Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları

Yazarlar

  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ3
    Enhancing precision of low-cost detectors via machine learning for accurate mass attenuation coefficient estimation

    Düzgün, İ.; Küçük, M.A.; Kaya, S.; Çelik, N.

    Low-cost NaI(Tl) detectors are practical for gamma-ray spectrometry but their limited energy resolution can introduce systematic errors in mass attenuation coefficient measurements when scattered photons are included in the peak region. This study proposes a machine-learning correction framework that maps NaI(Tl)-derived attenuation coefficients to XCOM-based HPGe-equivalent reference values through a dimensionless correction factor. An EGS4/XCOM dataset of 756 model-development configurations, covering 18 atomic numbers, six monoenergetic photon energies, and seven collimator radii, was used to train twelve regression models and evaluate them over 60 randomized train–validation–test cycles. Sodium and Bismuth were withheld for external material-wise validation. Gaussian Process Regression with a Matérn 5/2 kernel provided the best overall testing performance. For the withheld materials, the correction reduced the mean deviation from XCOM references from 3.07% to 0.83%, supporting its use as a practical correction layer for low-cost attenuation measurements.

  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Psychological distress and food neophobia: the mediating role of food choice motives among university students

    Kocak, Tevfik; Kocyigit, Emine; Ozbek, Yagmur Demirel

    Background: Food neophobia, defined as the reluctance to try unfamiliar foods, reduces dietary diversity and quality in young adults. University students, often subjected to psychological discomfort including sadness, anxiety, and stress, may be especially susceptible to restrictive eating behaviors. This study examined the link be-tween psychological distress and food neophobia, focusing on the mediating role of food choice motives in Turkish students. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 801 Turkish university students (232 males and 569 females). The data collection included the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ). The body mass in-dex was calculated using self-reported anthropometric measurements. Statistical analyses comprised correlations, multivariable linear regression, and mediation mod-eling using Hayes’ PROCESS macro with 5000 bootstrap samples. Results: Food neophobia was positively associated with all DASS-21 subscales (p < 0.001). Regression analyses identified depression (p < 0.001), stress (p = 0.001), convenience (p = 0.001), and ethical concern (p < 0.001) as significant positive predictors, whereas natural con-tent showed a negative association (p = 0.046). Mediation analyses indicated that food choice motives partially explained the associations between psychological distress and food neophobia. Convenience and ethical concern consistently acted as mediators of risk, while natural content demonstrated a more complex role. Conclusions: Food neophobia among university students is influenced by both psychological distress and food choice motives. Depression and stress exert stronger effects than anxiety, with convenience and ethical concern functioning as consistent mediators.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfWoS1OpenAlex1
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Computational analysis of radiation shielding properties of BaO-modified magnesium borophosphate glasses based on WinXCOM and EGS4 Monte Carlo simulations

    Düzgün, İbrahim; Çelik, Necati; Kaya, Selim

    The increasing use of ionizing radiation in medical, industrial, and nuclear applications necessitates the development of advanced and environmentally friendly shielding materials. In this study, the gamma-ray shielding performance of BaO-modified magnesium borophosphate glasses with compositions xBaO–30MgO–10P2O5–(50−x)B2O3–10Na2O (x = 0–35 mol%) was theoretically investigated. The radiation attenuation properties were evaluated over a wide photon energy range (59.54–2000 keV) using the WinXCOM database and Monte Carlo simulations based on the EGS4 code. Key shielding parameters, including mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ), half-value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Zeff), radiation protection efficiency (RPE), and gamma-ray kerma coefficients, were determined. The results indicate that increasing BaO content enhances the attenuation capability of the glass system, particularly in the low and medium photon energy regions, due to increased density and effective atomic number. A good agreement between WinXCOM and EGS4 results confirms the reliability of the applied theoretical approaches. These findings suggest that BaO-modified magnesium borophosphate glasses are promising candidates for radiation shielding applications.

