Scopus İndeksli Yayınlar / Scopus Indexed Publications

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/11413/6358

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  • Publication
    4-Hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-One Isolated in Cryogenic Argon and Xenon Matrices: Tautomers and Photochemistry
    (Elsevier, 2024) Secrieru, A.; Lopes, S.; Nikitin, T.; Cristiano, Maria L. S.; FAUSTO, RUI
    4-Hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-one (4HQ2O) was synthesized, isolated in cryogenic matrices (argon and xenon), and studied by infrared spectroscopy. Quantum chemical calculations carried out at the DFT(B3LYP)/6-311++G (3df,3pd) level of theory were used to determine the conformational and tautomeric properties of the molecule. Two tautomeric forms were identified in the as-deposited matrices with the help of the theoretical data. To investigate the photochemistry of the compound, in situ broadband ultraviolet (lambda > 283 nm) irradiation of the asdeposited argon matrix was performed. This irradiation led to the generation of an additional tautomer, together with the products of fragmentation of the heterocyclic ring of the molecule, specifically isocyanic acid and carbon monoxide. Photoproducts such as 1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one and cyclohepta-1,2,4,6-tetraene were also observed in the photolyzed argon matrix. A comprehensive assignment of the infrared spectra of all the species observed experimentally is presented.
  • Publication
    Blockchain-Based KYC Model for Credit Allocation in Banking
    (IEEE-Inst Electrical Electronics Engineers Inc., 2024) Karadağ, Bulut; Zaim, A. Halim; AKBULUT, AKHAN
    The implementation of the Know Your Customer (KYC) strategy by banks within the financial sector enhances the operational efficiency of such establishments. The data gathered from the client during the KYC procedure may be applied to deter possible fraudulent activities, money laundering, and other criminal undertakings. The majority of financial institutions implement their own KYC procedures. Furthermore, a centralized system permits collaboration and operation execution by multiple financial institutions. Aside from these two scenarios, KYC processes can also be executed via a blockchain-based system. The blockchain's decentralized network would be highly transparent, facilitating the validation and verification of customer data in real-time for all relevant stakeholders. In addition, the immutability and cryptography of the blockchain ensure that client information is secure and immutable, thereby eradicating the risk of data breaches. Blockchain-based KYC can further improve the client experience by eliminating the requirement for redundant paperwork and document submissions. After banks grant consumers loans, a blockchain-based KYC system is proposed in this study to collect limit, risk, and collateral information from them. The approach built upon Ethereum grants financial institutions the ability to read and write financial data on the blockchain network. This KYC method establishes a transparent, dynamic, and expeditious framework among financial institutions. In addition, solutions are discussed for the Sybil attack, one of the most severe problems in such networks.
  • Publication
    Hydrogen Tunneling Exhibiting Unexpectedly Small Primary Kinetic Isotope Effects
    (Wiley - VCH Verlag GmbH, 2024) Roque, Jose P. L.; Nunes, Claudio M.; Schreiner, Peter R.; FAUSTO, RUI
    Probing quantum mechanical tunneling (QMT) in chemical reactions is crucial to understanding and developing new transformations. Primary H/D kinetic isotopic effects (KIEs) beyond the semiclassical maximum values of 7–10 (room temperature) are commonly used to assess substantial QMT contributions in one-step hydrogen transfer reactions, because of the much greater QMT probability of protium vs. deuterium. Nevertheless, we report here the discovery of a reaction model occurring exclusively by H-atom QMT with residual primary H/D KIEs. 2-Hydroxyphenylnitrene, generated in N2 matrix, was found to isomerize to an imino-ketone via sequential (domino) QMT involving anti to syn OH-rotamerization (rate determining step) and [1,4]-H shift reactions. These sequential QMT transformations were also observed in the OD-deuterated sample, and unexpected primary H/D KIEs between 3 and 4 were measured at 3 to 20 K. Analogous residual primary H/D KIEs were found in the anti to syn OH-rotamerization QMT of 2-cyanophenol in a N2 matrix. Evidence strongly indicates that these intriguing isotope-insensitive QMT reactivities arise due to the solvation effects of the N2 matrix medium, putatively through coupling with the moving H/D tunneling particle. Should a similar scenario be extrapolated to conventional solution conditions, then QMT may have been overlooked in many chemical reactions.
