Bitlis Eren University

This study investigates the development and optimization of activated carbon (AC) from corn silk (CS‐AC) and corn silk hydrochar (CS‐HC‐AC) as a sustainable solution for water purification. For the first time, hydrothermal treatment and activation processes were employed, producing AC from corn silk with improved structural properties. CS‐HC‐AC exhibited a remarkable SBET surface area of 331.233 m² g⁻¹, surpassing the 7.335 m² g⁻¹ of CS‐AC. Key factors such as temperature, activation time, and activator rate were optimized (100% activator rate, 500 °C temperature, and 60 min activation time), with K2CO3 and ZnCl2 identified as the most effective activators for CS‐AC and CS‐HC‐AC, respectively. The resulting ACs showed high adsorption capacities for heavy metals (Cr(VI), Pb(II), and Ni(II)) and methylene blue dye.

In this paper, a new active snubber cell for DC‐DC boost converters is introduced for the purpose of soft switching. The introduced snubber cell ensures lossless turning‐on by zero‐voltage transition (ZVT) and turning‐off by zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) of the main switch. Besides, it enables turning‐on by ZVS and turning‐off by zero current switching (ZCS) of the main diode. None of the semiconductor power devices are subjected to extra voltage stress, and all of them operate by soft switching (SS). The converter can successfully maintain the SS even under light loads. Furthermore, the proposed converter structure is advantageous in terms of simplicity and low cost. The operating modes and theoretical analysis of the introduced converter are presented and it is validated using a prototype with a 500 W output power and at the 100 kHz switching frequency. Owing to the proposed active snubber cell, the converter efficiency is achieved as 97.2%.

Brucellosis remains a critical zoonotic infection with profound implications for public health across diverse regions, including the Middle East, Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean, Africa, and South and Central American countries. This global threat necessitates ongoing investigation and surveillance. Accordingly, this study aimed to elucidate the presence and characteristics of Brucella spp. isolated from patients in a province of eastern Türkiye. A combination of conventional and molecular techniques was employed to achieve comprehensive species and biovar determination. A total of 189 human Brucella spp. strains isolated from blood cultures at Bitlis State Hospital between 2010 and 2020 were included in the study. Identification tests for the isolates comprised assessing serum requirement for growth, oxidase and urease production, as well as lysis testing with Tbilisi phage and R/C phage. Additional conventional biotyping tests involved evaluating hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production, carbon dioxide (CO2) requirement for growth, and growth in media containing thionin, basic fuchsin, and safranin. Furthermore, agglutination with Brucella A and M type monospecific antisera was performed. The isolates also underwent multiplex PCR, specifically the Bruce–Ladder PCR method, for biotyping. The results demonstrated the predominance of Brucella melitensis strains in human brucellosis cases, as identified by both conventional and molecular methods. Specifically, 185 isolates were classified as B. melitensis biovar 3, with the remaining 5 isolates classified as B. melitensis biovar 1. In conclusion, this distribution underscores the significant role of B. melitensis in the epidemiology of human brucellosis in the region. The current study highlights the efficacy of both conventional and molecular methods in Brucella spp. identification, with particular emphasis on the Bruce–Ladder PCR method’s superiority in terms of rapidity and compatibility with traditional techniques. Continued research and surveillance efforts are imperative to deepen our understanding of the epidemiology and dynamics of this zoonotic disease.

Solvatochromism exhibited by azobenzene-4-sulfonyl chloride (here abbreviated as Azo-SCl) has been investigated in a series of non-polar, polar-aprotic and polar-protic solvents. The UV–vis spectra of Azo-SCl exhibit two long-wavelength bands, observed at 321–330 nm (band-I) and 435–461 nm (band-II), which are ascribed to the π*-π (S2 ← S0) and π*-n (S1 ← S0) transitions, respectively. The shorter wavelength band indicates a reversal in solvatochromism, from negative to positive solvatochromism, for a solvent with a dielectric constant of 32.66 (which is characteristic of methanol), while the longer wavelength band signposts negative solvatochromism in all range of solvent’s dielectric constant investigated, demonstrating different interactions with the solvents in the S2 and S1 excited states. Using Catalán and Kamlet-Taft solvation energy models, we found that the shift in the solvatochromic behavior of band-I (S2 ← S0) happens because solvent dipolarity/polarizability and hydrogen bonding affect the S2 state in opposite ways. Dipolarity/polarizability stabilizes the S2 state compared to the ground state, while hydrogen bonding destabilizes it. In contrast, for S1, both effects work together to destabilize the excited state. For all studied solvents, UV irradiation (λ ≥ 311 nm; room temperature) was found to lead to fast trans–cis azo photoisomerization. In the absence of light, the photogenerated cis form quickly converts back to the trans form. Interpretation of the experimental data is supported by quantum chemical calculations undertaken within the Density Functional Theory (DFT) framework, including Time Dependent DFT calculations for excited states.