    AtıfScopus3WoS3OpenAlex4
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ4
    Development of the seasonal non-monotonic Mann-Kendall test for hydroclimatic data

    Şan, Murat

    Climate change can show different characteristics at low and high values of a time series, leading to non-monotonic trends. The Mann-Kendall (MK) and seasonal MK tests can only detect monotonic trends and ignore different behaviors in low and high value groups. To overcome this limitation, extending the recently proposed non-monotonic MK (NMK) test, the seasonal NMK (SNMK) test is proposed. The method was applied to four stations in Türkiye with four different climatic and topographic characteristics using monthly total precipitation data for the 1969-2020 for seasonal trend behavior. The results showed that while no significant trends were detected in entire time series, intra-seasonal and annual data, both monotonic and non-monotonic significant trends emerged in seasonal analyses. Especially in two stations, opposite changes in low and high values, increased seasonal variance and non-monotonic seasonal trends were observed. The test can be used for regional trend analysis by replacing seasonal data with regional data. It is also predicted that the SNMK test can be used as an effective decision support tool in areas with high seasonality such as water resources management, agriculture, energy planning and disaster management.

    • SDG 13 · İklim Eylemi
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Exploring Different Types of Career Anxiety Among Young Adults: A Latent Profile Analysis

    Ciminli, Alaattin; Aydin, Burak

    This study aimed to identify distinct latent profiles of career anxiety among young adults and to examine the predictors of membership in these profiles by relating them to various factors, including academic unit and year of study. The data were collected from a sample of 509 young adults enrolled at universities in Türkiye, comprising 409 females (80.4%) and 100 males (19.6%). The instruments used for data collection included a personal information form, Career Anxiety Scale, Hope Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, Perfectionism Scale, and the Coping Self-Efficacy Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify latent profiles, while multinomial logistic regression (R3STEP) analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between latent profile membership and sociodemographic variables. The results of the LPA revealed three distinct latent profiles: high anxiety and vulnerable (Profile 1), low anxiety and high psychosocial strength (Profile 2), and moderate group (Profile 3). The findings indicated that when Profile 1 was used as the reference group, academic unit type and class level did not significantly predict membership in Profile 2. However, vocational school status significantly predicted membership in Profile 3. When Profile 2 was used as the reference group, it was observed that both vocational school students and fourth-year students were significantly less likely to be members of Profile 3.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    • SDG 8 · İnsana Yakışır İş ve Ekonomik Büyüme
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Hydrothermal synthesis of do-TAB/CNP@NiO nanocatalyst for efficient photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen: Characterization, photocatalytic mechanism and degradation pathways of drug wastewater

    Kıranşan, Murat

    This study reports a comprehensive evaluation of acetaminophen (ACT) photocatalytic degradation in aqueous media using hydrothermally synthesized Do-TAB/Clinoptilolite (Do-TAB/CNP), NiO nanoparticles, and a hybrid Do-TAB/CNP@NiO nanocatalyst. The prepared materials were systematically characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, TEM, XRF, BET surface area, and BJH pore size analyses, confirming their crystalline structure, surface morphology, elemental composition, and porous features. The photocatalytic activity was investigated as a function of catalyst dosage, initial ACT concentration, solution pH, irradiation source, water matrix, and radical scavengers to clarify the degradation behavior and reactive species involved. Under optimal conditions, Do-TAB/CNP@NiO achieved 98.50% ± 0.75% ACT degradation within 120 min, whereas the maximum efficiency reached 99.92% ± 0.82% at 10 mg L−1 ACT under the same catalyst dosage. Kinetic analysis revealed pseudo–first–order behavior, with apparent rate constants (kapp) of 0.0061–0.0565 min−1 for catalyst dosage, 0.0117–0.0599 min−1 for ACT concentration, and 0.0218–0.0350 min−1 for water matrices. Radical scavenging tests verified the dominant contribution of reactive oxygen species and the synergistic interaction between NiO and Do-TAB-modified CNP. The hybrid catalyst exhibited stable reusability, with degradation efficiency decreasing from 98.50% to 89.68% after six cycles. Under optimized conditions, pharmaceutical degradation followed the order MET (99.90%) ' ACT (98.50%) ' SMX (88.45%) ' NAP (86.90%) ' CIP (83.89%) ' NAL (79.17%). Compared with NiO nanoparticles (70.34%), Do-TAB/CNP (63.65%), and raw CNP (54.46%), Do-TAB/CNP@NiO demonstrated markedly enhanced photocatalytic performance, indicating its strong potential for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment applications in water.

