WoS

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://ada.atilim.edu.tr/handle/123456789/18

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Citation - WoS: 0
Effects of Tailored Nutritional Counseling in Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: a Clinical Trial
(Amer Thoracic Soc, 2025) Ozel, I.; Celik, E. Seyfettin; Ayhan, N. Yabanci
Citation - WoS: 0
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Investigation of Hepatitis E Virus Seroprevalence and Risk Factors in Hemodialysis Patients
(Frontiers Media Sa, 2025) Ozturk, Hakki; Ozsoy, Metin; Tuna, Aysegul; Varlibas, Artuner; Cesur, Salih; Aksoy, Altan; Demir, Mehmet Emin
Background: Hemodialysis patients are at increased risk for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection due to their immunocompromised status and frequent exposure to invasive medical procedures. HEV can lead to chronic infections and severe complications, particularly in high-risk populations. This study aimed to determine HEV-IgG seroprevalence among hemodialysis patients in Ankara, Turkey, and evaluate associated risk factors. Methods: A total of 160 hemodialysis patients from three private dialysis centers in Ankara were included in this prospective, cross-sectional study. Anti-HEV-IgG antibodies were detected using the ELISA method. Demographic characteristics and potential risk factors, including dialysis duration, comorbidities, blood transfusion history, drinking water source, dietary habits, and involvement in animal husbandry, were assessed via structured surveys. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 22.0, with Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests applied to categorical variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for HEV seropositivity. Results: HEV-IgG seropositivity was detected in 42 patients (26.25%). Seroprevalence increased significantly with age, rising from 6.7% in patients under 55 years to 47.4% in those over 65 years (p < 0.001). Extended dialysis duration (>5 years) was also significantly associated with HEV seropositivity (p = 0.02). However, no significant associations were found between HEV seropositivity and gender, blood transfusion history, source of drinking water, consumption of raw meat, or involvement in animal husbandry (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The HEV-IgG seroprevalence among hemodialysis patients in Ankara was higher than previously reported rates in Turkey. Age and prolonged dialysis duration emerged as significant risk factors, underscoring the importance of screening and preventive strategies in this vulnerable population. Further multi-regional studies are needed to better understand HEV transmission dynamics and improve management strategies in hemodialysis patients.
Citation - WoS: 0
Mitigating Student Cynicism for Sustainable Academic Performance: University Identification and Academic Self-Efficacy
(Mdpi, 2025) Tosun, Burcu; Cetin, Fatih
This study explores the complex relationships among student cynicism, student-university identification, academic self-efficacy, and academic performance within the context of Turkish higher education. Drawing on social identity and social cognitive theories, student cynicism is examined through four dimensions: academic, policy-related, institutional, and social. Survey data were collected from 630 university students in Ankara, T & uuml;rkiye, using a cross-sectional design and self-reported measures. The results indicate that institutional cynicism is the strongest negative predictor of student-university identification, while academic cynicism shows a curvilinear (U-shaped) relationship with academic performance, suggesting that extreme cynicism may paradoxically be linked to modest performance rebounds. Contrary to expectations, student-university identification does not significantly predict academic performance, nor does it mediate the relationship between cynicism and performance. However, academic self-efficacy moderates the relationship between identification and performance, amplifying the benefits of identification for students with higher levels of self-efficacy. These findings offer culturally grounded insights into student disengagement and highlight the importance of fostering trust, transparency, and self-efficacy to support student well-being and academic resilience, key elements in advancing Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
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Mapping the Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee: a Bibliometric Analysis
(Springernature, 2025) Oktem, Hale; Jamil, Yusuf; Sever, Sinem Nur
BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate research trends, key contributors, and thematic focuses in research of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee. It seeks to identify future direction for studies related to long-term clinical outcomes regarding ALL's role in rotational stability, especially in the context of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.MethodsA bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science (WoS) database, covering publications from 2012 to 2024 with the search term "anterolateral ligament". A total of 942 studies were identified. Descriptive statistics summarized publication trends, authorship, institutional contributions, and citation metrics. VOSviewer software was used to analyze co-authorship network analysis, keyword co-occurrence mapping, and total citation analysis. Yearly publication and citation trends were analyzed using WoS data. Studies addressing the ALL in other body regions were excluded. Additionally, only authors with at least one publication and one citation were considered, and documents with more than 25 authors were