Search Results (47)

The aim of this study is to detect expressions of violence against healthcare workers using natural language processing techniques. Experiments on various NLP models have shown that violent expressions can be successfully classified using textual data. The RAG-ECE model performed the best in this study with a 97.97% accuracy rate and a 97.67% F1 score. The model provided a strong balancing performance in the “no violence” class with 97.71% precision and 97.67% recall rates. In the “violence present” class, it reached 97.67% accuracy and was evaluated as a reliable classifier with both low false positive (3.92%) and low false negative (2.78%) rates. In addition to RAG-ECE, the GPT model provided a milder alternative with 96.19% accuracy and a 96.26% F1 score. The study also compared the performances of other models, such as GPT, BERT, SVM, and NB, and stated that they are considered suitable alternatives due to their low computational costs, especially in small- and medium-sized datasets. The findings of the study show that NLP-based systems offer an effective solution for the early detection and prevention of expressions of violence against healthcare workers. Full article

Sustainability in greenhouse farming, one of the areas where the most energy is needed in the agricultural sector, can be achieved by increasing energy efficiency. Due to increasing energy costs in Türkiye and worldwide, increasing energy efficiency in greenhouses is seen as possible using renewable energy sources that do not produce waste instead of fossil energy sources. This study determined the heat-energy demand in the provinces of Türkiye with continental (Kırşehir and Kütahya) and Mediterranean (Antalya and Mersin) climates. For this purpose, the heat-energy requirement was calculated for greenhouse types with three different insulation properties (S-1: roof and side walls polyethylene, S-2: roof polyethylene, side walls polycarbonate, and S-3: roof polyethylene, side walls polycarbonate, and thermal curtain). Then, the amount and cost of fossil (coal, fuel oil, and natural gas) and renewable energy sources (geothermal and biogas) to be used in obtaining this energy, the heating cost for unit tomato yield, and the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere were compared. According to the results obtained, the highest heat-energy requirement was 356.5 kWh m⁻² year⁻¹ in the S-1 greenhouse in the Kütahya province, and the lowest was 46.3 kWh m⁻² year⁻¹ in the S-3 greenhouse in the Mersin province. Depending on energy conservation, 6% of energy savings can be achieved in S-2 and 29% in S-3 compared to S-1. The highest heating cost for producing one kilogram of tomatoes was 0.70 USD kg⁻¹ in fuel oil and Kütahya province (S-1). The lowest was calculated as 0.06 USD kg⁻¹ in geothermally heated greenhouses in Kırşehir and Kütahya provinces (S-3). The highest CO₂ to be released into the atmosphere with fuels was equal to 253.1 kg m⁻² year⁻¹ in coal fuel in Kütahya province (S-1). The lowest was calculated as 1.1 kg m⁻² year⁻¹ in geothermally heated greenhouses in Kırşehir and Kütahya provinces (S-3). The results of this research can be used to develop feasibility studies for greenhouse companies, greenhouse sector policies, policymakers, environmental protection, and taking precautions against the climate crisis. Full article