    • SDG 6 · Temiz Su ve Sanitasyon
    AtıfScopus2WoS1OpenAlex2
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Psychological determinants and consumer acceptance of cultured meat: a multi-dimensional analysis among Turkish adults

    Akduman, Gul; Kurtbeyoglu, Emine

    Purpose – The environmental, ethical and health issues associated with conventional meat production necessitate the exploration of cultured meat as an alternative protein source. This study aims to assess the psychological determinants and consumer segments of cultured meat among Turkish adults. Design/methodology/approach – The study was conducted using an online survey with 471 participants (66% male, mean age 28.4 ± 9.2 years), measuring awareness, willingness to try, risk–benefit evaluative orientation and attitudinal factors. An exploratory composite evaluative indicator, termed the risk-benefit evaluative index (RBEI) was constructed from seven concern questions, and standardized factor scores reflecting environmental–ethical (F1) and health–technology (F2) attitudes were calculated. Cluster analysis (k = 3) revealed three consumer segments: Supportive Optimists, Hesitant Pragmatists and Skeptical Resisters. Findings – While awareness of cultured meat was relatively high, willingness to try remained limited. Consumer acceptance was primarily associated with attitudinal dimensions, particularly environmental–ethical considerations and trust in health and technology, whereas demographic variables showed limited explanatory power. Segmentation analysis revealed three distinct consumer profiles with differing acceptance patterns. Research limitations/implications – The findings suggest that consumer acceptance is primarily shaped by multidimensional psychological evaluations, particularly environmental–ethical considerations and trust in health and technology. The study highlights a “high awareness–low acceptance” paradox and underscores the importance of communication strategies that address both perceived risks and benefits. By combining an exploratory composite evaluative indicator with factor-analytic attitudinal dimensions and consumer segmentation, this study provides a more comprehensive approach to understanding consumer acceptance and offers practical insights for promoting the adoption of cultured meat. Originality/value – This study provides one of the first comprehensive investigations of cultured meat acceptance among Turkish adults by integrating a risk–benefit evaluative index, attitudinal dimensions, and consumer segmentation within a single analytical framework. By combining an exploratory composite evaluative indicator (RBEI), factor analysis, and cluster analysis, the study identifies three distinct consumer segments and highlights the “high awareness–low acceptance” paradox in an emerging market context. The findings demonstrate that evaluative and psychological attitudes, particularly environmental–ethical considerations and trust in health and technology, are more influential than sociodemographic characteristics in shaping consumer acceptance, providing practical insights for communication strategies and policies promoting alternative protein adoption.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfWoS1
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ3
    The Effect of Jet Lidocaine on Pain and Anxiety During Peripheral Venous Access: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

    Aydin, Esra; Uzun, Sevda

    Objective: – The aim of this study was to determine the effect of jet lidocaine on pain and anxiety during peripheral venous access. Methods: – A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, and the YÖK Thesis Center without year limitation. Five randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment were performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools, and study selection was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. The findings were synthesized using meta-analysis and narrative synthesis. Results: – The pooled analysis demonstrated that jet lidocaine significantly reduced anxiety related to peripheral venous access (standardized mean difference: −1.031; 95% confidence interval: −1.653 to −0.409; Z = −3.249; P =.001; I2 = 89.98%). However, its effect on pain was not statistically significant (standardized mean difference: −0.817; 95% confidence interval: −1.817 to 0.182; Z = −1.602; P =.109; I2 = 96.57%). Conclusion: – Jet lidocaine may be an effective option for reducing anxiety during peripheral venous access; however, its effect on pain was not statistically significant. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols and larger sample sizes are needed to clarify its analgesic effectiveness and clinical outcomes.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Acute effects of inspiratory muscle warm-up on muscular performance and pulmonary function in natural male bodybuilders

