Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları

Yazarlar

  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Exploring the role of rare earth elements doped TiO₂ based photoanodes on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells

    Caliskan, Berrak; Sayan, Enes; Igman, Erdal

    This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of rare earth elements (REEs) doped TiO₂ thin films based photoanodes for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). For this purpose, TiO₂ films were doped with Ho³⁺, La³⁺, Er³⁺, and Yb³⁺ ions to enhance photoelectrochemical properties. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, BET surface area analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed for the structural, morphological, and optical characterization of the synthesized photoanodes and CEs. REEs doping improved the surface morphology and optical properties of TiO₂, in particular, it increased photon absorption in the visible light range. La³⁺ and Ho³⁺ significantly improved photovoltaic performance, achieving power conversion efficiencies of 3.78% and 2.87%, respectively, compared to that of pure TiO₂. These enhancements indicate improved charge transport and light harvesting due to incorporation of REEs. Additionally, replacing the conventional platinum counter electrode (CE) with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) further enhanced performance, offering a low-cost and efficient alternative. The study highlights the combined benefits of REEs doping and rGO integration in improving DSSCs efficiency. These findings contribute to the development of more sustainable, cost-effective solar energy technologies and underline the potential of REEs-doped TiO₂ films and rGO electrodes in advancing next-generation photovoltaic devices.

    • SDG 7 · Erişilebilir ve Temiz Enerji
    AtıfScopus3WoS3OpenAlex2
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    A NIKOM-Based Conceptual Framework for Spiritual Counseling Services in Turkey: Toward an Intervention Model

    Çinici, Murat

    Spiritual counseling has expanded rapidly in Turkiye over the past two decades. Hospitals, prisons, family guidance offices, eldercare facilities, disaster-response systems, and addiction recovery programs now host spiritual counselors as part of routine care. The methodological foundation of these services, however, remains underdeveloped. Using a conceptual review and theoretical integration approach, this article proposes—but does not empirically test—a framework that links spiritual counseling practice in Turkiye to the Intention Code Model (NIKOM), a recently formulated cognitive model that conceptualizes mental life through if–then schemas (codes), their activation, and their alignment with bodily systems. The article reviews the institutional landscape of spiritual counseling in Turkiye, situates NIKOM among adjacent cognitive models, and shows how core Islamic concepts—tawakkul, ṣabr, shukr, tawba, and dhikr—can be interpreted as functions relevant to counseling practice. A standardized five-stage intervention template is proposed and applied to six service domains. The article closes by offering five testable propositions, considering ethical limits, and articulating concrete referral criteria. The proposed framework is theoretically grounded and empirically testable; clinical efficacy is not claimed.

    AtıfScopus1WoS2OpenAlex2
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    A natural nephroprotective adjuvant for cancer chemotherapy: Rosmarinic acid disrupts IL-17 A-Ferroptosis coupling in Ifosfamide-induced renal injury

    Süzen Celbek, Büşra; Şimşek, Hasan; Akaras, Nurhan; Kandemir, Özge; Kızıl, Hamit Emre; Mutlu, Hüseyin; Kandemir, Fatih Mehmet

    Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural polyphenol with established pleiotropic protective effects. Ifosfamide (IFA) is a potent antineoplastic agent whose clinical utility is severely limited by dose-dependent nephrotoxicity, primarily mediated by its metabolite, chloroacetaldehyde (CAA). This study aimed to investigate whether RA protects against IFA-induced nephrotoxicity and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Male Wistar albino rats (n = 7 per group) were allocated into four groups: Control, RA-only (50 mg/kg, p.o., 2 days), IFA-only (a single 500 mg/kg, i.p. dose), and IFA + RA. Serum biochemical markers (urea, creatinine), renal oxidative stress parameters (MDA, GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx), gene expression levels (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17 A, ACT1, TRAF6, Caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, PTGS2, GPX4, TfR1), and histopathological/immunohistochemical analyses (KIM-1, Nephrin, Caspase-3) were performed 24 h post-administration. IFA induced severe renal dysfunction, marked oxidative stress, and extensive histopathological damage. Mechanistically, IFA initiated a pathogenic cascade activating intrinsic apoptosis and ferroptosis, driven by a self-sustaining IL-17 A-TRAF6-NF-κB inflammatory loop. RA co-treatment (50 mg/kg) significantly reversed all functional, biochemical, and histological damage by strategically breaking this crosstalk, restoring redox homeostasis, and simultaneously restraining both cell death programs. In conclusion, RA protects against IFA nephrotoxicity by targeting the critical inflammation-ferroptosis coupling, positioning it as a highly promising adjuvant candidate for clinical use to mitigate IFA-induced renal injury.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus3WoS4OpenAlex6
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Tailoring Physicochemical and Technological Properties of α-Glucans Through Mutations of GTFA from Lactobacillus Reuteri E81

