Scopus İndeksli Yayınlar Koleksiyonu / Scopus Indexed Publications Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14365/3

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Metacognitive, Cognitive, and Creative Dynamics in the Artificial Intelligence-Aided Design Process
(Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe, 2025) Yazici, G.; Doǧan, F.
This study examines the effects of artificial intelligence-aided design processes (AIADP) on cognitive load, creativity, and metacognitive awareness. Within the scope of the study, a one-day face-to-face workshop was organised with twenty-eight architects, including architecture students studying at undergraduate and graduate levels, and the data based on the participants' experiences were analysed using qualitative research methods. The results of the sentiment-based content analysis show that integrating AI tools into the design process reduces cognitive load, supports creative thinking processes, facilitates rapid prototyping and feedback mechanisms, and increases metacognitive awareness. The findings reveal that AI-aided design tools can potentially improve designers' cognitive and creative capacities. The study addresses the effects of AIADP in educational and professional contexts from a local perspective, providing a new perspective on the literature on the integration of AI into design processes. © 2025, Education and research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe. All rights reserved.
Smart Hinges Using Shape Memory Alloys for Architectural Applications
(Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe, 2025) Neseliler, P.; Turhan-Haskara, G.D.; Akgün, Y.; Maden, F.
The objective of reducing energy usage in buildings has led to the development of adaptive and responsive systems that can respond to environmental changes in real time. Most responsive systems utilize rigid body mechanisms and electrically or pneumatically driven actuators. Actuation strategies are significant in designing adaptive facades since they are also in charge of energy consumption. Responsive systems can be integrated with smart materials capable of shape, color, and volume shifts in response to external stimuli change through material technology rather than relying on sensors, control systems, or active actuators. These smart materials, referred to as smart actuators, can be utilized to actuate systems. This study aims to present suggestions for a smart hinge for passive responsive shading structures using smart materials. The chosen smart material is nitinol wire, a shape memory alloy (SMA) with the ability to recall its preformed position. The methodology consists of two parts: an investigation of responsive systems composed of smart actuators and a proposal for a new smart hinge based on SMA utilizing Crane tool in Grasshopper. This paper shows the potential and constraints of smart actuators in architectural applications. The proposed smart hinge has the potential to contribute to the improvement of building envelopes through material technology. © 2025, Education and research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe. All rights reserved.
Correlation Between Intensity Measures and Damage Caused by the 2023 Türkiye Earthquakes
(International Association for Earthquake Engineering, 2024) Abdo, B.; Eryilmaz Yildirim, M.; Koroglu, F.B.; Ozturk, B.; Sönmez, E.; Speicher, M.S.; Pujol, S.
This article presents comparisons between different ground-motion intensity measures and damage frequencies observed following the Pazarcık (Mw7.8) and Elbistan (Mw7.5) earthquakes that struck Türkiye in February 2023. Various intensity measures were examined including peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV), and spectral ordinates (e.g., Sa0.3, Sa1, Sd1). Two data sources were used to quantify damage frequency: a survey conducted by the team deployed by ACI 133 Reconnaissance Committee involving more than 200 reinforced concrete buildings, and surveys published by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change of Türkiye. The differences and commonalities between the two surveys are discussed, and plausible correlations between damage and intensity measures are examined. It is concluded that, relative to other intensity measures, peak ground velocity (PGV) and spectral displacement at a fundamental period of 1.0 second (Sd1) had better correlations with the damage observed from Antakya to Malatya. This observation is consistent with two previously published ideas: a) in the absence of structural damage, drift demand can be expressed as a linear function of PGV, and b) seismic design ought to be focused on drift (and PGV) instead of force (and PGA). © 2024, International Association for Earthquake Engineering. All rights reserved.
Biodegradation in Design Process: Digital Building Catalog for Bio-Inspired Design Proposals
(Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe, 2025) Ercan, İ.; Uslu, F.Ö.; Kayabaş, M.A.