  • Publication
    The Parent-Child Relationship in the Digital Era: The Mediator Role of Digital Parental Awareness
    (Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd., 2024) TORAN, MEHMET; Kulaksız, Taibe; Özden, Bülent
    The parent–child relationship was extensively reshaped during the infusion of digital technologies into families’ daily lives. In this context, this research aims to investigate the relationship between the parent’s time spent with the child and the parent–child relationship when digital parenting awareness including negative and positive roles is taken into consideration. A cross-sectional survey research method was employed. The data was collected by demographic information form, Child-parent Relationship, and Digital Parental Awareness scales. The data was analyzed from 285 parents with 3–6 years old children. In order to test the hypotheses, the Hayes-Process model was employed to determine the mediating effects of sub-dimensions of digital parental awareness between parent’s time spent with the child and the parent–child relationship. The results revealed that being a negative digital role model, digital negligence, parents' effective use of technology, and protection from digital risks partially mediate the link between parent–child time and their relationship. An increase in negative role modeling and digital negligence are associated with a decrease in the positive parent–child relationship. Furthermore, parents’ efficient use of and protection from risks from technology affects the parent–child relationship positively.
  • Publication
    Eu External Governance in Policy Area Under "Embedded Stalemate": Navigating the Dynamic Networks of Turkish Transport
    (Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd., 2024) ERTÜRK, AHMET CEMAL
    This paper offers a nuanced examination of EU external governance within the challenging terrain of ‘embedded stalemate’, utilizing a network governance lens. Focusing on the Turkish transport sector as a case study, the research seeks to unravel the determinants of EU compliance in areas characterized by a protracted political impasse. By investigating the intricate dynamics of this ‘embedded stalemate’, the paper explores the question: ‘How do various factors influence the compliance with the EU in the Turkish transport sector amid a prolonged stalemate characterized by the absence of benchmarks and deadlines?’ Through 11 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, ranging from Turkish Ministry officials to private transport advisors, the study identifies variables such as incentives, actor capacities, asymmetry of interdependence, socialization, and politicization as crucial forces influencing the trajectory of compliance. The conceptual framework of network governance is introduced, providing a theoretical lens to understand the complex web of actors and preferences in this dynamic landscape. Therefore, the study concludes that as a result of ‘embedded stalemate’, patchy compliance is achieved through prolonged and dynamically evolving network governance involving a diverse array of actors from both the EU and Turkey sides.
  • Publication
    Rising Damp Treatment in Historical Buildings by Electro-Osmosis: A Case Study
    (MDPI, 2024) Koca, Aliihsan; UĞURAL, MEHMET NURETTİN; YAMAN, ERGÜN
    Throughout the past century, numerous technologies have been suggested to deal with the capillary rise of water through the soil in historic masonry buildings. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of capillary moisture repulsion apparatus that uses the electro-osmosis approach over a prolonged period of time. The G & uuml;l mosque was selected as a sample historical building affected by structural problems caused by the absorption of water through small channels on its walls due to capillary action. The moisture repulsion mechanism efficiently decreased the moisture level in the walls from a 'wet' state to a 'dry' state in roughly 9 months. After the installation of the equipment, the water mass ratio of the building decreased from 14.48% to 2.90%. It was determined that the majority of the water in the building was relocated during the initial measurement period. Furthermore, it inhibited the absorption of water by capillary action by protecting the construction elements that were in contact with the wet ground. Lastly, capillary water repulsion coefficients (C) for various measurement durations and time factors were proposed. The average value of C was calculated to be 0.152 kg/m2 s0.5 by measuring the point at which the water repulsion remained nearly constant.
