Yazarlar
- Cuce, Erdem(27)
- Cuce, Pinar Mert(22)
- Tozlu, Alperen(12)
- Guclu, Tamer(10)
- Karaali, Rabi(10)
- Imamoglu, Ilyas Kays(7)
- Isik, Cem(7)
- Ongan, Serdar(7)
- Aydin, Rahman(4)
- Hırca, Tuğçe(4)
- Karaali, R.(4)
- Keven, Arzu(4)
- Özahi, Emrah(4)
- Abusoglu, Aysegul(3)
- Ceviz, Mehmet Akif(3)
- Eryılmaz Türkkan, Gökçen(3)
- Kuziboev, Bekhzod(3)
- Serencam, Uğur(3)
- Tozlu, A.(3)
- Yıldırım, Ümit(3)
- Çakir, Uǧur(3)
- Çomakli, Kemal(3)
- Abuşoǧlu, A.(2)
- Afshari, Faraz(2)
- Aloui, F(2)
- Arslantürk, Cihat(2)
- Atabani, A.E.(2)
- Ayşegül, Çokgez Kuş(2)
- Dincer, I(2)
- Erol, Şahin(2)
- Guleryuz, Didem(2)
- Güler, Cüneyt(2)
- Güngör, Osman(2)
- Jomaa, Seifeddine(2)
- Kamiloğlu, Hakan Alper(2)
- Kemal, Çomakli(2)
- Köksal, Hüseyin(2)
- Niazkar, Majid(2)
- Ozahi, Emrah(2)
- Riffat, Saffa(2)
Yayınlar
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Preschool Teachers' Awareness of Climate Change: Educational Considerations to Global Issues
Korkmaz, Halil İbrahim; Kahraman, Pinar Bagceli; Tutkun, Cansu; Bayraktar, Vedat; Altin Yontem, Gulden
Climate change is a significant global issue affecting many areas of life, and how this topic is addressed in early childhood is closely related to teachers' awareness and practices. This research is a qualitative study conducted to examine preschool teachers' awareness of climate change and how they reflect this awareness in their classroom practices. Twenty-one preschool teachers participated in the study, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings show that teachers mostly understand climate change in terms of global problems and observable environmental effects, while focusing on human-induced behaviors and industrialization in their explanations of the causes. Teachers' individual measures are mostly limited to daily practices such as recycling and energy conservation; participation in voluntary and collective environmental activities is low. The vast majority of teachers consider themselves partially adequate in raising children's awareness of climate change and express difficulties, particularly in concretizing abstract concepts, ensuring family participation, and instilling conscious consumption habits. Classroom activities are mostly limited to weather observations and recycling-based activities. These findings reveal significant limitations in the pedagogical deepening of preschool teachers' awareness of climate change; they indicate that teachers need to be empowered with field-specific, practice-based, and pedagogically focused professional support in order for climate change education to be effectively addressed at the early childhood level.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Seasonal and Meteorological Variability of Total Suspended Particulate Matter (TSP) in the Semi-Urban Atmosphere of Bayburt: An Integrated Assessment Based on OpenAir, PCA, and HYSPLIT
Paloluoglu, Cihan; Akmese Tarlan, Yasemin; Bayar, Serkan
In this study, atmospheric Total Suspended Particulate Matter (TSP) concentrations in a semi-urban area of Bayburt Province were evaluated in terms of seasonal variation, temporal behavior with meteorological factors, and air-mass transport characteristics. TSP sampling was conducted using the active sampling method over 118 days during the cold and warm-seasons sampling campaign of 2022. A high-volume air sampler (HVAS) and glass fiber filters (GFFs) were used, and TSP concentrations were determined gravimetrically. The mean TSP concentration was 29.13 +/- 29.39 & micro;g/m(3) in cold-season sampling campaign and 43.69 +/- 27.62 & micro;g/m(3) in warm-season sampling campaign. According to standard tests, the seasonal difference was nominally statistically significant (p < 0.05; Cohen's d approximate to 0.51; Cliff's delta approximate to 0.38). However, this significance did not persist after adjusting for serial autocorrelation in the AR(1) model (p = 0.151). However, this comparison should be interpreted not as validated seasonal climatological data, but as a comparison between intermittent sampling studies conducted within a single calendar year. This is because the transition period from spring to summer was not included in the sampling, and the studies were not repeated from year to year. OpenAir analyses showed that high TSP concentrations were particularly associated with easterly and southerly airflows. No clear weekday/weekend difference was observed, although episodic increases occurred on several days. The first two principal components explained 77.8% of the total variance, while the high TSP loading on PC3 indicated complementary variability. NOAA-HYSPLIT backward air-mass trajectory analyses indicated regional transport pathways in most high-TSP episodes, whereas local atmospheric stagnation was prominent in one episode. Overall, the findings show that TSP variability in semi-urban areas should be evaluated together with seasonal-meteorological variability, potential local emission effects, and regional air-mass transport.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Enhanced freshwater production in prism-type solar stills using a fresnel lens system with comprehensive energy-exergy and cost analysis