excluded. A total citation analysis was conducted, and 24 relevant keywords with more than 5 occurrences were identified using VOSviewer.ResultsAmong 942 publications, 707 were original articles. Research output peaked in 2017 (125 articles). Sonnery-Cottet was the leading author (75 publications), while Universidade De S & atilde;o-Paulo emerged as the top institution (57 publications). Key journals included Arthroscopy: Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery (143 articles) and The American Journal of Sports Medicine (131 articles). Keywords such as "anterior cruciate ligament", "reconstruction", and "rotational stability" dominated, reflecting a focus on ACL injury management. The top ten cited studies accrued 3,86 citations, with Claes et al.'s anatomical study leading (621 citations). Of the 942 ALL-related articles in WoS, 381 focused on anatomy (11,278 citations) while 814 addressed reconstruction (17,048 citations). Keyword trends shifted from anatomical to clinical terms, with anatomy declining and stability, injury, and outcomes gaining prominence from 2021 to 2024.ConclusionsThis bibliometric analysis underscores the growing interest in ALL research, peaking between 2016 and 2017. While foundational studies on ALL anatomy and biomechanics appear saturated, future research should prioritize clinical outcomes in terms of failure rate, reoperation, the long-term efficacy of ACL-ALL reconstruction, and advancements in imaging techniques.
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Importance of Alkaline Phosphatase as a Predictor of Transient Hypoparathyroidism After Parathyroidectomy
(Springernature, 2025) Gulen, Merter; Emral, Ahmet Cihangir; Sariyildiz, Gulcin Turkmen
BackgroundThere are insufficient studies that have investigated the relationship between temporary hypoparathyroidism (hypoPTH) and the preoperative serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level in patients with no renal function disorder who have undergone isolated parathyroidectomy. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the preoperative serum ALP level could be a marker which could predict the development of postoperative temporary hypoPTH. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 158 patients aged > 18 years who were diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) between 2017 and 2022. The demographic data of the patients were retrieved from the hospital records. The patients were separated into two groups according to the serum calcium level after the parathyroidectomy, as the normal group and the temporary hypoPTH group. The determinants of temporary hypoPTH developing after parathyroidectomy in PHPT patients were investigated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. ResultsTemporary hypoPTH was determined in 25.3% of patients. The mean age and 25-O-HD level were determined to be lower in the patients who developed temporary hypoPTH compared to those who did not. The preoperative serum ALP, parathormone, and 24-h urine calcium levels were determined to be higher in the cases that developed temporary hypoPTH. As a result of the regression analysis, only the serum ALP level was determined to be an independent risk factor predicting the development of temporary hypoPTH (p: 0.005, OR: 1.021). In the ROC analysis, when a cutoff value of 119.5 pg/mL was taken for ALP, it was determined to have 73% sensitivity and 72% specificity for the prediction of the development of temporary hypoPTH. ConclusionsThe most appropriate treatment for symptomatic PHPT patients selected with positive imaging is minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. The most important postoperative complications are hypocalcemia and hypoPTH. The preoperative serum ALP level may be helpful in determining patients at risk of developing temporary hypoPTH following parathyroidectomy.
Citation - WoS: 0
Validity and Reliability of Turkish Version of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale-8 Items in Adults
(Sage Publications inc, 2025) Cinar-Medeni, Ozge; Incekas, Caner; Ozcan, Aysenur; Ozdemir, Furkan; Ulusoy, Burak; Can-Karahan, Zehra
Background: The enjoyment of physical activity significantly influences participation in sports and various forms of physical activity. This study aims to conduct a cross-cultural adaptation and assess the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale-8 Items (PACES-8). Methods: A total of 120 participants were included in the study. A standardized translation process was followed. Criterion-related validity was assessed using the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ). All participants were evaluated in two sessions following a 15-min walk. Sociodemographic data, PACES-8, BREQ-2, and IPAQ questionnaires were administered during the initial measurement, while the second measurement focused solely on assessing physical activity enjoyment. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed factor loadings ranging from 0.78 to 0.94, indicating a strong single-factor structure. The model demonstrated a good fit to the data (Chi-Square Goodness of Fit Test (chi(2)/df) = 3.26, p < 0.001; Comparative Fit Index = 0.96; Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.93). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.95, reflecting excellent internal consistency. PACES-8 showed a low correlation with the external regulation score of BREQ-2 (r = -0.24, p = 0.03) and the physical activity score (IPAQ score) of participants (r = 0.24, p = 0.007). Conclusions: The findings suggest that the Turkish version of PACES-8 is a unidimensional, reliable, and valid instrument for measuring enjoyment of physical activity. Further research is needed to assess its validity across different populations.