  • Publication
    The Effect of Position on Feeding Performance in Infants With Cleft Lip and Palate: Quasiexperimental Study
    (Wiley, 2024) ERDOST, ŞERİFE KARTAL; Gözen, Duygu
    Purpose: This single-group, quasiexperimental study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding position on the physiological parameters and feeding performance of term-born infants with cleft lip and palate (CLP) in the preoperative period. Methods: The study sample consisted of 45 infants aged 0-6 months with CLP followed up preoperatively in our outpatient clinic between January 2021 and 2022. Infants who were being fed with a specialty bottle for babies with CLP and whose families consented to participate in the study were included. After 2 h of fasting, the infants were fed in the elevated supine (ESU) position for the first meal, then in the elevated side-lying (ESL) position for the second meal after another 2 h of fasting. The infants' heart rate and oxygen saturation values before, during, and after each feed and indicators of feeding performance were compared between the positions. Results: There was no significant difference between the positions in terms of heart rate and oxygen saturation before, during, or after feeding (p > .05). There was no statistically significant difference in measures of feeding performance according to the infants' feeding position (p > .05). Conclusion: According to the findings obtained in this study, infants with CLP showed no statistically significant differences in heart rate, oxygen saturation, or feeding performance when fed in the ESL and ESU positions. Practice Implications: However, despite the lack of statistical significance, both physiological values and feeding performance tended to be better when the infants were fed in the ESL position, nurses can practice ESL position according to the infant's opposite direction of the side of the cleft lip or palate.
  • Publication
    The Effects of Improvement in Upper Extremity Function on Gait and Balance in Children With Upper Extremity Affected
    (Elsevier Ireland Ltd., 2024) Leblebici, Gökçe; Tarakcı, Ela; Kısa, Eylül Pınar; AKALAN, NAZİF EKİN; Kasapçopur, Özgür
    Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of functional improvement in the upper extremity on gait and balance in children with upper extremity affected. Research question: What are the effects of functional improvement in the upper extremity on gait and balance in children with upper extremity affected? Methods: Eighteen children with a diagnosis of rheumatologic diseases and 15 healthy children were evaluated with Shriners Hospital Upper Extremity Assessment, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, Abilhand Rheumatoid Arthritis Scale, 10-meter walk test and Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire. For static balance assessment, the Biodex Balance was used. Ground reaction forces (peak forces (heel strike and push-off) and minimum force (loading response), single-limb support duration, Center-of-Force displacement and walking speed were evaluated with the Sensor Medica. Arm swing was evaluated with the Kinovea 2D motion analysis. Results: Before treatment, single-limb support duration and push-off force was higher and center-of-force displacement was lower on affected side compared to unaffected side in rheumatologic group. After the 6week rehabilitation program, upper extremity function, quality of life and functional gait score improved. Single-limb support duration decreased on affected side and increased on unaffected side. On affected side, pushoff force decreased. The arm swing parameters were similar before and after treatment. Significance: Improving upper extremity function can help with gait balance by decreasing the difference in walking and balance parameters between the affected and unaffected sides and providing for more symmetrical weight transfer.
  • Publication
    Recycling Ophthalmic Lens Wastewater in a Circular Economy Context: A Case Study with Microalgae Integration
    (MDPI, 2024) FAUSTO, RUI
    Water pollution poses a global threat to ecosystems and human health and is driven by the presence of various contaminants in wastewater, including nano- and microplastics. Despite the magnitude of this problem, the majority of global wastewater is released untreated into water bodies. To combat this issue, a multi-strategy approach is needed. This study explores a circular economy-based solution for treating emerging pollutants, particularly wastewater from ophthalmic spectacle lens production. Our approach integrates solid waste materials into polymeric and cement matrices while also utilising wastewater for microalgae cultivation. This innovative strategy focuses on biomass generation and economic valorisation. By adopting a circular economy model, we aim to transform environmental pollutants from wastewater into valuable organic products. A key component of our approach is the utilisation of microalgae, specifically Nannochloropsis sp., known for its high lipid content and resilience. This microalgae species serves as a promising biobased feedstock, supporting the production of innovative biobased products, such as biopolymers, for ophthalmic lens manufacturing. Our interdisciplinary approach combines microalgae technology, analytical chemistry, cement production, and polymer processing to develop a sustainable circular economy model that not only addresses environmental concerns, but also offers economic benefits. This study underscores the potential of harnessing high-value products from waste streams and underscores the importance of circular economy principles in tackling pollution and resource challenges.
