Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları

Yazarlar

  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ3
    Testing the Relationship between Investor Risk Appetite and Country Risk: The Case of Turkey

    Kaya, Abdulkadir; Gulhan, Unal; Gungor, Bener

    Summary: Country risk is an important factor affecting the risk appetite of investors who want to create an optimal portfolio by minimizing their risks. Investor risk appetite can affect country risk as a factor contributing to the development of financial markets and the country’s economy. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between investor risk appetite and country risk. Hatemi-J cointegration and Hatemi-J asymmetric causality tests were used to determine the relationship between CDS premium, which is frequently preferred to represent country risk, and domestic and foreign investor risk appetite variables. As a result of the analysis, it has been determined that CDS premium and domestic and foreign investor risk appetite variables are cointegrated, a positive causality from increases in both local and foreign investor risk appetite to CDS premium and a negative or positive causality from decreases in CDS variables to both local and foreign investor risk appetite.

    AtıfWoS1OpenAlex2
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Dual-Band Electromagnetic Shielding of Concrete Block Walls Using Concentric Double Square-Ring Frequency-Selective Surfaces near the n78 and n79 5G Frequency Regions

    Cakir, Mehmet

    Featured Application: This study demonstrates a concrete-integrated dual-band frequency-selective shielding approach for selectively attenuating the main sub-6 GHz 5G n78 and n79 frequency regions in building walls without increasing wall thickness or altering conventional concrete block geometry. This paper presents a dual-band shielding approach in which two concentric square rings, fabricated on a single 0.2 mm copper sheet, are embedded in the mortar joint of prefabricated concrete blocks. The outer ring targets n78 (design center 3.5 GHz) and the inner ring targets n79 (design center 4.7 GHz). Both rings are dimensioned from the effective wavelength inside the concrete medium (εr = 5.0): the outer ring has an outer side of 9.93 mm and the inner ring an outer side of 7.43 mm, with a 180° gap offset between the two elements to suppress inter-ring coupling. CST Microwave Studio simulations predicted two shielding peaks of 37.2 dB at 3.48 GHz and 35.8 dB at 4.72 GHz, with −10 dB bandwidths of 580 MHz and 490 MHz, respectively. Computer numerical control (CNC)-milled copper panels cast into ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete blocks achieved measured peak SE of 34.9 dB (n78) and 33.4 dB (n79), with bandwidths of 510 MHz and 420 MHz. The 2.3–2.4 dB shortfall relative to simulation is attributed to coupling-gap drift during milling and spacer-induced surface voids. A permittivity sweep from εr = 4.5 to 6.0 showed that peak SE remains above 30 dB throughout.

  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Structural and physicochemical characterisation of branched dextrans produced by an active α-(1→2) branching sucrase from Apilactobacillus kunkeei PDER37

    İspirli, Hümeyra; Dertli, Enes

    Recently, branching sucrases encoded in the genomes of certain Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) strains have become novel enzymes to obtain branched α-glucans. In this study an active α-(1 → 2) branching sucrase from Apilactobacillus kunkeei PDER37 was expressed, characterised and distinct branched dextrans was obtained with reactions under different sucrose: dextran ratio. Structural characterisation by 1H and 13C NMR analysis demonstrated the branching of the dextran with (1 → 2)-linked α- d -glucose units with no alteration in the final structure depending on sucrose: dextran ratio (D0) but this ratio was effective for the determination of the molecular weights of the branched dextrans (D1, D2 and D3). FTIR analysis further supported the dextran structures and suggested the higher accumulation of the α-Glc units in the branched dextrans. Thermal characterisation of the branched dextrans obtained by TGA and DSC analysis suggested the increased hygroscopicity of the branching units. Both SEM and AFM analysis demonstrated more porous chain like structures in the branched dextrans. This study provides valuable information on the role of active α-(1 → 2) branching sucrase (BS37) for the production of branched dextrans with potential increased physicochemical status applicable for food and other industries.