    Ceylan, Tülay; Ceylan, Levent; Yılmaz, Coşkun; Badau, Adela; Küçük, Hamza

    Background: Inspiratory muscle warm-up (IWU) has been hypothesized to enhance athletic performance by pre-activating respiratory muscles; however, evidence in professional natural male bodybuilders is scarce. The present study investigated the acute effects of IWU on One-Repetition maximum (1RM) bench press performance and pulmonary function. Methods: The present randomized controlled experimental study comprised 20 male athletes with an average training experience of 3.21 ± 1.44 years, who trained for more than 5 h per week and had participated in national or international competitions. At the commencement of the study, all participants underwent a series of pulmonary function tests (PFTs), measurements of maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP), and a 1RM test. Following the initial assessments, which were conducted seventy-two hours prior, participants were randomly assigned to either the IWU group (n = 10) or the control (CON) group (n = 10). While the IWU group performed both inspiratory muscle warm-up and standard exercise warm-up, the CON group performed only the standard warm-up. Subsequent to the execution of the warm-up protocols, both groups were subjected to re-evaluation through the means of the 1RM test and respiratory parameter measurements. Results: The IWU group demonstrated a 5.96% greater enhancement in 1RM performance in comparison to the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, significant increases were observed in FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC following IWU, with improvements of 2.57%, 2.44%, and 2.65%, respectively (p < 0.001). Furthermore, an additional 2.39% enhancement in MEP was identified in favour of the IWU group (p = 0.008). The alterations in MIP and PEF exhibited by the two groups were analogous, with no statistically significant disparities observed (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The present study has demonstrated that IWU has the capacity to rapidly enhance maximal strength and respiratory function in professional bodybuilders. Consequently, IWU can be advocated as an efficacious warm-up technique to augment exercise performance in bodybuilding athletes. Trial registration: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the title “Acute effects of inspiratory muscle warmup on muscular performance and pulmonary function in natural bodybuilders’’. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07390149, Date 18012026. (Retrospectively)

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus1WoS1OpenAlex1
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Health sciences students’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence: predictors of ethical awareness, clinical decision-making, and public health perceptions-a cross-sectional study

    Unal, Cihan; Şahin, Selim

    This study investigates health sciences students’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) and the implications for ethical awareness, clinical decision-making, and public health. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April 27 and May 15 2025, with 668 students from five departments at Gümüşhane University, employing the validated Artificial Intelligence Attitude Scale, which measures benefits, risks, and use, alongside 12 binary-response items assessing ethical, clinical, and public health judgments. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression analyses were applied. Findings indicate that students perceive AI as highly beneficial (M = 4.05) but also associate it with notable risks (M = 2.52; where lower scores indicate a higher level of perceived risk due to reverse coding). Logistic regression analyses revealed that risk perception (reverse-coded; higher scores indicating lower perceived risk) was the most consistent predictor across all dimensions. Specifically, students with lower perceived risk were significantly more likely to reject concerns regarding patient privacy (OR = 2.55, 95% CI [2.03–3.21], p < 0.001), dismiss the idea that relying on AI instead of human expertise is problematic (OR = 1.57, 95% CI [1.25–1.96], p < 0.001), and reject the notion that AI systems may harm public health (OR = 2.52, 95% CI [1.98–3.20], p < 0.001). While participants endorsed AI’s potential in enhancing patient safety, chronic disease management, and preventive care, they expressed significant concerns about privacy, legal responsibility, and a potential weakening of patient–clinician communication. Gender, academic discipline, and prior AI use further differentiated attitudes. The results highlight a dual perception of AI as both an opportunity and a threat, emphasizing that successful integration in healthcare requires not only technical competence but also ethical, legal, and communicative safeguards.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus1WoS1OpenAlex2
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • Kitap BölümüYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ4
    Rethinking IoT Security in the Era of Quantum Computing: Literature Reviews

    Hanna, Yacoub; Tonyali, Samet; Harrilal-Parchment, Ricardo; Akkaya, Kemal

    As cryptographically relevant quantum computers get scaled up and stabilized, traditional cryptographic systems are one step closer to being obsolete, necessitating the development of robust and future-proof alternatives. This chapter investigates the landscape of quantum-based algorithms and protocols, with a focus on their applicability to the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, ranging from low-power edge sensors to more capable embedded systems. The theoretical basis and practical applications of Quantum Resistant Cryptography (QRC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) are analyzed, examining their computational requirements, energy consumption, scalability, and integration possibilities in IoT architectures with limited resources. In particular, how various Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) schemes, such as lattice-based, code-based, and hash-based cryptography, perform across different classes of IoT hardware is discussed. The chapter further investigates ongoing standardization efforts, implementation obstacles, and innovative solutions specifically designed for heterogeneous IoT environments. Moreover, the feasibility of QKD in resource-constrained scenarios is examined, including low-power QKD implementations for embedded and edge devices in IoT networks. Also, the trade-offs between security and efficiency are discussed, considering real-world deployment scenarios and resource constraints. Furthermore, a comprehensive threat model is presented, and the security of current literature is analyzed based on this model. By combining insights from recent literature, a comprehensive understanding of how quantum-based security methodologies can be integrated across the IoT spectrum is provided to guarantee long-term security resilience in the era of quantum computing. This chapter aims to serve as a foundational reference for researchers and practitioners seeking to build quantum-resistant or quantum-enabled IoT infrastructures.