  • Publication
    Solid-Liquid Phase Equilibrium: Alkane Systems for Low-Temperature Energy Storage
    (Springer/Plenum Publishers, 2024) Sequeira, Maria C. M.; Nogueira, Bernardo A.; Caetano, Fernando J. P.; Diogo, Herminio P.; Fareleira, Joao M. N. A.; FAUSTO, RUI
    The thermal characterization of two binary systems of n-alkanes that can be used as Phase Change Materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage at low temperatures is reported in this work. The construction of the solid-liquid binary phase diagrams was achieved using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Raman spectroscopy. The solidus and liquidus equilibrium temperatures were determined using DSC for thirty-nine different samples, three for the pure n-alkanes and the remaining for binary mixtures at selected molar compositions and used to acquire the corresponding solid-liquid phase diagrams. The two binary systems of n-octane/n-decane (C8/C10) and n-decane/n-dodecane (C10/C12) are characterized by a eutectic behavior at low temperatures. The eutectic temperature for the system C8/C10 was found at 211.95 K and the eutectic composition appeared at the molar fraction xoctane = 0.87. For the system C10/C12, the eutectic temperature was found at 237.85 K, and the eutectic composition appeared for the molar fraction xdecane = 0.78. This work aims to fulfill the lack of available data in the existing literature, considering the potential application of these systems for low-temperature thermal energy storage. Raman spectroscopy was used to complement the DSC data for the construction of the solid-liquid phase equilibrium diagrams, enabling the identification of the solid and liquid phases of the system. Additionally, the liquidus curve of the phase diagram was successfully described using a modified freezing point depression curve as fitting equation, the absolute root mean square deviation for the data correlation of the C8/C10 and C10/C12 systems being 2.56 K and 1.22 K, respectively. Ultimately, the fitting procedure also enabled a good prediction of the eutectic point for both studied systems.
  • Publication
    Graphene-Assisted Chemical Stabilization of Liquid Metal Nano Droplets for Liquid Metal Based Energy Storage
    (Wiley, 2024) Sanati, Afsaneh L.; Nikitin, Timur; FAUSTO, RUI; Majidi, Carmel; Tavakoli, Mahmoud
    Energy storage devices with liquid-metal electrodes have attracted interest in recent years due to their potential for mechanical resilience, self-healing, dendrite-free operation, and fast reaction kinetics. Gallium alloys like Eutectic Gallium Indium (EGaIn) are appealing due to their low melting point and high theoretical specific capacity. However, EGaIn electrodes are unstable in highly alkaline electrolytes due to Gallium oxide dissolution. In this letter, this bottleneck is addressed by introducing chemically stable films in which nanoscale droplets of EGaIn are coated with trace amounts of graphene oxide (GO). It is demonstrated that a GO to EGaIn weight ratio as low as 0.01 provides enough protection for a thin film formed by GO@EGaIn nanocomposite against significantly acidic or alkaline environments (pH 1-14). It is shown that GO coating significantly enhances the surface stability in such environments, thus improving the energy storage capacity by over 10x. Microstructural analysis confirms GO@EGaIn composite stability and enhanced electrochemical performance. Utilizing this, a thin-film supercapacitor is fabricated. Results indicate that when coating the EGaIn with GO to EGaIn ratio of 0.001, the areal capacitance improves by 10 times, reaching 20.02 mF cm(-2). This breakthrough paves the way for advanced liquid metal-based thin-film electrodes, promising significant improvements in energy storage applications.