    Gökcan, Hande; İspirli, Hümeyra; Dertli, Enes

    Glucansucrases catalyze the production of α-glucans using sucrose as substrate with distinct physicochemical characteristics originates from mainly the type of linkages, degree of branching and molecular mass. New forms of α-glucans can be produced by applying specific mutations to glucansucrases. In this study, a single and double mutation at Leu933 and Leu935 sites of glucansucrase E81 was applied and L933I and L933I-L935F sites modified glucansucrase was obtained. Structural characterisation of bioengineered α-glucans revealed that ratio of (1 → 3):(1 → 6) linked α-Glc units altered at L933I whereas no (1 → 3)-linked α-Glc units were presented for L933I-L935F modified glucansucrase detected by NMR analysis. Both bioengineered α-glucans had lower molecular weights in comparison to glucan E81 detected by GPC analysis. TGA and DSC analysis were applied to detect the thermal profiles of bioengineered α-glucans whereas FTIR and XRD analysis were applied to determine the alterations in the structural and physical nature of the bioengineered α-glucans, respectively. Finally, SEM and AFM analysis were applied to explore the morphological modifications of the bioengineered α-glucans. This study provides a better understanding for the potential role of final glucan structures on their physicochemical characteristics. Keywords: glucansucrase; carbohydrate engineering; mutation.

    AtıfScopus2WoS2OpenAlex2
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Hot injection synthesis of metal-doped Ag2S nanocrystals: A novel multifunctional approach for cancer therapy, antibacterial strategies, and antioxidant defense

    ULUSU, Funda; OZEL, Sultan Suleyman; Sarilmaz, Adem; ULUSU, Yakup

    This pioneering study presents the synthesis and comprehensive evaluation of bare and metal-doped Ag₂S nanocrystals (NCs) as multifunctional agents with potential applications in antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer therapies. The incorporation of manganese, nickel, cobalt, and zinc into Ag₂S NCs resulted in a notable enhancement of their bioactivity, representing a novel approach in nanomaterial design. The antibacterial assessments revealed that Mn:Ag₂S NCs were the most potent candidate, exhibiting exceptional activity against S. aureus and E. coli, with the lowest MIC values recorded at 1.28 mg/mL and 1.08 mg/mL, respectively. The antioxidant studies demonstrated that the Mn:Ag₂S NCs exhibited remarkable free radical scavenging and ferric reducing capacities, with the lowest IC50 values (22.69 µg/mL for DPPH and 61.31 µg/mL for FRAP) underscoring their potential to mitigate oxidative stress. Importantly, cytotoxicity assays revealed that Ni:Ag₂S and Mn:Ag₂S nanocrystals selectively inhibited the proliferation of human colon cancer cells (HT-29), achieving IC50 values of 61.51 µg/mL and 90.12 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, these NCs demonstrate reduced toxicity towards mouse fibroblast cells (L929). This selective cytotoxicity indicates the potential of these agents in targeted cancer therapies, thereby reducing damage to healthy tissues. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically explore the synergistic effects of metal doping on the multifunctional properties of Ag₂S NCs. These findings provide a robust basis for further in vivo studies and offer new avenues for the development of safe and effective nanomaterials in biomedical applications, particularly as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer agents.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus1WoS1OpenAlex1
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • DüzeltmeAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Correction to: Exploring the transformative power of GenAI in education: an exploratory journey from social studies classes (Education and Information Technologies, (2025), 10.1007/s10639-025-13814-z)

    Yetişensoy, Okan

    The original online version of this article has been corrected. Figure 3 is removed upon the author’s request.