Citation - WoS: 0
Ann-Based Maximum Power Tracking for a Grid-Synchronized Wind Turbine-Driven Doubly Fed Induction Generator Fed by Matrix Converter
(Mdpi, 2025) Alarabi, Mohamed A.; Sunter, Sedat
The integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind power, into the electrical grid is essential for the development of sustainable energy systems. Doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) have been significantly utilized in wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) because of their efficient power generation and variable speed operation. However, optimizing wind power extraction at variable wind speeds remains a major challenge. To address this, an artificial neural network (ANN) is adopted to predict the optimal shaft speed, ensuring maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for a wind energy-driven DFIG connected to a matrix converter (MC). The DFIG is controlled via field-oriented control (FOC), which allows independent power output regulation and separately controls the stator active and reactive power components. Through its compact design, bidirectional power flow, and enhanced harmonic performance, the MC, which is controlled by the simplified Venturini modulation technique, improves the efficiency and dependability of the system. Simulation outcomes confirm that the ANN-based MPPT enhances the power extraction efficiency and improves the system performance. This study shows how wind energy systems can be optimized for smart grids by integrating advanced control techniques like FOC and simplified Venturini modulation with intelligent algorithms like ANN.
Citation - WoS: 0
Citation - Scopus: 0
Modelling the Positive and Negative Interaction Between Mood and Thermal Sensation in the Built Environment Using a Combined Markov Chain Monte Carlo Algorithm and Morris Method
(Sage Publications Ltd, 2025) Ozbey, Mehmet Furkan; Turhan, Cihan
Mood states, categorized into subscales such as Tension (TEN), Anger (ANG), Fatigue (FAT), Vigour (VIG), Confusion (CON), and Depression (DEP), affect occupants' perceptions of thermal environments. This study investigates the influence of these subscales on thermal sensation, exploring both positive and negative effects. Experiments were conducted in a temperate climate zone over an extended period, including both heating and cooling seasons, with 1159 volunteers. The Morris Method was used to assess the impact of psychological parameters (TEN, ANG, FAT, VIG, CON, DEP) on thermal sensation. Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations, performed via Python code developed by the authors, evaluated the positive and negative impacts of these subscales across 30,000 simulations. Results showed that VIG was the most influential parameter, while CON and FAT had negative effects (feeling cooler) on thermal sensation. These findings emphasize the complex relationship between psychological factors and thermal perception, underlining the importance of mood states in designing environments that enhance thermal comfort. The study offers valuable insights into the interplay of emotional well-being and physiological responses, contributing to environmental psychology and climate-responsive design.
Citation - WoS: 0
Effect of Training Based on Travelbee's Human-To Relationship Model on Prenatal Attachment, Fear of Childbirth, and Anxiety in Pregnant Women With Fear of Childbirth a Randomized Controlled Trial
(Slack Inc, 2025) Sari, Tugba; Gurhan, Nermin
PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of education provided to pregnant women with fear of childbirth according to Travelbee's Human-to-Human Relationship Model on fear of birth, prenatal attachment, and anxiety. METHOD: This prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted between June and August 2023. Participants included 62 pregnant women divided into intervention and control groups. Pregnant primiparous women who had fear of childbirth were selected for the intervention group, receiving an eight-session educational program based on Travelbee's model. RESULTS: At the end of the educational program, decreased fear of childbirth, lower anxiety, and higher prenatal attachment were detected in the intervention group. Results showed a statistically significant difference in the intervention group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Birth preparation education prepared according to Travelbee's model is an effective method for reducing pregnant women's fear of childbirth and anxiety and increasing prenatal attachment level.