The use of essential oils from certain herbal plants offers a promising alternative to synthetic insecticides for controlling the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), a major pest that causes significant damage to stored grains. Essential oils, particularly from aromatic herbs in the Apiaceae family, are widely used in medicinal, cosmetic, and food industries and provided insecticidal properties to mitigate the environmental and health hazards associated with synthetic insecticides. This research aimed to investigate the insecticidal and repellent effects of Apium graveolens L. (celery) seed essential oil against S. zeamais. Chemical analysis of the commercially produced essential oil from A. graveolens seeds was conducted using a gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer (GC-MS), and the biological activity of the essential oil was determined by ingestion, contact, fumigation, and repellent tests. The analysis identified D-limonene (64.21%) and α-humulene (17.46%) as primary components of the oil. Toxicity assays revealed an observable contact toxicity, with higher concentrations and prolonged exposure increasing its effectiveness. The contact toxicity assays reported an LC₅₀ of 19.83 nL/adult after 72 h. Additionally, the essential oil displayed repellent effects, effectively deterring weevils at concentrations above 16 µL/L air, but its feeding deterrence was weak. The essential oil’s strong insecticidal and repellent properties, which were concentration- and time-dependent, highlighted its potential as a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides for integrated pest management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gundelia tournefortii (Kenger) is a traditional medicinal plant and exhibits potential anticancer properties. This study investigates the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of its water extract on human lung carcinoma A549 cells. Methods: A lung cancer cell line was treated with Gundelia tournefortii extract. The metabolic content of the extract that plays key roles in anticancer was detected by high-performance liquid chromatography. Anticancer properties were further detected by a flow cytometer apoptosis assay, and signaling pathways were determined by a PCR array through hub gene expression alteration. Gene enrichment analysis and network pharmacology correlated metabolites and pathways that were involved in anticancer effects. Results: The metabolite content of G. tournefortii was analyzed, and gallic acid, clorogenic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, epicatechin, p-coumaric acid, salicylic acid, apigenin 7 glucoside, and cinnamic acid were detected as key compounds. Lung cancer cell line A549 was treated with the extract at increasing concentrations for 24, 48, and 72 h, and its effects on cell viability were determined by MTT analysis. A statistically significant difference was observed for IC₅₀ concentrations depending on incubation times. It was also observed that the G. tournefortii water extract significantly increased apoptosis in A549 cells in comparison with the control group. G. tournefortii extract’s effect on lung cancer cell line was measured using the signal pathway PCR array gene set. Gene enrichment analysis of the array expression data confirmed activation of apoptosis-related pathways, particularly the upregulation of BAX and downregulation of HSP90. Conclusions: These findings suggest that G. tournefortii metabolites provide promising selective anticancer drug candidates and potential drug templates to prevent side effects and resistance of current clinical drug treatments. Full article

In this study, porous biochar (PvBC) was obtained by the pyrolysis of bean (phaseolus vulgaris) plant at 600 °C, and then activated biochar (PvBCZn) was synthesized by ZnCl₂ activation at an equal biomass ratio (1.0:1.0). Some analytical techniques (SEM-EDX (scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), TGA/DTA (Thermogravimetric/Differential Thermal Analysis), BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and XRD (X-ray diffraction)) were used to characterize both PvBC and PvBCZn. In addition, their antibiotic sensitivity, water solubility, moisture content and swelling behavior were investigated in detail. Furthermore, both PvBC and PvBCZn were used for the adsorption of primamycin la, an anti-inflammatory drug used in veterinary medicine whose active ingredient is oxytetracycline, in a milk sample. The effect of both pH and adsorbent dosage on the adsorption capacity was investigated. Based on adsorption studies, while the maximum adsorption capacity (q_max) of PvBCZn was found to be 188.48 mg/g, that of PvBC was found to be 122.49 mg/g. According to these results, PvBCZn is an excellent adsorbent for the removal of primamycin la from milk samples. The Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model were more suitable to describe the adsorption behavior of primamycin la. The PvBCZn adsorbent exhibited rapid removal exceeding 75% in the first 20 min and reached equilibrium after about 50 min. In addition, studies on the desorption and reusability of PvBCZn were carried out under the same optimum experimental conditions. The q_max value of PvBCZn was found to be 171.40 mg/g even in the fifth cycle, confirming the idea that it is a potential adsorbent for the removal of primamycin la. At the same time, the antimicrobial activity of PvBCZn against Escherichia coli bacteria increases its potential to be used in both purification systems and hygiene products. Full article