Through the incorporation of fungal biodegradation processes into architectural design, a novel approach to sustainability is possible, which goes beyond the selection of materials and growth processes and enables insights from natural decomposition. While biodegradable materials are increasingly studied, the potential of biodegradation itself to shape design remains largely unexplored. Although the biodegradation process is seen as the final stage of design, the existing knowledge of structural deformation in nature could be an inspiration for the design process in the early stages. This study analyzes the structural transformations of five fungal species during biodegradation in mesh-like frameworks as a basis for future research. This research involves a literature review, experimental analysis, and digital catalog development, resulting in MyCo-Design, a platform that documents species-specific biodegradation data. Structural changes such as shrinkage, curvature, stiffness reduction, and volume decrease were captured through photography and 3D scanning techniques, providing a resource for bio-inspired designs. MyCo-Design platform provides designers with information by species, structural forms, and degradation parameters to use as inspiration in the early stages of their design process. This platform features an AI-powered interface component that enables users to generate visuals based on design prompts inspired by experimental observation data. During the testing process, the platform showed potential in inspiring structural solutions based on biodegradation observation. The findings of the study highlight the potential to generate circular inspiration in the early stages of design through a tool created at the intersection of nature, humans, and artificial intelligence. © 2025, Education and research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe. All rights reserved.
An Evaluation of Potential Damage or Collapse of RC Frames and RC Wall Buildings in Strong Earthquakes
(International Association for Earthquake Engineering, 2024) Rodriguez, M.E.; Sönmez, E.
Many past earthquakes have led to collapses or severe damage to RC building frames, causing fatalities or significant economic losses, highlighting the vulnerability of this earthquake-resisting system. These earthquakes have also demonstrated that wall buildings with a good density of walls would survive strong earthquakes with no damage or acceptable damage levels. This study performs simple nonlinear dynamic analyses of RC buildings using SDOF models to compute a seismic damage index and obtain approximate roof drift ratio values in RC frame and RC wall buildings. Ground motion records from the 1985 Mexico, 2010 Chile, and 2023 Türkiye Earthquakes are employed. The computed damage index and roof drift ratio demands in wall buildings for these earthquakes were significantly smaller than those for frame buildings, indicating acceptable levels of building response for wall buildings. These computed findings are consistent with the observed building behavior in the earthquakes selected for this study. These findings suggest that frame buildings should not be constructed in high seismic-risk regions. Instead, emphasizing wall buildings with a robust density of walls could enable a shift from life safety/collapse prevention considerations to functional recovery design. © 2024, International Association for Earthquake Engineering. All rights reserved.
Vaccination in Patients With Cancer: Gaps in Coverage, Barriers, and the Role of Clinician Recommendations
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2026) Kayaalp, M.; Akkus, E.; Arslan, C.; Hacioglu, M.B.; Semiz, H.S.; Ürün, Y.
Cancer patients require a tailored vaccination strategy. This study aims to assess the vaccination status of cancer patients, evaluate disease incidence and severity in vaccinated individuals, identify reasons for noncompliance with guideline-recommended vaccines, and explore vaccine hesitancy. A cross-sectional survey, including 36 multiple-choice and 6 open-ended questions, was conducted in across Turkey. A total of 506 patients participated between September 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. Among the participants, 59% (n = 302) were receiving active treatment. At the time of diagnosis, 90.5% did not have an ongoing vaccination program. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (86.2%) and influenza (22.0%) were the most frequently received vaccines before treatment.The most common reason for not being vaccinated (except for COVID-19) was the absence of a medical recommendation. Higher education levels were associated with increased vaccination rates for hepatitis B, influenza, 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) (p <.01). No significant relationship was found between disease stage and vaccination rates. The most frequently reported barrier to vaccination was the absence of a medical recommendation, highlighting the pivotal role of clinician engagement in improving vaccine uptake in this vulnerable population. Although international guidelines strongly recommend routine vaccination for patients with cancer, real-world data on vaccination practices, associated barriers, and health system–level implementation in middle-income countries are scarce. To address this evidence gap, this study provides real-world data on vaccination rates, determinants, and perceived barriers among cancer patients receiving care in a Turkish oncology setting. © 2026 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
The Effect of a Mobile-Based Lymphedema Self-Care Support Program in Women with Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema
(Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2026) Deveci Koçbilek, Z.; Karayurt, U.; Bilik, O.; Eyigör, S.
