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Rethinking the role of education in the digital age: Philosophical perspectives on technology in modern pedagogy
No full textThis article examines the changes taking place in education in accordance with the digital age, with specific emphasis on incorporating technology into contemporary pedagogy from a philosophical point of view. It discusses how technological changes influence educational decisions and also pose questions relating to conventional beliefs about acquisition of knowledge, pedagogy, and learner involvement. Technology's pedagogical promise to encourage adaptive learning and instructional strategies is stressed by philosophical views such as constructivism, critical pedagogy, and postmodernism. The purpose of this article is to provide teachers with an inclusive model for addressing complexities associated with digital union, while maintaining student-centred pedagogical practices in the twenty-first century
The diagnostic value of signal-to-cutoff ratios in architect and alinity hiv screening assays: A 10-year experience in a pandemic-affected, low-prevalence setting
No full textEarly and accurate diagnosis of HIV remains a cornerstone of public health strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of signal-to-cutoff (S/CO) ratios from two fourth-generation HIV screening assays (Abbott Architect and Alinity) and to analyze diagnostic trends across pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods in a low-prevalence setting. We retrospectively analyzed 197,642 unique HIV screening tests conducted at Bursa Uluda & gbreve; University Hospital from 2015 to 2024. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine optimal S/CO thresholds for distinguishing true-positive results. Of the 197,642 samples screened, the overall HIV prevalence was 0.5%, with 196 cases (0.1%) confirmed as new diagnoses. The Architect assay showed an optimal S/CO threshold of >= 11.8 (sensitivity 98.3%, specificity 97.3%). The Alinity assay demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity at an S/CO threshold of >= 19.1. Although a temporary decline in test volume occurred in 2020, there was no statistically significant difference in confirmation rates across years. During the pandemic, newly diagnosed individuals were significantly older and had lower CD4 counts, indicating delayed diagnosis (p = 0.026 and 0.008, respectively). Men who have sex with men (MSM)-related transmission significantly increased post-pandemic (p = 0.032). S/CO ratio-guided interpretation enhances diagnostic accuracy and may reduce unnecessary confirmatory testing, especially in low-prevalence and resource-limited regions. Selecting the optimal threshold can help to ensure a timely diagnosis and optimize HIV screening algorithms
Localization of hydrogen peroxide in dormant buds of resistant and susceptible chestnut cultivars: Changes during gall developmental stages induced by the asian chestnut gall wasp (<i>dryocosmus kuriphilus</i>)
No full textAsian chestnut gall wasp (ACGW) (Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu), native to China, is an invasive pest that causes significant economic losses in Castanea species. While some cultivars show full resistance by inhibiting insect development in buds, the underlying defense mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the accumulation and distribution of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were investigated in dormant buds of chestnut cultivars that are resistant and susceptible to D. kuriphilus by using the 3,3 '-diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining method. Buds were examined under a stereomicroscope during key stages of pest development, including oviposition, transition from egg to larva, gall induction, and gall development. Baseline levels of H2O2 were detected in all buds; however, these levels varied among cultivars, with resistant cultivars exhibiting lower basal levels. The degree of H2O2 accumulation was found to vary depending on plant-insect interaction, physiological processes, and cultivar-specific traits. Histochemical staining revealed that brown spots indicative of H2O2 accumulation were concentrated in the vascular bundles of leaf primordia and in the apical regions. In resistant hybrid cultivars, the defense response was activated at an earlier stage, while in resistant Castanea sativa Mill. cultivars, the response was delayed but more robust. Although consistently high levels of H2O2 were observed throughout the pest interaction in susceptible cultivars, gall development was not inhibited. During the onset of physiological bud break, increased H2O2 accumulation was observed across all cultivars. This increase was associated with endodormancy in susceptible cultivars and with both defense mechanisms and endodormancy processes in resistant cultivars. These findings highlight the significant role of H2O2 in plant defense responses, while also supporting its function as a multifunctional signaling molecule involved in gall development and the regulation of physiological processes
The current and potential contributions of the Collective Security Treaty Organization to Central Asian security
