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Acute Music-Frequency Exposure Modulates Salivary Stress and Neurotrophic Markers in Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
(Wiley, 2026) Bozok, Ummu Gulsen; Ozcan, Gulbahar Boyuk; Bayraktar, Bulent; Ozen, Dogukan
Background: The exam period is a period full of intense stress and anxiety that deeply affects cognitive and physiological responses for university students. Listening to music has the potential to protect cellular health and alleviate the negative effects of stress by affecting individuals' mood, and cognitive functions. This study aimed to investigate the differential effects of 528 and 432 Hz music frequencies on salivary BDNF, CREB, and GRP78 levels in young adults, along with their association with cognitive performance under exam-related stress. Methods: A total of 162 healthy university students were randomly assigned to three groups: no music (control), 528 Hz instrumental music, and 432 Hz instrumental music. Participants listened to music for 20 min, after which saliva samples were collected and analyzed for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) levels using ELISA. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Stroop word-color test administered by medical doctor. Results: Exposure to 528 Hz music significantly increased salivary BDNF (3.84 [2.76-4.13]) and CREB levels (1.5 [1.38-1.59]) compared to control (p < 0.05), whereas GRP78 levels were elevated in the 432 Hz group (0.51 [0.47-0.58]) (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between groups in Stroop test performance. Conclusion: These findings suggest that specific music frequencies elicit distinct biological responses under exam-related stress, even in the absence of immediate cognitive performance differences. Salivary neurotrophic and stress-related biomarkers may offer valuable non-invasive insights into music's neuromodulatory effects.
A NIKOM-Based Conceptual Framework for Spiritual Counseling Services in Turkey: Toward an Intervention Model
(Springer, 2026) Cinici, Murat
Spiritual counseling has expanded rapidly in Turkiye over the past two decades. Hospitals, prisons, family guidance offices, eldercare facilities, disaster-response systems, and addiction recovery programs now host spiritual counselors as part of routine care. The methodological foundation of these services, however, remains underdeveloped. Using a conceptual review and theoretical integration approach, this article proposes-but does not empirically test-a framework that links spiritual counseling practice in Turkiye to the Intention Code Model (NIKOM), a recently formulated cognitive model that conceptualizes mental life through if-then schemas (codes), their activation, and their alignment with bodily systems. The article reviews the institutional landscape of spiritual counseling in Turkiye, situates NIKOM among adjacent cognitive models, and shows how core Islamic concepts-tawakkul, sabr, shukr, tawba, and dhikr-can be interpreted as functions relevant to counseling practice. A standardized five-stage intervention template is proposed and applied to six service domains. The article closes by offering five testable propositions, considering ethical limits, and articulating concrete referral criteria. The proposed framework is theoretically grounded and empirically testable; clinical efficacy is not claimed.
Multi-Pathway Renoprotection by Betanin Against Docetaxel Nephrotoxicity: Modulation of Inflammation, ER Stress, Apoptosis, and Ferroptosis
(Wiley, 2026) Celbek, Busra Suzen; Akaras, Nurhan; Simsek, Hasan; Mutlu, Huseyin; Kizil, Hamit Emre; Kandemir, Ozge; Kandemir, Fatih Mehmet
Docetaxel (DTX), a cornerstone chemotherapeutic agent, has its clinical utility significantly limited by dose-dependent nephrotoxicity. This study investigated the multi-pathway renoprotective mechanisms of betanin (BTN), a natural antioxidant derived from beetroot, against DTX-induced kidney injury. Male Wistar rats received DTX (30 mg/kg, i.p., single dose) with or without BTN (100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 7 days. DTX induced severe renal dysfunction with elevated serum urea and creatinine, and significant oxidative stress characterized by increased MDA and decreased GSH, GPx, SOD, and CAT. Molecular analysis demonstrated widespread upregulation of pro-inflammatory (NF-kappa B, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta), endoplasmic reticulum stress (PERK, ATF6), pro-apoptotic (Caspase-3, Bax, Apaf-1), and pro-ferroptotic (PTGS2, TfR1) mediators, with concurrent downregulation of protective Bcl-2 and GPx4. Histopathological examination revealed extensive tubular injury, while immunohistochemical analysis showed markedly increased kidney injury marker KIM-1 and decreased aquaporin-1 expression. Remarkably, BTN co-administration significantly attenuated all biochemical, molecular, and structural derangements, restored tissue architecture, and normalized KIM-1 and AQP-1 expression. In conclusion, betanin provides robust, multi-pathway renoprotection against docetaxel-induced nephrotoxicity by concurrently targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, ER stress, apoptosis, and ferroptosis.