This single-blind, randomized controlled design study aims to examine the effect of a mobile-based Lymphedema Self-care Support Program on self-care, the quality of life, and lymphedema symptoms in women with breast cancer–related lymphedema. A control group was offered online standard lymphedema education, and an intervention group was provided with the mobile-based Lymphedema Self-care Support Program in addition to the standard education. Outcome measures were self-care, quality of life, lymphedema symptoms, and arm circumference measurements. The intervention and control groups were similar in sociodemographic and clinical features at baseline. Although there was a significant difference in the mean self-care scores between the groups, there was no significant difference in the mean scores on the quality of life and lymphedema symptoms. The mean scores on self-care and the quality of life increased and arm circumferences decreased significantly across time in the intervention group. The mobile-based Lymphedema Self-care Support Program is a beneficial method to enhance self-care and the quality of life and reduce symptoms in women with breast cancer–related lymphedema. Breast cancer survivors can increase their self-care practices, prevent an increase in their symptoms and arm circumferences, and improve the quality of their lives by using the mobile-based Lymphedema Self-care Support Program. © 2026
Peptide-Nanoparticle Platforms for Antisense Therapeutics: A Coarse-Grained Modeling Approach to Brain Delivery
(Elsevier Ltd, 2026) Uner, B.Y.; Demir, A.; Zhou, P.; Taşkiran, E.Z.; Wassenaar, T.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of long-term neurological deficits, often resulting in complex, unresolved molecular and cellular dysfunctions. Among these, gene–circuit disruptions—particularly those affecting neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dynamics—have emerged as critical mediators of post-traumatic neuropathology. In this study, we utilized artificial intelligence (AI)-driven proteomics and RNA sequence integration to map altered signaling pathways following TBI. Computational predictions identified specific gene–circuit nodes susceptible to therapeutic intervention, including redox-sensitive mitochondrial regulators and genes involved in the neuroimmune interface. Importantly, although our analyses are derived from rodent models, the conserved signaling pathways and regulatory circuits identified here provide a translational window with strong relevance to human TBI pathophysiology, thereby bridging preclinical findings with potential therapeutic application. Based on these insights, we designed a suite of responsive nanoparticle formulations optimized in silico for targeted delivery to dysregulated brain regions. These carriers incorporated ligands targeting disrupted circuits and incorporated redox-sensitive release mechanisms. Our platform demonstrates the feasibility of a closed-loop, data-guided strategy that integrates AI-based gene network profiling with rational nanocarrier design. This approach provides a scalable framework for precision neurotherapeutics, particularly for complex disorders such as TBI where conventional monotherapies have proven inadequate. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd.
Echoes of the Past: Are E-Cigarettes the New "Light" Cigarettes
(2026) Yıldız, E.; Kilinç, O.; Çuhadaroǧlu, Ç.
Retroperitoneal Vnotes Approach in Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer: a Feasibility Cohort with a Contemporaneous Laparoscopic Comparison
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2026) Haliscelik, M.A.; Oğlak, S.C.; Arkan, K.; Seker, E.; Baǧli, İ.; Erkmen, A.D.; Can, B.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and perioperative outcomes of the retroperitoneal vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) approach for surgical staging in patients with early-stage endometrial cancer. A secondary objective was to compare perioperative and short-term results with those achieved using conventional laparoscopy performed by the same surgical team. Materials and methods: Between June 2023 and June 2024, a retrospective study was conducted on 98 patients who underwent surgical staging for early-stage endometrial cancer. Patients were allocated to one of two groups: the vNOTES group (n = 49), who underwent retroperitoneal sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy, hysterectomy, and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO); and the laparoscopic group (n = 49), who underwent the same procedures via a conventional laparoscopic approach. Demographic, surgical, and pathological parameters, as well as short-term follow-up outcomes, were compared between the two groups. Results: The median operative time was significantly shorter in the vNOTES group than in the laparoscopic group (102 vs. 115 min, p < 0.001). SLN detection rates were identical between the groups (97.9% each). Postoperative pain scores on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were significantly lower in the vNOTES group at both 6 h (median 3 vs. 5) and 24 h (median 1 vs. 3) (p < 0.001 for both). Patients in the vNOTES group achieved earlier mobilization (median 5 vs. 6 h, p < 0.001) and had a shorter hospital stay (median 2 vs. 3 days, p < 0.001). The incidence of major complications did not differ significantly between the groups, and no recurrences were observed during a median follow-up period of 12 months. Conclusion: The retroperitoneal vNOTES approach appears to be a feasible and safe technique for the surgical staging of early-stage endometrial cancer, providing perioperative benefits including shorter operative time, reduced postoperative pain, and faster recovery. The comparative findings with conventional laparoscopy should be interpreted as exploratory and require validation in larger prospective studies. Oncologic outcomes remain short-term and should be confirmed through long-term follow-up. © The Author(s) 2025.
Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Antibiotic Resistance of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae in a Tertiary Hospital in Türkiye (2023–2025)
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2026) Mermer, S.; Çağlayan, E.
Background: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) represents a growing public health threat due to limited treatment options, high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and antibiotic resistance profiles of CRKP isolates identified in a tertiary hospital in Türkiye between 2023 and 2025. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using microbiological and clinical data collected from patients diagnosed with CRKP infections between January 2023 and April 2025. A total of 1588 CRKP isolates were retrospectively analyzed and compared with patient clinical data. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using the BD Phoenix 100 M50 automated system (Becton Dickinson Company, USA), and results were interpreted in accordance with the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) guidelines. Results: Among 2376 K. pneumoniae isolates, the overall CRKP prevalence was 66.8%. The annual carbapenem resistance rates were 64.9% in 2023, 69.4% in 2024, and 61.0% in 2025, respectively. Resistance rates among CRKP isolates were as follows: tigecycline 14.7%, colistin 23.0%, fosfomycin 47.6%, ceftazidime-avibactam 50.9%, and amikacin 66.8%. The prevalence of CRKP was significantly higher among inpatients (83.8%) compared to outpatients (26.8%). Of the CRKP-positive samples, 62.5% were collected from patients in intensive care units (ICUs), 12.2% from hematology, and 5.1% from oncology departments. Tracheal aspirates accounted for 43.5% of isolates, followed by urine samples at 25.8%. Conclusions: The study revealed a notably high prevalence of CRKP with substantial resistance to most commonly used antibiotics. Among the tested antibiotics, tigecycline showed the lowest resistance rate, consistent with its limited usage profile. These findings underscore the urgent need for strengthened infection control measures and may guide more effective empirical treatment strategies for CRKP infections in the region. © The Author(s) 2026.
Multi-Objective Evolutionary Optimization of Bacterial Cellulose-Based Composite Glazing for Thermal, Daylight, and Energy Consideration
(Institute of Physics, 2025) Taser, A.; Turhan-Haskara, G.D.
Glazing elements are critical components of building envelopes as they regulate the admission of direct and indirect sunlight, thereby reducing the energy demand of buildings by improving daylight performance and thermal comfort. While recent literature presents various applications of advanced glazing technologies, it is crucial to explore alternative sustainable materials that can respond to environmental conditions while enhancing the performance of buildings. Among biobased materials, bacterial cellulose (BC) stands out due to its unique properties, such as high tensile strength, elasticity, absorbency, and moderate transparency. This study investigates the integration of BC-based composite glazing into the facade of an architectural design studio. A multi-objective optimization, combining daylighting and energy simulations, was employed to optimize the transparency, size, and placement of the glazing elements. The results show that BC-based glazing improves the uniformity of daylight distribution, reduces glare risk, and slightly decreases the building's annual heating and cooling loads compared to the base case. This study demonstrates the potential of bio-based composite glazing as a sustainable alternative for building envelopes, emphasizing circularity and low-energy strategies, by highlighting the synergy between building science, computational design, and biology in driving the transition toward a more resilient built environment. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.