No full textTarih boyunca istilalar ve çatışmaların eksik olmadığı bir bölge olan Merkezi Asya’da, istikrar hiçbir zaman tam anlamıyla sağlanamamıştır. Amerika Birleşik Devletleri’nin Monroe Doktrinini terk etmesiyle birlikte küresel bir güç olarak dünya siyasetinde daha aktif rol almaya başlaması, ilk etapta diğer büyük güç olan Sovyetler Birliği’ni çevreleme stratejisini gündeme getirmiştir. Sovyetler Birliği döneminde bölgeye hâkim olan Ruslar, Sovyetlerin dağılmasının ardından bu etkisini Kolektif Güvenlik Antlaşması Örgütü (KGAÖ) aracılığıyla sürdürmeye çalışmıştır. Rusya, KGAÖ'yü Batı bloğunun çevreleme politikalarına karşı bir denge unsuru olarak konumlandırmıştır. Ancak örgüt, taahhütleri ve hedefleri çerçevesinde zaman zaman çeşitli eleştirilerin odağında yer almıştır. Bu çalışmada, KGAÖ’nün Merkezi Asya’daki etkisi neo-realist bakış açısıyla ele alınmıştır. Sovyetler Birliği’nin dağılmasıyla değişen güç dengeleri bağlamında sistemde istikrarın yeniden tesis edilmesine yönelik adımlar değerlendirilmiş; örgütün yapısal düzeni, gerçekleştirdiği ortak tatbikatlar ve askerî eğitim faaliyetleri incelenmiştir. Bu çerçevede, örgütün bölgedeki etkisi ya da etkisizliği analiz edilerek kapsamlı bir değerlendirme yapılmıştır.Central Asia has historically been a region marked by constant invasions and conflicts, where stability has rarely been achieved. With the abandonment of the Monroe Doctrine, the United States began to take a more active role on the global stage and initially pursued a strategy aimed at containing its major rival, the Soviet Union. During the Soviet era, Russia maintained dominance over the region. After the dissolution of the USSR, it sought to preserve its influence through the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Russia positioned the CSTO as a counterbalancing force against the encirclement strategies of the Western bloc. However, the organization has often faced criticism regarding its commitments and objectives. This study examines the influence of the Collective Security Treaty Organization in Central Asia from a neo-realist perspective. It evaluates the steps taken to restore balance in the international system following the collapse of the Soviet Union, focusing on the structural framework of the organization, as well as the military exercises and training activities it has conducted. Within this context, the study analyzes the effectiveness—or ineffectiveness—of the CSTO in the region
Assessing water stress dynamics in kenaf(Hibiscus cannabinus L.)through the crop water stress index and physiological parameters
No full textThe effect of water stress in kenaf was studied using the Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI). Relationships of the CWSI with various physiological parameters under different irrigation levels were determined. Field trials were conducted over 2 years under sub-humid climate conditions using a randomised block design with four irrigation treatments on the basis of soil water depletion. Physiological measurements including leaf water potential (LWP), chlorophyll reading (CR), leaf area index (LAI), net photosynthesis rate (A) and stomatal conductance (gs) were recorded throughout the growing seasons. Results showed significant variations in CWSI values among irrigation treatments, with a recommended threshold of 0.15 for optimal irrigation timing. Irrigation significantly affected LWP, CR, LAI, A and gs in each year, at the p < 0.01 level. Correlation analyses revealed strong relationships between CWSI and physiological parameters, indicating its potential to predict changes in plant physiology and dry matter yield of kenaf under water stress conditions. The study highlights the importance of optimising irrigation on the basis of CWSI to enhance crop resilience and productivity. By leveraging CWSI as a predictive tool, farmers can make informed decisions regarding crop physiology, irrigation timing and water management strategies to mitigate water stress and improve kenaf yield in a sustainable manner
Islamic economics and economics as a system of power
No full textIslamic economics emerged in the post-colonial period as a novel and independent approach to political and economic discourse. It sought an ideal economic system that could encompass interest-free commercial relations, moral behavioral norms that eschewed self-interest, and the pursuit of social justice and welfare. After some time, however, Islamic economics was perceived as having failed to meet these expectations, or even to create an original methodology. This saw it become subject to harsh criticisms regarding incompatibility between its theory and practice. Such observations are not unique to Islamic economics; various heterodox schools of economics have made similar critiques of mainstream neoclassical economics. The latter, however, has hereto overcome such criticisms by offering technical analysis backed by institutional power. In their application to Islamic economics, however, such criticisms generally ignore the fact that economics is a "power system" or "issue of power"-an issue with significant implications for the application of any economic school of thought. Notably, the United States of America's post-1945 assumption of global dominance in terms of political power and economic wealth led to the emergence of a robust mainstream international theory of economics. This saw mainstream neoclassical economics become intertwined with the experience of the post-1945 hegemonic state. The consistency and validity of this theory was thus directly related to political power and institutionalization. Islamic economics today exhibits theoretical disorganization because it needs an institutional center like that of mainstream neoclassical economics. It is in this context that this study examines the relationship between institutional power and economic theory from the perspective of Islamic economics
Psycho-social factors affecting the conversion of germans to Islam