Citation - WoS: 0
Effect of Atomic Charges on C2h2/Co2 Separation Performances of Covalent-Organic Framework Adsorbents
(Wiley-V C H Verlag Gmbh, 2025) Demir, Hakan; Erucar, Ilknur
A critical factor for the accuracy of computational screening studies is the method employed to assign atomic charges. While chemically meaningful atomic charges can be obtained using a quantum chemistry method-based charge assignment technique (density-derived electrostatic and chemical method (DDEC6)), its application to large material datasets remains computationally demanding. As an alternative, machine-learning (ML) models can offer the ability to determine atomic charges with high accuracy and speed. Herein, two ML models, Partial Atomic Charge Predicter for Porous Materials based on Graph Convolutional Neural Network (PACMAN) and Partial Atomic Charges in Metal-Organic Frameworks (PACMOF), are utilized to predict atomic charges in Clean, Uniform, Refined with Automatic Tracking from Experimental Database (CURATED) covalent-organic frameworks (COFs). The predicted atomic charges are used in simulations to assess COFs' C2H2/CO2/CH4 separation performances in comparison with reference DDEC6-based performances. Results show PACMAN charges can more effectively reproduce DDEC6-based charges and corresponding separation performance metrics, underscoring their suitability for high-throughput material screening. Additionally, the proportions of Coulombic interactions to van der Waals interactions are systematically analyzed, revealing substantial variation across both narrow and wide pores. This study highlights that ML models can be applied to obtain atomic charges that could enable attaining accurate material performance evaluations.
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Exploring the Thermal Stability of Sb2se3 for Potential Applications Through Advanced Thermal Analysis Methods
(Amer Chemical Soc, 2025) Altuntas, Gozde; Isik, Mehmet; Surucu, Gokhan; Parlak, Mehmet; Surucu, Ozge
Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) is a promising material for energy applications, including photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, and photodetectors, due to its favorable electronic properties, availability, and low toxicity. However, its thermal stability, crucial for device efficiency and reliability, has been less explored, leaving a gap in understanding its high-temperature suitability. This study evaluates the thermal stability of Sb2Se3 using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results show that Sb2Se3 remains stable up to 500 degrees C, with two significant weight loss stages: 1.75% between 500 and 610 degrees C, and 3.50% between 610 and 775 degrees C, indicating decomposition processes. Activation energies for the decomposition phases were determined as 121.8 and 57.2 kJ/mol using the Coats-Redfern method. Additionally, an endothermic phase transition was observed between 599 and 630.6 degrees C via DSC analysis. These findings demonstrate Sb2Se3's potential for high-temperature energy applications, providing essential insights for optimizing its use in solar cells, thermoelectric devices, and other technologies.
Citation - WoS: 0
Citation - Scopus: 0
Universality and Non-Embeddability Into Banach Spaces of Subspaces of the Real Line With the Gromov-Hausdorff Distance
(Springer-Verlag Italia Srl, 2025) Ostrovska, Sofiya; Ostrovskii, Mikhail I.
The paper aims to prove two universality results which can be used to simplify some of the available proofs of non-embeddability results for the Gromov-Hausdorff metrics.
