WoS İndeksli Yayınlar Koleksiyonu / WoS Indexed Publications Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14365/5

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Uneven Readiness: Measuring Climate Risk and Societal Preparedness across OECD and Key Partner Countries (2002-2022)
(Frontiers Media SA, 2026-03-10) Akdogan, Mert; Demir, Muhittin Hakan; Biresselioglu, Mehmet Efe; Ozcureci, Berker
Understanding climate risk requires an integrated perspective that links environmental hazards to societal preparedness. This study develops the Climate Risk and Societal Preparedness Index (CRISP) to measure vulnerability and readiness across 36 countries-31 OECD members and five Key Partners-between 2002 and 2022. A comprehensive and state-of-the-art literature review was conducted to identify the initial set of indicators. Correlation and network analysis methods were then applied to determine the final set of indicators, ensuring internal coherence, reducing redundancy, and strengthening the explanatory power of the index. CRISP distinguishes between climate-related risk (disasters and temperature anomalies) and societal preparedness (economic, demographic, institutional, and infrastructural factors), whereas most existing indices combine these dimensions within a single composite measure. The index enhances cross-national and longitudinal comparability. Results reveal diverse vulnerability patterns: Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands combine low risk with strong preparedness, while India and South Africa show persistent adaptive gaps. The United States and China face high risks but demonstrate comparatively robust preparedness. The findings suggest that cross-country differences in vulnerability are associated with socio-economic and governance conditions rather than exposure alone. CRISP thus provides a decision-support tool to identify weaknesses, prioritize interventions, and strengthen resilience in national climate strategies.
The Outliers of Mixed Observations
(Elsevier, 2026-11) Bayramoglu, Ismihan
We consider a mixed set of observations consisting of the elements of two samples with different distribution functions. We treat the first sample as a basic sample, the second as outliers. The probability that any order statistic of the mixed sample is from the second sample is calculated. Taking into account this probability, a new empirical distribution function of a mixed sample is defined by giving a small weight to the order statistic if the probability that it is an outlier is greater. The estimation of parameters are described using the classical substitution method, i.e., the substitution of the theoretical distribution function with the empirical distribution function. Some applications in reliability are discussed.
The Effect of Emotional Freedom Technique on Psychological Distress in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
(Kare Publ, 2026) Çıray, Pelin; Çıray, Remzi Oğulcan; Günüşen, Neslihan; Özakbaş, Serkan; Oğulcan, Remzi
Objectives: Multiple Sclerosis can lead to significant emotional and physiological challenges, especially during the initial phase following diagnosis. Emotional Freedom Technique, a self-administered intervention combining cognitive and somatic elements, may offer a complementary approach to conventional care. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 36 participants diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis within the last three months. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT number: NCT04969562). Participants were allocated using block randomization to either an intervention group (n=18), which received six sessions of Emotional Freedom Technique in addition to routine care, or a control group (n=18), which received routine care only. Blinding was maintained during the sampling, allocation, data collection, and data analysis stages. Cognitive function was assessed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, and psychological distress was measured using the Subjective Units of Distress Scale, with assessments conducted at baseline and after the intervention. Within-group differences were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and between-group differences were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. Effect sizes (r) were calculated for the outcome variables. Results: No substantial differences were observed between the groups regarding depression, anxiety, or overall psychological distress following the intervention. However, participants in the intervention group demonstrated modest improvements in cognitive function (r=0.54), indicating a moderate-to-large effect size. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Emotional Freedom Technique may have positive effects on cognitive functioning and certain physiological indicators, even if its impact on emotional distress is limited in the short term.
The Abject Other in Turkish Politics: Populist Securitization, Affect, and the Victory Party
(Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2026-04-02) Kıcıroğlu, Ceren Melis; Adısönmez, Umut Can; Ermihan, Erman
This article examines the populist securitization of migration in Turkey through Julia Kristeva's concept of abjection, arguing that refugees are discursively constructed as the 'abject other,' contaminating the imagined national body. Far-right actors normalize exclusionary politics by mobilizing affects of disgust, fear, and anger to dramatize crisis, scapegoat refugees for socioeconomic grievances, and demand extraordinary measures. Drawing on discourse analysis (2011-2025), the study traces how metaphors of dirt, invasion, and purification are translated into securitizing logics. This dynamic is crystallized in the discourse of the Victory Party (Zafer Partisi) and its leaderÜmitÖzdağ, whose rhetoric diffuses contagiously across the political spectrum. Integrating Kristeva's psychoanalytic framework with scholarship on populism and securitization, the article theorizes how affective economies of revulsion underpin exclusionary politics. The findings reveal a paradox: far-right actors in Turkey remain electorally weak yet discursively hegemonic, illuminating affect-driven populist securitization in non-Western contexts and its global implications.