Insulin Resistance in Preeclampsia and Its Effect on Maternal-Fetal Outcomes
(Selçuk University, 2025) Okay, G.; Taner, C.E.
Aim: It is controversial whether insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in preeclamptic patients are due to weight gain during pregnancy or preeclampsia. This research seeks to explore the relationship between insulin resistance and factors such as weight gain, obesity, biochemical indicators, and the fetal outcomes linked to insulin resistance in pregnant women experiencing mild and severe preeclampsia, excluding those with gestational diabetes. Methods: This research was carried out in the Perinatology Department of İzmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital from July 2013 to January 2014, with the approval of the institution’s ethics committee. Non-diabetic preeclamptic 101 pregnant women between 18 and 44 years of age in 24-40 gestational weeks were involved in the research. We recorded demographic data, biochemical parameters, weight measurements, enquiries regarding glucose metabolism, and data about fetuses. A Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA) value of 2.5 or above, along with an insulin sensitivity index of 6 or below, was evaluated as indicative of insulin resistance. Results: There was no remarkable variation in both groups concerning fasting and postprandial glucose level, HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance), and insulin sensitivity index. Postprandial insulin levels were significantly elevated in the group with severe preeclampsia (p < 0,05). On the other hand, when we examined the effects on fetal outcomes, delivery time, birth weight, and 1 and 5 min Apgar scores were determined to be statistically significantly lower in the group suffering from severe preeclampsia. Conclusion: In our research, it was observed that postprandial insulin levels were considerably elevated in the group with severe preeclampsia. Postprandial insulin levels can be considered to predict the impact of insulin resistance and sensitivity on disease prognosis and maternal-fetal outcomes in preeclampsia patients without gestational diabetes. Therefore, its usefulness as a parameter for predicting metabolic syndrome in later years should be investigated in large prospective randomized controlled trials. © 2025, Selcuk University. All rights reserved.
Urban Transformation as a Resilience Strategy: Earthquake Preparedness in Istanbul
(Cambridge University Press, 2022) Oner, A.C.; Özener, H.
As defined by the World Health Organization, a disaster is “an occurrence disrupting the normal conditions of existence and causing a level of suffering that exceeds the capacity of adjustment of the affected community.” Whether caused by natural sources or man-made reasons, a disaster defines a chaotic process in the social, economic, physical, and environmental systems that are integrated into the lives of people. In order to alleviate or prevent the effects of disasters, mitigation strategies are developed and implemented in the form of policies, guidelines, and planning initiatives. Within these initiatives, cities and their built environment get specific attention as they define concentrated locations and a high density of people, social, and economic activity. After the 1999 Marmara Earthquake, the government of Turkey has passed urban transformation laws and implemented disaster mitigation strategies to take a proactive stance in dealing with the adverse effects of possible high magnitude earthquakes on cities. Urban transformation, in the sense of disaster mitigation, has been about upgrading of the built environment and infrastructure as well as creating open spaces. In this respect, urban transformation efforts in Istanbul, as a city of 17 million residents and being located on a highly risky seismic zone, becomes an interesting case study. This chapter will examine urban transformation efforts in Istanbul during the last decade as a form of disaster mitigation strategy and will offer a critical review of earthquake preparedness through the planning initiatives and shaping of the built environment. © Cambridge University Press 2022.
Effects of Three-Dimensional Measurement of the Urinary Stone Size on the Surgical Outcomes of Retrograde Intrarenal Stone Surgery
(Galenos Publishing House, 2021) Ergani, B.; Kozacioǧlu, Z.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate peri-/postoperative effects of three-dimensional measurement of stone size in patients who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery, where preoperative stone size calculations determine the operation decisions and prognosis. Another aim is to determine a limit value in cm3 for retrograde intrarenal surgery and to predict stone-free status based on this limit value. Materials and Methods: Data of 184 patients were retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether the stone-free status was achieved. Postoperative stone-free status and related effective parameters were analysed statistically. Results: No significant difference was found between age, gender, Hounsfield unit, length of hospital stay, secondary retrograde intrarenal surgery, renal unit abnormality, stone side, stone opacity, presence of additional ureteral stone, hydronephrosis and preoperative Double-J stent placement with stone-free rate. Subsequent interventions for residual stones, number of stones, stone sizes in cm2 and cm3 and operation time were determined as parameters that significantly affected the stone-free rate. As a result of the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the threshold stone size was 1.54 cm3. Conclusion: More accurate indications can be determined by calculating the volume of the stone. Retrograde intrarenal surgery success decreases in stones >1.54 cm3 by volume calculation. A different method such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy should be considered with higher preference for stones above this value. © Copyright 2021 by the Association of Urological Surgery / Journal of Urological Surgery published by Galenos Publishing House.