This study investigates the optimization of boron coating parameters for medium-carbon steels, specifically AISI 1137, and their subsequent effects on mechanical properties, which are crucial for industrial applications. Despite extensive research on boronizing processes, an understanding of the optimal conditions that enhance wear resistance and hardness while maintaining structural integrity is still lacking. To address this gap, we systematically examined the impact of boronizing temperatures (850 °C and 950 °C) and durations (2, 4, and 8 h) on the structural and mechanical properties of AISI 1137 steel. Our findings indicate the need for improved surface properties in medium-carbon steels used in demanding environments, such as automotive and machinery components. The boronizing process was carried out using Ekabor 1 powder, with characterization performed through optical microscopy, pin-on-disk wear tests, and Vickers hardness analysis. Results showed that the thickness of the boronized layer ranged from 50.6 μm to 64.8 μm, with wear resistance increasing by 1.8 to 3.9 times at 950 °C compared to at 850 °C. The measured hardness of the boronized surface layers varied between 1963.7 HV and 219.3 HV, decreasing from the boronized layer toward the base material. The optimal parameters for wear resistance and hardness were found to be a temperature of 950 °C and a duration of 8 h, facilitating the formation of FeB and Fe₂B phases, which significantly enhanced the steel’s mechanical properties. This research provides valuable insights into the boronizing process and establishes a foundation for the optimizing of surface treatments to extend the lifespan and performance of medium-carbon steels in industrial use. Full article

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the MRF gene family members and slaughter characteristics in Saanen kids with varying slaughter weights. Twenty male kids of the Turkish Saanen breed were individually fattened for 60 days after weaning under an intensive management system. The kids were divided into two groups: low slaughter weight (L; n = 11; ≤29 kg) and high slaughter weight (H; n = 13; >29) at the end of the fattening. After slaughter, muscle samples from Longissimus-dorsi (LD) and Semitendinosus (ST) muscles were obtained. Carcass characteristics were higher in H than in L kids (p < 0.05). Myogenic Factor 5 gene expression level in the LD muscle of H kids was higher (p < 0.05) than that of L kids. A similar trend was observed regarding Myogenic Factor 6 and Myoblast Determination Factor gene expression levels in the LD muscle (p < 0.05). Also, the Myogenin gene expression level of H kids was higher than that of L kids in both muscles (p < 0.05). There were positive correlations among the slaughter weight, carcass characteristics, and some MRF gene expression levels in both muscles (p < 0.05) that the higher gene expression increases the weight and affects the carcass characteristics. The study results suggest that the difference in slaughter weight at the end of fattening in Saanen kids may be due to the expression level of myogenic regulatory factor (MRF) genes. Fattening performance and MRF genes may have a positive correlation. Full article

Radio frequency (RF) fingerprinting is regarded as a promising solution to improve wireless security, especially in applications where resource-limited devices are employed. Unlike steady-state signals, such as preambles or data, the use of short-duration transient signals for RF fingerprinting offers distinct advantages for systems with low latency and low complexity requirements. One of the challenges associated with transient-based methods in practice is achieving high performance while utilizing low-cost receivers. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that the performance of transient-based RF fingerprinting can be enhanced by designing the filter chain in a software defined radio (SDR) receiver, taking into account the relevant signal characteristics. The performance analysis is conducted using transient-based identification signals captured by the SDR receiver, focusing on the sampling rate and duration of the identification signal. In the experiments, signals collected from twenty IEEE 802.11 transmitters are used. Experimental results indicate that so long as the receiver filter parameters and the duration of the identification signal are properly determined, a high classification performance exceeding 92% can be achieved for transient-based RF fingerprinting, even at sampling rates approaching the Nyquist limit. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between psychiatric disorders and herpes zoster (HZ). Emergency and outpatient admissions to Kırşehir Education and Research Hospital between 2019 and 2023 were examined. Psychiatric disorders are known in the literature as one of the factors that weaken the immune system, thereby increasing the risk of infection. Methods: In our study, the past diagnoses and sociodemographic data of all individuals over the age of 18 who applied to the Kırşehir Education and Research Hospital between 2019 and 2023 were obtained from hospital system records. Patients receiving immunosuppressive treatment or those with diseases that could affect immune system function were excluded from the study. The sample was divided into two groups: those with and without psychiatric disorders diagnosed with HZ. Sociodemographic features, change of HZ frequency over the years, and differences among psychiatric diagnosis subgroups were examined between the groups. Results: Individuals with psychiatric diseases had a significantly higher frequency of HZ compared to those without psychiatric diseases (0.0040% vs. 0.0016%, p < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the frequency of HZ among different types of psychiatric disorders (p = 0.60). Additionally, no statistically significant difference was found in the median age between the groups (p = 0.11). In terms of gender distribution, it was determined that women were more frequently diagnosed with HZ compared to men. Conclusions: The frequency of HZ was found to be higher in individuals with psychiatric disorders. However, further research is needed to explore the association between specific psychiatric diagnoses and HZ frequency. Full article