This study delves into the significant role played by Quantum Dot Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (QD-SOAs) in meeting the ever-growing bandwidth demands. QD-SOAs offer a unique blend of cost-effectiveness, integration capabilities, wide bandwidth, rapid responsiveness, robust power output, stability, and spectral adaptability, driving notable advancements in optical communication systems. In this work, we introduce a novel two-wavelength amplifier structure based on Quantum Dot Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (QD-SOAs) that utilizes quantum dots of different sizes to achieve efficient amplification at specific mid-infrared wavelengths. This innovative approach, which incorporates quantum dots with varying sizes, enables enhanced performance by optimizing the amplification process for each specific wavelength. Furthermore, this work demonstrates the use of tailored optical pumping mechanisms that enhance the carrier recovery process and reduce carrier relaxation times in the active region. This novel optical pumping technique leads to a significant increase in the efficiency and speed of the amplifier, distinguishing this study from others in the field. Simulation results provide detailed insights into the complex interplay between carrier interactions and gain spectra, offering a comprehensive understanding of QD-SOA operational dynamics. The proposed Quantum Dot Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (QD-SOA) achieves significant advancements in optical communication, offering maximum amplification rates of 26.9 and 19.9 times for QD1 and QD2, respectively, and bandwidths of 12 THz and 15 THz. The study highlights the role of quantum dot size, homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadening, and optical pumping in enhancing gain and performance, demonstrating the potential of QD-SOAs for high-gain, wide-bandwidth applications in photonic systems.

Soft‐switching (SS) boost converters are extensively utilized in applications such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and high‐efficiency power supplies, as they offer reduced switching losses and enhanced overall efficiency. Zero‐voltage transition (ZVT) snubber cells that used SS operation perform poorly in zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) turn‐off at light load, although they perform well at heavy load. This study proposes a novel SS snubber cell for the PWM‐DC boost converter, ensuring excellent ZVS turn‐off performance under all load conditions. The main switch is turned off with ZVS at heavy and light load, so the turn‐off performance is independent of the load conditions. In addition, the main switch is switched on with ZVT, and the main diode is switched with SS. The main and auxiliary semiconductor components do not expose additional voltage. In addition, the semiconductor switches are switched on with zero‐current switching (ZCS) and switched off with ZVS, whereas the auxiliary diode is switched with SS. The theoretical analysis of the converter is presented, and an experimental study is conducted to demonstrate the analysis. The proposed converter is operated with an output power of 500 W and a switching frequency of 100 kHz.

Sedimentary basins, integral to Earth’s geological history and energy resource exploration, undergo complex changes driven by sedimentation, subsidence and geological processes. Gravity anomaly inversion is a crucial technique offering insights into subsurface structures and density variations. Our study addresses the challenge of complex subsurface structure assessment by leveraging deep neural networks to invert observed gravity anomalies. Optimization approaches traditionally incorporate known density distributions obtained from borehole data or geological logging for inverting basement depth in sedimentary basins using observed gravity anomalies. Our study explores the application of deep neural networks in accurate architectural assessment of sedimentary basins and demonstrates their significance in mineral and hydrocarbon exploration. Recent years have witnessed a surge in the use of machine learning in geophysics, with deep learning models playing a pivotal role. Integrating deep neural networks, such as the feedforward neural networks, has revolutionized subsurface density distribution and basement depth estimation. This study introduces a deep neural network specifically tailored for inverting observed gravity anomalies to estimate two-dimensional basement relief topographies in sedimentary basins. To enhance computational efficiency, a one-dimensional discrete cosine transform based discretization approach is employed. Synthetic data, generated using non-Gaussian fractals, compensates for the scarcity of true datasets for training the deep neural network model. The algorithm’s robustness is validated through noise introduction with comparisons against an efficient and traditional global optimization-based approach. Gravity anomalies of real sedimentary basins further validate the algorithm’s efficacy, establishing it as a promising methodology for accurate and efficient subsurface imaging in geological exploration.