Citation - WoS: 0
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Global Insights Into Food Fraud From Location-Based Analysis: Food Adulteration in Turkey
(Wiley, 2025) Kavruk, Murat; Balci, Tugce Nur; Ozel, Irem Cagla; Ozalp, Veli Cengiz; Aydin, Ali
BackgroundFood fraud and adulteration pose critical global challenges impacting economic stability and public health. This study examines the prevalence and characteristics of food fraud incidents in Turkey, an international player in the food supply chain. Controls carried out from production to consumption reveal many fraudulent events worldwide.ResultsData collected by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of T & uuml;rkiye from 2012 to 2022, covering 4007 incidents and 7180 specific cases of adulteration, form the basis of this analysis. The study categorizes food fraud by region, product group and type of fraud, revealing trends and patterns. Key findings indicate a higher incidence of fraud in milk, meat and vegetable oil products, including the detection of drug-based adulteration having potential for serious health consequences.ConclusionAt most importance, we demonstrated the importance of risk-based food inspections and the development of new detection technologies to enhance food safety. The results are fundamental for more effective food inspections in terms of risk-based conformity assessment approaches or developing new methods, devices and analysis kits in terms of scientific and technological approaches. Still, they can also significantly improve future food safety measures. These insights are aimed at informing global food safety strategies and policymaking, contributing to a safer and more transparent food supply chain. (c) 2025 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Caval Valve Implantation Procedure in 7 Cases of Torrential Tricuspid Regurgitation and Step-By Description of the Procedure
(Kare Publ, 2025) Bozbas, Huseyin; Barcin, Cem; Asfour, Mohamed; Celebi, Savas A.; Cam, Ersin; Ilkay, Erdogan
Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is an increasingly prevalent and clinically significant health problem.1 Due to the growing understanding of the importance of TR, the tricuspid valve has transitioned from being a forgotten valve to one of significant concern. Tricuspid regurgitation is often functional, and as it progresses to moderate or severe stages, hospital admissions increase and prognosis worsens.1,2 There are no effective pharmacological treatments for TR, and the 5-year survival rate with medical management is reported to be less than 50%.3 Therefore, early diagnosis and timely intervention for TR is crucial. Both surgical and percutaneous treatment options are available for severe TR. The mortality rate for isolated TR surgery is generally high.4 In recent years, transcatheter treatments have become feasible for this patient group, and accumulating evidence shows that transcatheter treatment is superior to medical management.5,6 Transcatheter interventions for TR can be performed in 4 ways, 2 involving repair and 2 involving valve We aimed to present our experience with transcatheter caval valve implantation (CAVI) in 7 patients with torrential TR who were not suitable for surgical intervention or transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) due to severe coaptation defects, review the current literature, and provide a step-by-step description of the procedure.
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Integration of Conductive Additives To Pla-Based Biodegradable Composite Films To Improve Their Electrical, Mechanical, and Physical Characteristics
(Wiley, 2025) Rakea, Aisha Muthana; Tirkes, Suha; Yildiz, Umit Hakan; Tirkes, Seha; Tayfun, Umit
In this study, Oltu stone powder (OS) and Fe3O4/mica-based conductive pigment (CP) were compounded with polylactic acid (PLA) to develop bio-based conductive films. Four different concentrations of 1%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of powders were applied to determine their optimal concentration in the PLA matrix. The mechanical, thermomechanical, electrical conductivity, melt-flow, and morphological properties of composite films were reported using the tensile, hardness, and impact tests, dynamic mechanical analyses test, linear four-probe method, and atomic force microscopy (AFM), melt-flow index measurements, and scanning electron microscopy methodology, respectively. According to tensile test results, tensile strength and modulus characteristics of PLA decrease with additive integration. However, the elongation value of PLA declined as OS and CP loadings increased. The maximum tensile performance was attained for composites filled with 20% of both CP and OS. The unfilled PLA's Shore D value rose by including OS and CP. At the same loading levels, carbon-based OS produced comparatively higher hardness values than CP, which comprised iron oxide and alumina silicate. AFM analysis revealed that both CP and OS inclusions caused enhancements in surface roughness as their filling amounts increased. In summary, composite samples exhibiting a 20% loading ratio of both OS and CP showed significantly improved mechanical and thermomechanical performances compared to other composites. Composite films with 1% additives have the potential to be applied in electrostatic packing. Additionally, 3D-printed components can be fabricated using composites for applications where appropriate mechanical resistance and electrical conductivity specifications are required.