  • Publication
    Lidocaine Inhibits Rat Prostate Cancer Cell Invasiveness and Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Expression in Plasma Membrane
    (Springer, 2024) Rizaner, Nahit; Fraser, Scott P.; Gül, İlknur Bugan; Purut, Esma; Djamgoz, Mustafa B. A.; ALTUN, SEYHAN
    There is increasing evidence, mostly from breast cancer, that use of local anaesthetics during surgery can inhibit disease recurrence by suppressing the motility of the cancer cells dependent on inherent voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs). Here, the possibility that lidocaine could affect cellular behaviours associated with metastasis was tested using the Dunning cell model of rat prostate cancer. Mostly, the strongly metastatic (VGSC-expressing) Mat-LyLu cells were used under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The weakly metastatic AT-2 cells served for comparison in some experiments. Lidocaine (1-500 mu M) had no effect on cell viability or growth but suppressed Matrigel invasion dose dependently in both normoxia and hypoxia. Used as a control, tetrodotoxin produced similar effects. Exposure to hypoxia increased Nav1.7 mRNA expression but VGSC alpha protein level in plasma membrane was reduced. Lidocaine under both normoxia and hypoxia had no effect on Nav1.7 mRNA expression. VGSC alpha protein expression was suppressed by lidocaine under normoxia but no effect was seen in hypoxia. It is concluded that lidocaine can suppress prostate cancer invasiveness without effecting cellular growth or viability. Extended to the clinic, the results would suggest that use of lidocaine, and possibly other local anaesthetics, during surgery can suppress any tendency for post-operative progression of prostate cancer.
  • Publication
    The Scoping Review of Systematic Instruction Literature for Individuals With Disabilities: Trends in Türkiye From 1983 to 2022
    (Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd., 2024) Yücesoy-Özkan, Şerife; MART, SİMA; Sayar, Kübra; Altun, Dilara Ecem; Gülboy, Emrah; Kaya, Feyat; Öncül, Nuray
    This study used a scoping review to examine the systematic instruction studies for individuals with disabilities published in the last four decades (1983-2022) in Turkiye. We included 332 single-case and 61 group experimental studies. We collected inter-rater reliability data for 30% of the studies and determined that the mean of inter-rater coefficients was 99.2%. The findings indicate that the studies have been mainly self-funded and performed by one or two special education researchers. Studies conducted with single-case studies were more prevalent than group experimental studies. Male participants were more than females, and more school-age children than infants and adults. Participants with intellectual disabilities and autism were the most frequently involved, and school-related academic and cognitive skills were the most commonly targeted. The most frequently used interventions were response prompting strategies, strategy instruction, video modelling and prompting, and direct instruction. Finally, we discussed the findings and made recommendations for practice and future research.
  • Publication
    The Immediate Effect of Hanging Exercise and Muscle Cylinder Exercise on the Angle of Trunk Rotation in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
    (MDPI, 2024) Akçay, Burçin; Çolak, Tuğba Kuru; APTİ, ADNAN; Çolak, İlker
    (1) Background: Semi-hanging and muscle cylinder exercises have been defined as scoliosis-specific corrective exercises. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of muscle cylinder and semi-hanging exercises on the angle of trunk rotation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). (2) Methods: Twenty-seven patients with AIS with a mean age of 18.6 years were retrospectively analyzed. The angle of trunk rotation (ATR) values were measured before and after performing semi-hanging and standing muscle cylinder exercises. Both exercises were performed for three to five respiratory cycles. The semi-hanging exercise was performed first, followed by the muscle cylinder exercise, in this order, in all participants. For statistical analysis, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze ATR changes after the exercises, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare ATR changes according to the main curve location. (3) Results: The thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbar maximum ATR values were significantly increased after the semi-hanging exercise (p < 0.001) and decreased after the muscle cylinder exercise (p < 0.001). The ATR change was greater in the lumbar region than in the thoracic and thoracolumbar regions. (4) Conclusion: The results of this study of a small group of patients emphasized that one of the scoliosis-specific corrective exercises, the standing muscle cylinder exercise, improved ATR, while the other, the semi-hanging exercise, worsened ATR in patients with AIS. It is recommended that each scoliosis-specific corrective exercise be evaluated and redesigned to maximize the three-dimensional corrective effect, considering the biomechanics of the spine and the pathomechanics of scoliosis.