Ceviz, Mehmet Akif; Köksal, Hüseyin; Afshari, Faraz; Muratçobanoğlu, Burak
This study presents the development and performance evaluation of a novel prism-type solar still integrated with a Fresnel lens concentration system designed to concentrate solar radiation on an external spiral heat exchanger. Experimental investigations were conducted under two different saline water flow rates of 0.05 and 0.1 kg/min. The performance of system was comprehensively analyzed in terms of fresh water yield, thermal efficiency, exergy efficiency, and economic viability. The heated saline water and resultant vapor were directed into the prism-shaped condensation chamber, where condensation occurred efficiently. The experimental results demonstrated that lower saline water flow rates led to higher water temperatures and enhanced evaporation rates, thereby increasing freshwater productivity. In contrast, higher flow rates resulted in greater accumulation of saline water within the basin, reducing the evaporation rate and thus lowering overall productivity. The proposed design uniquely combines geometric enhancement via a prism-shaped condensation chamber with solar concentration through a Fresnel lens, enabling a dual-effect improvement in energy absorption and condensation efficiency, an approach not previously reported in the literature for solar desalination systems. The system achieved thermal and exergy efficiencies of 22.95 and 15.50%, respectively, at a saline water flow rate of 0.05 kg/min, producing 92 g of clean water in 60 min. Furthermore, the cost analysis conducted indicated a cost of $0.2546 per liter for this scenario.
AtıfScopus1WoS2OpenAlex3
İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ4Climate-driven synchronization of honey bee flight activity and plant phenology in Türkiye: development of a Beekeeping Climate Suitability Index (BCSI)
Erdoğan, Yaşar; Erdoğan, Ümmügülsüm
Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) provide essential pollination services that depend on the temporal synchronization between flight activity and plant flowering phenology, both strongly influenced by climatic conditions. However, this relationship remains insufficiently quantified at large spatial and temporal scales. In this study, we quantified climate-driven honey bee flight activity and its alignment with flowering phenology of major nectar plants in Türkiye using ERA5-Land data for the period 1981–2023. Suitable flight days were defined based on temperature (≥12°C) and precipitation (0 mm), and seasonal suitability was evaluated at a monthly scale. A composite Beekeeping Climate Suitability Index (BCSI) was developed by integrating flight activity, flowering overlap and nectar flow window. The number of suitable flight periods ranged between 4 and 7 months (mean ≈5.5), indicating substantial interannual variability. Flight flowering synchrony was low for early-spring species (23–35%) but reached 100% for summer species. BCSI values ranged from 0.44 to 1.00, capturing variability in climatic suitability for beekeeping. These findings demonstrate that climatic variability plays a decisive role in shaping bee plant interactions and provide a quantitative basis for climate-informed beekeeping management.
- MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ2Experimental investigation on hybrid parabolic trough collector and thermoelectric generator system for energy, economic, and environmental aspects
Cuce, Pinar Mert; Guclu, Tamer; Cuce, Erdem; Bouabidi, Abdallah; El Hadi Attia, Mohammed
This study experimentally investigates the thermal and electrical performance, economic feasibility, and environmental impacts of a hybrid energy system integrated with a parabolic trough collector (PTC) and thermoelectric generator (TEG). In the established system, solar energy is converted into electrical and thermal energy using a steam turbine and TEG. Experimental data indicate that the system operates with an average efficiency of 71.44%, which varies depending on the intensity of solar radiation. The overall energy efficiency of the system is calculated as 14.51%. In the economic analysis, the payback period of the designed system is approximately 5.4 years, while the levelised cost of energy production (LCOE) is calculated to be 0.075 USD kWh−1. The environmental assessment indicates that the system can prevent 356.18 kg of CO2 emissions annually and save approximately 1499.72 L of water. These findings demonstrate that hybrid systems offer an economically and environmentally sustainable and efficient alternative to energy production.