    • SDG 9 · Sanayi, Yenilikçilik ve Altyapı
    AtıfScopus1OpenAlex1
    Scopusİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ3
    Energy Consumption in the EU: The Role of Productivity and Efficiency-Driven Technology; [AB’de Enerji Tüketimi: Üretkenlik ve Verimlilik Odaklı Teknolojinin Rolü]

    Çakır, Mehmet Ali; Ökte, Mehmet Kutluğhan Savaş

    This study investigates how productivity and productivity-intensive technologies affect energy consumption in selected EU countries from 1996 to 2021. Despite technological progress, fossil fuels still dominate, posing environmental and economic concerns. Using the AMG method, results show that multifactor productivity significantly reduces energy use, while productivity-intensive technologies offer smaller but meaningful reductions. In contrast to prior research linking technology to higher energy demand, this study highlights the importance of efficiency-focused innovation. Findings support the EU’s 2030 energy reduction target and suggest policymakers should prioritise productivity-intensive technologies, on-the-job training, and digital tools to decouple growth from energy consumption.

    • SDG 7 · Erişilebilir ve Temiz Enerji
    • SDG 8 · İnsana Yakışır İş ve Ekonomik Büyüme
    • SDG 9 · Sanayi, Yenilikçilik ve Altyapı
    • SDG 13 · İklim Eylemi
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ3
    Determination of the Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Videos on Symptoms, Vital Signs and Comfort in Hemodialysis Patients

    Coşar, Dilan Aktepe; Bingöl, Nuray

    Introduction: This pioneering study aimed to examine the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based videos on symptoms, vital signs, and comfort levels in hemodialysis patients, offering an innovative approach to improving their quality of life. Methods: This randomized controlled pretest-posttest study included 54 hemodialysis patients treated at “X” Hospital between June 2024 and May 2025. Twenty-five patients were assigned to the intervention group, 25 to the control group, and 4 to a pilot group. Data were collected at baseline and after 8 weeks. Statistical analyses included t-tests, repeated measures ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U, and Friedman tests. Results: In the intervention group, Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI) scores decreased significantly (p < 0.05), and comfort levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) across all subscales of the Hemodialysis Comfort Scale Version II. Vital signs remained within normal ranges before and after the intervention. Conclusion: This study revealed that the use of virtual reality headsets significantly influenced dialysis symptom index scores and comfort levels. The intervention effectively reduced dialysis symptoms and significantly increased patient comfort. No significant differences were observed in vital signs.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus2WoS2OpenAlex2
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ3
    A Comparative Study of 137Cs Dose Factors for Constant and Depth-dependent Soil Densities

    Çelik, Necati; Akçay, Nilay; Çevik, Uğur

    Accurate assessment of external radiation dose rates from 137Cs is essential for evaluating radiological risk in environmental and occupational settings. This study refines dose conversion coefficient calculations by incorporating depth-dependent soil density and addressing limitations in conventional methods that assume constant soil density. We calculated dose conversion coefficients for 137Cs in soil, considering both exponential and Gaussian distributions of activity concentration. Using two models, one with constant density and another with variable density as a function of depth, we compared dose rates to quantify the effect of soil density variations. Results indicate that dose rates are consistently higher when depth-dependent density is applied. The effect is more pronounced when 137Cs activity is distributed over larger depths (i.e., greater relaxation lengths) or when broader Gaussian distributions are considered. This suggests that assuming constant soil density may lead to underestimations of dose rates, especially in heterogeneous or compacted soils. Our findings emphasize the importance of accounting for density variability in dose calculations to enhance radiological risk assessments for areas contaminated with 137Cs.

  • Kitap BölümüYalnız künye2026
    Plant-Mediated Synthesis of Functional Nanocomposites for Clean Energy and Environmental Sustainability

    Özkan, Abdullah; Özkan, Vildan; Bozbeyoğlu, Pınar; Altuner, Elif Esra

    Plant-mediated synthesis has emerged as a sustainable method for producing functional nanocomposites with diverse applications, including clean energy, photocatalysis, electrochemical storage, and environmental cleanup. This approach differs from traditional chemical processes, which often require harsh conditions; instead, plant-derived systems combine reduction, nucleation, stabilization, and assembly in a single reaction environment. Phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and proteins act as both reducing agents and structure-directing agents, enabling the formation of various materials under gentle conditions.

