Istanbul Topkapi University

This study explores the dynamics of trust in the labour market from a behavioural economics perspective, utilising data from the World Values Survey. We examine how employment status, job-related concerns, and perceptions of corruption influence trust. Our findings indicate that full-time employment and high income levels lower trust, whereas perceptions of corruption intensify this effect. The study recognises limitations, including incomplete representation of informal jobs and variation in income-reporting practices. It highlights the complex interaction of factors that shape trust within the labour market. The uniqueness of this research lies in conceptualising trust as a multifaceted construct, including cognitive expectations, mental shortcuts, and emotional dispositions. The study contributes to the understanding of trust in the labour market and its links with factors such as employment levels, job concerns, and perceptions of corruption. It enriches the literature by emphasising the complex interplay between cognitive and emotional factors in shaping trust in labour markets. Future research should investigate non-standard working patterns, including informal, flexible, and atypical employment, as well as the influence of cultural structures within cultural codes.

Bu çalışma, 2020-2025 yılları arasında Türkiye’de yayınlanan ve Türk yapımı olan romantik drama türündeki filmlerden IMDb (Internet Movie Database) puanı en yüksek ilk üç filme ait, kadın-erkek ilişkilerinin temsili bağlamını ele almak üzere Sembolik Etkileşim Kuramı çerçevesinde tasnif edilmiş bulguların, Eleştirel Söylem Analizi ile incelemesini içermektedir. George Herbert Mead, Herbert Blumer ve Erving Goffman’ın kuramsal yaklaşımları doğrultusunda, karakterlerin beden dili, nesne kullanımı ve sosyal bağlamları incelenerek, toplumsal cinsiyet rollerine dair mevcut kurguların sinemada nasıl ve ne yönde yeniden üretildiği açıklanmaktadır. Çalışma kapsamında eleştirel söylem analizlerini desteklemesi için feminist film kuramı ve hegemonik erkeklik perspektifleri çerçevesinde de analizler yapılmıştır. Ortaya çıkan sonuçlara göre, erkek karakterlere güçlü, koruyucu ve yönlendirici yüklemeler yapılırken, kadın karakterler ise pasif, yönlendirilen ve bakım odaklı yüklemelerle temsil edilmiştir. Çalışma, sinemanın, toplumsal normlar, değerler, inançlar, cinsiyet rolleri vb. özellikleri, sembolik düzeyde yeniden üretme potansiyeline sahip olduğuna dikkati çekmekte ve bu temsillerin kültürel yansımalarını tartışmaya sunmaktadır. Böylece sinemanın sadece bir sanat ve keyif aracı değil, sosyal ve kültürel inşanın güçlü bir partneri olabildiği gerçeği de sunulmaktadır.

Abstract This study aims to adapt the Grandchildren Received Affection Scale (GRAS). It is methodological research. Validity and reliability methods were used to analyze the data of this study on university students. Language and face validity for validity were determined as appropriate. Expert opinions were evaluated as similar for content validity. The reliability coefficient was 0.94. With confirmatory factor analysis, item coefficients were above 0.30. In addition, model fit indices were evaluated at appropriate values, and it was determined that all items and sub-dimensions of the Grandchildren Received Affection Scale were preserved. With the same analysis, the variance and eigenvalues of the GRAS were found to be within the appropriate limits. As a result, it can be said that GRAS is a tool suitable for Turkish culture and can be used easily.

This chapter examines Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative force in higher education, focusing on instructional design and curriculum development. AI is framed as a human-centered, ethical, and pedagogically aligned partner for creating flexible, inclusive, and future-ready ecosystems. Using models such as ADDIE, TPACK, and UDL, it highlights AI's role in learner analysis, adaptive content, real-time monitoring, and personalized evaluation. Applications include adaptive platforms, AI-driven feedback, and inclusive design, supported by LMS, LXP, analytics, and advising. Ethical issues like privacy, fairness, and accessibility are emphasized, presenting AI as a catalyst for adaptive and coherent education.