The objective of this study was to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven model for the detection of helmet usage among workers in tractor and agricultural machinery factories with the aim of enhancing occupational safety. A transfer learning approach was employed, utilizing nine pre-trained neural networks for the extraction of deep features. The following neural networks were employed: MobileNetV2, ResNet50, DarkNet53, AlexNet, ShuffleNet, DenseNet201, InceptionV3, Inception-ResNetV2, and GoogLeNet. Subsequently, the extracted features were subjected to iterative neighborhood component analysis (INCA) for feature selection, after which they were classified using the k-nearest neighbor (kNN) algorithm. The classification outputs of all networks were combined through iterative majority voting (IMV) to achieve optimal results. To evaluate the model, an image dataset comprising 662 images of individuals wearing helmets and 722 images of individuals without helmets sourced from the internet was constructed. The proposed model achieved an accuracy of 90.39%, with DenseNet201 producing the most accurate results. This AI-driven helmet detection model demonstrates significant potential in improving occupational safety by assisting safety officers, especially in confined environments, reducing human error, and enhancing efficiency. Full article

The jaspers located in the Topçam Mountain, Tepeyurt region (Tokat, Turkey), were formed at green-colored metavolcanic levels within Permian–Triassic schists. The sizes of the jaspers generally vary from a few cm to 1.5 m, and their colors vary from grayish–reddish–brownish/blackish tones depending on the increase in the amount of Fe and Mn elements they contain. According to thin section and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis examinations, it was determined that the composition of jaspers includes quartz, hematite, calcite, and pyrite. As stated by the Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) analysis results, it was observed that the amount of SiO₂ in jaspers was 82.5%, and the amount of Fe₂O₃ was 15.5%. According to Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis results, Fe and Mn impurities, which are thought to cause the color of jaspers, as well as the amount of Fe (6975.5 ppm–46,893.9 ppm–96,431.1 ppm) and the amount of Mn (935.9–3219.7–6040.4 ppm), caused a darkening in color tones (grayish–reddish–brownish/blackish). Cabochon cutting applications were made of jaspers taken from the study area. As a result of these applications, it has been determined that jaspers can be used as gemstones due to their properties, such as their workability, polish retention, and color and light reflection. Full article

A comprehensive ethnobotanical study was carried out in the province of Kırsehir, in the Central Anatolia region. The result of that study is this publication containing information about the main traditional folk medicine, wild food plants, and other plant uses in the area. Our goal was to collect, identify, and provide information about plants traditionally used by the local population. This inquiry focused on the plant specimens obtained during field work. Data were gathered through open and semi-structured interviews conducted with local individuals, and use report (UR) values were computed. A total of 79 taxa of plants used in folk medicine, belonging to 33 families, were identified in this study. Of these, 67 taxa were wild and 12 were cultivated. The most common families were Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Rosaceae. Based on the results of this study, 77 taxa with ethnobotanical uses were recorded. The plants were used as folk medicine (45 taxa), as food (46 taxa), and for other purposes (34 taxa). This study determined that plants are still traditionally used in the region. Full article