  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ3
    DFT-based structural and energetic characterisation of nitrogen-rich tetrazine/triazine derivatives with Kamlet-Jacobs performance predictions

    Ekincioğlu, Yavuz; Kepceoğlu, Abdullah; Çakir, Zehra; Şentürk, Şükrü

    Nitrogen-rich heterocycles are attractive candidates for next-generation energetic materials because they can deliver high heats of formation while producing relatively benign, N2-rich decomposition products. In this work, three nitrogen-rich frameworks 3,6-bis(tetrazol-5-yl)−1,2,4,5-tetrazine (H2BTTz), 2,4,6-tris(tetrazol-5-yl)−1,3,5-triazine (H3TTT), and 2,3,5,6-tetra(tetrazol-5-yl)pyrazine (H4TTP) were investigated using a combined conformational sampling and density functional theory (DFT) approach. Initial conformational searches were carried out with the MMFF method, and the lowest-energy structures were optimised at the DFT/B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level a widely used compromise between accuracy and computational cost for nitrogen-rich energetic molecules. Electronic structure analyses included frontier molecular orbitals, Mulliken and natural population charges, and molecular electrostatic potential maps. Energetic performance was evaluated through heats of formation, detonation velocity and pressure, and impact sensitivity estimates. Topological descriptors such as ELF, LOL, and NCI were analyzed using Multiwfn program. The calculated HOMO–LUMO gaps (3.54-4.90 eV) indicate electronically stable molecular frameworks. Gas-phase formation enthalpies were converted to condensed-phase values using a sublimation correction, and detonation properties were estimated via the Kamlet–Jacobs equations. The predicted performance follows the order H4TTP > H2BTTz > H3TTT. Although their detonation performance is lower than that of FOX-7 and CL-20, these nitrogen-rich systems remain promising candidates for reduced-sensitivity energetic materials and merit further experimental investigation.

    AtıfScopus1WoS1OpenAlex1
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Upcycling marble waste into construction materials and heavy metal adsorbents via hot-pressed geopolymerization technique

    Öksüzer, Nurullah; Uslu, Emin; Gökçe, H. Süleyman

    This study presents a sustainable approach to utilizing marble dust waste by producing bifunctional metakaolin-based geopolymers via a synchronized hot-pressing technique. In this study, the environmental footprint was minimized by designing mixtures in which marble waste constituted 50% of the total volume. Three stoichiometric series were investigated by varying the activator modulus (SiO2/Na2O = 3 and 4) and the Si/Al ratio (2 and 3) under two curing temperatures (150 and 300 °C) and three compaction stresses (5, 25, and 50 MPa). Thus, a high-volume industrial byproduct was transformed into a functional component. In this context, it investigated the transformation of industrial products into next-generation materials by using them to produce cementless composite geopolymers for civil engineering and to adsorb heavy metal (Cu2+). As a result of the research, an early compressive strength of 58 MPa was obtained through heat treatment and pressing applied at 300 °C and 50 MPa. This optimum strength was achieved in the SiO2/Na2O = 3, Si/Al = 3 series, whereas excess silica (SiO2/Na2O = 4) and excess aluminum (Si/Al = 2) limited the strength to 16.8 and 35.2 MPa, respectively. Microstructural analyses (SEM/EDS and FT-IR) revealed that marble dust was used as a filler material in the microstructure to produce an N-A-S-H-containing matrix. The produced materials were then ground after their service life and used to purify water containing heavy metals. More than 99.75% of Cu2+ was removed through ion exchange between copper ions used as heavy metals. The residual Cu2+ concentration fell below 0.25 mg/L from an initial concentration of 100 mg/L, and the released Na+-to-adsorbed Cu2+ molar ratio of approximately 1.8–2.3 confirmed an ion-exchange-dominated uptake mechanism. This structural and environmental impact demonstrates that marble waste, which is otherwise discarded as waste, is considered inert, offering an alternative model for the circular economy and environmental applications.

    • SDG 9 · Sanayi, Yenilikçilik ve Altyapı
    • SDG 11 · Sürdürülebilir Şehirler ve Topluluklar
    • SDG 12 · Sorumlu Üretim ve Tüketim
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1
    AI-enhanced disaster education in middle schools: A mixed study from social studies classes