Structural Evolution and Radiation Shielding Performance of Nano-HfO2 Doped Lithium Borotellurite Glasses
(Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd, 2026-07) Durmus, Hasan; Güler, Ömer; Ilik, E.; Kavaz, E.; Birdogan, Selcuk; Tekin, H.O.; Kilic, G.
This study investigates the structural evolution and radiation shielding performance of lithium borotellurite glasses reinforced with nano-sized HfO2. We report on the competitive dynamics between the depolymerizing nature of the Li + network modifier and the high field strength Hf4+nano-dopant, a relationship not previously explored in this matrix. Structural analysis via XRD and TEM reveals that the glass remains fully amorphous with homogeneously dispersed Hf rich nanodomains up to 4 mol%. A critical solubility threshold is identified at 6 mol %, where the precipitation of HfO2 and HfTe3O8 crystalline phases marks a distinct transition from an amorphous state to a glass-ceramic microstructure. Physical property measurements indicate that Hf4+ ions primarily occupy interstitial free volumes, leading to enhanced material density without significant network dilation. The incorporation of nano-HfO2 significantly augments gamma-ray attenuation efficiency, particularly in the low-energy region, by substantially increasing the effective atomic number and reducing the half value layer. Furthermore, the glasses exhibit robust fast-neutron shielding capabilities, outperforming conventional materials such as graphite and B4C. These findings establish nano-HfO2 as a potent structural and radiative modifier, providing a novel roadmap for designing high-density, multifunctional glass-ceramic shields for advanced nuclear applications.
Rational Drug Use in Pediatric Pain Management: Maternal Attitudes and Practices
(BMC, 2026-02-20) Aydin, Bahise; Demir, Meyase; Sari, Vahide
Background: Pain is a common health problem and a leading reason for hospital admissions in children. Rational drug use is crucial in pediatric pain management, especially for young children who rely on their parents. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the attitudes of mothers of children aged 0-6 years toward rational drug use in pain management. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study involved 403 mothers attending pediatric outpatient clinics at a university hospital. Data collection took place between April and June 2024 using a personal information form and the Parental Attitude Scale Towards Rational Drug Use (PASRDU). Data analysis included the Mann-Whitney U test for pairwise comparisons, the Kruskal-Wallis H test for groups larger than two, and Spearman Correlation analysis for variable relationships. Results: The mean age of the mothers was 31.60 (+/- 5.328) years; 45.4% had one child, and 50.9% held a university degree or higher. The mean PASRDU score was 174.01 +/- 17.225. A statistically significant positive attitude towards rational drug use was linked to younger mothers, those with fewer children, and those with higher education and socioeconomic status (p < .005). PASRDU scores were also higher among mothers who reported greater self-efficacy in relieving their child's pain and those who did not administer non-prescribed analgesics (p < .005). Conclusions: Mothers generally exhibited high attitudes toward rational drug use in pain management. Attitudes varied by age, education, number of children, socioeconomic status, self-perceived competence in pain management, and use of non-prescribed medications. Nurse-led assessment and tailored education may support rational drug use in pediatric pain management.
Prevalence and Resistance Profiles of Acinetobacter Baumannii in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Analysis Between 2023 and 2025
(Bilimsel Tip Yayinevi, 2026-03-10) Mermer, Sinan; Caglayan, Ertugrul
Introduction: This study investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Acinetobacter baumannii strains isolated from a tertiary intensive care unit between 2023 and 2025. Materials and Methods: Between January 2023 and August 2025, A. baumannii strains isolated from various clinical specimens in a tertiary intensive care unit were retrospectively analyzed. Identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing of the isolates were performed using the BD Phoenix 100 M50 (Becton Dickinson Company, USA) automated system, and the results were interpreted according to the standards of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. Only one isolate per patient was included in the study. Results: A total of 566 A. baumannii isolates were evaluated. The annual isolation rates were 13.7% in 2023, 12.5% in 2024, and 17.5% in 2025, with an overall three-year average of 14.7%. Of these isolates, 77.4% were obtained from tracheal aspirates and 16.6% from blood cultures. The lowest resistance rates were observed for colistin (10.2%) and tigecycline (11.4%), while resistance rates exceeded 90% for carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones. Trend analysis revealed a significant decrease in tigecycline resistance (p< 0.001), whereas significant increasing trends were observed for cefoperazone-sulbactam, gentamicin, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. Conclusion: A. baumannii remains a clinically significant pathogen in intensive care units and exhibits high resistance rates, particularly against broad-spectrum antibiotics. In our study, colistin and tigecycline were observed to retain relative activity. Regular surveillance of resistance patterns and the revision of empirical treatment protocols in light of these data may contribute to reducing mortality and morbidity rates.