    • SDG 4 · Nitelikli Eğitim
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Associations between preschool children’s perspective-taking skills and their perceived abilities and behavioral intentions toward peers with special educational needs

    Ari-Arat, Ceren; Tutkun, Cansu

    The aim of this study was to examine the associations between preschool children’s perceived capabilities, perspective-taking skills, and behavioral intentions toward peers with special educational needs. The sample consisted of 193 preschool children aged 4 to 6 years, selected through convenience sampling from early childhood education centres in Bayburt, Türkiye. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected using the Child Information Form, the Perceived Capabilities Scale, the Behavioral Intentions Scale, and the Child Perspective-Taking Test. Data collection was conducted in one-on-one sessions over two meetings per child, with an average duration of 18 min. Small but statistically significant positive associations were observed between children’s perceived capabilities and their behavioral intentions across the three peer conditions (r =.283-0.289, p <.01). Small associations were also observed between selected perspective-taking components and behavioral intentions in the bivariate analyses; however, none of the perspective-taking components remained significantly associated with behavioral intentions after the other variables were taken into account. Across the three regression models, perceived capabilities were the only variable that remained significantly associated with behavioral intentions (β = 0.268-0.289, p <.001). The regression models explained a modest proportion of the variance in behavioral intentions (R² = 0.093-0.106; adjusted R² = 0.074-0.087). Exploratory group comparisons indicated selective differences in perspective-taking according to reported experience with peers with SEN; however, these findings should be interpreted cautiously because experience was measured dichotomously and the direct-experience groups were highly unequal. Girls reported slightly higher behavioral intentions toward peers with physical disabilities than boys (t = 2.318, p =.022), whereas no significant age-related differences were observed.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    • SDG 4 · Nitelikli Eğitim
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1
    The effect of augmented reality-enriched stories on altruistic sharing behavior

    Kotaman, Hüseyin; Balcı, Aslı; Tutkun, Cansu; Bayram, Zeynep

    This study aims to determine the effect of reading augmented reality (AR)-enriched stories related to sharing on children’s altruistic sharing behavior. In recent years, AR applications have been increasingly utilized in early childhood education to enhance engagement and motivation; however, there is limited knowledge about their impact on children’s social and moral development. Addressing this gap, the present study focuses on how interactive, immersive storytelling environments can foster prosocial behaviors, particularly altruistic sharing, in preschool children. A total of 300 children aged 4–6 from 21 kindergarten classrooms participated in the study. The classrooms were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a group that received an AR-enriched sharing storybook, a group that received a non-AR digital sharing storybook, and a group that received a digital storybook unrelated to sharing (control group). The sharing behavior of the participating children was measured before and after the story sessions using a standardized sticker-sharing protocol. Each child was read the story individually, according to their assigned group. The difference between children’s post-story and pre-story sharing behaviors was calculated, and the sharing differences among the three groups were compared using ANOVA. As a result, it was found that the children who listened to the AR-enriched story about sharing showed a significantly greater increase in sharing behavior compared to the other two groups. These findings highlight the potential of AR-supported storybooks as effective pedagogical tools for enhancing altruistic and prosocial behaviors in early childhood education.

    • SDG 4 · Nitelikli Eğitim
    AtıfScopus2WoS1OpenAlex2
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • Derleme MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1
    The Potential Neuroprotective Role of Biotin in Neurorehabilitation: A Review

    Gunay, Esra; Gezmen-Karadag, Makbule

    Purpose of Review: Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that mammals cannot synthesize and must obtain from the diet. Beyond its established role as a cofactor for biotin-dependent carboxylases, biotin has attracted neurological interest because intermediary metabolism, lipid handling, and myelin maintenance are biologically linked. This narrative review examines biotin across three distinct exposure contexts—nutritional adequacy, functional insufficiency, and pharmacological supplementation—and evaluates its putative relevance to neuroprotection and neurorecovery-oriented processes. Recent Findings: Dietary biotin intake is generally sufficient in mixed diets, and overt deficiency is uncommon; however, low diet quality, reduced bioavailability, and methodological limitations in status assessment may complicate interpretation of biotin sufficiency in clinical nutrition. No validated gold-standard biomarker is currently available. Experimental studies suggest that biotin may modulate pathways related to cellular bioenergetics, lipid metabolism, and myelin-associated processes, but these findings are predominantly preclinical and should not be interpreted as direct evidence of clinical efficacy. In progressive multiple sclerosis, high-dose biotin has been evaluated in human studies, including randomized trials, yet clinical results remain inconsistent and laboratory assay interference remains a relevant practical limitation. Summary: Current evidence does not support conflating adequate dietary biotin intake with pharmacological high-dose exposure. Although biotin remains mechanistically plausible in neuroenergetics and myelin-related disorders, its therapeutic relevance to neurorecovery remains uncertain. Better-designed studies are needed to refine exposure assessment, define dose–response relationships, and determine whether mechanistic signals translate into meaningful clinical benefit.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    The effect of virtual school tour on preschool children’s school adjustment