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The Role of a Smartphone Application in Monitoring the Risk of Hearing Loss Associated With Personal Listening Devices in Young Adults
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2025) Tuz, Deniz; Saricamlik, Selin; Bodur, Ceren; Kirazli, Gulce; Akmese, Pelin Pistav
Background Exposure to loud music has been reported to affect high-frequency hearing thresholds in adults. This study aimed to use a mobile application to assess the risk of hearing loss associated with personal listening devices (PLDs) in young adults. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 99 healthy iPhone Operating System (iOS) smartphone users aged 17 to 31 years. Based on their weekly, monthly, 6-month, and annual listening data from the "Health" application, participants were classified into at-risk or non-risk groups. Six individuals in the at-risk group underwent audiological assessments. The Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) was given to all participants. SSQ scores were compared between groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. The correlation between average PLD sound levels and SSQ scores was analyzed using the Spearman's test. Results The weekly, monthly, 6-month, and annual listening data showed that 16, 14, 12, and 12 participants were at risk, respectively. All six participants who underwent audiological assessment exhibited normal hearing thresholds. However, a pattern of decline at high frequencies was noted. A significant difference was found between the groups in terms of overall SSQ score (z = -2.74, P = 0.00), speech perception score (z = -3.25, P = 0.00), and hearing quality score (z = -2.01, P = 0.04) based on the 6-month and annual listening data. A weak positive correlation was found between the SSQ scores across all subscales and monthly sound-level data. Exposure duration was negatively correlated with speech perception (r = -0.32, P < 0.05), spatial perception (r = -0.26, P < 0.05), and overall score (r = -0.29, P < 0.05) in weekly data, as well as with hearing quality (r = -0.21; P < 0.05) and overall score (r = -0.21, P < 0.05) in annual data. Conclusions The immediate effects of loud music exposure were absent; however, prolonged exposure resulted in reduced speech perception and hearing-quality levels. Data from the iOS "Health" application indicated that some individuals were at risk of hearing loss, suggesting the need to modify their listening habits to prevent long-term decline in hearing function.
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Impact of Green Wall and Roof Applications on Energy Consumption and Thermal Comfort for Climate Resilient Buildings
(Mdpi, 2025) Turhan, Cihan; Carpino, Cristina; Austin, Miguel Chen; Ozbey, Mehmet Furkan; Akkurt, Gulden Gokcen
Nowadays, reducing energy consumption and obtaining thermal comfort are significant for making educational buildings more climate resilient, more sustainable, and more comfortable. To achieve these goals, a sustainable passive method is that of applying green walls and roofs that provide extra thermal insulation, evaporative cooling, a shadowing effect, and the blockage of wind on buildings. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of green wall and roof applications on energy consumption and thermal comfort in an educational building. For this purpose, a university building in the Csb climate zone is selected and monitored during one year, as a case study. Then, the case building is modelled in a well-calibrated dynamic building energy simulation tool and twenty-one different plant species, which are mostly used for green walls and roofs, are applied to the envelope of the building in order to determine a reduction in energy consumption and an increase in thermal comfort. The Hedera canariensis gomera (an ivy species) plant is used for green walls due to its aesthetic appeal, versatility, and functional benefits while twenty-one different plants including Ophiopogon japonicus (Mando-Grass), Phyllanthus bourgeoisii (Waterfall Plant), and Phoenix roebelenii (Phoenix Palm) are simulated for the green roof applications. The results show that deploying Hedera canariensis gomera to the walls and Phyllanthus bourgeoisii to the roof could simultaneously reduce the energy consumption by 9.31% and increase thermal comfort by 23.55% in the case building. The authors acknowledge that this study is solely based on simulations due to the high cost of all scenarios, and there are inherent differences between simulated and real-world conditions. Therefore, the future work will be analysing scenarios in real life. Considering the limited studies on the effect of different plant species on energy performance and comfort, this study also contributes to sustainable building design strategies.
Citation - WoS: 1
Citation - Scopus: 1
Epidemiological Assessment of Depression, Activities of Daily Living and Associated Factors in Elderly Individuals Aged 65 Years and Older: Evidence From a Population-Based Study
(Mdpi, 2025) Arayici, Mehmet Emin; Kose, Ali; Dolu, Suleyman; Arayici, Sema Gultekin; Gedik, Gizem; Kilic, Beyza Nur; Erkin, Ozum
Background: It is a well-established fact that late-life depression represents a significant public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries experiencing rapid demographic aging. Although its clinical and societal impacts are well-recognized, data on the interplay between depressive symptoms and functional status in older populations remain limited for T & uuml;rkiye. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression among individuals aged 65 years or older, examine its associations with instrumental and basic activities of daily living, and identify key sociodemographic and behavioral correlates. Methods: In this study, data obtained from a population-based survey in 2264 clusters by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) were used, and weighted data were yielded from 6,036,396 adults aged 65 and over. Depression was measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), categorizing participants as "not depressed", "mildly depressed", or "severely depressed". Functional status was evaluated using the Lawton-Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale and the Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale. Logistic regression models, adjusted for age and body mass index (BMI), were used to determine the associations of depression with functional impairment and various covariates, including gender, education, marital status, chronic disease, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use. Results: Overall, the prevalence of depression in this cohort was 49.9% [95% CI = 48.7-51%], with 36.0% [95% CI = 34.8-37.0%] classified as mild and 13.9% [95% CI = 13.1-14.7%] as severe depression. IADL and ADL scores were negatively correlated with GDS scores (r = -0.416 and r = -0.321, respectively; p < 0.001). In logistic models, lower IADL scores were linked to higher odds of mild (OR = 0.797, 95% CI = [0.796-0.798], p < 0.001) and severe depression (OR = 0.689, 95% CI = [0.688-0.690], p < 0.001). Being semi-dependent or dependent in ADL further escalated depression risk. Female gender, lower education, single/divorced status, chronic disease, and inactivity also emerged as strong predictors. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that depression is highly prevalent among older adults in T & uuml;rkiye, with functional impairment, unfavorable health behaviors, and sociodemographic vulnerabilities heightening risk. Integrating depression screening into geriatric care-alongside interventions to maintain functional independence-may help mitigate the burden of late-life depression in similar contexts.