    Yetişensoy, Okan

    This research aims to examine the educational potential of AI-assisted chatbots, the popular AI technology of recent years, in middle school disaster education. In this regard, six chatbot characters in human form, each with fictional stories, were developed for various disasters taught within the scope of 5th-grade Social Studies in Türkiye. While the practitioner teacher instructed on disaster-related curricular outcomes in the experimental group through activities that included the use of the relevant chatbots, the same curricular outcomes in the control group were taught using conventional pedagogical methods. The experimental results showed that the disaster knowledge of the experimental group students was significantly higher than that of the control group students. However, no significant difference was observed in students’ disaster awareness levels. In the semi-structured interviews, students expressed that chatbots promoted a more effective, interesting, and student-centered disaster education with their distinctive design and pedagogical features. However, they noted that chatbots had certain inadequacies in developing concrete experiences, as well as psychomotor skills necessary to address disaster risks. Findings from the study indicate that the relevant AI technology is effective in promoting disaster education processes, particularly in facilitating more effective learning. Nevertheless, achieving more complex competencies for mitigating risks requires a higher level of technological advancement. At this point, it is suggested that undertaking initiatives to combine chatbots with extended reality environments will be beneficial in making them a more effective tools in disaster education processes.

    • SDG 4 · Nitelikli Eğitim
    AtıfScopus2
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Production of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid by Levilactobacillus brevis AK19B: Strain Characterization and Process Optimization Using Box–Behnken Design

    Memiş, Habibe; Kamiloğlu, Aybike

    Levilactobacillus brevis AK19B strain demonstrated promising probiotic potential as a hydrophilic lactic acid bacterium with valuable phytase activity. It also exhibited strong antioxidant properties and maintained viability in bile salt-rich environments, suggesting robustness in gastrointestinal conditions. To maximize gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production, a Box–Behnken design was applied to assess the effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) concentration, NaCl concentration, pH, and temperature. The results showed that these factors significantly influenced GABA synthesis, with their interactions well-modeled by a quadratic response surface. Optimal conditions were identified as pH 5.136, MSG concentration of 297 mM, temperature at 26 °C, and NaCl concentration of 2.82%, under which the predicted GABA production reached 43.85 mg/mL. These findings highlight AK19B as a promising candidate for functional food applications and industrial GABA biosynthesis.

  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Bioinspired Sternal Implant Design for Generic Anatomical Reconstruction: An In Silico Framework for Material Selection and Biomechanical Validation

    Kutbay, Işıl; Gerdan, Zeynep; Çolak, Murat; Tabak, Yasemin; Şensoy, Abdullah Tahir

    The sternum protects the intrathoracic organs and contributes to chest wall mechanics, which makes reconstruction after tumor resection, trauma, or infection a demanding biomechanical problem. This study presents an in silico workflow for preselecting materials for sternal implants before physical prototyping. After a virtual resection, an anatomically conformal implant was designed and candidate biomaterials were screened in CES Selector using density, elastic modulus, fatigue strength, fracture toughness, toxicity, medical grade suitability, and MRI safety. A representative subset of the screened candidates was then compared by finite element modeling in terms of stress transfer and deformation. Seventeen candidates met the screening criteria. Ti-13Nb-13Zr showed an elastic modulus of about 80 GPa, and the titanium-based candidates showed deformation values of about 0.96 to 1.03 mm, whereas GF PEEK reached about 1.74 mm. The stress shielding index also showed that titanium-based materials remained on the implant-dominant side, while polymer-based materials shifted stress transfer toward bone. Taken together, the findings suggest that Ti-13Nb-13Zr offers the best overall balance for load-bearing sternal reconstruction, whereas PEEK-based systems may be more suitable within the present model for hybrid or adjunct designs. The proposed workflow can support early implant planning and guide future experimental and clinical studies.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Deep Learning-Based Classification of Common Lung Sounds via Auto-Detected Respiratory Cycles

    Engin, Mustafa Alptekin; Uzun Arslan, Rukiye; Senyer Yapici, İrem; Aras, Selim; Gangal, Ali

    Chronic respiratory diseases, the third leading cause of mortality on a global scale, can be diagnosed at an early stage through non-invasive auscultation. However, effective manual differentiation of lung sounds (LSs) requires not only sharp auditory skills but also significant clinical experience. With technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) has demonstrated the capability to distinguish LSs with accuracy comparable to or surpassing that of human experts. This study broadly compares the methods used in AI-based LSs classification. Firstly, respiratory cycles—consisting of inhalation and exhalation parts in LSs of different lengths depending on individual variability, obtained and labelled under expert guidance—were automatically detected using a series of signal processing procedures and a database was obtained in this way. This database of common LSs was then classified using various time-frequency representations such as spectrograms, scalograms, Mel-spectrograms and gammatonegrams for comparison. The utilisation of proven, convolutional neural network (CNN)-based pre-trained models through the application of transfer learning facilitated the comparison, thereby enabling the acquisition of the features to be employed in the classification process. The performances of CNN, CNN and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) hybrid architecture and support vector machine methods were compared in the classification process. When the spectral structure of gammatonegrams, which capture the spectral structure of signals in the low-frequency range with high fidelity and their noise-resistant structures, is combined with a CNN architecture, the best classification accuracy of 97.3% ± 1.9 is obtained.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus2WoS2OpenAlex2
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ4
    Evaluating Large Language Models in Turkish Short Answer Scoring: Validity, Reliability, and Fairness Perspectives