    Kotaman, Hüseyin; Balci, Asli; Kilic, Zeynep Nur Aydin; Tutkun, Cansu

    Starting school for the first time can be a challenging transition for young children and their families. This study combined quantitative and qualitative approaches to examine the impact of a virtual school tour on the school adjustment process of kindergarten students who are about to start school for the first time. The study included 18 kindergarten teachers and a total of 359 children, with 176 in the treatment group and 183 in the control group. Children in the treatment group viewed a 6–10 min interactive 360° virtual tour of their school before the school year began, while those in the control group did not receive any preparatory intervention. Children’s school adjustment was assessed three weeks after school entry using the School Adjustment Teacher Evaluation Scale, which measures school avoidance, school liking, cooperative participation, and self-directiveness. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test, and qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results showed that children in the treatment group demonstrated significantly lower school avoidance (U = 13266, p =.002, r =.164), higher school liking (U = 11221, p <.001, r =.284), and greater cooperative participation (U = 8541.5, p <.001, r =.860) than those in the control group, with no significant difference for self-directiveness. Qualitative findings supported these results, indicating that the virtual tour increased children’s familiarity with the school, reduced separation anxiety, and facilitated smoother communication between parents and teachers. Teachers reported that participating children entered school “as if it were already familiar,” adapted more quickly, and interacted more readily with peers and teachers. This study contributes to early childhood education by offering a scalable, low-cost, technology-based strategy for easing school transitions. Findings suggest that virtual school tours can be a practical tool for improving children’s early school experiences and enhancing family-school partnerships.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    • SDG 4 · Nitelikli Eğitim
    AtıfScopus1WoS1OpenAlex2
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Physicochemical properties, phytohormone profiles and quality assessment of honey from the Çoruh Valley of Türkiye

    Tosun, Murat; Cengiz, Mahir Murat; Erdoğan, Yaşar; Turan, Metin

    In this study, seventeen floral honey samples collected from Türkiye’s Çoruh Valley were examined and a total of 59 parameters were analyzed to evaluate their quality attributes. Accordingly, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), diastase activity, fructose, glucose, sucrose, total fructose + glucose (F + G), the fructose/glucose ratio (F/G), color and δ13C isotope values were determined together with amino acid profiles, organic acid composition, mineral contents, and phytohormone profiles. All chemical and biological data were evaluated using multivariate statistical approaches, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Pearson correlation analysis and Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (HCA), to characterize similarities and differences among the samples. The analytical results demonstrated that honeys from this region comply with established quality standards and exhibit natural purity, balanced chemical composition, and favorable nutritional properties. The detection of diverse phytohormone types and concentrations across the samples, as revealed by the analyses, indicates a rich biochemical signature originating from plant sources. This finding also highlights the functional properties, biological value, and nutritional significance of these honeys. Overall, the results confirm that the floral honeys obtained from Türkiye’s Çoruh Valley are high-quality products in terms of both chemical and biological properties.

    • SDG 2 · Açlığa Son
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Valorization of pickled cabbage waste as a novel pectin source: Optimization, characterization