No full textBu çalışma, Alman kökenli olup Almanya'da yaşayan ve din değiştirmiş bireylerin din değiştirme süreçlerinde etkili olan psikolojik ve sosyal faktörleri incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırmada genel olarak din değiştirmenin altında yatan psikolojik ve sosyal unsurlar ele alınmış, özelde ise Almanya'nın farklı bölge ve şehirlerinde yaşayanların, din değiştirme öncesi yaşamları, din değiştirme süreçleri ve sonrası deneyimleri psikolojik ve sosyal boyutlarıyla değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırma kapsamında veriler, Almanya'nın çeşitli şehirlerinde yaşayan 26 Alman asıllı mühtedilerle yapılan derinlemesine mülakatlar yoluyla toplanmıştır. Görüşmeler esnasında ses kaydı yapılmış, bu ses kayıtlarının çözümü yapılarak yazıya aktarılmıştır, ardından elde edilen veriler yorumlanıp analiz edilmiştir. Analiz sonuçlarına göre bireylerin din değiştirme süreçlerinde çeşitli psiko-sosyal faktörlerin etkili olduğu görülmüştür. Görüşülen kişilerin din değiştirme kararlarının başında, özellikle Hristiyanlık inancındaki teslis inancının anlaşılamaz olduğu, buna karşılık İslam'daki tevhit inancının açık ve net oluşu, ibadetlerin aracısız Allah'a yapılması, Kur'an'ın İncillere göre tahrif olmadan günümüze kadar gelişi, İslam'ın yardımseverliği teşvik etmesi vb. etkenlerin önemli bir rol oynadığı anlaşılmıştır.This study aims to examine the psychological and social factors influencing the conversion processes of individuals of German origin living in Germany. This study discusses the psychological and social factors underlying conversion in general, with particular emphasis on the pre-conversion lives, conversion processes, and post-conversion experiences of those living in different regions and cities of Germany are evaluated in terms of psychological and social dimensions. As part of the research, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 26 German converts living in different cities across Germany. Audio recordings were made during the interviews and later transcribed. The data obtained were then analyzed and interpreted. The results of the analysis indicate that various psycho-social factors played a significant role in the conversion processes of individuals. Regarding the reasons behind the interviewees' conversion decisions, it was found that the incomprehensibility of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, compared to the clear and explicit belief in monotheism in Islam, was a decisive factor. Additionally, the direct worship of God without intermediaries, the belief that the Qur'an has been preserved without distortion, unlike the Gospels, and Islam's emphasis on benevolence, among other factors, played an important role
Sustainable coexistence: Wind energy development and beekeeping prosperity-a propensity score matching approach
No full textBeneath the promise of clean energy, the rapid rise of wind energy farms has stirred mounting concern for pollinator-dependent livelihoods-particularly in beekeeping. This study investigates the effect of wind energy farms on honey-related income using data from six provinces in Turkiye's Aegean region and the propensity score matching method. Results show that beekeepers operating near wind energy farms experience significantly higher incomes-an average treatment gain of 45,107 TL, with treated groups earning 56,515 TL more-backed by several robust statistical evidence such as placebo and bootstrap techniques. Certain groups-such as younger, nomadic, and family-trained beekeepers, and those receiving financial support-exhibit greater resilience. The findings highlight the need for land-use strategies that balance renewable energy development with ecological and economic concerns. Introducing bee-friendly vegetation around turbines is proposed as a practical solution. This approach can foster a mutually beneficial relationship between wind energy farms and beekeeping, supporting both rural livelihoods and the broader goals of sustainable development
Enhancing the aerodynamic performance of a biomimetic wing with topography optimization
No full textThis paper presents the optimization of the external shape of a model wing obtained from samara (maple seed) by means of biomimicry in order to improve its aerodynamic performance. Samaras, winged seeds of maples, have drawn attention in biomimetic design because of their high lift and low drag properties and autorotation capability. This makes them ideal for winged structures, which can operate in a wide range of wind conditions. This study aims to demonstrate that a samara wing can be modified using mathematical modelling, and different surface geometries can be created by making desired changes in the design parameters. Optimization of the topography of a samara wing model is presented using the results of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The model wing was divided into three regions, and topography optimization was performed in five steps. Intermediate forms and final forms of the model are presented together with the CFD results. The final form of the model provided an aerodynamic performance increase of up to 28% depending on the angle of attack. In addition, as a result of these improvements, the biomimetic wing has simpler design parameters and a more applicable structure. These results suggest that aerodynamic performance can be enhanced by topography study on a biomimetic wing
Boosting the photocatalytic bleaching of cotton fabric with hydrogen peroxide and a hydrogen peroxide/titanium dioxide nanoparticle blend.
No full textThis study delves into the exploration of an alternative bleaching method as a substitute for hydrogen peroxide, addressing concerns related to its excessive chemical usage, high waste load, and elevated energy and water consumption. Photocatalytic bleaching was implemented on 100% cotton fabrics. Initially, hydrogen peroxide served as a catalyst, and the photocatalytic effect was meticulously examined. Subsequently, nano-sized TiO2 was introduced into the photocatalytic recipe, and operational conditions were fine-tuned to determine the optimal bleaching process for cotton fabrics. All photocatalytic experiments were systematically compared with conventional hydrojen peroxide bleaching method. A comprehensive analysis, encompassing color spectrum values, SEM, SEM-EDX, XRD, and FTIR-ATR tests, was conducted. The results revealed a notable 13.36% enhancement in whiteness performance during bleaching when subjected to photocatalytic treatment with nano TiO2 and H2O2 in tandem. This study posits itself as an environmentally conscious alternative to the long-standing conventional bleaching processes prevalent in the textile industry