    Kara, Abdulkadir; Yıldırım, Serkan

    This study examines the performance of large language models (LLMs) in Turkish short-answer assessments within the measurement and evaluation theory framework. The GPT, Gemini, Gemma, and LLaMA models were evaluated under zero-shot and one-shot conditions with rubric support. The results show that LLMs have high self-consistency, but decision reliability can vary depending on prompt format and example sensitivity. Formulating rubrics with clear and concrete performance indicators increases model-human alignment and assessment fairness. Furthermore, error analyses revealed that while models often exhibit systematic low-scoring tendencies, they also display an ‘inverted-U’ error pattern, showing higher reliability at score extremes but struggling significantly with evaluating partial knowledge (intermediate scores). The results indicate that LLMs can support teachers in formative assessment when properly structured rubrics are used, but ethical oversight and pedagogical responsibility remain indispensable in final decisions.

  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    A comparative study of metaheuristic algorithms for thermoeconomic optimization of an Organic Rankine Cycle

    Tayfur, Bilal; Turhal, Uğur; Tozlu, Alperen

    The efficient recovery of waste heat from biogas power plants via Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC) is essential for sustainable energy but requires satisfying conflicting thermodynamic and economic objectives. This study addresses the need for robust optimization strategies by evaluating nine recent metaheuristic algorithms to identify the most effective methods for maximizing net power while minimizing system costs. A multi-objective thermoeconomic model utilizing the specific exergy costing method was developed for a toluene-based ORC and optimized using algorithms including Dung Beetle, Snake, and NSGA-II. The optimization reduced the unit electricity cost by 9.1% (from $0.088/kWh to $0.080/kWh), with the Dung Beetle algorithm exhibiting superior convergence (Hypervolume 25.90) and the Snake algorithm demonstrating the best solution uniformity (Spread 1.54) with computational speed (0.084 s). These findings underscore that selecting algorithms based on specific exploration-exploitation characteristics is critical for achieving cost-effective and thermodynamically efficient power generation designs.

    • SDG 7 · Erişilebilir ve Temiz Enerji
    • SDG 12 · Sorumlu Üretim ve Tüketim
    AtıfOpenAlex2
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Cognitive improvement and hippocampal BDNF/GFAP alterations by Schinus molle essential oil in a rat model of scopolamine-induced amnesia

    Üçel, Umut İrfan; Kandemi̇r, Ümmühan; Yazici, Cevşen; Bi̇lgi̇n, Öznur; Turan Yücel, Nazlı; Özek, Temel; Demi̇r Özkay, Ümide; İşcan, Gökalp; Can, Özgür Devrim

    Ethnopharmacological relevanceSchinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae) has been traditionally used for conditions related to the nervous system and emotional well-being, often through aromatic preparations. However, its cognition-specific effects have not yet been investigated.Aim of the studyTo assess the cognitive effects of the fruit-derived essential oil of Schinus molle L. (SMEO), administered via oral and inhalation routes, in a rat model of scopolamine-induced amnesia.Materials and methodsSMEO was obtained by hydrodistillation and characterised by GC–MS/GC–FID. Amnesic rats received SMEO for 14 days by inhalation (1% or 3%) or oral gavage (100 or 200 mg/kg). Cognition was assessed by Morris water maze (MWM), passive avoidance (PA), and novel object recognition (NOR) tests; locomotion was measured by activity-meter. Hippocampal BDNF and GFAP immunoreactivity were assessed by immunohistochemistry.ResultsSMEO was dominated by α-phellandrene (48.7%). Scopolamine impaired cognition, whereas SMEO attenuated deficits with efficacy comparable to piracetam. Key behavioural and immunohistochemical findings (main omnibus statistical effects) were as follows: In the MWM, treatment and time effects on escape latency were significant (both p < 0.001), and probe performance improved (p < 0.001). PA retention was restored (p < 0.001) and the NOR index improved (p < 0.001), without locomotor changes (all p > 0.05). Scopolamine reduced hippocampal BDNF immunoreactivity in CA1 and DG (p < 0.01) and CA3 (p < 0.001), which was restored by SMEO via both routes. GFAP immunoreactivity was reduced in CA1/CA3/DG (all p < 0.001) and was rescued selectively after inhalation.ConclusionsThese findings provide preclinical evidence consistent with an ethnopharmacological rationale for SMEO and support further translational work to clarify its relevance beyond this experimental paradigm.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus1WoS1OpenAlex1
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2
    The mediating role of social support in the relationship between social isolation and life satisfaction in families with and without children with special needs