    Erten, Tayyibe; Cebeci Aydın, Fatma

    Recovery of food ingredients from agro-industrial by-products has become increasingly essential for sustainable food production through energy saving and lessening the carbon footprint. Pickled white cabbage production generates high amounts of pickled cabbage waste that contain valuable goods such as pectin. This study aimed to evaluate the valorization of pectin from pickled cabbage waste by comparing the conventional (CE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The UAE provided 2.14 times higher pectin yield (30.32%) compared to CE (14.14%) while reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission (~ 7 times lower). Pectins obtained from conventional extraction (CEP) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UEP) had high amounts of galacturonic acid (85.06 ± 1.76%, 87.95 ± 6.99%, respectively) and low degree of esterification (17.08 ± 1.14%, 14.71 ± 0.00%). The monosaccharide compositions of pectin were similar for CEP and UEP, comprising of galacturonic acid, glucose, arabinose, rhamnose and xylose. FT-IR, NMR and SEM confirmed the structural characteristics of pectins, and the effect of ultrasonication. Furthermore, UEP presented superior technological characteristics including water holding capacity (5.29 ± 0.38 g water/g pectin), oil holding capacity (1.58 ± 0.11 g oil/g pectin), emulsion activity (43.61 ± 1.12%) and emulsion stability compared to CEP. These findings show that pickled cabbage waste is a valuable source of low-methoxyl pectins and UAE is a promising extraction method for obtaining high amount of pectin along with reduced processing time and energy consumption. The UAE method using of citric acid instead of hazardous acids also offers environment-friendly method for pectin extraction.

    • SDG 2 · Açlığa Son
    • SDG 12 · Sorumlu Üretim ve Tüketim
    AtıfScopus1WoS1OpenAlex1
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Microwave-assisted extraction of pectin from persimmon: physicochemical properties, structural characterization and greenness assessment

    Yılmaz, Özlem; Kutlu, Naciye; Kamiloğlu, Aybike; Elbir Abca, Tuğba

    In this study, the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of pectin from persimmon was optimized using a Box-Behnken experimental design, with pH, extraction time, and liquid-to-solid ratio as independent variables. The optimization results obtained through response surface methodology indicated optimum conditions of pH 1.78, extraction time of 8 min, and a liquid-to-solid ratio of 125 mL/g, corresponding to a predicted pectin yield of 4.28%. In the validation experiment, the actual pectin yield was determined to be 3.79 ± 0.04%, confirming a good agreement with the model predictions. The degree of esterification, methoxyl content, galacturonic acid and ash contents, water- and oil-holding capacities, antioxidant activity, rheological behavior, and structural properties (FT-IR, DSC, and 1H NMR) of the samples obtained under optimal MAE and conventional extraction conditions were compared. Based on the degree of esterification, both samples were classified as high-methoxyl, with galacturonic acid contents of 41% and 42% for the MAE and conventionally extracted samples, respectively; both values were below the ≥ 65% level specified for commercial food-grade pectin. The ash content was higher in the MAE sample (7.22%) than in the conventionally extracted sample (1.56%). MAE resulted in a pectin-rich complex with a relatively low galacturonic acid content and higher antioxidant activity than the conventionally extracted sample. Furthermore, the MAE sample exhibited higher water-holding capacity but lower oil-binding capacity than the conventionally extracted sample. Rheological analysis showed that the MAE sample exhibited higher apparent viscosity and shear stress than the conventionally extracted sample. FT-IR analysis revealed more pronounced absorption bands in the MAE sample, suggesting structural differences. DSC analysis revealed differences in the thermal behavior of the MAE and conventionally extracted samples. Additionally, 1H NMR analysis supported the presence of characteristic pectic structural features in both samples. The greenness assessment of the method was assessed using the Greenness Evaluation Metric for Analytical Methods (GEMAM), which yielded an overall score of 7.482, indicating a high level of environmental acceptability. Overall, MAE can be considered an efficient and sustainable approach for obtaining a pectin-rich complex with antioxidant activity from persimmon.

    • SDG 2 · Açlığa Son
    • SDG 12 · Sorumlu Üretim ve Tüketim
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2
    CMTS: An inorganic hole-transport material for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells through surface defect passivation

    Sari, Fahriye; Ozel, Sultan Suleyman; Ozel, Faruk; Kus, Mahmut; Wilton, Richard Hall

    A major challenge in PSCs lies in the carrier transport losses induced by band misalignment and elevated series resistance, which adversely impact the fill factor and device stability, ultimately restricting the overall power conversion efficiency. Due to their tunable band gaps, low fabrication cost, strong light-harvesting capability, adequate carrier lifetime, chemical stability, and environmentally benign nature, chalcogenide perovskites have emerged as highly promising materials for optoelectronic applications. In this study, the quaternary semiconductor nanostructure Cu2MnSnS4 (CMTS) was synthesized via a simple and cost-effective hot-injection method and investigated as an alternative inorganic hole transport layer (HTL) candidate. Indium tin oxide-based perovskite solar cells without any metal oxide interlayer achieved a remarkable PCE of 9.87% and retained more than 92% of their initial efficiency after 720 hours, demonstrating enhanced stability. These findings highlight the critical role of cation–anion interactions in improving device stability and underscore the importance of developing innovative, low-cost, and efficient inorganic HTL materials for the commercial advancement of perovskite solar cells.