Production of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid by Levilactobacillus brevis AK19B: Strain Characterization and Process Optimization Using Box-Behnken Design
(Springer, 2026) Memis, Habibe; Kamiloglu, Aybike
Levilactobacillus brevis AK19B strain demonstrated promising probiotic potential as a hydrophilic lactic acid bacterium with valuable phytase activity. It also exhibited strong antioxidant properties and maintained viability in bile salt-rich environments, suggesting robustness in gastrointestinal conditions. To maximize gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production, a Box-Behnken design was applied to assess the effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) concentration, NaCl concentration, pH, and temperature. The results showed that these factors significantly influenced GABA synthesis, with their interactions well-modeled by a quadratic response surface. Optimal conditions were identified as pH 5.136, MSG concentration of 297 mM, temperature at 26 degrees C, and NaCl concentration of 2.82%, under which the predicted GABA production reached 43.85 mg/mL. These findings highlight AK19B as a promising candidate for functional food applications and industrial GABA biosynthesis.
The association of psychological need dissatisfaction with problematic digital gaming: Mediating roles of EPOCH well-being and resilience in adolescents
(Elsevier, 2026) Yayla, Ibrahim Erdogan; Makas, Samet; Gomez-Salgado, Juan; Bayrakci, Cansu; Dombak, Kubra; Celik, Eyup; Yildirim, Murat
Drawing on self-determination theory, this study examines how EPOCH well-being and resilience mediate the relationship between dissatisfaction with psychological needs and problematic digital gaming. Data were collected via questionnaires from 647 adolescents aged 13-19 (M = 15.80, SD = 1.10), 55.8% of whom were girls, using a convenience sampling method. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the proposed hypotheses. Results indicate a significant positive association between dissatisfaction with psychological needs and problematic digital gaming. Moreover, both EPOCH well-being and resilience were found to mediate this relationship. By highlighting the role of psychological resources in adolescence, this study makes novel theoretical and practical contributions to understanding the associations between psychological need dissatisfaction and problematic digital gaming. This is a cross-sectional study, which limits the generalization of the research results. The participants are adolescents attending middle schools in some rural areas of T & uuml;rkiye, which limits the generalizability of the research results to adolescents in other parts of T & uuml;rkiye and the world. Additionally, research data were obtained through self-report scales. This may lead adolescents to respond in line with their developmental perceptions of social desirability.
Writing autonomy in digital environments: Comparison of middle school students' writing autonomy perceptions in print and digital environments
(Elsevier, 2026) Maden, Asli; Maden, Sedat; Onal, Aydin
Writing autonomy is a key goal in writing education, as it supports the development of independent, motivated, and confident writers. It plays a crucial role in increasing students' engagement, fostering positive attitudes toward writing, and alleviating writing-related anxiety. In this context, examining how different writing environments -print and digital- affect writing autonomy can provide valuable insights for improving writing instruction. This study, designed using a relational survey model, investigated the relationship between writing environments and writing autonomy among 301 middle school students from grades 5 through 8. Data were collected using the Writing Autonomy Scale (Teks & cedil; an & S & uuml;g & uuml;ml & uuml;, 2018) and a researcher-developed Personal Information Form. The study was designed according to the relational survey model, a quantitative research method. The following statistical analyses were employed in the data analysis: arithmetic mean, t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analysis. The results showed no significant difference in students' levels of writing autonomy between print and digital environments. In both settings, students demonstrated a moderate level of autonomy that was comparable. Additionally, writing habits were not found to significantly influence autonomy in either environment. However, a positive correlation was identified between students' writing autonomy in print and digital contexts, suggesting consistency in their autonomous writing behaviors across formats. Based on these findings, the study recommends the effective integration of both print and digital tools in writing education to further support the development of students' writing autonomy.