    Yayla, İbrahim Erdoğan; Turhan, Fatma Seher; Dombak, Kübra; Makas, Samet; İskender, Murat; Çelik, Eyüp

    Objectives: The present study aims to examine the relationships between social isolation, social support, and life satisfaction in parents with and without children with special needs. Methods: The data for this study were obtained from 422 parents with children. Of the participants, 266 (63.0%) were mothers, and 156 (37.0%) were fathers, with an average age of 39.43 (SD = 7.62; range = 22–65). Convenience sampling was used in this study. When examining the marital status distribution, 386 participants (91.5%) were married, and 36 (8.5%) were single. Furthermore, 203 parents (48.1%) stated that they had a child with special needs, while 219 (51.9%) stated that they did not have a child with special needs. Results: The correlation analysis revealed that all variables are related to each other. Furthermore, structural equation modeling results showed that social support plays a mediating role in the relationship between social isolation and life satisfaction. Conclusions: This research evaluates parents with and without disabled children in terms of social isolation, social support, and life satisfaction, and indicates that social support is significantly more important for parents with disabled children compared to those without.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    • SDG 10 · Eşitsizliklerin Azaltılması
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Probiotic Yogurt With Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot) Sauce Flavored With Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Fruit: Comparison of Nero and Viking Cultivars

    Arslaner, Ayla; Yücetepe, Aysun; Akköse, Ahmet

    The present study investigated the effect of adding chokeberry sauce (CS) from different cultivars (Nero and Viking) on specific quality attributes, total phenolic contents, antioxidant activity, textural qualities, sugar profile, probiotic shelf life, and sensory properties of probiotic yogurts, which were assessed throughout 21 days of cold storage. The results revealed that CS decreased fat, hardness, adhesiveness, and gumminess while increasing ash, total sugar, dry matter, and total calories. From Day 1 to Day 14 of storage, the pH values of CS-added samples significantly decreased (p < 0.01), whereas those in the control remained unchanged (Ky: 0% CS). The springiness and cohesiveness values of the Ky and Vy (20% Viking-CS) samples were comparable. During storage, CS-added yogurt samples’ water-holding capacity (WHC) was significantly higher than that of the control (p < 0.01). Interestingly, yogurt samples showed a notable rise in viscosity up to 14 days of storage, after which they slightly reduced. Ny (20% Nero-CS) and Vy samples exhibited higher red-blue hues than Ky. Vy had greater Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 survival rates (99.28%) than Ny (99.04%). CS-added samples exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and total monomeric anthocyanin content compared to Ky; Vy also had the highest values (p < 0.05). Vy showed relatively high scores regarding organoleptic properties, including appearance, taste, texture and consistency, fruit ratio, overall acceptability, and average score. These indicators could help develop a healthier, low-calorie probiotic CS-added yogurt that competes with natural fruit-added yogurt.

