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Sustainably breaking the cycle: How closely are countries' development and welfare indicators related to their cycling safety outcomes?
No full textWhile urban cycling is gaining ground worldwide as an active and sustainable mode of transport, various safety-related risks continue to threaten cyclists. In this regard, some studies suggest that cycling risk-related outcomes could be closely linked to development indicators beyond cycling infrastructure, including health, income, and welfare indices. This study aimed to analyze the relationships between different country-level development indicators (e.g., income level, life expectancy, internet access, healthcare coverage, and national health expenditure) and cyclists' behavioral and safety-related outcomes in 19 countries with diverse socio-economic backgrounds. The findings of this multinational study indicate that country-level development indicators are significantly and consistently related to both cycling safety behaviors and crash records, with the situation being more pronounced in developing (LMIC) countries. Overall, these differences highlight (although not linearly) the inequity and the high vulnerability faced by cyclists in countries with low or medium levels of economic development and point to the need for targeted interventions in areas such as information access, healthcare, and road safety training. Such measures could support the promotion of cycling and other active transport modes from a user-centered perspective. All in all, this may help multidimensionally enhance the promotion of the bicycle as a sustainable means of transport, fostering increased safety and equity among countries.FEDER 'A way of making Europe,' EU; MCIN/AEI [PID2023-152606OA-I00]This paper was supported by the project PID2023-152606OA-I00, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/and by FEDER 'A way of making Europe,' EU. The authors also wish to thank Dr. Arash Javadinejad (licensed translator) for the professional edition of the final version of the manuscript, as well as all the study partakers and col-laborators involved in the distribution of this cross-cultural survey
Compositions of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758) from different culture systems
No full textThe aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of seasons (summer and winter) on the proximate, amino acid and fatty acid compositions of gilthead sea bream fish fed with commercial diets in sea cages and earthen ponds in the Aegean Sea in T & uuml;rkiye. In general, the nutrient composition of the diets met the nutritional needs of the fish. Proximate analysis of fish fillets revealed that fish reared in earthen ponds had the lowest moisture and highest lipid content in the winter season (p 0.05). Growing gilthead sea bream in marine cages produced fillets with high contents of the essential fatty acids (EFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3). On the other hand, the 18:1n-9 and 18:3n-3 contents of fish reared in earthen ponds increased by 25.64 and 18.80% respectively, compared to those in marine cages. Fillet content of total n-3 fatty acid were comparatively higher (p < 0.05) in gilthead sea bream from marine cages, and this increase was even more evident in the winter months. The n-3/n-6 ratios of fillets were significantly high in gilthead sea bream from marine cages in the summer. The levels of the essential amino acids (EAAs) arginine and leucine were higher in fillets from both systems in the winter. On the other hand, fillet contents of lysine were higher in the summer. In general, the total EAA content of fillets was higher in fish from the sea cages in summer. EAA/NEAA ratios in both systems in summer and winter were found to be at good levels in terms of fish fillet quality. Fillet contents of EFA and EAA from both systems and seasons were found to be good for human consumption and will have positive effects on human nutrition. In conclusion, commercial diets used in feeding gilthead sea bream improved the proximate, fatty acid and amino acid compositions of fillets to a good extent. Different seasons and culture systems may affect the nutritional composition of fish fillets, especially on fillet EFA contents. Results of fillet samples in marine cages and earthen ponds in summer and winter showed that the fish were of good quality for human health. Evaluation of the results in the present study shows that that gilthead sea bream can also be successfully cultured in earthen ponds in areas unsuitable for agriculture.Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye (TUBIdot;TAK)Open access funding provided by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye (TUB & Idot;TAK)
Integrating music-movement pedagogy into inclusive physical education for children with intellectual disabilities
No full textBackground and Study Aim Material and Methods In inclusive education, traditional play is often used to help children with intellectual disabilities (ID) improve motor skills. However, these activities may lack structured sensory input. This study evaluates the effects of structured music-movement activities and traditional play on motor skills in children with mild to moderate ID. Material and Methods Sixty children (ages 8 to 14; IQ 50-70) with intellectual disabilities (ID) participated in a quasi-experimental study. They were randomly assigned to either the control group (CON, n=30), which engaged in traditional school-based play, or the intervention group (INT, n=30). For eight weeks, the INT group participated in three sessions of progressive music-movement activities (orientation, coordination, interaction, and generalization), lasting forty-five minutes each. The activities included rhythmic scaffolding, sensory aids (textured balls), and environmental modifications. The CON group practiced regular school-based play-sensorimotor, constructive, social, and roleplaying. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2), modified for ID populations (reliability alpha=0.91), was used to evaluate motor skills before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using clinical classification, t-tests, and effect sizes (Cohen's d). Results The INT group significantly improved total MABC-2 scores (0=2.00 +/- 2.32) compared to the CON group (0=0.86 +/- 1.38; p=0.025, d=0.60). This represents a moderate effect size, indicatingmeaningful functional improvement attributable to the intervention. Subdomain analyses showed that INT significantly improved aiming and catching (0=0.50 +/- 1.11, p=0.019) and balance (0=0.80 +/- 1.24, p=0.001). The proportion of children with significant motor impairments decreased from 33.3% to 26.7%. However, 70% remained borderline, suggesting that while the intervention was beneficial, many children still required sustained support to achieve functional motor proficiency. Conclusions For children with ID, structured music-movement pedagogy significantly outperforms traditional play in enhancing motor skills, especially bilateral coordination and dynamic balance. Its multisensory, phased approach addresses key temporal and sensory integration issues associated with ID. However, persistent borderline impairments underscore the necessity for hybrid or extended interventions. Incorporating this approach into inclusive physical education curricula is strongly recommended to optimize functional outcomes