    • SDG 12 · Sorumlu Üretim ve Tüketim
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ2
    Influence of Compton scattering and pair production in radiation shielding of Eu-doped Bi-2223 ceramics

    Doğruer, Musa; Kaya, Selim

    The gamma-ray attenuation behavior of europium (Eu)-doped Bi-2223 ceramic superconductors has been investigated in detail in this work in the photon energy range of 59.54 to 1332 keV. The WinXcom database was used to rigorously estimate the mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ), which are the main quantifiers of the probability of photon–matter interaction. Stochastic modeling based on the EGS4 Monte Carlo transport technique was then used to confirm the results. Key shielding metrics such as the mean free path (MFP), radiation protection efficiency (RPE), half-value layer (HVL), and gamma-ray kerma coefficients (kγ) are derived from these coefficients and offer information about the material’s inherent ability to dissipate or attenuate incident photon flux. Additionally, the effective atomic number (Zeff) was established to elucidate the role of compositional heterogeneity and atomic cross-section weighting in regulating photon absorption and scattering probabilities. Concurrently, the macroscopic fast neutron removal cross-sections (ΣR) were computed to measure the dual shielding capacity of the ceramics being studied against electromagnetic radiation and neutrons. The findings showed that although Eu doping led to a minor increase in the effective atomic number and μ/ρ values at lower photon energy, it also resulted in greater HVL and MFP values, particularly at higher energies. The total shielding performance decreases due to the decrease in bulk density, even though the addition of Eu results in better mass attenuation coefficients. The μ/ρ values of Eu-doped Bi-2223 ceramics exhibit high agreement and increase from 2.753 to 3.212 cm2 g−1 at 59.54 keV with increasing Eu content. These values were produced using EGS4 simulations and verified using WinXCOM in the 59.54–1332 keV energy range. This suggests that europium’s higher atomic number enhances photon absorption at lower energies. The study also demonstrates that the Eu-0 sample has the strongest neutron shielding capabilities and the highest radiation protection efficiency (RPE).

  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Institutional and relational underpinnings of vertical FDI spillovers in international buyer-supplier relationships: Insights from automotive suppliers

    Nas, Tulay Ilhan; Sahin, Fatih; Golgeci, Ismail; Okan, Tarhan

    This study takes a fresh approach to explore the mechanisms of foreign direct investment (FDI) spillovers in the context of emerging economy firms, specifically focusing on the Turkish automotive industry. Given emerging economy firms' inherent constraints in R&D and resources, FDI serves as a critical avenue for them to acquire technological and managerial knowledge. While previous literature has extensively analyzed spillovers from an economic perspective, our research introduces a neoinstitutional perspective in organizational sociology to understand how these spillovers manifest and influence productivity and innovation. Importantly, we examine the role of international buyer-supplier relationships, a key aspect in shaping spillover outcomes. In so doing, we draw on rich qualitative data from 7 Turkish direct and sub-suppliers of large automotive multinational enterprises (MNEs). Our findings underscore the significant influence of the institutional context and relational mechanisms on the effectiveness of FDI spillovers, revealing why anticipated positive effects may not always materialize. This study contributes to the existing literature by addressing the limitations of prior research and provides practical insights for policymakers in emerging economies, empowering them to leverage FDI for economic growth and organizational success.

    • SDG 8 · İnsana Yakışır İş ve Ekonomik Büyüme
    • SDG 9 · Sanayi, Yenilikçilik ve Altyapı
  • MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Comparison of Zn recovery prediction from carbonate ores with machine-learning methods