    • SDG 2 · Açlığa Son
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ4
    Comparative analysis of stress distributions and safety factor in tensile test specimens with different notch and hole geometries by finite element method

    Korkmaz, Sümeyye Erdem; Gavgali, Esma

    This study analyzes the effects of different notch and hole geometries (V-Notched, U-Notched, circular hole) on stress concentration in Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) Titanium alloy tensile specimens to provide optimized design recommendations for aerospace and biomedical applications. Finite element method (ANSYS Workbench) was employed to analyze three geometries under 15000 N static tensile loading. Von Mises stress distributions and stress concentration factors (Kt) were calculated and validated against Peterson and Neuber theoretical formulas with average error ±1.5%. Results revealed that V-Notched exhibited highest stress concentration (Kt = 5.78, σmax = 1156 MPa), while circular hole showed lowest (Kt = 2.25, σmax = 454.12 MPa). U-Notched demonstrated intermediate performance (Kt = 2.84, σmax = 995.45 MPa). Increasing notch root radius from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm achieved 51% reduction in stress concentration factor. Maximum shear stress values were 232.74 MPa, 506.38 MPa, and 640 MPa for circular, U-Notched, and V-Notched respectively, while maximum normal stress values reached 467.06 MPa, 1015.1 MPa, and 1809 MPa. Safety factor analysis showed that circular hole configuration meets aerospace standards (FS = 2.05 > 1.5), while U-Notched (FS = 0.93) and V-Notched (FS = 0.80) fall below minimum safety criteria. U-Notched exhibited highest total displacement (1.210 mm), indicating compliance effects. For aerospace and biomedical applications, circular holes should be preferred over sharp notches (154% stress reduction), and minimum corner radius ≥2.0 mm is recommended. The critical finding that geometric optimization provides 2.6× safety improvement without material changes demonstrates the powerful role of design in structural reliability for weight-critical applications.

  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Effect of Erbium Addition to A380 Aluminum Alloy on Mechanical and Microstructural Properties

    Gültekin, Çağrı; Çolak, Murat; Tabak, Yasemin; Şensoy, Abdullah Tahir

    There are many studies on improving the properties of aluminum alloys, but the addition of rare earth elements occupies a particularly important place among them. In this study, the effect of erbium (Er) addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of A380 aluminum casting alloy was systematically investigated. A series of alloys with varying Er contents (0.03%, 0.05% and 0.1 wt.%) was fabricated using the conventional casting method. The addition of Er led to significant grain refinement, primarily due to the formation of Al3Er intermetallic particles, which acted as potent nucleation sites during solidification. Optical microscopy and SEM analyses confirmed the morphological transformation of the eutectic silicon phase into a finer and more fibrous structure. Mechanical testing revealed that the alloy containing 0.1 wt.% Er exhibited the highest ultimate tensile strength (236 MPa), elongation (4.56%), and hardness (87.6 HB), indicating an optimal balance between strength and ductility. The improvement is attributed to both microstructural refinement and dispersion strengthening mechanisms. These results suggest that controlled Er addition can be an effective strategy for enhancing the performance of cast Al–Si alloys, making them promising candidates for demanding structural applications in the automotive and aerospace industries.

    AtıfScopus3WoS1
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Multi-Pathway Renoprotection by Betanin Against Docetaxel Nephrotoxicity: Modulation of Inflammation, ER Stress, Apoptosis, and Ferroptosis

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

    Docetaxel (DTX), a cornerstone chemotherapeutic agent, has its clinical utility significantly limited by dose-dependent nephrotoxicity. This study investigated the multi-pathway renoprotective mechanisms of betanin (BTN), a natural antioxidant derived from beetroot, against DTX-induced kidney injury. Male Wistar rats received DTX (30 mg/kg, i.p., single dose) with or without BTN (100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 7 days. DTX induced severe renal dysfunction with elevated serum urea and creatinine, and significant oxidative stress characterized by increased MDA and decreased GSH, GPx, SOD, and CAT. Molecular analysis demonstrated widespread upregulation of pro-inflammatory (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β), endoplasmic reticulum stress (PERK, ATF6), pro-apoptotic (Caspase-3, Bax, Apaf-1), and pro-ferroptotic (PTGS2, TfR1) mediators, with concurrent downregulation of protective Bcl-2 and GPx4. Histopathological examination revealed extensive tubular injury, while immunohistochemical analysis showed markedly increased kidney injury marker KIM-1 and decreased aquaporin-1 expression. Remarkably, BTN co-administration significantly attenuated all biochemical, molecular, and structural derangements, restored tissue architecture, and normalized KIM-1 and AQP-1 expression. In conclusion, betanin provides robust, multi-pathway renoprotection against docetaxel-induced nephrotoxicity by concurrently targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, ER stress, apoptosis, and ferroptosis.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    The effects of music with different rhythms on various sports parameters: an investigation on traditional Turkish archery athletes