AtıfScopus1WoS2OpenAlex2İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Ecological and nutritional analysis of artificial intelligence-based sustainable dietary models
Köktürk, Seda Nur; Yardımcı, Hülya
Growing concerns over environmental sustainability and health have increased the demand for sustainable diets. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) offer new opportunities for diet planning. Evaluating the nutritional adequacy and environmental impact of AI-generated sustainable diets is essential. This study aimed to compare the nutritional quality and ecological footprints of sustainable diets created by four popular AI tools (Gemini, Copilot, ChatGPT, and Grok). Each AI tool generated a sustainable diet plan for a healthy adult woman. Diets were evaluated for energy, nutrient content, antioxidant capacity, glycemic index, protein quality, fatty acid profiles, Healthy Eating Index-2015 scores, and ecological footprints. All diets showed low ecological footprints but did not meet energy targets (1800 kcal/day). Gemini had the most sustainable composition. Vitamin B12 was consistently below recommended levels in diets from Gemini, Copilot, and ChatGPT. All diets had adequate carbohydrate, protein, fat quality, and overall diet quality. Carbon footprint associated with protein, energy from protein, cholesterol, pyridoxine, folate, and vitamin C. Water footprint was linked to multiple nutrients, and fruits, meat, poultry, and fish; vegetable intake correlated with carbon footprint. AI-assisted diets have potential for sustainability but nutritional completeness concerns remain, especially for vulnerable groups. Further studies comparing AI and dietitian plans are needed to assess long-term effects.
AtıfScopus1WoS1OpenAlex3İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1A Hybrid Deep Learning–Fuzzy–Genetic Framework for Climate-Resilient Agricultural Investment and Resource Allocation Under Carbon Market Uncertainty
Erdogdu, Aylin; Dayi, Faruk; Yildiz, Ferah; Esmer, Yusuf; Ganji, Farshad
Climate variability, environmental uncertainty, and carbon-market dynamics increasingly challenge agricultural investment and resource allocation decisions worldwide. This study proposes an integrated hybrid decision-support framework combining Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) deep learning, Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Systems, and Genetic Algorithms to support climate-resilient agricultural investment analysis under uncertainty. The framework integrates predictive modeling, uncertainty representation, and multi-objective optimization within a unified computational architecture. The empirical analysis was conducted using agricultural, climate, and carbon-market datasets covering Europe, Asia, and Africa over the 2010–2025 period. Agricultural productivity indicators, commodity price variables, climate-risk parameters, and carbon-market data were integrated into the modeling process. LSTM models were employed to analyze temporal agricultural and climate-related dynamics, while Interval Type-2 fuzzy systems were used to represent ambiguity associated with environmental and market uncertainty. Genetic Algorithms were subsequently applied to optimize investment allocation under conflicting objectives related to profitability, sustainability, and risk. The findings suggest that the proposed hybrid framework may improve adaptive investment evaluation and optimization performance under uncertain climate conditions relative to standalone computational approaches within the scope of the analyzed datasets. The results further highlight the importance of integrating predictive analytics, uncertainty modeling, and sustainability-oriented optimization within agricultural decision-support systems. However, the framework should be interpreted as a climate-resilient decision-support architecture rather than a universally deterministic forecasting mechanism. Overall, the study contributes to the emerging literature on agricultural sustainability and climate-resilient investment by presenting a transparent and uncertainty-aware computational framework under evolving environmental and carbon-market conditions.