Evening chronotype and highly processed food consumption: The mediating role of intuitive eating
(Academic Press Ltd- Elsevier Science Ltd, 2026) Esgin, Ozge; Unal, Gokce
This study examined associations among chronotype, intuitive eating, and highly processed food (HPF) consumption and evaluated the mediating role of intuitive eating, with sex as a potential moderator. This cross-sectional study, conducted via an online survey in T & uuml;rkiye from October 2025 to January 2026, included 610 adults. Participants completed the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2), and the Screening Questionnaire of HPF Consumption. The IES-2 comprises four dimensions: unconditional permission to eat (UPE), eating for physical rather than emotional reasons (EPR), reliance on hunger and satiety cues, and body-food choice congruence (B-FCC). Among participants, 20.3% had an evening chronotype, and 68% reported high HPF consumption. Eveningness was associated with higher UPE (beta = 0.219, p = 0.002) and EPR (beta = 0.148, p = 0.032) and lower B-FCC (beta = -0.225, p = 0.002); however, a sex difference emerged only for EPR, with a weaker association in women (beta = -0.155, p = 0.029). Lower MEQ scores were significantly associated with higher HPF consumption (beta = -0.212, p < 0.001), with no significant sex differences. All analyses were adjusted for age and body mass index. Mediation analyses indicated that UPE (indirect effect: -0.013 for women; -0.022 for men) and B-FCC (-0.006 for women; -0.013 for men) had significant indirect effects linking chronotype to HPF consumption, with no moderating effect of sex. These findings suggest that intuitive eating mechanisms may partly explain the association between evening chronotype and higher HPF consumption.
Optimization of extraction conditions of Micromeria fruticosa and use of optimized extract in beef patties production
(Springernature, 2026) Anlar Daldal, Pinar; Cinar Topcu, Kubra; Cakir, Ozlem
This study aimed to optimize the conditions for obtaining an ethanol extract from Micromeria fruticosa (M. fruticosa) and to determine the antioxidant activity and phenolic compound content of the resulting extract. Subsequently, the use of the optimized extract in beef patties was evaluated, and the effects of the cooking process on the physicochemical properties of the product were examined. In this context, the highest efficiency was obtained in terms of total phenolic contents (TPC), as well as DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values, during the ethanol extraction of the plant. The optimum extraction conditions were determined to be 12 g of sample, 20 min, and 75% ultrasonic power. Under these conditions, the TPC of the extract was found to be 37.128 mg GAE/g dry weight, the DPPH value was 42.865, and the FRAP value was 254.776 mg TE/g dry weight. In the second phase of the study, the optimized extract was used at different concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) to produce beef patties, which were then analyzed for pH, moisture content, TBARS (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances), and cooking yield. The use of the extract did not cause a statistically significant difference in the moisture content and TBARS values of the samples (p > 0.05). However, it was determined that the pH values of the samples containing 0% and 0.5% extract were lower than those containing 1.0% and 1.5% extract (p < 0.01). In addition, it was observed that the use of the extract had a positive effect on cooking yield, and that cooking yield increased with increasing extract concentration. As a result of the study, it was concluded that M. fruticosa holds promising potential as a natural additive in meat and meat products, offering a functional ingredient that can contribute to the development of value-added, health-oriented food products.
A natural nephroprotective adjuvant for cancer chemotherapy: Rosmarinic acid disrupts IL-17 A-Ferroptosis coupling in Ifosfamide-induced renal injury
(Humana Press Inc, 2026) Suzen Celbek, Busra; Simsek, Hasan; Akaras, Nurhan; Kandemir, Ozge; Kizil, Hamit Emre; Mutlu, Huseyin; Kandemir, Fatih Mehmet
Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural polyphenol with established pleiotropic protective effects. Ifosfamide (IFA) is a potent antineoplastic agent whose clinical utility is severely limited by dose-dependent nephrotoxicity, primarily mediated by its metabolite, chloroacetaldehyde (CAA). This study aimed to investigate whether RA protects against IFA-induced nephrotoxicity and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Male Wistar albino rats (n = 7 per group) were allocated into four groups: Control, RA-only (50 mg/kg, p.o., 2 days), IFA-only (a single 500 mg/kg, i.p. dose), and IFA + RA. Serum biochemical markers (urea, creatinine), renal oxidative stress parameters (MDA, GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx), gene expression levels (NF-kappa B, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-17 A, ACT1, TRAF6, Caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, PTGS2, GPX4, TfR1), and histopathological/immunohistochemical analyses (KIM-1, Nephrin, Caspase-3) were performed 24 h post-administration. IFA induced severe renal dysfunction, marked oxidative stress, and extensive histopathological damage. Mechanistically, IFA initiated a pathogenic cascade activating intrinsic apoptosis and ferroptosis, driven by a self-sustaining IL-17 A-TRAF6-NF-kappa B inflammatory loop. RA co-treatment (50 mg/kg) significantly reversed all functional, biochemical, and histological damage by strategically breaking this crosstalk, restoring redox homeostasis, and simultaneously restraining both cell death programs. In conclusion, RA protects against IFA nephrotoxicity by targeting the critical inflammation-ferroptosis coupling, positioning it as a highly promising adjuvant candidate for clinical use to mitigate IFA-induced renal injury.