Pregnancy-Related Clinical Outcomes in Women with Moderate-Severe Multiple Sclerosis Disability
(SAGE Publications Ltd, 2026) Sanfilippo, Paul; Shipley, Jessica; Yeh, Wei; Beadnall, Heidi; Horakova, Dana; Havrdova, Eva; Jokubaitis, Vilija
Political Business Cycles in Türkiye: June 2018-May 2023
(Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2026-04-14) Duman, Alper; Esen, Oguz
This study analyses political business cycle (PBC) dynamics in an authoratian country, Türkiye, during the period between the June 2018 and May 2023 presidential and parliamentary elections, employing the conditional PBC framework to interpret an institutionally distinctive case. It argues that the transition to the Presidential Government System in 2018 did not merely operate within a weakly constrained environment but actively dismantled the institutional safeguards, central bank independence, parliamentary fiscal oversight, and statistical credibility, that would otherwise have limited electoral economic manipulation. The Turkish case advances the conditional PBC literature by documenting how institutional constraints can be rapidly dismantled through constitutionally sanctioned mechanisms, how financially open economies can temporarily circumvent the trilemma constraint through unorthodox instruments, and how competitive authoritarian settings amplify the electoral returns to pre-election economic manipulation.
Performance Analysis and Feature Selection for Network-Based Intrusion Detection with Deep Learning
(Tubitak Scientific & Technological Research Council Turkey, 2022-03-01) Caner, Serhat; Erdogmus, Nesli; Erten, Y. Murat
An intrusion detection system is an automated monitoring tool that analyzes network traffic and detects malicious activities by looking out either for known patterns of attacks or for an anomaly. In this study, intrusion detection and classification performances of different deep learning based systems are examined. For this purpose, 24 deep neural networks with four different architectures are trained and evaluated on CICIDS2017 dataset. Furthermore, the best performing model is utilized to inspect raw network traffic features and rank them with respect to their contributions to success rates. By selecting features with respect to their ranks, sets of varying size from 3 to 77 are assessed in terms of classification accuracy and time efficiency. The results show that recurrent neural networks with a certain level of complexity can achieve comparable success rates with state-of-the-art systems using a small feature set of size 9; while the average time required to classify a test sample is halved compared to the complete set.
On the Use of a Depth Camera for the Assessment of Upper Extremity Movements in Healthy Individuals
(MDPI, 2026-03-11) Mihçin, Şenay; Çizmecioğulları, Serkan; Akan, Aydin
Upper extremity impairments often lead to reduced joint range of motion (ROM), making reliable assessment essential for rehabilitation planning. This study investigated the within-day and between-day reliability of the Microsoft Kinect V2 depth camera for active upper extremity ROM assessment in 30 healthy adults. Ten predefined shoulder and elbow movements were recorded, and joint angles were computed using a custom vector-based algorithm. Within-day reliability ranged from moderate to excellent (ICC: 0.754-0.953), while between-day reliability ranged from moderate to good (ICC: 0.654-0.881). Absolute reliability varies substantially across movements. The SEM% values ranged from 2.1% to 17.3% within-day and from 2.8% to 23.6% between-day. The between-day MDC values were particularly high for certain movements (e.g., >20 degrees for shoulder extension and >50 degrees for elbow flexion), indicating limited sensitivity to detect small clinical changes. Additionally, shoulder adduction could not be reliably analyzed in 36.7% of participants due to self-occlusion-related tracking instability, highlighting a practical limitation of the Kinect V2 for certain upper extremity movements. These findings suggest that Kinect V2-based ROM assessment demonstrates acceptable reliability for large-amplitude planar movements under controlled conditions but shows substantial limitations for rotational and occlusion-prone tasks. The device may be suitable for research or screening applications; however, caution is warranted when interpreting small changes in clinical settings.