AtıfScopus1WoS1OpenAlex2İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Exergy and DFT-Based Thermodynamic Analysis of a Rankine–VCR Marine Waste Heat Recovery System
Keven, Arzu; Akçay, Enes; Gümüş, Hacer
This study investigates the performance of a diesel engine exhaust gas-driven Rankine Cycle-supported vapor compression refrigeration system using quantum chemical approaches beyond conventional thermodynamic analyses. The study focuses on R448A and its components, namely R32, R125, R134a, R1234yf, and R1234ze(E), evaluated at both the system level and the molecular level. At the system level, the Rankine–VCR system was analyzed using a Fortran-based macroscopic thermodynamic model, in which the thermophysical properties of the working fluids were obtained from the NIST Chemistry WebBook. At the molecular level, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were performed to determine molecular structure parameters, including entropy, heat capacity, chemical hardness, and thermal enthalpy correction. The main objective is to investigate the possible relationships between these molecular descriptors and system-level performance indicators, while considering that mass flow rate is primarily governed by cycle thermodynamic properties. The results show that molecular stability and structural order are strongly associated with system performance. Among the R448A components, R32, with the highest chemical hardness (8.19 eV) and lowest molecular entropy (58.9 cal/mol K), exhibits the most favorable exergetic behavior and achieves the highest plant exergy efficiency of 44.92%. In contrast, R1234ze(E), chemically softer (η = 4.42 Ev) and higher in entropy, exhibits the lowest performance. Additionally, R32’s lower thermal enthalpy correction is associated with higher latent heat of vaporization under the selected operating conditions, reducing the required mass flow by approximately 60–70% compared to the other components. This study demonstrates that, in refrigerant selection, not only the global warming potential (GWP) but also quantum parameters such as chemical hardness, molecular entropy, heat capacity, and thermal enthalpy correction can serve as important complementary performance indicators when interpreted together with macroscopic thermodynamic and exergetic results.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2Analysis of thermal energy storage in batch processes using phase change materials
Kaya, Nur Efşan; Ceviz, Mehmet Akif; Afshari, Faraz; Mandev, Emre; Köksal, Hüseyin
Batch reactors are widely utilized in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries due to their simplicity, ease of operation, and maintenance. However, efficient energy management remains a key challenge, especially for systems operating under intermittent conditions. While phase-change materials (PCMs) offer potential for improving energy efficiency by storing and reusing waste heat, integrating heat storage within reactors can compromise their volume and design. This study introduces a novel approach by designing and experimentally testing a PCM heat battery positioned outside the reactor to reduce energy consumption cost in batch processes. By focusing on peak load shifting, the PCM heat battery stores thermal energy during off-peak periods, reducing operational costs and enhancing energy efficiency. The results indicate that energy operating costs can be significantly reduced with a PCM heat battery. Specifically, utilizing the PCM battery under a three-time tariff allows for the efficient use of energy stored at night, reducing the energy cost per batch process by approximately 8%, from 1.72 TL ($0.041) to 1.59 TL ($0.037) for facilities starting operations at 08:00. Furthermore, the findings suggest potential applications in systems like solar energy and highlight the benefits of peak load shifting, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for energy management in batch processing.
AtıfScopus1WoS1OpenAlex1İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1A novel passive cooling configuration for photovoltaic panels based on bio-inspired heatsinks and nanoparticle-enhanced PCM
Cuce, Erdem; Cuce, Pinar Mert; Guclu, Tamer
This study presents the design, fabrication, and experimental evaluation of a novel passive thermal management system for photovoltaic (PV) modules that integrates a bio-inspired aluminium heatsink with a nanoparticle-doped phase change material (PCM). The proposed configuration aims to regulate the temperature of the PV module under real outdoor conditions without any external energy input. The bio-inspired heatsink was designed based on coral-like branching geometry to enhance natural convection and heat distribution within the PCM. The PCM, doped with metal-oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2) at a 2% mass fraction, provided additional latent-heat storage capacity and improved thermal conductivity. Experimental tests were conducted using two identical monocrystalline PV panels. The results demonstrated that the bio-inspired-cooled PV module effectively reduced surface temperature fluctuations by 8–15 °C and achieved a maximum efficiency improvement of 9.2% compared to the uncooled configuration. The integration of the PCM layer with the bio-inspired heatsink maintained a more stable operating temperature throughout the day, particularly during high-irradiance conditions. Hourly I-V and P-V analyses confirmed that the hybrid module consistently exhibited higher maximum power and efficiency values. Furthermore, the estimated energy yield analysis revealed that the average efficiency gain of 5.6% achieved under outdoor conditions could lead to a substantial increase in annual energy production. Overall, the hybrid bio-inspired fins + PCM system offers a sustainable, self-regulating, and energy-free cooling solution that enhances both the performance and durability of PV modules.
