deneyimlerinin nicel analizini sağlayan standartlaştırılmış Likert ölçekleri kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Sonuçlar, VR’nin kelime dağarcığı edinimi için etkili ve motive edici bir araç olduğunu göstermektedir. GermanVR uygulamasının sürükleyici yapısı, katılımcıların ilgisini artırmış ve kelimeleri anlamlı ve pratik bir bağlamda öğrenmelerine yardımcı olmuştur. Bu çalışma, yabancı dil öğretiminde yenilikçi ve teknoloji destekli öğrenme yöntemlerine ilişkin araştırmalara önemli bir katkı sağlamaktadır. Modern teknolojileri, özellikle VR’yi öğretim yöntemlerine entegre etmeyi hedefleyen eğitimciler ve eğitim kurumları için değerli içgörüler sunmaktadır. Son olarak, dil öğretiminde VR’nin optimize edilmesi ve gelecekteki kullanımı için öneriler sunulmuştur.Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that has the potential to revolutionize foreign language learning by offering learners immersive and interactive experiences that enhance their language acquisition. This doctoral thesis investigates the use of VR technology for vocabulary development in German as a Foreign Language instruction. The importance of second language acquisition and the need for effective language learning methods have prompted the exploration of VR’s potential to enhance language learning experiences. The study was conducted with teacher trainees from Uludag University and involved the development and implementation of the specially designed GermanVR application. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and motivational potential of VR technology compared to traditional learning methods. At the beginning of the study, a pre-test was conducted to gather participants’ opinions on vocabulary acquisition through VR. Subsequently, participants used the GermanVR application, where they interactively learned vocabulary in an immersive virtual environment. After using the application, a post-test was conducted to identify changes in participants’ opinions and compare the results with their initial assessments. Data collection was carried out using standardized Likert scales, enabling a quantitative analysis of participants’ opinions and experiences. The results demonstrate that VR is an effective and motivating tool for vocabulary acquisition. The immersive nature of the GermanVR application increased participants’ engagement and supported them in learning vocabulary in a meaningful and practical context. This work makes a significant contribution to the research on innovative, technology-supported learning methods in foreign language education. It provides valuable insights for educators and educational institutions aiming to integrate modern technologies such as VR into their teaching methods. Finally, recommendations are provided for optimizing and further utilizing VR in language instruction in the future
The forced migration process of Ahiska Turks and their identity protection belongings
No full textAhıska Türkleri, tarihsel olarak Gürcistan'ın Ahıska bölgesinde yerleşik, Türk kimliğine sahip bir topluluktur. 1944 yılında Sovyetler Birliği yönetimi tarafından gerçekleştirilen zorunlu göç sonucunda, yaklaşık 100 bin Ahıska Türkü ana yurtlarından koparılarak sürgüne gönderilmiştir. Hayvan vagonlarında gerçekleştirilen uzun ve zorlu bir yolculukla başta Kazakistan, Özbekistan ve Kırgızistan olmak üzere Sovyet coğrafyasının farklı bölgelerine dağıtılan bu topluluk, sürgün yerlerinde yetersiz barınma olanakları, ağır iklim şartları ve dil engelleri gibi ciddi zorluklarla karşı karşıya kalmıştır. Sovyet döneminde uygulanan politikalar ve sonraki yıllarda yaşanan siyasi gelişmeler, Ahıska Türklerinin ana yurtlarına geri dönüşü hala gerçekleşmemiştir. Bu tez çalışması, günümüzde Kazakistan, Kırgızistan, Özbekistan, Azerbaycan, Türkiye, ABD ve az sayıda da olsa Gürcistan'da yaşamını sürdüren Ahıska Türklerinin Sovyetler Birliği dönemindeki zorunlu göç sürecini tarihsel ve demografik boyutlarıyla ele almayı amaçlamaktadır. Çalışmada ayrıca bu sürecin Ahıska Türklerinin etnik kimliği üzerindeki etkileri ve sosyo-kültürel yapısındaki dönüşümler irdelenmiştir. Özellikle dil, din, geleneksel pratikler, aile yapısı ve toplumsal dayanışma ağları gibi unsurların kimliğin korunmasındaki rolü analiz edilmiştir. Bunun yanı sıra, Türkiye'ye göç eden Ahıska Türklerinin özellikle Bursa'da iskan eden toplumun karşılaştıkları uyum sorunları, dil engelleri ve kimlik inşası süreçleri de ayrıntılı biçimde incelenmiştir.The Meskhetian Turks are a community with a Turkic identity, historically settled in the Meskheti region of Georgia. As a result of the forced migration carried out by the Soviet Union in 1944, approximately 100,000 Meskhetian Turks were uprooted from their homeland and exiled. Deported in animal wagons to various parts of the Soviet Union—primarily Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan—this community endured a long and arduous journey and faced significant hardships in exile, including inadequate housing, harsh climatic conditions, and language barriers. Policies implemented during the Soviet era, along with subsequent political developments, have prevented the return of the Meskhetian Turks to their ancestral homeland. This thesis aims to examine the historical and demographic dimensions of the forced migration of the Meskhetian Turks during the Soviet era. Today, members of this community live in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, the United States, and, in small numbers, Georgia. The study also explores the impact of forced migration on the ethnic identity of the Meskhetian Turks and the transformations in their socio-cultural structure. Elements such as language, religion, traditional practices, family structure, and social solidarity networks are analyzed for their role in preserving identity. Furthermore, the integration challenges, language barriers, and identity-building processes faced by Meskhetian Turks who migrated to Turkey—particularly those settled in Bursa—are examined in detail