Patient Reported Outcomes (PRO) and Tolerability of Capivasertib (Capi) plus Abiraterone (Abi) versus Placebo (Pbo) plus Abi in Patients (Pts) with PTEN-Deficient Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mHSPC): CAPItello-281
(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2026-03-01) George, Daniel J.; De Santis, Maria; Clarke, Noel W.; Fay, Andre P.; Urun, Yuksel; Fizazi, Karim; Uemura, Hirotsugu
Navigating the Blockchain Landscape in Leisure Tourism: Opportunities and Challenges
(Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2026-04-15) Akdeniz, Gözde; Dobrucalı Yelkenci, Birce
The convergence of blockchain technology (BCT) and tourism presents a transformative pathway by offering a fruitful potential to enhance the travel lifecycle. Yet, the extant literature remains fragmented and lacks a cohesive and comprehensive evaluation of the benefits and challenges associated with BCT adoption in the leisure tourism industry. To address this gap, this study conducts a systematic literature review of 53 peer-reviewed papers retrieved from the Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases, covering the period from 2018 to 2025. By employing the PRISMA guidelines, this review synthesises the advantages of BCT integration into a chronological framework comprising pre-travel arrangements, on-site experiences, and post-trip engagements. Simultaneously, it provides a critical assessment of adoption barriers, categorised into inter-institutional, intra-institutional, operational, and technological challenges. By bridging the gap between BCT's transformative potential and its current embryonic state, this review offers a strategic roadmap for stakeholders and establishes an agenda for future academic research.
Multidomain Developmental Indicators in 4-to 9-Year-Old Children with Oral Motor and Speech Sound Disorders
(Karger, 2026-02-17) Terband, Hayo; Johansson, Fredrik; Tükel, Şermin; Björelius, Helena; Tsilingaridis, Georgios
Introduction: Persistent speech sound disorders (SSDs) are common in childhood and affect communication, literacy, and social development. Identifying risk indicators (RIs) and predictors for atypical oral motor and speech development is crucial for early intervention. This study examined medical, developmental, oral-behavioural, and hereditary RIs in children with SSD and compared diagnostic subgroups to typically developing peers. Methods: A clinical cohort of 198 children (ages 4-9) referred for specialist assessment was compared to 77 age-matched controls. Children were classified into four subgroups: motor speech disorder, with/without oral motor developmental delay and/or language-oriented disorder (MSD+), language-oriented disorder with oral motor developmental delay, no MSD (LD + ODD), ODD-only, and LD-only. Thirty-one RIs were analyzed using the chi-square or Fisher's exact tests with Bonferroni correction. Multivariate binary backwards logistic regression identified predictors of group membership (clinical vs. control). Results: The clinical group showed 11 of 31 RIs significantly more prevalent than controls (p < 0.0016). Children with multiple diagnoses (MSD+ and LD + ODD) had the highest RI counts (12 and 11, respectively), while single-diagnosis groups showed fewer RIs (LD-only: 2; ODD-only: 6). Significant RIs included medical (adenoid surgery, pulmonary disease), oral behaviours (mouth stimuli, selective eating), and developmental indicators (abnormal or absent crawling, delayed bladder control, fine/gross motor delay, non-canonical babble, poor attention during story listening). Family history of speech/language delay and literacy difficulties was also significant. The regression model demonstrated an excellent fit (Nagelkerke R-2 = 0.69; classification accuracy = 86.8%). Strong predictors for having an oral motor and/or a speech disorder included adenoid surgery (OR = 63.49), ear tube surgery (OR = 60.53), mouth stimuli behaviours (OR = 9.77), non-canonical babble (OR = 10.45), abnormal crawling (OR = 12.20), and family history of speech/language delay (OR = 9.89). Conclusion: Children with SSD often present multiple RIs across medical, developmental, oral-behavioural, and hereditary domains, especially those with combined diagnoses. Findings highlight the need for early, multidomain assessment and suggest that RIs such as oral motor behaviours and early developmental delays may inform screening and intervention strategies, supporting clinicians in identifying children who could benefit from tailored early intervention.