AtıfScopus8WoS7OpenAlex11İncele - MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ2Depth-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.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Bio-inspired passive cooling of photovoltaic modules using Sphagnum palustre moss: An experimental study
Cuce, Pinar Mert; Abay, Gökhan; Cuce, Erdem; Guclu, Tamer; Alvur, Emre
This study investigates the potential of Sphagnum palustre moss as a completely natural, passive evaporative cooling medium for photovoltaic (PV) modules. Unlike synthetic hydrogels or complex biomimetic structures, the proposed system utilises the innate porous structure and high water-retention capacity (up to 20 times its dry weight) of natural moss to facilitate rapid heat dissipation. Experimental evaluations conducted under effective solar irradiances of 510.4–820.9 W/m2 demonstrate that the moss-cooled configuration achieves a remarkable temperature reduction of 27.4–39.8 °C compared to uncooled standalone panels. These thermal improvements translate into relative power gains of 6.10% to 11.66% and an exceptional evaporative cooling power of up to 598 W/m2. The results establish Sphagnum palustre as a highly effective, biodegradable, and low-cost alternative for PV thermal management, offering performance competitive with advanced engineered cooling materials whilst ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.
AtıfOpenAlex1İncele - Derleme MakaleAçık Erişim2026Environmental and economic analysis of industrial waste heat recovery with hybrid heat pump application
Kazici, Halil İbrahim; Tozlu, Alperen
Today, increasing energy demands and environmental concerns have made energy efficiency a necessity from both economic and ecological perspectives. High energy consumption in industrial facilities increases costs and raises CO2 emissions. Therefore, waste heat recovery and the use of renewable energy are among the fundamental goals of sustainable production. Energy efficiency is important not only for reducing consumption but also for lowering greenhouse gas emissions, protecting the environment, and strengthening the economics of the business. In this context, heat pump technologies, which extract energy from low-temperature sources and make it reusable, stand out as effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient systems in both heating and cooling applications. In this study, waste heat from a cooling tower generated during the production process in an industrial facility was recovered through a water-source heat pump and integrated into the facility's heating system. The heat pump increased the heat energy by using low-temperature water and reused it in the process. During periods when the waste heat was insufficient, the system was supported by natural gas boilers, thus creating a hybrid operating model between the heat pump and the boiler. As a result of the implementation, natural gas consumption and electricity usage were significantly reduced, leading to lower energy costs and a substantial decrease in CO2 emissions, thereby providing notable environmental benefits. The findings indicate that the proposed system achieves an annual natural gas saving of 6,788,251 kWh and a net financial gain of 5,703,864 TL. Additionally, the payback period of the investment is calculated as 2.41 years, demonstrating the economic feasibility of the system. Overall, this case study highlights that the widespread adoption of hybrid heat pump systems in the industrial sector can make significant contributions to Türkiye’s energy transition and carbon emission goals.
- MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1Experimental 4E analysis (energy-exergy-economic-environmental) of hybrid parabolic trough collector-thermoelectric generator-phase change material cogeneration system
Guclu, Tamer; Cuce, Pinar Mert; Cuce, Erdem
Hybrid solar cogeneration systems are critical for enhancing energy utilisation and mitigating the intermittency of solar resources. This study presents a comprehensive 4E (Energy-Exergy-Economic-Environmental) experimental analysis of a novel hybrid system that uniquely integrates a Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC), a small-scale steam turbine, a Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) assembly, and a Phase Change Material (PCM) thermal storage unit. The system's performance was investigated under 15 distinct operating conditions, varying initial water masses (0.1, 0.15, 0.2 kg) and operating pressures (6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 bar). Experimental results demonstrated the system's adaptive cogeneration capabilities. At 14 bar and 0.2 kg, the system achieved its maximum Solar-to-Electricity efficiency of 0.42%. At this operating condition, the highest collector thermal efficiency was 25.25% (at 6 bar), and the maximum overall energy and exergy efficiencies were 8.43% and 1.45%, respectively. A key finding was the system's adaptive electrical output: at low pressures (6 bar), the TEG acted as a crucial co-generator, supplying up to 55% of the electricity, whereas at high pressures (14 bar), the turbine dominated, accounting for 88-90% of the output. Furthermore, the study experimentally confirmed that latent heat transfer was the dominant heat transfer mechanism for the PCM, with latent heat contributing ∼445 kJ (55%) of the 805 kJ total energy stored. The thermo-economic analysis confirmed the system's viability, yielding a Simple Payback Period (Spp) of 6.9 years and a competitive Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) of $0.101/kWh. The system is projected to save 118.8 kg of CO2 and 660 L of water annually. The results validate the thermodynamic and economic feasibility of the integrated PTC-Turbine-TEG-PCM concept as a flexible solution for small-scale solar cogeneration.