Exploring the effects of small item pools on examinee achievement estimates for computer-adaptive tests: a simulation study
No full textWe explored the practicality of relatively small item pools in the context of low-stakes Computer-Adaptive Testing (CAT), such as CAT procedures that might be used for quick diagnostic or screening exams. We used a basic CAT algorithm without content balancing and exposure control restrictions to reflect low stakes testing scenarios. We examined the effects of small item pools under various testing conditions using a series of Monte Carlo simulations. We examined the effects of these conditions on the accuracy, precision, and stability of examinee achievement estimates. Our results showed that the effects of item pool size are strongest when there is less-precise targeting between item and person location parameters. Our findings suggest that small item pools can effectively support satisfactory performance in CAT, particularly when examinee targeting is adequate and a variable-length test with a standard error stopping rule is implemented. We consider implications for research and practice
Exploring the role of self-regulated learnings skills, cognitive flexibility, and metacognitive awareness on generative artificial intelligence attitude
No full textThe use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools for educational purposes is rapidly becoming widespread. Having a negative attitude may lead to the failure of the integration of these tools. Therefore, it is important to explore the factors that affect students' attitudes towards GenAI tools. In this context, our current study aims to explore the relationship between self-regulated learning skills (SRLS), cognitive flexibility, metacognitive awareness and students' GenAI attitude. In this direction, a correlational study was conducted on 761 university students with GenAI experience, and structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis was performed. Our findings as a result of the analysis show that SRLS and cognitive flexibility have a significant positive effect on GenAI attitudes. In addition, metacognitive awareness is understood to indirectly affect GenAI attitudes by affecting SRLS and cognitive flexibility. These results reveal the importance of SRLS, cognitive flexibility and metacognitive awareness in promoting positive attitudes towards GenAI tools
Manufacturing and characterization of innovative lightweight wooden furniture from polystyrene core wood sandwich panels
No full textThe increasing demand for lightweight and sustainable furniture has highlighted the need for innovative materials with improved performance characteristics. In this study, a light wood sandwich panel (HM) was produced by incorporating polystyrene cores, and lightweight furniture was manufactured using these panels. The primary objective was to develop alternative lightweight materials for furniture production and to perform a comparative analysis of the physical and mechanical properties of HM, medium density fiberboard (MDF), and particleboard (PB). Physical and mechanical characterization tests, including swelling, water absorption, internal bonding strength, screw withdrawal force, and modulus of rupture, were conducted on HM boards and compared with MDF and PB. Results showed that HM boards were 77% lighter than MDF and 16% lighter than PB. HM exhibited the lowest swelling and water absorption values and the highest internal bonding strength among the tested materials. However, the screw withdrawal force and modulus of rupture of HM were lower than those of MDF and PB. Despite these limitations, HM panels demonstrated superior lightweight characteristics and high water resistance. Further improvements in mechanical properties are possible through the use of stronger adhesives and fastening techniques. Overall, the findings indicate that HM panels offer a promising alternative for lightweight furniture production, potentially reducing wood consumption and production costs, while creating more ergonomic products. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Organ procurement coordinators' experiences with family refusals in cadaveric organ donation: a qualitative analysis
No full textObjectives Organ procurement coordinators (OPCs) play a pivotal role in navigating end-of-life and second-birth narratives by securing familial consent for solid organ donation. Given the low rates of cadaveric organ donation in T & uuml;rkiye and worldwide, OPCs are essential in advocating for and facilitating these donations. This study explores the reasons for refusal that OPCs have encountered during the familial consent process.Design We gathered the data through semistructured interviews with 30 OPCs. Thematic analysis was used to identify and analyse key themes, with a specific focus on cultural, religious, spiritual and folkloric barriers contributing to the low rates of cadaveric organ donation in T & uuml;rkiye.Setting Hospitals and organ transplant centres operating under the jurisdiction of the Ankara Regional Coordination Centre in T & uuml;rkiye.Participants Participants were recruited using a purposeful random sampling strategy to enhance credibility and reduce bias. Eligible informants included OPCs with at least 2 years of experience in the role. Among the 30 participants, 18 were based in central organ transplant centres associated with Training and Research Hospitals in Ankara, and 12 were from peripheral city hospitals.Results Coordinators identified five