In this study, we present a relativistic configuration interaction (RCI) calculation of the atomic structure of helium-like iron (Fe24+, Z=26). The study examines the lowest 70 singly excited energy levels derived from the 1s nl configurations, where the principal quantum number n ≤ 6 and the orbital angular momentum l ≤ n–1. To evaluate the effects of configuration interaction and model convergence, several RCI models were developed by progressively expanding the configuration set. These include configurations up to 1s nl (n ≤ 8), as well as doubly excited states such as 2s²; 2s n′l′, 3s²; 3s n″l″ where n′ ≤ 6 and n″ ≤ 8. The calculated energy levels were compared with data available from the NIST Atomic Spectra Database. The results exhibit excellent agreement, with discrepancies generally within 0.1%, thereby validating the accuracy of our calculations. A detailed discussion on the convergence behavior of each model is also included to support the reliability of the method.
Activated carbon form coconut shell (CSAC) was investigated in this study as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of paracetamol from aqueous solution. The morphology of the surface of the adsorbent before and after adsorption was done using SEM and FTIR. Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of operational parameters, such as pH, CSAC dosage, contact time, and initial paracetamol concentration, on adsorption performance. Under optimum conditions of pH 4.0, the maximum uptake of paracetamol on the surface of the CSAC is of 129.27mg g-1. Adsorption isotherm studies were conducted in the present study to describe the behaviour of equilibrium; the results were fitted to the Langmuir (R2=0.9965) than the Freundlich models shows favourable adsorption occurs due to the involvement of monolayer surface interactions. The kinetic results shows that the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order (R2=0.9992) models explained a mechanism driven mainly by chemisorption. The diffusion models(intraparticle and film diffusion) demonstrates the presence of a multistage process, where initially film diffusion controls adsorption, where the paracetamol molecules move towards the external surface of CSAC through liquid films.Subsequently, the molecules are absorbed in the pores of the adsorbent particle by the action of intraparticle diffusion. Thermodynamic studies reveals that adsorption process is an exothermic reaction. According to the results obtained from the regeneration study, it is observed that the CSAC is able to retain a significant percentage of its adsorption capacity when regenerated with ethanol. Cost estimation study reveal that CSAC is economically feasible material for the adsorption of paracetamol.
This study presents the Robotic Disassembly Line Balancing and Vehicle Routing Problem (R-DLVRP). It is an integrated optimization model for recovering end-of-life (EoL) products. The model combines robotic disassembly planning with the distribution of recovered components. In this problem, EoL products are disassembled by robots on a disassembly line. Tasks are assigned to stations, and appropriate robots are allocated to each task. The recovered components are then distributed to demand points using a vehicle routing plan. A mixed-integer programming model is developed for the problem and solved using the Gurobi Optimizer. The objective is to minimize the total system cost, including robot-related costs, station opening costs, and transportation costs. A computational study is conducted to analyze the behavior of the integrated model under varying operational parameters such as robot cost structures, working time, and demand levels. The results show the strong relationship between disassembly planning and distribution decisions. In addition, differences in costs between resources influence the overall system configuration. The proposed framework contributes to the literature by providing a unified modeling approach for robotic disassembly and distribution planning.
