Ahi Evran University

About: Ahi Evran University is a education organization based out in Kırşehir, Turkey. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Density functional theory & Ab initio. The organization has 842 authors who have published 2270 publications receiving 21904 citations.

Environmental sustainability in Turkey: an environmental Kuznets curve estimation for ecological footprint

Abstract: The goal of this paper is to detect the determinants of ecological footprint (EF) in Turkey within the scope of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis over the period 1970–2016. For this ...

A mixed research-based model for pre-service science teachers' digital literacy

Abstract: This study constructs a science teaching belief system to examine pre-service science teachers' scientific epistemological beliefs (SEBs) and conceptions of teaching and learning (COTL). The aim of the study was to investigate the structural relations among pre-service science teachers' SEBs, COTL and digital literacy skills and to determine the reasons for these relations. First, quantitative research was conducted to examine the structural relations among the variables, using structural equation modeling analysis on the data gathered from 979 pre-service science teachers. Next, qualitative research investigated the reasons for these relations. Thus, the study has a sequential explanatory research design. The findings of the study showed that pre-service science teachers' SEBs affected their constructivist conceptions positively. On the other hand, their SEBs were related to their traditional conceptions negatively. In addition, pre-service teachers' COTL contribute more positively to their digital literacy skills if they hold constructivist conceptions. The previous experiences of pre-service science teachers were also found to affect their beliefs and digital literacy skills. The findings contribute to the educational literature by focusing on the relationships among pre-service science teachers' SEBs, COLT and digital literacy, which is one of the most important 21st century skills, in the context of pre-service science teachers' belief systems. Pre-service science teachers' SEBs had an effect on their COTL.Pre-service science teachers' COTL contribute more positively to their digital literacy if they hold constructivist COTL.Pre-service science teachers' previous experiences impact their beliefs and digital literacy skills.Digital literacy can be more effectively supported if pre-service science teachers' belief systems are considered.

Synthesis, molecular conformation, vibrational, electronic transition, and chemical shift assignments of 4-(thiophene-3-ylmethoxy)phthalonitrile: a combined experimental and theoretical analysis

Abstract: This work presents the synthesis and characterization of a novel compound, 4-(thiophene-3-ylmethoxy)phthalonitrile (TMP). The spectroscopic properties of the compound were examined by FT-IR, FT-Raman, NMR, and UV techniques. FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra in solid state were observed in the region 4000–400 cm−1 and 3500–50 cm−1, respectively. The 1H and 13C NMR spectra were recorded in CDCl3 solution. The UV absorption spectrum of the compound that dissolved in THF was recorded in the range of 200–800 nm. The structural and spectroscopic data of the molecule in the ground state were calculated using density functional theory (DFT) employing B3LYP exchange correlation and the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The vibrational wavenumbers were calculated and scaled values were compared with experimental FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra. The complete assignments were performed on the basis of the experimental results and total energy distribution (TED) of the vibrational modes, calculated with scaled quantum mechanics (SQM) method. Isotropic chemical shifts (13C NMR and 1H NMR) were calculated using the gauge-invariant atomic orbital (GIAO) method. A study on the electronic properties, such as HOMO and LUMO energies, were performed by time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) approach. The HOMO and LUMO analyses have been used to elucidate information regarding charge transfer within the molecule. Comparison of the calculated frequencies, NMR chemical shifts, absorption wavelengths with the experimental values revealed that DFT method produces good results.

Turkish school students and global warming beliefs and willingness to act

Abstract: One aim of environmental education is to persuade people to act in more proenvironmental ways. However, there is not a linear relationship between environmental knowledge in general and a willingness to act pro-environmentally. This research explores, using a specially-devised questionnaire, Turkish school students’ beliefs about the benefits of specific actions for reducing global warming (their Believed Usefulness of Action), their readiness to adopt them (their Degree of Willingness to Act), and the relationships between these. Students appear willing to take certain actions such as switching off un-used electrical items, but unwilling to undertake other actions such as increasing their use of public transport. Planting more trees was thought to be the most useful action, whereas few students appreciated the role that buying fewer new consumables might play. A novel index, the Potential Effectiveness of Education, was constructed to quantify the relationships between these two parameters for specific actions. For some actions, such as purchasing fewer new goods, there were stronger relationships between a belief in the effectiveness of an action in reducing global warming and the willingness to undertake it. Teaching about the benefits of such actions might be effective in terms of encouraging individuals to adopt them.