Metabolomic Signatures in Blastocyst Spent Culture Medium as Non-Invasive Predictors of Live Birth: A Pilot Study
(Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2026) Emirdar, Volkan; Gode, Funda; Taskin, Ayse Buket; Pala, Ibrahim; Secinti, Beren Su; Madran, Selin
Research question: Can metabolomic profiling of blastocyst spent culture medium (SCM) serve as a non-invasive tool to predict live birth? Design: This pilot study investigated the association between metabolite profiles in SCM and clinical outcomes following single blastocyst transfer. Seventy SCM samples were analysed using untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Metabolites were identified via Human Metabolome Database and Compound Discoverer 3.3. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Results: In total, 173 metabolites were detected in SCM samples. Six metabolites exhibited significant differences between the pregnancy and non-pregnancy groups, while 10 metabolites varied between the live birth and non-live birth groups. Notably, eicosapentaenoic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, decreased in pregnancy cases. In contrast, 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-pentanone and (2S)-2-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl) propanoic acid were consistently elevated in both the pregnancy and live birth groups. Additional differential metabolites included L-glutamine, pyroglutamylglycine, alanylproline and 15,16-dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid, potentially reflecting implantation-related metabolic activity. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses demonstrated acceptable predictive performance, with area under the curve values of 0.788 for pregnancy and 0.834 for live birth. Conclusions: Metabolomic profiling of SCM may offer a promising non-invasive adjunct to embryo selection strategies. While these findings suggest biological relevance of several metabolites, particularly lipids and amino acid derivatives, larger studies are needed to validate predictive value and clinical applicability.
Measuring SNARC Effect: Different Task Setups Reveal Divergent Spatial-Numerical Associations
(Nature Portfolio, 2026-03-16) Bulut, Merve; Haugen, Beria; Dural, Seda; Candemir, Ayşenur; Şefikoğlu, Melike; Çetinkaya, Hakan
Spatial-Numerical Associations (SNAs) reflect the cognitive link between numerical magnitude and spatial orientation. While the SNARC effect, faster-left responses for small numbers and right responses for large ones, is robust in Western populations, findings from Turkish samples have been inconsistent. This study investigated whether methodological factors, including statistical power, sensitivity of measurement, and task setup, contribute to these inconsistencies. Using high-powered, lab-based parity judgment (PJ) and magnitude classification tasks, which are standard task setups when investigating the SNARC effect, as well as a novel Go/No-go (GNG) paradigm with lateralized stimuli and a central response, we examined directional SNAs in Turkish participants. Results revealed a weak reverse SNARC effect in the standard PJ task and a weak left-to-right SNA in the GNG PJ task, but no reliable group-level effects in magnitude tasks. Task setup significantly influenced directional SNA patterns, with opposite effects observed between standard and GNG PJ tasks. These findings suggest that SNAs are context-dependent, with different task setups activating distinct directional SNAs. This highlights the critical importance of methodological design when investigating SNAs.
Linking Microstructural Modifications of Ho2O3-Doped Borotellurite Glasses to the Enhancement of Critical Properties: Synthesis, Structural, Physical, and Experimental Gamma-Ray and Neutron Transmissioncharacteristics
(Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd, 2026-08) Durmus, Hasan; Güler, Ömer; Ilik, E.; Kavaz, E.; Birdogan, Selcuk; Tekin, H.O.; Kilic, G.
This study investigates the effects of holmium oxide (Ho2O3) microparticle reinforcement on the structural, physical, and radiation shielding properties of borotellurite glasses with compositions ranging from 0 to 12 mol% Ho2O3. X-ray diffraction and TEM analyses confirmed the retention of amorphous structure across all samples, with localized short-range ordering observed at higher Ho contents. Glass density increased from 4.598 to 5.202 g/cm3 with increasing Ho2O3, while molar volume expanded from 27.94 to 30.61 cm3/mol, and oxygen packing density decreased from 0.605 to 0.551 g/cm3, indicating network expansion due to the substitution of lighter Li + ions by heavier Ho3+. Gamma-ray shielding properties significantly improved with Ho incorporation. At 81 keV, the linear attenuation coefficient increased from 8.33 to 13.70 cm-1, and the mass attenuation coefficient improved from 2.066 to 2.735 cm2/g. Moreover, effective atomic number rose from 44.9 to 52.5 and half-value layer decreased by 20.5% at 383 keV, and buildup factors dropped by up to 34% at 0.5 MeV. Neutron dose absorption improved, and the fast neutron removal cross-section increased from 0.1066 to 0.1113 cm-1. These results confirm that Ho2O3 contributes as a highly effective multifunctional dopant, significantly enhancing both gamma-ray and neutron shielding performance of borotellurite glasses, one of the most promising glass systems for advanced radiation protection applications.