main barriers that hinder their ability to secure familial consent for cadaveric organ donation: (1) religion, (2) concerns about the wishes of the deceased, (3) desire to choose recipients, (4) familial dynamics and (5) folklore. Each category was further contextualised through subcategories derived from the frequency and nuances of recurring themes.Conclusion OPCs face significant challenges in promoting cadaveric organ donations due to cultural barriers. Their experiences underscore the need for culturally competent approaches in organ donation campaigns and the importance of supporting coordinators in their roles. Enhanced cultural understanding and targeted interventions could improve cadaveric organ donation rates.The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBIdot;TAK); TUBITAKThe authors thank TUBITAK for their support. We want to acknowledge the informants for volunteering and sharing their experiences with the research team. Additionally, we wish to thank the editor(s) and the anonymous reviewers for their insightful and constructive feedback
Consumer intentions to purchase remanufactured products: a behavioral reasoning theory approach
No full textPurpose - The 12th sustainable development goal, responsible consumption and production, includes increasing awareness of circular economy practices. In this context, the authors base their study on remanufactured electronic products, a circular economy practice. The current research aims to examine the relationships between collectivistic values, reasons for purchasing remanufactured products (RPs) (product knowledge, perceived benefits, perceived awareness), reasons against purchasing RPs (perceived risk), attitude toward RPs and the intention to purchase RPs. Design/methodology/approach - The authors conducted quantitative research on 259 consumers in an emerging market-Turkey. The authors benefited from structural equation modeling for data analysis. Findings - This study shows that perceived awareness, attitude and product knowledge affect purchase intention. Perceived benefits, perceived risk, perceived awareness and product knowledge predict attitude. Collectivistic values affect product knowledge. Furthermore, attitude acts as a mediator between reasons and purchase intention in our model. Originality/value - The escalating problem of electronic waste demands a shift toward sustainable consumer behavior with the help of social marketing. Hence, exploring the acceptance of remanufactured electronic products based on circular economy principles aligns with the goal of reducing waste generation. The remanufacturing literature on consumer behavior, which mainly benefits from the theory of planned behavior, overlooked the reasons for and against behavior. The authors base their study on behavioral reasoning theory, highlighting that reasons for and against behavior are critical in decision-making
Prediction of Tribological Properties of PC-PBT/GNP-MWCNT Nanocomposites Using Machine Learning Models
No full textThis study investigates the effect of the incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in polycarbonate-poly(butylene terephthalate) (PC-PBT) blends on the mechanical and tribological blend properties. PC-PBT/GNP-MWCNT nanocomposites were synthesized via melt-compounding with various filler loadings (0.5, 1, 3, 5, and 7 wt.%). SEM analyses revealed adequate dispersion and strong interaction between the nano-fillers and the polymer matrix. Mechanical testing demonstrated up to ~16%, ~38%, and ~9% improvement in tensile modulus, bending modulus, and impact strength, respectively, with the optimum nano-filler fraction of 0.5 wt. %. Tribological assessments, conducted using a pin-on-disc apparatus, showed marked reductions in specific wear rates (SWRs) reaching ~87% at the optimal filler loading of 0.5 wt.%. The mechanical behavior of the nanocomposites was found to depend primarily on dispersion state, whereas tribological properties were found to be dictated by a transfer film formation mechanism facilitated by filler addition. The experimental results were corroborated by a Random Forest machine learning model yielding the highest accuracy with R2 = 0.94 for tensile modulus estimations and R2 = 0.82 for SWR estimations under a 10 N load.Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastimath;rma Kurumu [123M666]This work was supported by Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arast & imath;rma Kurumu 10.13039/501100004410, 123M666
Characterization and Growth Kinetics Modelling of Nickel Silicides Formed on Inconel 738 Alloy
No full textIn this study, the growth kinetics of the silicide layer on Inconel 738 alloy were reported. The powder mixture containing NH4Cl as an activator and Al2O3 as an inert filler, and metallic silicon was used for the siliconizing process on the Inconel 738 alloy for 2, 4, and 6 h at 800, 900 and 950 degrees C. The morphologies and types of silicides that developed on the surface of Inconel 738 alloy were examined using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The thickness of the siliicide layer varied between 20 +/- 7 and 280 +/- 20 mu m. The temperature and duration time of treatment had an impact on the hardness of the silicides formed on the samples, ranging from 400 to 1500 HV. With the siliconizing process, a layer with high mechanical properties is created on the alloy surface. In nanoindentation tests, there was an increase in reduced elastic modulus from 212 to 241 GPa and in hardness from 6.7 to 16 GPa. A decrease of up to 84% was observed in the wear losses of siliconized Inconel 738 alloy at 950 degrees C-6 h due to the presence of silicide layer. Furthermore, the Taylor expansion model was utilized to assess silicon diffusivities within Ni silicide layers, incorporating the silicon diffusion coefficient within the Ni matrix. The activation energy for silicon was determined and compared with data available in the literature. Finally; a comparison was done between the predicted layers' thicknesses and the experimental measurements.Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye (TUBIdot;TAK); Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Sakarya University [2024-25-59-51]Open access funding provided by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye (TUB & Idot;TAK). The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support given by Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Sakarya University under the Project No: 2024-25-59-51