The Prospects of Local Mobilisations Against Renewable Energy: the Aegean Case in Turkey
(Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2026) Ozen, Hayriye
This study examines the prospects for local movements in confronting the environmental and social injustices of renewable energy production, often portrayed as vital for addressing climate, energy and capitalist crises. Focusing on mobilisations against geothermal projects in Turkey, where an increasingly authoritarian government exploits the legitimacy of renewable energy to consolidate power, it reveals that despite their rapid spread, local movements achieved only limited success in blocking specific projects. It demonstrates that, constrained by restricted political space and a lack of effective leadership, these movements failed to evolve into a unified political subjectivity capable of challenging broader geothermal policies and associated power relations.
Uncertainty Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change on Streamflow in the İznik Lake Watershed, Türkiye
(MDPI, 2026) Tezel, Anil Caliskan; Akpinar, Adem; Bor, Asli; Elci, Sebnem
Study region: This study focused on the Iznik Lake Watershed in northwestern T & uuml;rkiye. Study focus: Climate change is increasingly affecting water resources worldwide, raising concerns about future hydrological sustainability. This study investigates the impacts of climate change on river streamflow in the Iznik Lake Watershed, a critical freshwater resource in northwestern T & uuml;rkiye. To capture possible future conditions, downscaled climate projections were integrated with the SWAT+ hydrological model. Recognizing the inherent uncertainties in climate models and model parameterization, the analysis examined the relative influence of climate realizations, emission scenarios, and hydrological parameters on streamflow outputs. By quantifying both the magnitude of climate-induced changes and the contribution of different sources of uncertainty, the study provides insights that can guide decision-makers in future management planning and be useful for forthcoming modeling efforts. New hydrological insights for the region: Projections indicate wetter winters and springs but drier summers, with an overall warming trend in the study area. Based on simulations driven by four representative grid points, the results at the Karadere station, which represents the main inflow of the watershed, indicate modest changes in mean annual streamflow, ranging from -7% to +56% in the near future and from +19% to +54% in the far future. Maximum flows (Qmax) exhibit notable increases, ranging from +0.9% to +47% in the near future and from +21% to +63% in the far future, indicating a tendency toward higher peak discharges under future climate conditions. Low-flow conditions, especially in summer, exhibit the greatest relative variability due to near-zero baseline discharges. Relative change analysis revealed considerable differences in Karadere and Findicak sub-catchments, reflecting heterogeneous hydrological responses even within the same basin. Uncertainty analysis, conducted using both an ANOVA-based approach and Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA), highlighted the dominant influence of climate projections and potential evapotranspiration calculation methods, while land use change contributed negligibly to overall uncertainty.
Optimal Purchasing and Production Control for a Circular Production System
(Taylor & Francis Inc, 2026) Song, Yun-Lei; Frigerio, Nicla; Karabag, Oktay; Wang, Jun-Qiang; Tan, Baris
The paper investigates the optimal purchasing and production control policy within a circular production system that processes two returned material types through a shared manufacturing center. Materials are purchased or rejected upon arrival, with differences in procurement cost. At each decision epoch, the system must decide whether to purchase incoming materials and which type to prioritize for production. The problem is formulated as a Markov decision process, and a linear programming approach is developed to compute the optimal purchasing and production policy for the system under both non-preemption and preemption rules. Theoretically, the structure of the optimal policy is analytically characterized under the preemption rule in the case of equal production rates. Numerical experiments reveal that this policy remains optimal or near-optimal for the system under non-preemption and preemption rules with varying production rates. Additionally, comparisons of the optimal policies between non-preemption and preemption rules demonstrate that the system under the preemption rule yields higher average reward than that under the non-preemption rule, to varying degrees depending on system parameters, such as production rate, holding cost, and arrival rate.