Independent Approximates Provide a Maximum Likelihood Estimate for Heavy-Tailed Distributions
(Elsevier, 2026-05) Nelson, Kenric P.; Tirnakli, Ugur; AL-Najafi, Amenah
Heavy-tailed distributions are infamously difficult to estimate because their moments tend to infinity as the shape of the tail decay increases. Nevertheless, this study shows that a modified group of moments can be used to determine a maximum likelihood estimate of heavy-tailed distributions. These modified moments are determined from powers of the original distribution. Within nonextensive statistical mechanics, this has been referred to as the escort distribution. Here we clarify that this is the distribution of Independent-Equals, the number of independent random variables sharing the same state. The nth-power distribution is guaranteed to have finite moments up to n-1. Samples from the nth-power distribution are drawn from n-tuple Independent Approximates, which are the set of independent samples grouped into n-tuples and sub-selected to be approximately equal to each other. We show that Independent Approximates are a maximum likelihood estimator for the generalized Pareto and the Student's t distributions, which are members of the family of coupled exponential distributions. We use the first (original), second, and third power distributions to estimate their zeroth (geometric mean), first, and second power-moments, respectively. In turn, these power-moments are used to estimate the scale and shape of the distributions. The least absolute deviation criterion is used to select the optimal set of Independent Approximates. Estimates using higher powers and moments are possible, though the number of n-tuples that are approximately equal may be limited.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Activity and Neurotrophic Factors in Drug-Naive Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
(Frontiers Media SA, 2026-03-11) Ferahkaya, Hursit; Kilinc, Ibrahim; Uzun, Necati; Akkus, Abdullah; Bilgic, Ayhan; Coskun, Fatma; Agir, Hasibe
Background Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex and not fully understood etiology. Increasing evidence suggests that neurotrophic factors involved in neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity, as well as hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that regulate the stress response, may contribute to the pathophysiology of ADHD.Methods This cross-sectional study aimed to compare children diagnosed with ADHD and healthy controls with respect to serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol. A total of 80 children aged 6-18 years with a diagnosis of ADHD and 81 healthy controls were included in the study. The severity of ADHD symptoms was assessed using the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Short Version (CPRS-SV). Serum levels of biochemical parameters were measured using commercially available electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.Results Compared with the healthy control group, the ADHD group exhibited significantly higher serum levels of BDNF, GDNF, VEGF, ACTH, and cortisol, whereas NT-3 levels did not differ between the groups. These group differences remained statistically significant after controlling for potential confounding variables. Correlation analyses revealed no significant associations between neurotrophic factors, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hormones, and CPRS-SV subscale scores.Conclusions The present findings indicate that neurotrophic factors and hormones related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are altered in medication-na & iuml;ve children and adolescents with ADHD. The absence of a direct correlation between neurotrophic factors and HPA axis hormones suggests that these systems may contribute to the pathophysiology of ADHD through parallel yet partially independent and complex mechanisms. Future longitudinal and multimodal studies are warranted to elucidate the dynamic interactions between stress-related neuroendocrine processes and neurodevelopmental pathways in ADHD.
Forecasting Solar Cycle 26 with Multiple Machine Learning Techniques
(IOP Publishing Ltd, 2026-04-01) Cuntz, Manfred; Kalkan, Mirkan Y.; Fawzy, Diaa E.
We present a detailed study of the prediction of the future Solar Cycle (SC) 26. We consider the following machine learning techniques (ML): (1) The Nonlinear Auto Regressive eXogenous (NARX) algorithm, which previously showed good performance in predicting SC 25, and (2) Ensemble Learning techniques that combine different learning algorithms with different bias-variance characteristics to improve model accuracy by preventing the common overfitting problems in ML models. In addition, the well-known inverse relationship between the activity rise time and amplitude (Waldmeier effect) is considered in the prediction of SC 26. We feed the models with time series of the sunspot numbers of all previously recorded 24 solar activities. These algorithms were first verified through the prediction of SC 25 before their application to SC 26. The predictive results for SC 25 show a very good match with the available observations. We also present an updated fit of the Waldmeier inverse relationship between the activity rise time and amplitude by considering the time series of 24 solar cycles. The results obtained from different models show that the expected solar peak in terms of sunspot numbers (11 yr, monthly averaged) of SC 26 is 109 (2034 July).

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