The aim of this study was to investigate the enzyme inhibitory and anticancer effects of two natural compounds, 5-O-Methylnaringenin and 7-Methylrosmanol, on HMG-CoA reductase, monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), as well as their effects on gastric cancer cell lines. The enzyme responsible for producing cholesterol in the mevalonate pathway is 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. The liver produces less cholesterol when HMG-CoA reductase is inhibited. Statins are synthetic medications that are frequently used to treat high cholesterol. Statin side effects necessitate the use of natural plant-based HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. In this study, 5-O-Methylnaringenin and 7-Methylrosmanol molecules inhibited the enzymes HMG CoA reductase, monoamine oxidase A and B, with IC50 values of 31.60 ± 0.42, 24.74 ± 0.64, and 51.86 ± 0.90 µM for 5-O-Methylnaringenin and 14.86 ± 0.40, 176.24 ± 2.86 and 124.53 ± 1.47 µM for 7-Methylrosmanol. The NCI-N87 (IC50: 8.70 ± 0.15 and 23.68 ± 1.08 µM) and MKN45 (IC50: 6.63 ± 0.10 and 17.36 ± 0.87 µM) cell lines were used to evaluate the compounds' anti-cancer capabilities, respectively. The biological impacts of 5-O-Methylnaringenin and 7-Methylrosmanol on HMG-CoA reductase, MAO-A, and MAO-B were assessed through various methodologies, including molecular modeling studies, MM/GBSA calculations, and molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, the anti-cancer effects of these compounds were evaluated against two gastric cancer cell lines, NCI-N87 and MKN45. The chemical interactions of these compounds with multiple surface receptor proteins, such as CD44 and EGFR, were investigated using computational methods. The results indicated significant interactions at the atomic level, suggesting that the compounds formed robust connections with certain enzymes and receptors. 5-O-Methylnaringenin and 7-Methylrosmanol exhibit the potential to inhibit the activity of these metabolic enzymes and hinder the proliferation of cancerous cells.
This study evaluated the effects of gluten-free coating formulations containing buckwheat and oat flakes on the sensory, color, technological, and textural properties of crispy chicken. Five formulations were prepared using different buckwheat:oat flake ratios A (100:0), B (75:25), C (50:50), D (25:75), and E (0:100). Sensory analysis, color measurements, coating adhesion ratio, cooking loss, moisture retention, and texture profile analysis were conducted on cooked samples. Significant differences were observed among formulations in sensory characteristics, color attributes, and technological responses (p < 0.05). Among the tested groups, formulation C showed the most balanced overall performance, with favorable sensory scores, the highest lightness value, and a texture profile consistent with crispy product characteristics. Although formulation group D exhibited higher coating adhesion, its sensory acceptability was limited by increased perceptions of oiliness and saltness. Based on the combined evaluation of sensory, color, and technological results, formulation group C was identified as the optimum treatment. The selected raw formulation contained 18.36 g/100 g protein, 4.21 g/100 g dietary fiber, and 125.9 kcal/100 g. Gluten content was below the detection limit of the ELISA method (<2.0 mg/kg), remaining well below the regulatory threshold for gluten-free foods. During 11 days of refrigerated storage at 4±1 °C, coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., and Salmonella spp. were not detected in the selected cooked product. These findings indicate that the combined use of buckwheat and oat flakes provides a suitable coating matrix for the development of gluten-free crispy chicken products with acceptable sensory and technological properties, offering a potential alternative for individuals with gluten intolerance and celiac disease.
Protein kinases such as RAF1 and VEGFR2 regulate key pathways in cell prolifera-tion, differentiation, and angiogenesis, making them promising cancer targets. However, kinase inhibitor efficacy is often limited by off-target effects, poor pharmacokinetics, and resistance. Hydrazone derivatives, with structural flexibility and multi-target potential, offer a valuable scaffold. Here, we designed and syn-thesized a novel hydrazone incorporating the 4-(4-aminophenoxy)-N-methylpicolinamide pharmacophore to achieve selective kinase inhibition. The compound was characterized via 1H/13C-NMR, FT-IR, and mass spectrometry, confirming its structure and purity. DFT (B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)) calculations sup-ported the experimental data, providing optimized geometry and electronic in-sights. Molecular docking against RAF1 (PDB: 4ASD) and VEGFR2 (PDB: 5HI2) indicated strong binding through hydrogen bonds, π–π stacking, and hydrophobic interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations (100 ns, YASARA) confirmed lig-and–protein complex stability, minimal RMSD fluctuations, and consistent hydro-gen bond occupancy under physiological conditions.