Abstract Boza, a traditional grain-based fermented beverage, contains probiotic species with health-promoting properties. This study aims to evaluate the probiotic potential, health, and safety properties of Lactobacillus sp. in boza. Rapid identifications were performed using the MALDI-TOF MS method. The isolates were tested for acid resistance, bile tolerance, antibiotic resistance, acidification ability, enzyme production potential, hydrophobicity, and EPS production. Molecular identification of the strains that passed all tests was performed using the 16S rRNA PCR method. The results demonstrated that of the 27 isolates, 8 were Lactobacillus ( L. ) casei , 6 were L. brevis , 6 were L. plantarum , 4 were L. fermentum , and 3 were L. delbrueckii . Amongst Lactobacillus strains, 13 were found to be acid-resistant, but survival rates decreased significantly with increasing acidity (p < .05). These idendical isolates were also tolerant to bile. Four of these isolates were antibiotic resistant, and the antibiotic-sensitive strains showed acid and enzyme production abilities, generally had strong hydrophobicity, and all produced exopolysaccharides (EPS). Of the 7 isolates that passed all tests, 3 strains exhibiting antimicrobial activity against 4 identified pathogens were identified as L. plantarum , L. casei , and L. brevis . It was determined that hydrophobicity and acidification capacity positively and significantly affected antimicrobial activity (p < .05). Overall, in vitro results indicated that, in vivo testing of these strains as promising natural probiotics is necessary to determine their health benefits. Besides this, studies to increase their initial load and further enhance their efficacy through methods such as microencapsulation are also recommended.

Bu çalışma, Karl Schwesig’in Gurs Toplama Kampı’nda ürettiği posta pullarını estetik bir direniş biçimi olarak incelemektedir. Schwesig’in sanatsal pratiği, otoriter rejimlerin baskıcı politikalarına karşı bir protesto aracı olarak değerlendirilmekte ve sanatın politik işlevine dair kapsamlı bir tartışma sunmaktadır. Araştırma sanat tarihi, görsel kültür çalışmaları ve eleştirel teori perspektiflerinden yararlanarak Schwesig’in pullarını görsel söylem analizi yöntemiyle incelemektedir. Çalışmada, Schwesig’in pullarındaki ikonografi ve metinsel unsurlar, dönemin siyasi bağlamı içinde değerlendirilerek, bu eserlerin Vichy Fransası’ndaki toplama kamplarında nasıl bir karşı-anlatı oluşturduğu incelenmektedir. Sanatın hegemonik iktidarlara karşı bir ifade aracı olarak nasıl işlev gördüğünü anlamak için Schwesig’in üretimleri, estetik direniş kavramı çerçevesinde ele alınmaktadır. Sanat tarihi Schwesig’in pullarının yalnızca sanatsal bir üretim değil, aynı zamanda politik bir hafıza inşası olarak da işlev gördüğünü göstermektedir. Çalışma, sanatın baskı rejimleri altındaki rolünü tartışarak estetik direnişin tarihsel ve teorik boyutlarını yeniden değerlendirmeyi amaçlamaktadır.

Abstract Background Beetroot juice (BRJ), rich in nitrate (NO3−), is recognized as an ergogenic aid for enhancing sports performance, yet its effects on swimming remain underexplored. This study investigated the impact of BRJ on anaerobic performance, lactate levels, and exertion in male adolescent swimmers. Fourteen competitive male swimmers (mean age 14.50 ± 0.94 years) consumed BRJ (250 mL, 8 mmol NO3−) or placebo (250 mL, 0.6 mmol NO3−) beverages 2.5 hours before training sessions over six days. Performance was evaluated using an 8 × 100 m freestyle time trial at maximum effort, with blood lactate levels and perceived exertion assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results The BRJ group had significantly faster mean times for the third 100 m interval compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). While BRJ did not significantly alter blood lactate levels (p > 0.05), it significantly reduced perceived exertion (p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest that six days of BRJ enhances anaerobic swimming performance and reduces exertion in swimmers, though its effect on lactate accumulation is negligible. Future research should explore BRJ's influence on performance and exertion using diverse performance tests and by monitoring blood nitrate levels to better understand its ergogenic potential. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06461117.