  • Publication
    Conformational Analysis of Milk Derived Tripeptides, IPP, VPP and LPP, and Investigation of Their Anti-COVID-19 Potentials by Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Studies
    (Taylor & Francis Ltd., 2024) Çelik, Sefa; AKYÜZ, SEVİM; Agaeva, Gulshen; E. Özel, Ayşen; Qocayev, Niftali M.; Agaeva, Ulker
    Milk derived tripeptides IPP(Ile-Pro-Pro), VPP(Val-Pro-Pro) and LPP(Leu-Pro-Pro) have inhibitory effects on angiotensin converting enzyme, which plays a fundamental role in blood pressure systems. To discover the potentiality of the tripeptides as SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors, molecular docking analyses of IPP, VPP and LPP tripeptides with variety of SARS-CoV-2 enzymes, namely with Main protease, papain-like protease and Spike glycoprotein, were performed. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to validate the stability of the IPP, LPP and VPP tripeptides docked into SARS-CoV-2 main protease within 50 ns time scale and ligand-receptor interactions were evaluated. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies showed that these food-derived tripeptides may be effective against COVID-19.
  • Publication
    Unveiling the Red and Brownish-Green Polymorphs of a Novel ROY Derivative: 2-(4-((3-Cyanothiophen-2-yl)amino)-3-nitrophenyl)Acetic Acid
    (American Chemical Society, 2024) Nogueira, Bernardo A.; Lopes, Susana M. M.; Rodrigues, Ana Clara B.; Eusebio, M. Ermelinda S.; Andre, Vania; Duarte, Teresa; Paixao, J. A.; Melo, Teresa M. V. D. Pinho e; FAUSTO, RUI
    Polymorphism has been the subject of many studies in the last decades, including a particular type of polymorphism where the colors exhibited by the polymorphs differ. However, only relatively limited or narrow differences in color were observed in color polymorphs of the same compound. Indeed, to this date, almost all compounds known to show color polymorphism exhibit red, orange, or yellow tones, as is the case of the notable ROY molecule (5-methyl-2-[(2-nitrophenyl)-amino]-3-thiophenecarbonitrile), which is the compound with more polymorphs reported and structurally characterized hitherto. In this work, we report a new color polymorphic material derived from ROY, (2-(4-((3-cyanothiophen-2-yl)-amino)-3-nitrophenyl)-acetic acid; or ROY-CAM), synthesized for the first time by nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction between 2-(4-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl)-acetic acid and 2-aminothiophene-3-carbonitrile, which exhibits a red (P21/n, m.p.: 184 C-degrees and theta = -4.4(degrees) and 3.0(degrees)) and a brownish-green polymorph (P1, m.p.: 190 C-degrees and theta = -66.1(degrees)). This is the first time a member of the ROY family of compounds was observed to exhibit a brownish-green polymorph and, more importantly, the first time that a molecular compound exhibits a red and a greenish polymorphs, i.e., this is the first example of an organic molecule that originates polymorphs covering such a wide range of color. The isolated molecule of ROY-CAM has 11 low-energy conformers, which were accessed by DFT calculations, with two of these conformers being identified in the observed polymorphs of the compound: in the brownish-green polymorph, the most stable conformer exists, while the red polymorph is composed of molecules assuming a conformation similar to that of the third most stable conformer. In the latter polymorph, the intramolecularly disfavored conformation assumed by the molecules is stabilized in the crystal lattice through interactions between carboxylic acid groups of neighboring molecules, resulting in dimeric units formed between pairs of the two distinct molecules that constitute the asymmetric unit of the crystal. The two identified polymorphs were characterized vibrationally (by both IR and Raman spectroscopies), and a thermal study is also presented (based on DSC, PLTM, and TGA measurements). Furthermore, the brownish-green and red colors exhibited by the polymorphs of ROY-CAM are explained based on the differences in the structures of the molecules that are present in these crystals.
  • Publication
    Benchmarking the Anisotropy of Nitroxyl Radical Solvation With IR Spectroscopy
    (The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2024) Bras, Elisa M.; Zimmermann, Charlotte; FAUSTO, RUI; Suhm, Martin A.
    Two simple nitroxyl radicals, di-tert-butyl nitroxyl (DTBN) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl (TEMPO) are solvated by one or two water, methanol, tert-butyl alcohol or phenol molecules. The resulting low temperature IR spectra of the vacuum-isolated microsolvates in the OH stretching range are assigned based on harmonic DFT predictions for closed shell solvent dimers and trimers and their offset from experiment, to minimise theory-guided assignment bias. Systematic conformational preferences for the first and second solvent molecule are observed, depending on the conformational rigidity of the radical. These assignments are collected into an experimental benchmark data set and used to assess the spectral predicting power of different DFT approaches. The goal is to find inexpensive computational methods which provide reliable spectral predictions for this poorly explored class of microsolvates.