The presence of Pb²⁺ ions in water systems poses severe environmental and public health hazards, highlighting the need for efficient and sustainable treatment technologies. Among various remediation approaches, adsorption stands out due to its practicality and cost-effectiveness; however, selecting environmentally benign, highly efficient, and low-cost adsorbents remains a key challenge. In this work, composite beads of the biopolymers chitosan (Ch) and alginate (A) were synthesized to address this need. After synthesis, the structural characteristics of the Ch–A beads were examined, and their adsorption performance toward Pb²⁺ ions was systematically evaluated under varying operational parameters. The results indicated that the composite beads removed Pb²⁺ ions efficiently while maintaining structural stability. The adsorption mechanism was governed mainly by chemical interactions, and the composite achieved a maximum adsorption capacity of 279 mg g⁻¹. Thermodynamic and kinetic analyses confirmed that adsorption occurred via endothermic and spontaneous processes and was controlled by multiple pathways, including pore and film diffusion. Overall, these findings demonstrate that Ch–A composite beads provide a scalable, environmentally sustainable, and regenerable adsorbent material suited for removing Pb²⁺ ions from contaminated water.
Accurate knowledge of radiation doses delivered by radiological devices is essential for ensuring patient safety and clinical effectiveness. This study presents a comparative review of radiation dose levels in commonly used diagnostic and therapeutic radiological procedures, including conventional X-ray imaging, computed tomography (CT), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and advanced radiotherapy systems. Reported dose values were standardized to the effective dose (mSv) and evaluated against the TENMAK and ICRP limits. The results indicate that conventional diagnostic methods, such as X-ray and DEXA, involve very low radiation doses (generally <0.1 mSv) and are considered low risk when used appropriately in routine clinical practice. In contrast, CT imaging delivers significantly higher doses (approximately 2–31 mSv), making it the primary contributor to patient radiation exposure among diagnostic techniques. Radiotherapy applications correspond to extremely high equivalent dose levels (converted to >10 Sv), reflecting their therapeutic purpose but also indicating increased risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Overall, CT and radiotherapy devices represent the main sources of high radiation exposure, whereas conventional imaging techniques remain within safe limits. These findings highlight the importance of dose optimization, avoidance of unnecessary repeat imaging, and adherence to international radiation protection standards.
Two functional compounds, methyl 2-benzoylbenzoate (MBB) and 4-Phenyl-1-(2H)-phthalazinone (PPZ), were prepared via optimized synthetic procedures. The molecular structures of the synthesized compounds were elucidated using ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The antimicrobial efficacy of the target compounds (MBB and PPZ) was assessed utilizing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. The findings indicated that the compounds demonstrated moderate antimicrobial efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria, whereas Gram-negative bacteria were often less susceptible. No antifungal efficacy was detected against the examined Candida species. The findings indicate that the examined compounds possess restricted yet selective antibacterial efficacy, especially against Gram-positive bacteria.
The success of waste management has become one of the most important parameters showing the development of a city. Revealing and evaluating the resource value contained in waste is a component of the circular economy concept. In this study, waste management of Edirne, a geopolitically important city in Türkiye, is discussed in detail. Municipal waste produced in Edirne is collected and processed by three different solid waste management associations (Edikab, Orekab and Günekab). In this study, the process from collection to disposal of waste produced in the city was modelled by using the Stan software. Wastes other than dry recyclables in the city are disposed of in landfill sites belonging to these associations. In landfill sites of Edikab and Günekab, electricity is generated from methane gas. In addition, in the city where waste is collected commingled, recycling is carried out by mechanical separation units located in the facilities of these associations. Model results show that the amount of registered and unregistered waste was approximately 138,000 tonnes per annum (133,392 tonnes in 2023, 135,792 tonnes in 2022, and 145,104 tonnes in 2021). Approximately 39% of the waste produced in Edirne was recycled and brought into the economy (40% in 2023, 38% in 2022, and 39% in 2021). Of this recovery, around 10% is attributable to waste pickers, while 32–33% is achieved through mechanical separation processes at treatment facilities.