    Şahan, Kübra; Boz, Emre

    Background: This study seeks to contribute uniquely to the underexplored field of traditional Turkish archery by objectively examining the effects of music on physiological and technical parameters, including heart rate, shooting duration, shooting frequency, shooting performance, and draw biomechanics. Methods: In this context, the study investigated the effects of rhythmic diversity on parameters such as heart rate, shooting frequency, shooting duration, shooting accuracy, and draw biomechanics. The participants of the study were 14 students studying at Bayburt University and interested in traditional Turkish archery. The athletes were assigned shooting tasks initially without music and then with music at different BPM ranges (Downbeat, Medium, and Upbeat). Various biometric and athletic data were recorded before and after the music. During the practice, the effects of downbeat, medium, and upbeat tempo music on different physiological reactions and performance variables were analyzed. A Polar watch, a digital stopwatch, and a high-resolution camera were used during the shooting sessions. Kinovea software was used to measure draw biomechanics. Results: The study results revealed significant differences in heart rate between shots performed with music at different rhythms, with higher average values found with higher tempo music (p < 0.05; F = 13.842). Regarding shot duration (p < 0.05; F = 9.212) and shooting frequency (p < 0.05; F = 8.763), shots performed without music took longer, while shots performed with moderate tempo music were found to be the most efficient. Participants scored significantly higher for shots performed with both no music (42.09) and medium rhythm music (44.71) than for shots performed with downbeat and upbeat tempo music (p < 0.05; F = 9.826). However, no differences were found in the draw biomechanics that shape technical performance during shooting based on music type (p > 0.05; F = 0.968). Conclusions: The findings indicate that while higher musical tempos elevate athletes’ heart rates and reduce shooting duration and frequency, shooting performance is superior at moderate tempos compared to downbeat or upbeat tempos.

  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Deep Eutectic Solvents as Sustainable Media for Efficient Recovery of Phenolics From Black (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) and Red (Lycium barbarum Lam.) Goji Berries: Optimization and Functional Evaluation

    Gerçek, Yusuf Can; Kutlu, Naciye; Çelik, Saffet; Bayram, Sinan; Çevik, Berke; Baştürk, Fatma Nur; Özmener, Bahar; Ecem Bayram, Nesrin

    Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been frequently preferred over the past decade as alternatives to conventional solvents for the extraction of bioactive compounds from natural products. Meanwhile, black and red goji berries are widely consumed as functional foods due to their many functional properties reported in the literature. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of different DESs in the extraction of individual phenolic compounds from goji berry (Lycium barbarum and L. ruthenicum) fruits, to determine the most suitable DES, and to optimize the extraction conditions. The DES that provided the highest yield in the extraction of individual phenolic compounds from L. barbarum was determined to be proline:citric acid (DES6 – a total of approximately 33,545 µg/kg), while for L. ruthenicum it was choline chloride:acetic acid (DES3 – a total of approximately 37,496 µg/kg). Rutin was the predominant phenolic compound in both species. DESs provided a higher phenolic yield compared to ethanol and water. In addition, L. ruthenicum exhibited higher total phenolics, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and antioxidant activity compared to L. barbarum. These findings reveal that DESs are a green, efficient, and sustainable alternative for the extraction of phenolic compounds from goji berries.

    • SDG 12 · Sorumlu Üretim ve Tüketim
    AtıfScopus1WoS1
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleYayıncıda açık erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Social Media Interaction Motivation Scale: Development and Relations with Fear of Missing Out, Phubbing, Social Media Disorder, Gender and Time Spent

    Akeren, İhsan; Koçak, Lokman; Özgöl, Mustafa; Demir, Mustafa

    Social media, which is one of the platforms where online activities are most intensely observed, has become an indispensable element of daily life as it enables individuals to interact. The aim of this three-phase study was to develop a measure of social media interaction motivation (SMIM) among those who use at least one of these platforms, to test its validity and reliability, and then to examine its relationship with some variables that were found to be similar. SMIM increases unhealthy cyber behaviors such as fear of missing out (FoMO) and phubbing. Comparing the measures across the three studies, the means of SMD, FoMO, and phubbing do not differ by gender, except for the higher SMIMS scores of females in Study 2. However, these means increase dramatically with time spent on social media. Considering some limitations of the study, we present our suggestions for future studies.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
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