This study was conducted to determine the irrigation water demand due to solar radiation in high-tech greenhouses using hydroponic systems in Turkey’s Mediterranean and continental climates, and to determine the annual water consumption and storage capacity with harvested rainwater. Intensive greenhouse cultivation and the recent increase in modern greenhouse cultivation were important factors in selecting the provinces for the study. The chosen provinces were Antalya and Adana, with a Mediterranean climate, and Afyonkarahisar and Kırşehir, with a continental climate. In this research, depending on the production period, the amount of water consumed per unit of area in greenhouses in Antalya, which has a Mediterranean climate, was determined to be 1173.52 L m⁻² per yr⁻¹, and in Adana, it was 1109.18 L m⁻² per yr⁻¹. In the provinces of Afyonkarahisar and Kırşehir, where a continental climate prevails, water consumption was calculated to be 1479.11 L m⁻² per yr⁻¹ and 1370.77 L m⁻² per yr⁻¹, respectively. Storage volumes for the provinces of Antalya, Adana, Afyonkarahisar and Kırşehir were found to be 438.39 L m⁻², 122.71 L m⁻², 42.12 L m⁻² and 43.65 L m⁻², respectively. For the provinces of Antalya, Adana, Afyonkarahisar and Kırşehir, the rates of rainwater harvesting and meeting plants’ water consumption were calculated to be 80.79%, 54.27%, 27.47% and 25.16%, respectively. In addition, the amount of water fee savings that could be achieved by rainwater harvesting was calculated to be USD 901.3 per yr⁻¹ for Antalya, USD 835.3 per yr⁻¹ for Adana, USD 247.6 per yr⁻¹ for Afyonkarahisar and USD 210.2 per yr⁻¹ for Kırşehir. As a result, rainwater harvesting will not only provide economic gain to enterprises but will also be important in reducing the negative effects of irregular rainfall regimes caused by climate change on underground and surface water resources. It was also concluded that enterprises should focus on popularizing rainwater harvesting. Full article

This study explores the use of essential oils from cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton) and galangal (Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd) as alternatives to synthetic insecticides for controlling the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). The chemical compositions of these oils were analyzed using GC-MS, and their fumigation effects were tested in a vapor-phase bioassay. The experiment followed a factorial design with four types of essential oils, namely, those manually extracted from cardamom leaves (MCL) and galangal leaves (MGL) and those commercially produced from cardamom seeds (CCS) and galangal rhizomes (CGR), at seven concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 µL/L air). The manually extracted oils yielded 0.6% from cardamom leaves and 0.25% from galangal leaves. MCL contained 28 components, with eucalyptol (25.2%) being the most abundant, while CCS had 34 components, primarily α-terpinyl acetate (46.1%) and eucalyptol (31.2%). MGL included 25 components, mainly caryophyllene (28.7%) and aciphyllene (18.3%), whereas CGR comprised 27 components, with methyl cis-cinnamate (47.3%) and safrole (19.8%) as the major constituents. The fumigation bioassay results revealed that CGR was the most effective, demonstrating the highest mortality rates of T. castaneum across all the tested periods and concentrations, achieving up to 96% mortality at 168 h with a concentration of 300 µL/L air. Statistical analyses showed significant differences in mortality based on the type and concentration of essential oil, particularly after 96 h. These findings highlight the potential of CGR, with its advantages and differences in chemical composition, as an effective biopesticide against T. castaneum, with increasing efficacy over time and at higher concentrations. Full article

The purpose of this study is to determine the performances of luffa and greenhouse shading netting (which can be used as alternatives to commercial cellulose pads, that are popular for cooling greenhouses), the contribution of external shading to the evaporative cooling performance, and the energy consumption of the direct evaporative cooler. In this experiment, eight different applications were evaluated: natural ventilation (NV), natural ventilation combined with external shading net (NV + ESN), cellulose pad (CP), cellulose pad combined with external shading net (CP + ESN), luffa pad (LP), luffa pad combined with external shading net (LP + ESN), shading net pad (SNP), and shading net pad combined with external shading net (SNP + ESN). The cooling efficiencies of CP, CP + ESN, LP, LP + ESN, SNP, and SNP + ESN were found to be 37.6%, 45.0%, 38.9%, 41.2%, 24.4%, 29.1%, respectively. Moreover, their cooling capacities were 2.6 kW, 3.0 kW, 2.8 kW, 3.0 kW, 1.7 kW, 2.0 kW, respectively. The system water consumption values were 2.9, 3.1, 2.8, 3.2, 2.4, 2.4 l h⁻¹, respectively. The performance coefficients of the system were determined to be 10.2, 12.1, 11.3, 11.9, 6.6, 7.8. The system’s electricity consumption per unit area was 0.15 kWh m⁻². As a result of the study, it was determined that commercially used cellulose pads have advantages over luffa and shading net materials. However, luffa pads can be a good alternative to cellulose pads, considering their local availability, initial cost, cooling efficiency, and capacity. Full article