Validation of a Multiplex Qrt-PCR Assay for the Detection of RSV, Influenza A/B Virus and SARS-CoV
(BMC, 2026) Bulgurcu, Alihan; Sayiner, Ayca Arzu
The significant burden of viral respiratory diseases necessitates rapid detection of key pathogens. Simultaneous testing for SARS-CoV-2, RSV, and influenza A/B as an initial step, followed by broader panels as needed, offers a cost-effective diagnostic strategy. This study aimed to validate a new commercial multiplex qRT-PCR assay (Diagnovital (R) RTA Laboratories, Turkey) for the simultaneous detection of these viruses. Analytical sensitivity was determined using Probit regression analysis on serial dilutions (10(5)-10(1) copies/ml) for each target virus. Specificity was evaluated with 120 negative samples and 32 positive samples for non-target respiratory viruses. External quality control panels and clinical specimens positive for RSV (n = 39), influenza A/B (n = 71), SARS-CoV-2 (n = 64) were used for accuracy testing. Intra- and inter-assay precision were analyzed using samples near the limit of detection. The performance was compared to routine diagnostic tests. The assay's analytical sensitivity was 420.7, 296.7, 368.6, 1362.6, and 1459.7 copies/ml for SARS-CoV-2 Alpha and Omicron variants, influenza A, influenza B, and RSV, respectively. Analytical specificity was 100%, and precision showed CV% < 5. Detection rates for SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B, and RSV were 100%, 95.1%, 97.5%, and 94.8%, respectively, with false negatives occurring in samples with Ct > 33. Comparative analysis showed high correlations between assays, with strong agreement (Cohen's kappa ranging from 0.861 to 1). These findings demonstrate the clinical applicability of the Diagnovital (R) assay, though false negatives may occur in low-concentration samples.
Turkish Medical Students' Perspectives on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Telemedicine: Scale Development and Psychometric Evaluation
(BMC, 2026) Aydin, Mevlut Okan; Alper, Zuleyha; Ozkaya, Guven; Caliskan, Suleyman Ayhan
Background The rise of digital technology and the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, yet its integration into medical education remains limited. Understanding the perceptions of future physicians is vital for the sustainable implementation of these services and for developing evidence-based telemedicine training programs. This study aims to assess the awareness and perception of telemedicine among medical students in T & uuml;rkiye and provide empirical evidence to inform curriculum development. Methods This nationwide survey included 810 medical students from six universities in T & uuml;rkiye. A valid and reliable 19-item questionnaire was developed to measure participants' perceptions of telemedicine. The questionnaire used a 5-choice Likert-type scale. The data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to determine the scale's validity and reliability. Results The final 11-item scale demonstrated strong validity and reliability, with a two-factor structure: "Advantages of Telemedicine" and "Disadvantages of Telemedicine." The results showed that students largely perceive telemedicine as beneficial, particularly for preventive health services. However, they also expressed concerns, with the highest-rated disadvantage being that telemedicine might create a distance between the doctor and patient. The students rated "increased health inequalities" as the lowest concern. These findings reveal specific competency gaps and training needs that should be addressed in medical curricula. Conclusion The findings suggest that medical students in T & uuml;rkiye hold a generally positive view of telemedicine, recognizing its potential advantages in healthcare. While they are aware of some ethical concerns, such as the potential for a distant doctor-patient relationship, they see telemedicine as a tool to reduce health inequalities. This validated scale provides a foundation for designing targeted telemedicine training programs, assessing educational outcomes, and identifying specific competencies that require emphasis in medical school curricula. We propose a competency-based framework and specific pedagogical approaches to prepare future physicians for effective telemedicine practice.

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