AtıfScopus3WoS2OpenAlex6İncele - MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ3An exergoeconomic analysis of a wastewater treatment plant: investigation and optimization of sludge drying—a case study
Dagci, O.; Tozlu, A.; Berber, A.
The primary parameters in wastewater treatment plant applications are pollutant removal in compliance with standards and energy costs. This study conducts exergy, exergoeconomic, and optimization analyses on the Konya Wastewater Treatment Plant to enhance its energy efficiency. All assessments of the plant were based on actual operational data. Numerical calculations were executed using Engineering Equation Solver software. Exergoeconomic analyses were performed using the Specific Cost Method, while optimization calculations employed the Net Present Value approach. Thermodynamic calculations revealed that the exergy efficiency of the biogas engine was 30.8%, which increased to 39.8% when integrated into a cogeneration system. The overall exergy efficiency of the plant was calculated to be 35.3%, which rose to 58.6% when stabilized sludge was utilized as fuel. During the optimization phase, various drying systems were evaluated, and a hybrid greenhouse-solar-panel drying system was identified as the optimal model. The analyses indicated that the total cost was minimized at the maximum dryness value (70%), suggesting that the greenhouse-type drying system could achieve regional conditions. Compared to thermal and solar energy systems, hybrid systems have been observed to offer significant advantages in first-year costs. Optimization studies reveal that hybrid systems provide 41% greater cost savings in initial investment and operational expenses compared to thermal systems, and 29% greater savings compared to solar energy systems. Meeting the system's energy demand with fossil fuels results in annual emissions of 76,850 tons of CO₂ and 1500 tons of harmful pollutants, equivalent to removing 19,000 cars from traffic or preserving 7300 hectares of forest. Significant soil and ecosystem degradation also occurs. The use of solar energy substantially reduces these environmental impacts, improving air quality and conserving natural resources.
AtıfScopus1OpenAlex1İncele - MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ2Economic complexity and energy vulnerability: Does ESG performance matter?
Ongan, Serdar; Kuziboev, Bekhzod; Makhmudov, Samariddin; Matyakubova, Aziza; Imamoglu, Ilyas Kays; Aydin, Rahman; Isik, Cem
Energy vulnerability is a critical concern for achieving energy security and meeting the SDGs. However, the role of economic complexity, which represents a country's production and export diversification, in energy vulnerability has been largely neglected in the literature. This study fills this gap by examining the impact of economic complexity on energy vulnerability for 69 developing countries over the period 2000-2019. For this purpose, MMQR and various instrumental variable (IV) estimation techniques (IV-Quantile, 2SLS, Lewbel, and Kiviet) were used. In addition, ESG indicators were included in the model as instrumental variables to address potential endogeneity issues between economic complexity and energy vulnerability. In doing so, the ESG indicators are also included in the model as instrumental variables to control for the endogeneity of economic complexity. Empirical findings show that economic complexity is associated with lower energy vulnerability across all quantiles. These results reveal that countries with diversified economic structures (higher economic complexity) may be more resilient to energy shocks. Therefore, developing countries should focus on structural reforms and improve their ESG performances to reduce energy vulnerability. In terms of control variables, financial development, digitalization, and human capital are associated with lower energy vulnerability, whereas increases in natural resource revenues are sometimes associated with lower vulnerability levels. This finding suggests that, in the context of energy vulnerability, the predictions of the resource curse theory may not be observed in every case.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2The environmental, social and governance (ESG) dimensions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on energy security
Isik, Cem; Ongan, Serdar; Kuziboev, Bekhzod; Imamoglu, Ilyas Kays; Amin, Azka
This study investigates the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on energy security (ENSEC) for 34 developed countries. It offers a new institutional perspective by linking CSR to ENSEC within the framework of sustainable development. MMQR, PLFC, and DID methods are used for this analysis. The MMQR results indicate that CSR enhances ENSEC across all percentiles (10%-90%) in both aggregate and disaggregated analyses, across the social, environmental, and governance dimensions. Moreover, the PLFC model's findings reveal that CSR promotes ENSEC in aggregate, regardless of income level. However, in the disaggregated estimates from the PLFC model, the social dimension of CSR has no effect on ENSEC, whereas the environmental and governance dimensions continue to have a positive effect on ENSEC. As for the impact of China's energy investment, only China's fossil energy investment ensures ENSEC. These findings provide important policy insights by empirically validating the role of CSR in addressing long-term energy risks.