Background: Quantifying the biomechanical properties of the thenar muscle can provide valuable insight into hand assessment methods. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the reliability of myotonometer measurements in determining the biomechanical properties (tone, stiffness and elasticity) of thenar muscles in healthy individuals and explore sex-based variations. Additionally, it assessed the relationship between pinch strength and these properties. Study Design: Cross-sectional reliability study. Methods: Fifty-five healthy young adult participants were recruited. Biomechanical properties of the abductor pollicis brevis and flexor pollicis brevis muscles — tone (Hz), stiffness (N/m), and elasticity (logarithmic decrement)—were measured using MyotonPRO, while pinch strength was assessed using a Baseline pinch gauge bilaterally. For intrarater reliability, the first rater (R1), conducted two sets of measurements at 30-minute intervals. Inter-rater reliability was evaluated by the second rater (R2) performing a set of measurements between R1's two sets. Results: Fifty participants [mean age = 22.84 (1.01) years, mean body mass index = 20.86 (2.82) kg/m²] completed the study. Test-retest reliability for the biomechanical properties of the abductor pollicis brevis and flexor pollicis brevis muscles showed good to excellent consistency (ICCs: 0.78-0.97). Inter-rater reliability demonstrated sufficient consistency across (ICCs: 0.78-0.93). Sex-based differences were observed on the nondominant side, with males exhibiting lower logarithmic decrement scores for both muscles (p < 0.05). Negative correlations were found between pinch strength and abductor pollicis brevis logarithmic decrement scores on both sides (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study confirms the reliability of MyotonPRO in evaluating the mechanical properties of the thenar muscle in healthy subjects, with good to excellent consistency. Sex-based differences in elasticity, along with the positive correlation between pinch strength, underscore the importance of sex-specific considerations, suggesting elasticity may be considered a key factor in grip strength improvement. Keywords: RehabilitationTechnologyAssessmentSkeletal muscleReliability study

The radioactivity levels of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs radionuclides were measured in soil samples collected from Hekimhan-Kuluncak mining areas in Turkey using gamma spectrometry with high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The average radioactivity levels of 226Ra and 232Th, the average values of Ra equivalent activity, absorbed gamma dose rate and lifetime cancer risk are smaller than the world mean values. Similarly, heavy metal concentrations in the samples (except Ni) are below the recommended limit values. The results of the study showed that the soil samples did not pose a significant radiological and heavy metal hazard.

This study develops a deep learning-based automated system for detecting and segmenting earthquake-induced asphalt cracks, offering a rapid and reliable solution for post-disaster road condition assessments. Unlike traditional manual inspections, which are time-consuming and error-prone, our approach leverages advanced segmentation techniques to ensure accurate, pixel-level classification of various crack types. The main challenge of this study was determining the damage caused to highways by earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 7.0, which occur approximately once every 200 years. The most crucial step in the automatic detection of these damages is the reliable preparation of a high-accuracy dataset. To achieve this, pixel-based labels were created by experts in the construction field by analyzing each pixel value. Following two major earthquakes, a unique dataset for segmenting roadway deterioration was created through intensive and detailed studies. This study aims to present the performance results of popular deep learning-based segmentation models in an unbiased manner, providing a feasible infrastructure for future real-time applications. The innovative aspect of this research lies in the creation of a unique post-earthquake dataset, collected and labeled from highways affected by the February 6, 2023 earthquakes in Turkey (Mw = 7.7 and Mw = 7.6). Deep learning models, including SegNet, Attention SegNet, U-Net, FCN (8s), and DeepLab, were trained and tested on this dataset. Among these, the SegNet model achieved the best performance with an average accuracy of 86.72%, precision of 92.99%, and sensitivity of 78.45%. By demonstrating superior performance metrics compared to existing methods, this study provides a robust framework for future infrastructure monitoring and maintenance strategies, ensuring safer and more resilient transportation networks in disaster-prone regions.