    Erkan, Ilker; Günen, Mehmet Akif

    This study addresses the challenge of predicting zinc (Zn) recovery from carbonate ores via sodium hydroxide (NaOH) leaching. This complex process influenced by variable ore composition, surface passivation effects, and nonlinear reaction dynamics, which complicate reagent optimization and process control in hydrometallurgical operations. To tackle this, a dataset containing 422 experimental observations was compiled from previous studies, incorporating ore composition and process parameters, such as NaOH concentration, leaching time, temperature, and solid-to-liquid ratio. Four regression models (decision tree, neural network, generalized additive model, and random forest) were trained and evaluated using performance metrics, such as coefficient of determination (R2), root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and symmetrical mean absolute percentage error (SMAPE). Among these, the random forest model achieved the best predictive accuracy, with R2 value of 0.8541 on the test set and the lowest error rates, demonstrating its effectiveness in capturing the complex relationships between input variables and Zn recovery. Explainable artificial intelligence, particularly SHapley additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis, revealed that NaOH concentration, leaching time, and solid-to-liquid ratio had the most positive influence on Zn recovery, whereas elements such as Ca, Fe, and Pb had inhibitory effects. These findings align with known geochemical behavior and provide valuable insights for reagent optimization and process efficiency in leaching processes. This study demonstrates the practical potential of machine learning in mineral processing, offering a scalable framework for optimizing Zn recovery from non-sulfide ores and a data-driven approach to enhance decision-making in hydrometallurgical applications.

    • SDG 12 · Sorumlu Üretim ve Tüketim
    AtıfScopus3WoS3OpenAlex1
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleYayıncıda açık erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Boric acid-activated carbon derived from Scots pine sawdust for phenol removal: adsorption mechanism, linear and nonlinear kinetic and isotherm modeling, and artificial neural network prediction

    Ozdes, Duygu; Turfan, Fatma Asya; Seker, Serdal; Kavgaci, Gonca; Onal, Yunus

    In this study, a sustainable activated carbon was successfully prepared from Scots pine sawdust via boric acid activation (H3BO3-AC-SPS) and evaluated for phenol adsorption from aqueous solutions. The physicochemical characteristics of the adsorbent were investigated using FTIR, SEM-EDX, XRD, and BET analyses, while the effects of solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial phenol concentration, temperature, ionic strength, and reusability without regeneration on the adsorption performance were systematically examined. H3BO3-AC-SPS exhibited excellent adsorption performance over a wide pH range (5–8), showed good tolerance to coexisting inorganic ions and organic contaminants, and retained appreciable adsorption efficiency over five consecutive adsorption cycles without regeneration. Phenol uptake increased with temperature, and NaOH enabled partial desorption of phenol. The adsorption kinetics and equilibrium data were analyzed using both linear and nonlinear regression approaches and comparatively evaluated based on the coefficient of determination (R2), sum of squared errors (SSE), and root mean square error (RMSE). The pseudo-second order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm exhibited the best predictive performance, with the Langmuir model estimating a maximum adsorption capacity of 65.4 mg g−1. The adsorption mechanism may involve π–π interactions, hydrogen bonding, pore filling, and hydrophobic interactions. In addition, an artificial neural network (ANN) model accurately predicted the adsorption behavior, yielding a high correlation coefficient (R = 0.9789). The applicability of H3BO3-AC-SPS was further demonstrated in stream water and mining wastewater. These findings demonstrate that boric acid activation is an effective strategy for converting Scots pine sawdust into a high-performance adsorbent and that integrating linear and nonlinear adsorption modeling with statistical error analysis provides a reliable framework for interpreting adsorption behavior. This journal is

    • SDG 6 · Temiz Su ve Sanitasyon
    • SDG 12 · Sorumlu Üretim ve Tüketim
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ3
    The effect of mine waste ratio and curing duration on the mechanical properties of ground granulated blast furnace slag-based geopolymer mortars

    Aksüt, Yavuz Selim; Nas, Evin; Sünnetçi, Kadir; Kaya, Yusuf

    This study investigates the mechanical and microstructural behavior of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS)-based geopolymer mortars in which mining waste (MW) was used as a partial binder replacement (0–30%) under ambient water curing for 7–90 days. Increasing MW content reduced workability and slightly prolonged setting due to its coarser and less reactive characteristics. Mechanical performance improved with curing time and mixtures with moderate MW levels achieved the best strength and microstructural densification. Water absorption and porosity decreased with age, reflecting progressive gel formation. Scanning electron microscope–X-ray diffraction (SEM-XRD) analyses verified matrix densification and enhanced gel development at intermediate MW ratios. Overall, the findings show that controlled MW incorporation can optimize the balance between strength, pore structure and sustainability, enabling ambient cured GGBFS-based geopolymers without thermal curing. The study provides new insights by using MW as a binder phase replacement while preserving precursor chemistry, a rarely explored approach.

    • SDG 12 · Sorumlu Üretim ve Tüketim
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