AtıfScopus1WoS1OpenAlex1İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Measuring Sustainability Under Uncertainty: Introducing Net ESG (N-ESG) Performance
Ongan, Serdar; Isik, Cem; Aydin, Rahman; Imamoglu, Ilyas Kays; Alvarado, Rafael; Ahmad, Munir
This study examines the reliability of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scores in uncertain environments by introducing a new indicator, Net ESG (N-ESG), for the first time. This new index was calculated by subtracting a new ESG-based sustainability uncertainty index (ESGUI) from ESG scores. This study employed Pedroni (2004) and Westerlund (2007) tests, as well as the DOLS method, for 12 developed countries from 2002 to 2020. It analyzed the impact of economic, geopolitical, climate, and energy price-related uncertainties on both ESG and N-ESG through eight different models. Empirical findings indicate that a 1% change in CPU, GPR, EPU, and OPU indices increases ESG by 0.048, 0.355, 0.111, and 0.044 units, respectively, while the same rate of change decreases N-ESG by -6.501, -18.756, -8.972, and -8.193 units, respectively. These results can be interpreted as ESG scores may not fully reflect the true performance of companies in times of uncertainty, while N-ESG provides a more accurate representation of sustainability practices. These results suggest that policymakers should focus their sustainability policies not only on increasing ESG scores but also on preserving the true value of ESG by reducing uncertainty effects.
AtıfScopus36WoS36OpenAlex38İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1Does Climate Change Vulnerability Cause Energy Vulnerability in Sustainable Development?
Isik, Cem; Ongan, Serdar; Kuziboev, Bekhzod; Imamoglu, Ilyas Kays
Climate change and energy security are two fundamental vulnerability areas that interact with each other and hold critical importance for sustainable development goals. This research aims to fill the research gap by investigating the effects of climate change vulnerability (CCV) on the energy vulnerability (EV) relationship, which has not been adequately addressed in the literature, using a large panel dataset covering 74 countries and employing various methodological approaches (MMQR, PLFC, DID). The results of the MMQR model indicate that CCV increases EV across all quantiles. According to the results of the PLFC model, it is revealed that CCV on EV varies depending on the economic development level of countries. This effect is higher in low-income countries. The study also employs the DID model to examine the impact of China's foreign energy investments on countries' EV. According to this model, China's fossil-based energy investments, particularly those in the energy sector, increase the EV of countries. While economic development reduces EV across all quantiles, financial development reduces it in the lower and medium quantiles (25% and 50%); urbanization reduces it in the medium and higher quantiles (50% and 75%). All results show that the interaction between EV and CCV is a multidimensional and dynamic process. Accordingly, policymakers should develop integrated strategies that consider environment and energy policies, economic development, investment type, and environmental risks. Lastly, policymakers should consider energy investments from China not only as a tool for their country's economic growth, but also in terms of energy security and sustainability.
AtıfScopus22WoS22OpenAlex23İncele - MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ2The moderating effects of geopolitical risks on sustainable development through economic complexity and renewable energy consumption in 25 oil-producing countries
Ongan, Serdar; Özdemir, Dilek; Imamoglu, Ilyas Kays; Isik, Cem
Conflicts in controlling or using natural resources, arising from geopolitical risks (GPR), which have become a new normal today, can damage natural ecosystems and threaten sustainable development. In this context, GPR can turn the positive impact of supporting independent variables on sustainable development (SD) into a negative one. This research investigates the moderating effects of GPR on SD through renewable energy consumption (REN) and economic complexity (EC) in 25 oil-producing countries with relatively higher oil-reserve-related risks between 2000 and 2021. The panel quantile regression analysis reveals. (i) While using REN individually improves SD in countries with high SD (in the 80th and 90th quantiles), this improving effect turns to a worsening effect due to its interaction with GPR, which shows the moderating impact of GPR. (ii): While EC individually improves SD across all quantiles, these improving effects persist in countries with low SD (in the 10th, 20th, 30th, and 40th quantiles) even when complexity interacts with GPR, showing that GPR has no moderating impact on SD. Therefore, policymakers should investigate why the interaction of REN with GPR worsens SD in highly sustainable countries and redevelop regulatory renewable energy policies accordingly.