    • SDG 7 · Erişilebilir ve Temiz Enerji
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Integrating artificial intelligence into preservice teacher education: enhancing AI literacy and digital material design competency

    Gulen, Hilal Nur; Kucuk, Sevda

    The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed educational tools and practices. Integrating AI into instruction supports complex thinking, enriches teaching, and helps educators in material creation and visualization. Therefore, it is essential to equip both students and educators with AI literacy and digital material design competencies in order to support pedagogically sound and ethically responsible instructional practices. Within this context, the present study examines the extent to which an AI-integrated instructional technology course influences pre-service teachers’ AI literacy and digital material design competencies, as well as their perceptions and experiences of learning within an AI-integrated instructional environment. Using a mixed-methods approach, 50 pre-service social studies teachers (41 female, 9 male) participated in a semester-long course. Data were collected through the Artificial Intelligence Literacy Scale, Digital Material Design Competency Scale, and semi-structured interviews. Paired sample t-tests indicated significant gains in both AI literacy and digital material design competencies, with large effect sizes. Qualitative and quantitative findings showed that AI tools not only improved technical abilities but also enhanced pedagogical thinking. The study highlights the importance of AI-integrated curricula in preparing future teachers for modern educational challenges.

    • SDG 4 · Nitelikli Eğitim
    AtıfScopus2WoS1OpenAlex3
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Exploring the ımpact of metal doping and alternative electrodes on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells

    Calıskan, Berrak; Sayan, Enes; Igman, Erdal

    This study explores the synthesis and characterization of metal-doped TiO2 thin films for applications in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Titanium dioxide (TiO2) films were doped with various metal ions such as Ag+, Zn2+, Fe3+, and Co2+, to enhance the photoelectrochemical properties of the photoanode. The films were characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The doping process was found to influence the morphology, surface area, and optical properties of the TiO2 films, resulting in enhanced light absorption, particularly in the visible range. The effects of metal doping on the performance of the DSSCs were evaluated, showing that Co2+ and Ag+ doping resulted in improved efficiency compared to undoped TiO2, with the Co2+-doped TiO2 achieving the highest power conversion efficiency of 2.85%. Additionally, the incorporation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as a counter electrode demonstrated a significant enhancement in DSSC performance, even surpassing traditional platinum-based counter electrodes. The results suggest that metal doping and rGO incorporation offer promising strategies for improving DSSC efficiency. This study highlights the potential of metal-doped TiO2 photoanodes and rGO counter electrodes in advancing the development of cost-effective, high-performance DSSCs for sustainable solar energy applications.

    • SDG 7 · Erişilebilir ve Temiz Enerji
    AtıfScopus1WoS1
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Optimization of Antioxidant Recovery from Deep Eutectic Solvent Phase via Back-Extraction Using Taguchi Method

    Kamiloğlu, Aybike; Elbir Abca, Tuğba; Kutlu, Naciye

    This study investigates the use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) via ethyl acetate-mediated liquid–liquid extraction and the optimization of the process using the Taguchi method for the recovery of antioxidant compounds from tea industry waste. In the study, choline chloride was used as a hydrogen bond acceptor; lactic acid, glycerol, and ethanol were used as hydrogen bond donors; and different ratios of water (10–30%) were added to reduce the viscosity of the DESs. Ultrasound-assisted extraction results showed that lactic acid-based DESs provided the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity due to their ability to break down plant cell walls. However, in the recovery phase carried out with ethyl acetate, it was determined that ethanol-based DESs (ChCl:EtOH) were more effective in transferring antioxidants to the organic phase due to their looser molecular structure. Optimization using the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array revealed the following results: ChCl:EtOH solvent, 2:1 ethyl acetate/extract ratio, 20% water ratio, and 30-min shaking period were determined as the optimal conditions. Under these conditions, the model predicted a yield of 93.34%, and experimental validation revealed a recovery yield of 85.70 ± 1.13%. The results demonstrate that this developed green extraction method offers a sustainable alternative for converting tea waste into high value-added functional components.