Objectives : To compare muscle tone and stiffness in ambulatory children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (UCP) with typically developing peers and explore their relationship with postural balance and functional mobility. Methods : Forty ambulatory children with UCP and age-matched typically developing peers were assessed for tone and stiffness of lumbar spinal extensors, gastrocnemius, and hamstring muscles using a myotonometer. Functional mobility was evaluated with the 2-Minute Walk Test, and the Timed Up and Go Test, while postural balance was evaluated using the Pediatric Balance Scale and the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS). Results : The gastrocnemius muscle tone and stiffness were higher on the affected side in UCP compared with the less affected side and typically developing peers ( P < .05). Lumbar spinal extensor tone correlated with improved Trunk Control Measurement Scale scores ( P = .003). The gastrocnemius and hamstring muscles’ tone and stiffness did not significantly affect functional mobility measures in UCP ( P > .05). Conclusions : Our study highlights the importance of achieving muscle symmetry, particularly in the plantar flexors, for functional mobility in UCP children. While differences in ankle and knee muscle biomechanics were observed, they didn’t significantly impact functional mobility or postural balance. Symmetry in lumbar spinal extensor biomechanics correlated with better outcomes, emphasizing the crucial role of trunk control in rehabilitation strategies for ambulatory children with UCP.

Background and Aims The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) within worldwide healthcare systems is occurring at a significant rate. In this context, the Middle East has demonstrated distinctive characteristics in the application of AI within the healthcare sector, particularly shaped by regional policies. This study examined the outcomes resulting from the utilization of AI within healthcare systems in the Middle East. Methods A systematic review was conducted across several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2024. The quality assessment of the included studies was conducted using the Authority, Accuracy, Coverage, Objectivity, Date, Significance checklist. Following this, a thematic analysis was carried out on the acquired data, adhering to the Boyatzis approach. Results 100 papers were included. The quality and bias risk of the included studies were delineated to be within an acceptable range. Multiple themes were derived from the thematic analysis including: “Prediction of diseases, their diagnosis, and outcomes,” “Prediction of organizational issues and attributes,” “Prediction of mental health issues and attributes,” “Prediction of polypharmacy and emotional analysis of texts,” “Prediction of climate change issues and attributes,” and “Prediction and identification of success and satisfaction among healthcare individuals.” Conclusion The findings emphasized AI's significant potential in addressing prevalent healthcare challenges in the Middle East, such as cancer, diabetes, and climate change. AI has the potential to overhaul the healthcare systems. The findings also highlighted the need for policymakers and administrators to develop a concrete plan to effectively integrate AI into healthcare systems.

This study investigates the relationship between developed country market indices and the infectious disease stock market volatility index between March 11, 2020, and March 11, 2022. Thus, we seek an answer to the question of how global shocks will affect developed countries. In this context, indices such as S&P 500, CAC 40 and NIKKEI 225 are considered to represent developed country markets. The findings of the study indicate that the infectious disease stock market volatility index variable is significant, according to the GARCH model estimation for the CAC 40 index. In the EGARCH model estimation results for the NIKKEI 225 and S&P 500 indices, the infectious disease stock market volatility index variable is found to be significant. The results of this paper are important for policymaking by governments, investors, and the corporate sector in order to avoid future developments that could lead to financial shocks.

With the rise in applications involving high-radiation exposure, it is imperative to implement measures to minimise the adverse effects of radiation. There is a great need for material development that can be used at high temperatures, especially in the nuclear industry. Superalloys have properties that can serve this purpose. In order to achieve this objective, new Co-based and Ni-based super alloys were produced in the study. Ni, Fe, Mo, Cr, Nb, Ti, Al, Co, Ta and W were selected for developing Co-based alloys, and Ni, Fe, Cr, Nb, Ti, Al, Co and B were selected for Ni-based alloy. The goal of the study is to obtain new materials which have better shielding performances with superior properties. In this regard, the radiation protection parameters; linear attenuation coefficients, mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic number, half-value layer, mean free path, effective conductivity, effective electron number, exposure and energy absorption buildup factors, atomic and electron cross sections, and fast neutron attenuation cross-sections of the alloys were performed by Phy-X/PSD code. Further, EPR, XRD and EDS-SEM spectroscopic techniques were used and the results were appraised within this context. It can be noted that the content of W, Ta and Mo, due to the features of high density and high atomic number, improves the radiation attenuation efficiency of the alloys. It is also seen that the fast neutron attenuation ability is affected by Ni, Ta, Mn and Mo contents. It was concluded that the newly fabricated super alloys can be evaluated as good radiation shields in high temperature applications such as nuclear reactors.