  • Publication
    Reduced False Memory in the Second Language of Turkish-English Bilinguals
    (Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd., 2024) Sıtkı, Merve; Ikier, Simay; ŞENER, NİLÜFER
    In the Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) paradigm, studying a list of semantically related words leads to false memory for the critical non-studied word that is related to all the words in the study list. Previous studies questioning whether bilinguals are more prone to false memory in their first language (L1) or second language (L2) in the DRM paradigm revealed mixed results. The present study investigated the same question with Turkish-English bilinguals. The revised hierarchical model proposes that the link between the lexicon and the semantic system is weaker in L2 than in L1, suggesting that false memory in the DRM paradigm that relies on semantic relatedness would be higher in L1 than in L2. Furthermore, previous studies showed that L2 is more resistant to errors in decision-making when the two languages are dissimilar, but not when they are similar, and Turkish and English are historically distant and typologically dissimilar languages. We tested Turkish-English bilingual participants whose L1 is Turkish with Turkish and English DRM word lists that had similar prior norms for generating false recognition. In the recognition test, some of the studied items and the critical non-studied items were presented and participants identified the studied items. False recognition for the critical non-studied items was lower and correct recognition for studied items was higher in L2 than in L1. The results suggest that L2 is more resistant to false memory due to its weaker lexicon and semantic system associations, at least when the two languages spoken by the bilingual are dissimilar.
  • Publication
    Exploring the Critical Risk Factors of Public-Private Partnership City Hospital Projects in Turkey
    (MDPI, 2024) Doğan Erdem, Tuğba; BİRGÖNÜL, ZEYNEP; Bilgin, Gözde; Akçay, Emre Caner
    Governments face challenges in delivering essential public services due to their limited funds. This has led to an increasing reliance on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, an alternative financing model involving a long-term collaboration between the private and public sectors to provide public services. Turkey, as a developing country facing financial limitations, has embraced the PPP model to address urgent public needs. Over the past decade, the Turkish Government has extensively utilized the PPP model, particularly in executing city hospital projects. However, investors have faced challenges in project execution due to various risk factors. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to explore the critical risk factors associated with PPP city hospital projects in Turkey. In this context, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify potential risks related to PPP city hospital projects. A questionnaire survey was implemented to assess the probability of occurrence and the severity of the impact of these risk factors. The collected data underwent analysis to determine the priority of these risk factors. The findings revealed that the top five most critical risk factors in PPP city hospital projects in Turkey are "foreign exchange rate fluctuations", "inflation rate volatility", "high finance costs", "fiscal issues", and "economic crises". Conversely, "unavailability of equipment" was identified as the least significant risk factor. The insights gained from this research can offer valuable guidance for prospective investors interested in participating in PPP city hospital projects in Turkey and other developing countries with similar conditions.
  • Publication
    Utilizing Metaheuristics to Estimate Wind Energy Integration in Smart Grids With A Comparative Analysis of Ten Distributions
    (Taylor & Francis Inc., 2024) Wadi, Mohammed; ELMASRY, WİSAM; Çolak, İlhami; Jouda, Muhammed; Küçük, İsmail
    Renewable energy presents the most favorable approach to address the escalating challenge of greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously guaranteeing the safeguarding of the environment. This article utilizes ten different distributions to approximate the wind energy integration in smart grids. The employed distributions are Rayleigh, Poisson, Weibull, Normal, Gamma, Laplace, LogNormal, Nakagami, Birnbaum Saunders, and Burr. The parameters of each distribution are calculated based on metaheuristic methods such as particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithms. Six error criteria have been employed to evaluate the precision of introduced distributions and metaheuristic methods. The approximation is performed by utilizing the wind data collected over three years hourly in the Marmara region of Turkiye. The empirical findings indicate that Gamma, Burr, and Weibull distributions exhibit more significant superiority than the remaining distributions across all datasets.