Satellites obtain all their energy from the Sun when exposed to sunlight and rely on batteries during eclipses. The temperature of solar arrays plays a crucial role in power generation. During an eclipse, the power for the satellite's systems is supplied entirely by the batteries. The satellite's temperature before entering the eclipse, during the maximum eclipse duration of 72 minutes, and upon exiting the eclipse can be determined analytically. Solar array temperature must be determined, because it is a crucial factor affecting its efficiency. In the current study, the solar array temperature in geostationary orbit was predicted using a 3-axis stabilized satellite. A one-dimensional analytical equation was used to calculate temperature values that were then compared with the results from commercial software and the measured temperatures in orbit. Analytical predictions estimated the solar array temperatures as 55.1°C, 49.7°C, and 52.3°C for winter solstice, summer solstice, and equinox, respectively, while ESARAD/ESATAN simulations gave 64.4°C, 55.7°C, and 62.4°C. In-orbit measurements were lower at 45.6°C, 41.2°C, and 43.7°C, with an average deviation of ~17% between analytical and measured values, primarily due to simplified assumptions in the analytical model and the detailed geometric and radiative effects captured in the simulations. It was observed that the analytically derived results showed a moderate agreement with both the commercial software outcomes and in-orbit temperature measurements, with absolute deviations of 8-10 oC relative to in-orbit data and 9-14 oC relative to ESATAN, which are considered acceptable for preliminary thermal sizing of solar arrays in GEO given the simplified 1-D analytical approach employed.
This study investigates molecular differences between gluten-containing and gluten-free flours using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometric techniques. FTIR measurements were performed to obtain spectral profiles, followed by Two-Dimensional Correlation Spectroscopy (2D-COS) to identify key spectral regions, revealing significant differences between the protein-rich amide regions of wheat flours and the carbohydrate-dominated profiles of gluten-free samples. Strong correlations between amide I and amide II bands indicated sequential protein structural changes associated with gluten presence. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) were applied to classify the samples and evaluate gluten-related differences. PCA effectively discriminated gluten-containing and gluten-free flours, with blend samples showing a gradual transition depending on gluten content. The first two principal components explained 93% of the total variance, and the PCA score plot revealed a clear separation into three distinct groups, while HCA clustered samples based on structural similarities. The combined FTIR–2D-COS–chemometric approach provides a rapid, sensitive, and non-destructive method for distinguishing gluten-containing and gluten-free flours. Blend experiments demonstrated that spectral changes could be detected even at low gluten levels, which is particularly important for gluten-related disorders where the presence of gluten is more critical than its quantity. Therefore, this methodology shows strong potential for industrial applications, especially for routine quality control and rapid screening of gluten contamination in gluten-free products.
The effects of climate change have increased the frequency and severity of disasters, rendering traditional disaster management approaches inadequate. In this context, AI-Based Early Warning Systems (AI-EWS) have become a strategic tool for the proactive identification of risks and the optimization of response processes.This study analyzes Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) data for the 1980–2025 period, examines global AI-EWS models, and proposes adaptable strategies for Türkiye. The findings indicate an increase in floods, storms, and heatwaves, while the accuracy of early warnings for slow-onset disasters like drought remains low. The cases of the USA, Japan, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and China were investigated, determining that AI, machine learning, and community-based models successfully contribute to disaster management in these countries. The strategy proposed for Türkiye encompasses data integration, AI-based forecasting systems, and the digital integration of volunteer networks. In conclusion, the widespread adoption of AI-EWS in Türkiye presents a technological, ethical, and managerial opportunity for transformation, significantly contributing to the process of reducing disaster risk and increasing climate resilience.