Abstract Objectives This study aims to investigate the relationship between anxiety levels and poor sleep quality among family caregivers of psychiatric patients, based on the history of sharp object injuries (SOI) inflicted by the patients. Design A case-control study. Setting and data The data were collected through face-to-face interviews with family caregivers of patients at the Bitlis Province Community Mental Health Center and Bitlis State Hospital Psychiatry Service between December 2021 and May 2022. Participants A total of 111 family caregivers participated in the study. Outcome measures The sleep quality of family caregivers was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, while anxiety levels were assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results Among family caregivers, 52.3% had poor sleep quality, 24.3% experienced moderate anxiety and 31.5% experienced severe anxiety. An increase of one point on the anxiety scale (measured by BAI) raised the odds of poor sleep by 14%. The anxiety-poor sleep relationship was stronger in SOI-exposed caregivers (r=0.699) than in non-exposed ones (r=0.607). When age was controlled, the relationship strengthened among SOI-exposed individuals (r=0.722) but remained unchanged for non-exposed ones (r=0.608). Conclusions This study shows that each point increase on the anxiety scale is associated with a 14% increase in the odds of poor sleep among family caregivers of psychiatric patients. The relationship between anxiety level and poor sleep quality was further elevated among individuals exposed to SOI. Providing family caregivers of psychiatric patients, especially those exposed to SOI, with coping strategies and sleep hygiene training can improve their anxiety and sleep quality and assist in managing the care process.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease and accounts for 50%–75% of mortality following renal pathologies or organ transplantation. Ischemia‒reperfusion injury (IRI) involves an interrupted blood supply to organs and the kidney; IRI exacerbates AKI development. Owing to several pharmacological treatment methods, AKI still has a poor prognosis, and novel therapeutic options are needed. Agomelatine (AGM) is a melatonin receptor agonist (MT1 and MT2) with increased bioavailability and lipophilicity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects of AGM in experimental renal IRI via long‐term and short‐term applications. Sixty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups ( n = 10): the control, I/R, AGM20S, AGM40S, AGM20L, and AGM40L groups. Following the establishment of the renal IRI model, the rats received agomelatine at 20 and 40 mg/kg orally, and agomelatine solvent (hydroxyethylcellulose) was used as a vehicle. At the end of the experiment, blood samples and renal tissues were harvested for histopathological and biochemical analysis. Urea, creatinine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) levels were measured in blood serum samples. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), and total glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in renal tissue supernatants. Our biochemical results indicated that AGM reduced creatinine, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and malondialdehyde levels and increased SOD, CAT, GSHPx, and total GSH levels. Agolematine reduced infiltration, intratubular hemorrhage, and intratubular cast formation histopathologically. Our results suggest that AGM could be a potential therapeutic adjuvant agent for ischemia‒reperfusion injury in the kidney and several other organs.

The research presented here investigates the usability of trachydacitic, an unexploited material that occurred in nature, as aggregate in the construction of concrete/rigid pavements under two different curing conditions. These curing conditions are specified as 28 days 20 ± 5 ˚C water curing and combined curing including 3 days 20 ± 5 ˚C water curing + 2 days dry oven curing at 200 ± 5 ˚C. Four different combinations of trachydacitic aggregated concrete as conventional concrete (CC) and high strength concrete (HSC), with steel fiber and fiberless, were produced at different cement and water contents. Mechanical (compressive and flexural strength), durability (freeze-thaw and sorptivity) and surface abrasion properties of studied concretes were tested for each curing condition. Additionally, SEM-EDX and XRD analyses were conducted to investigate the microstructural, elemental and mineralogical changes with curing. According to the test results, the highest compressive and flexural strength were obtained from the DLPB (Trachydacitic aggregated fibrous HSC) as 75,09 MPa and 10,09 MPa respectively after the combined curing process. Moreover, the combined curing process increased the resistance of concrete to freeze-thaw and water sorptivity, while reducing its resistance to Böhme abrasion. Microstructural investigations also revealed that HSCs have a denser structure compared to conventional concretes. As a result, it was determined that the powder form of trachydacitic aggregate, unlike its coarse form, can be used in HSC road pavement construction.