    • SDG 12 · Sorumlu Üretim ve Tüketim
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1
    The effect of digital and traditional methods on learning and retention in preschool education: a comparison of virtual reality, augmented reality, web-based, and manipulative materials

    Tutkun, Cansu

    The pedagogical use of digital technologies in early childhood education is increasingly prevalent today. Augmented reality, virtual reality, and web-based content have the potential to make children’s learning processes more interactive and lasting. In this context, the study compared the effects of different teaching methods presented with augmented reality, virtual reality, web-based, and manipulative (traditional) materials on children’s learning and retention levels. In the quasi-experimental study, a total of 400 children attending preschool education institutions in Bayburt, Turkey, were divided into four different groups and evaluated using a “pre-test–post-test–retention test” model. The results revealed that the virtual reality group achieved the highest scores in both learning and retention levels, followed by the augmented reality and web-based groups, while the manipulative group demonstrated the lowest performance. In addition, the virtual reality environment was evaluated by children as the most enjoyable and satisfying method, and children in this group were the most willing to use the training again. These results show that digital technologies such as virtual and augmented reality in preschool education should be evaluated as effective tools in terms of achieving pedagogical goals and increasing children’s interest in learning.

    • SDG 4 · Nitelikli Eğitim
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Depth-dependent predictability of soil temperature under Mediterranean climatic conditions: a frequency-based perspective

    Guleryuz, Didem; Yıldırım, Ümit; Güler, Cüneyt

    Soil-temperature predictability is inherently depth-dependent because atmospheric forcing is progressively attenuated and transformed into smoother, lower-frequency thermal dynamics with increasing depth. Under Mediterranean climatic conditions, where pronounced seasonality and strong surface forcing coexist, this depth-dependent transformation provides an informative basis for evaluating model behaviour. This study examines soil-temperature prediction at depths of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 cm using a multivariate dataset comprising 5,285 retained daily observations from the Mersin meteorological station on Türkiye’s eastern Mediterranean coast. Precipitation, air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and evaporation were used as predictors. Support vector regression, random forest, and LightGBM were evaluated using R², RMSE, and MAE. All three models performed strongly in the near-surface layers, with test R² values ranging from 0.948 to 0.954 at depths of 5–20 cm. Predictive performance declined with increasing depth as short-period variability weakened and the thermal signal became smoother and more seasonally structured. RF and LightGBM showed a greater numerical decline at 50–100 cm, whereas SVR achieved test R² values of 0.923 at 50 cm and 0.847 at 100 cm; however, inter-model differences remained modest and were interpreted descriptively. Lomb–Scargle spectral analysis, applied using the actual observation dates, indicated that short-period variability became relatively less pronounced with depth while seasonal-scale and low-frequency components remained prominent. Overall, the findings suggest that soil-temperature prediction should be interpreted in relation to depth-dependent temporal signal characteristics rather than as a search for a universally superior algorithm.

    • SDG 13 · İklim Eylemi
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Effects of Graphite Incorporation and Annealing on the Structural, Tribological, and Functional Properties of Electroless Ni-B Coatings

    Bülbül, Ferhat; Kara, Adem; Bülbül, Leman Elif; Güneş, Kübra

    This study explores the synergistic effects of graphite nanoparticles (0.1 wt.%) and thermal annealing (100–600°C) on electroless Ni-B coatings for AISI 4140 steel. Graphite-enabled multifunctional performance—crystallization control, friction reduction, and antibacterial activity—are unlike conventional Ni-B systems. XRD showed amorphous-to-crystalline (Ni3B/Ni2B) transformation, with graphite acting as a nucleation agent below 300°C before degrading at 600°C. The 300°C-annealed composite achieved optimal properties: 0.2 friction coefficient (75% lower than uncoated steel), 60% higher wear resistance, and hardness of 777 HV (+ 3.6% over as-deposited), attributed to graphite lubrication and nanocrystalline Ni3B formation. Antibacterial tests revealed a 3.4-mm inhibition zone against E. coli, though efficacy declined at higher temperatures due to graphite oxidation. All composites maintained superhydrophilicity (contact angle ≈ 0°) without mechanical compromise. By correlating annealing temperature with microstructure, this work provides a design framework for Ni-B/graphite coatings combining low friction (μ = 0.2), high hardness (785 HV), and antibacterial functionality—addressing critical needs for wear-resistant, hygienic surfaces in biomedical and industrial applications.

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