In this study, CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 (CAS) glass-ceramic composites were synthesized via the sol-gel method to develop novel substrate materials for Low-Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) applications. The CAS glass powder, synthesized using TEOS, aluminum nitrate, and calcium nitrate precursors, was mixed with 40 wt. % commercial alumina (Al2O3) powder to fabricate C6A4 composites. The effects of sintering temperatures ranging from 850 to 950 °C on the densification, microstructural evolution, phase composition, and dielectric properties were systematically investigated. Thermal analysis (DSC-TGA) of the CAS precursor revealed a glass transition temperature (Tg) of approximately 770 °C and a crystallization peak at 952 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that corundum constituted the primary crystalline phase, while anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8) precipitated as the secondary phase during sintering. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations confirmed that a dense microstructure with minimal porosity was achieved at 950 °C, supported by the liquid-phase sintering mechanism. The bulk density increased with temperature, reaching a saturation value of 2.40 g/cm³, whereas water absorption decreased to negligible levels (<1%). Commensurate with densification and anorthite crystallization, a significant improvement in Vickers hardness was recorded. The composite sintered at 950 °C exhibited favorable dielectric properties, with a dielectric constant (εr) of 7 and a dielectric loss (tan δ) of 0.005 at 1 MHz. In conclusion, the sol-gel-derived CAS/Al2O3 composites exhibited promising thermal, mechanical, and electrical characteristics suitable for high-frequency electronic packaging and LTCC substrate applications.
We propose a deterministic compartmental model of academic career progression that couples behavioural mentorship dynamics with competition for a finite, logistically growing funding resource. The academic population is partitioned into early-career, experienced, redundant, and successful researchers, with transitions governed by bilinear mentorship interactions, Holling type-II funding-mediated progressions, and a Matthew-effect cumulative advantage term. Positivity, and boundedness of solutions are established via the comparison principles. Five equilibria are identified and characterised: trivial, funding-only, human-only, boundary, and interior coexistence equilibria. Local asymptotic stability is analysed through explicit Routh–Hurwitz conditions, including the full trace and determinant conditions for the boundary equilibrium and a necessary trace condition for the interior equilibrium. Global asymptotic stability of the trivial, funding-only, and interior equilibria is established. The model is then extended to an optimal control framework with four time-dependent policy instruments: mentorship quality enhancement, behavioural contagion mitigation, funding allocation efficiency, and redundancy rehabilitation. Necessary optimality conditions are derived via Pontryagins Maximum Principle to yield a coupled state–adjoint system solved numerically by a forward–backward fourth-order Runge–Kutta sweep coded in Python software. Simulations show that funding exhaustion is the central systemic constraint, that is, all strategies eventually deplete the shared resource pool, with funding efficiency control u_3 alone producing a severe boom-and-bust redundancy surge. Single controls yield only modest improvements, each optimising one objective at the cost of others, while two-control combinations reveal distinct equity efficiency trade-offs but still fail to simultaneously stabilise all three objectives. Under the fully integrated four-control strategy, the rehabilitation control dominates with a near-bang-bang profile, early-career researchers stabilise after an initial transient rise, redundancy is suppressed, and the funding pool is preserved substantially longer than under any partial strategy. These results establish that coordinated institutional policies are structurally necessary, not merely preferable, for sustainable academic career development.
This study investigates the optimization of compressive strength in cement concrete incorporating Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) as coarse aggregate, offering a sustainable alternative to natural materials in construction. RAP was manually processed and treated to reduce asphalt coating before use, and mix proportions were developed using a Scheffe’s second-degree polynomial model with 21 runs and three replicates, giving 63 samples in total. Regression analysis with backward elimination ensured precision in estimating model coefficients, while analysis of variance confirmed statistical significance with an adjusted R² of 74.18%. Findings revealed that RAP content and key interaction terms (e.g., X₁X₂ and X₃X₄) exerted notable influence on compressive strength, providing insight into mixture behavior and performance. The model generated predictive tools such as response surfaces and contour plots, which can guide material formulation; however, residual analysis showed a slight underestimation tendency, indicating the need for refinement, broader experimental validation, and possible model comparison. Overall, the study demonstrates both the promise and constraints of Scheffe’s model in optimizing sustainable concrete mixes with RAP, advancing resource conservation and supporting environmentally responsible construction practices.