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Recycling Decommissioned Wind Turbine Blades for Post-Disaster Housing Applications
(Mdpi, 2025) Turhan, Cihan; Durak, Murat; Saleh, Yousif Abed Saleh; Kalayci, Alper
The growing adoption of wind energy has resulted in an increasing number of decommissioned wind turbine blades, which pose significant disposal challenges due to their size, material composition, and environmental impact. Recycling these blades has thus become essential. To this aim, this study explores the potential of using recycled wind turbine blades in post-disaster housing applications and examines the feasibility of re-purposing these durable composite materials to create robust, cost-effective, and sustainable building solutions for emergency housing. A case study of a post-earthquake relief camp in Hatay, T & uuml;rkiye, affected by the 2023 earthquake, is used for analysis. First, the energy consumption of thirty traditional modular container-based post-disaster housing units is simulated with a dynamic building simulation tool. Then, the study introduces novel wind turbine blade-based housing (WTB-bH) designs developed using the same simulation tool. The energy consumption of these (WTB-bH) units is compared to that of traditional containers. The results indicate that using recycled wind turbine blades for housing not only contributes to waste reduction but also achieves 27.3% energy savings compared to conventional methods. The novelty of this study is in demonstrating the potential of recycled wind turbine blades to offer durable and resilient housing solutions in post-disaster situations and to advocate for integrating this recycling method into disaster recovery frameworks, highlighting its ability to enhance sustainability and resource efficiency in construction. Overall, the output of this study may help to present a compelling case for the innovative reuse of decommissioned wind turbine blades, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional waste disposal methods while addressing critical needs in post-disaster scenarios.
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Current New Approach in Thoracoscopic Surgery: Non-Intubated Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (Ni-Univats)
(Mdpi, 2025) Agar, Mehmet; Gulcek, Ilham; Kalkan, Muhammed; Ulutas, Hakki; Celik, Muhammet Reha; Aksu, Ahmet; Cakmak, Muharrem
Background and Objectives: Non-intubated uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (NI-UniVATS) is a minimally invasive technique performed using a single port, allowing the entire surgical procedure to be completed with spontaneous breathing without the need for general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 51 patients who underwent NI-UniVATS between 2020 and 2023. The intraoperative and postoperative data of patients who underwent NI-UniVATS were evaluated. Results: Among the cases, 37 (72.5%) were male, and 14 (46.6%) were female, with a mean age of 47.73 +/- 20.43 years (range: 18-78 years). The mean operative time was 25.92 +/- 7.31 min. No perioperative complications were observed in any patient. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.17 +/- 1.76 days (range: 2-9 days). A right hemithoracic approach was performed in 28 patients (54.9%), whereas a left hemithoracic approach was used in 23 patients (45.1%). The procedures performed included wedge resection in 27 patients (52.9%), biopsy in 22 patients (43.1%), pericardial window creation in one patient (2%), and intrathoracic foreign body removal in one patient (2%). Conclusions: NI-UniVATS allows for safer surgery by preventing the adverse effects and complications associated with general anesthesia. NI-UniVATS can be recommended as a safe and feasible approach for both minor and major thoracic procedures.

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