Abstract Background Effective tapering is essential to maintain peak performance and reduce injury risk prior to competition. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training, a low-load alternative to traditional resistance exercise, has shown promise; however, its biomechanical effects during tapering are not well defined. This study aimed to compare the acute effects of low-pressure and high-pressure BFR with traditional progressive resistance exercise (PRE) on muscle tone and stiffness during a simulated tapering period. Methods This randomized controlled study included sixty-two healthy participants (mean age 21.03 ± 0.83 years;54.8% female). The participants were randomized into three groups: low-pressure BFR (20% arterial occlusion pressure [AOP]), high-pressure BFR (80% AOP), or PRE. Over four days, participants completed group-specific resistance protocols targeting the biceps brachii. Muscle tone and stiffness were measured using a MyotonPRO device just after each session. Results In intragroup analyses, muscle tone showed significant time effect in the PRE (η²=0.772, p < 0.001) and 80% BFR (η²=0.387, p < 0.001) groups, but not in the 20% BFR group (η²=0.004, p = 0.975). Similarly, muscle stiffness increased over time in the PRE (η²=0.393, p < 0.001) and 80% BFR (η²=0.251, p < 0.001) groups, while no significant changes were observed in 20% BFR group (η²=0.037, p = 0.544). Intergroup comparisons revealed that 80% BFR induced greater changes in both muscle tone and stiffness compared to 20% BFR (p < 0.001). Conclusions Both high-pressure BFR and PRE increase muscle tone and stiffness during tapering, which may elevate injury risk. In contrast, low-pressure BFR preserves neuromuscular properties without exacerbating tissue stiffness, presenting a viable and safer tapering alternative for strength athletes aiming to maintain readiness while minimizing mechanical strain. Clinical trial number: NCT06861699

Background:This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) applications in managing pain among cancer patients. Pain is a prevalent symptom in oncology and significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. VR, as a non-pharmacological intervention, distracts attention and provides immersive environments, making it a promising approach to alleviate pain. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from studies conducted between 2014 and 2024 to assess VR’s impact on pain management and its implications for clinical practice.Methods:A systematic literature review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched via specific Medical Subject Headings terms. Studies were included if they were experimental or quasi-experimental, published in English, and accessible in full text. The population was composed of cancer patients, and the intervention was VR-based. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by 2 researchers using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. From an initial pool of 497 studies, 22 met the inclusion criteria, including 10 randomized controlled trials and 12 quasi-experimental studies.Results:The included studies included 925 participants aged 6 to 85 years, representing various cancer types, such as breast, colorectal, and hematological malignancies. VR interventions were associated with significant pain reduction in 13 studies, while 6 studies reported no meaningful differences, and 1 study noted a slight adverse effect. The participants frequently reported enhanced satisfaction and emotional well-being, describing the VR experience as relaxing and distracting. Despite mild side effects such as nausea or dizziness, VR was generally well tolerated.Conclusion:VR has considerable potential as a complementary method for pain management in oncology. While it shows promise in improving patient experiences and reducing pain, further robust, large-scale studies are needed to validate its clinical effectiveness and optimize its use. These findings encourage healthcare professionals to explore VR as a holistic tool in cancer care.

In response to the global imperative of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the optimisation of renewable energy systems under regionally favourable conditions has become increasingly essential. Solar irradiance forecasting plays a pivotal role in enhancing energy planning, grid reliability, and long-term sustainability. However, in the context of Turkey, existing studies on solar radiation forecasting often rely on traditional statistical approaches and are limited to single-site analyses, with insufficient attention to regional diversity and deep learning-based modelling. To address this gap, the present study focuses on Turkey’s Mediterranean region, characterised by high solar potential and diverse climatic conditions and strategically relevant to national clean energy targets. Historical data from 2020 to 2023 were used to forecast solar irradiance patterns up to 2026. Five representative locations—Adana, Isparta, Fethiye, Ulukışla, and Yüreğir—were selected to capture spatial and temporal variability across inland, coastal, and high-altitude zones. Advanced deep learning models, including artificial neural networks (ANN), long short-term memory (LSTM), and bidirectional LSTM (BiLSTM), were developed and evaluated using standard performance metrics. Among these, BiLSTM achieved the highest accuracy, with a correlation coefficient of R = 0.95, RMSE = 0.22, and MAPE = 5.4% in Fethiye, followed by strong performance in Yüreğir (R = 0.90, RMSE = 0.12, MAPE = 7.2%). These results demonstrate BiLSTM’s superior capacity to model temporal dependencies and regional variability in solar radiation. The findings contribute to the development of location-specific forecasting frameworks and offer valuable insights for renewable energy planning and grid integration in solar-rich environments.