In this study, production of a gluten-free snack food was aimed by using different plant materials. For this purpose, based on the results of preliminary studies, various spices (turmeric, spice mix and blue poppy), chickpea flour, aquafaba and tahini/olive oil in addition to Jerusalem artichoke (JA) (Helianthus tuberosus L.) and carrot (Daucus carota) as tuber plants were used according to the most preferred recipe. The analyses of total polyphenol (TP) and flavonoid (TF), antioxidant capacity (AC) and bioaccessibility of TP were made to determine the functionality of the enriched snacks. The products were also evaluated by sensorial based on the parameters of colour, odour, taste, hardness, crispness and general acceptability. According to the results, depending on the oil source used, the significant difference (p<0.05) in TP and TF contents, TP bioaccessibilities and AC values at the end of gastric and intestinal digestion stages was detected. The AC value (621.96 mmol AAE/100g DM), TF (1.26 mg RE/g DM) and TP (0.95 mg GAE/g DM) amounts of the snack with tahini were determined more than the one with olive oil. However, TP bioaccessibility of snack with olive oil was higher compared to that with tahini. While snack with tahini was preferred in terms of crispness by the panelists, the product containing olive oil was more preferred in terms of other sensorial properties. Consequently, this study revealed that both snacks are beneficial regarding functionality and sensory properties.
Foodborne pathogens remain a pressing global health concern and account for serious infections and even deaths. Among the leading bacterial pathogens contributing to these infections are Campylobacter jejuni, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica, all of which are associated with serious health complications and pose significant challenges for public health systems and food safety. The improper uses of antimicrobials in both human and veterinary settings compound this issue, as the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance is exacerbated by these practices. In the current study, the stress responses in foodborne pathogens C. jejuni subsp. jejuni 81-176, L. monocytogenes EGD-e (serotype 1/2a), and S. enterica serovar Typhimurium were investigated through reporter metabolite analysis. By integrating systems-level insights, it is aimed to discover novel targets and pathways involved in survival and resistance under several stress conditions. The findings will provide a basis for more effective treatment strategies to combat foodborne infections and mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
This study investigates how the main mechanical properties and behavior of Bi2.1-xBaxSr2.0Ca1.1Cu2.0Oy ceramic compounds change with different levels of barium substitution, using standard microindentation hardness (Hv) tests in the load range of 0.245-2.940 N. Results show that Hv values are strongly dependent on the substitution level that the sample with x = 0.1 molar ratio demonstrates the highest mechanical strength and durability under applied forces because of the formation of effective slip systems, force barrier zones, and stress regions within the Bi-2212 ceramic matrix. In other words, the presence of an optimal amount of barium ions lowers crack surface energy and reduces stored internal strains. In addition, load-independent hardness values in the saturation region were determined using five semi-empirical models; Hays-Kendall (HK), indentation-induced cracking (IIC), Meyer’s Law (ML), proportional sample resistance (PSR), and elastic/plastic deformation (EPD) techniques for the first time. Among these, the IIC model provided the most accurate description of the microindentation hardness data for the mechanical characterization of Bi₂.₁₋ₓBaₓSr₂.₀Ca₁.₁Cu₂.₀Oᵧ ceramic compounds.
Bending Soft Pneumatic Actuators (BSPAs) have significant potential in areas such as wearable systems for medical rehabilitation and industrial robotic grippers, due to their flexibility and force generation capabilities. This study investigates the effect of chamber volume and silicone material stiffness on the bending angle and contact force production performance of BSPAs. Tests were conducted for three different experimental groups using a specially designed test setup. The results revealed that material stiffness plays a crucial role in determining both the bending angle and contact force production. While chamber volume had a limited impact on the bending angle, it was found to have a significant effect on contact force production. Additionally, it was observed that the influence of material stiffness on contact force production was more pronounced than that of chamber volume.