Examining the relationships between artificial intelligence literacy, AI-TPACK, job satisfaction, and well-being among teachers through structural equation modeling
(Elsevier, 2026) Kayali, Bunyami; Balat, Sener; Yavuz, Mehmet
This study explores the relationships between teachers' artificial intelligence literacy (AIL), AI-TPACK competencies, job satisfaction, and well-being. Survey data from 350 in-service teachers were analyzed using PLS-SEM to examine how AI-related competencies are associated with professional and psychological outcomes. The findings reveal that AIL strongly predicts AI-specific knowledge, especially AI-TCK, AI-TK, AI-TPCK, and AI-TPK, with a moderate influence on traditional pedagogical knowledge. At the job satisfaction level, AI-TCK and general pedagogical knowledge are positively associated with satisfaction, while AI-TK has a negative relationship. Mediation analyses show that AI competencies influence well-being through job satisfaction. AI-TCK and pedagogical knowledge are positively associated with well-being indirectly through job satisfaction, whereas AI-TK shows a negative indirect association along the same pathway. The study suggests that AI-related competencies are linked to teachers' work-life outcomes, and highlights job satisfaction as the key mediator between AI competence and well-being. Because the design is cross-sectional and self-reported, these relationships are interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. The study advocates for integrating AI in ways that support pedagogical development rather than just technical skills.
Perceived burdensomeness and happiness in cohabiting older adults: The serial mediating roles of mental well-being and loneliness
(Mosby-Elsevier, 2026) Akeren, Zahide; Akeren, Ihsan; Kalyoncuo, Servet
Background: Aging-related changes and increased dependence on family members may negatively affect older adults' psychological well-being. Perceived burdensomeness refers to the belief that one is a burden on others and has been associated with lower happiness, reduced mental well-being, and greater loneliness. Among adults living with their families, mental well-being and loneliness may explain how perceived burdensomeness relates to happiness in later life. Purpose: This study examined the associations between perceived burdensomeness and happiness among older adults living with their families and evaluated the serial mediating roles of mental well-being and loneliness. Methods: This cross-sectional study included individuals aged >= 65 years residing with family members in a city in Turkey's Eastern Black Sea region. Data were collected from 273 older adults; after preliminary screening, 7 cases were excluded, resulting in a final analytic sample of N = 266. Measures included the Geriatric Feelings of Burdensomeness Scale, WHO-5, the Happiness Scale, and the Loneliness Scale for the Elderly. Serial mediation was tested using a regression-based approach with bootstrap confidence intervals. Results: Perceived burdensomeness was associated with lower mental well-being and higher loneliness. The total association between burdensomeness and happiness was negative (beta=-0.467), and more than twothirds of this association operated indirectly through mental well-being and loneliness. Conclusion and Implications: Perceived burdensomeness was associated with lower happiness among older adults living with their families, primarily through reduced mental well-being and increased loneliness. In geriatric nursing and primary care, routinely assessing these psychosocial factors and implementing familycentered and social support-oriented interventions may help improve happiness. (c) 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Effects of a puppet-assisted house-tree-person test on fear and anxiety in children receiving chemotherapy and associated influencing factors: A projective, quasi-experimental study
(Elsevier Science Inc, 2026) Kahriman, Ilknur; Goger, Berrin; Aksoy, Bahar; Kirba, Zila Ozlem; Kandaz, Ufuk; Boran, Serpil
Objectives: This study investigated the effect of the puppet-assisted House-Tree-Person Test (HTP-T) on fear and anxiety levels in children undergoing chemotherapy treatment and the factors influencing these outcomes. Methods: The study employed a one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design combined with HTP-T analysis. The study was conducted with 29 children aged 5-12 years receiving chemotherapy at the pediatric hematology-oncology outpatient clinics of a university hospital in the Eastern Black Sea Region of T & uuml;rkiye during the 2022-2024 years. Data were collected using "the Demographic Information Form for Children and Parents, the Children's State Anxiety Scale (CSA), the Children's Fear Scale (CFS), and HTP-T". Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, repeated measures ANOVA, and HTP-T analysis. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in children's mean CSA (F = 3.898, p = 0.026, eta 2 = 0.122) and CFS (F = 5.313, p = 0.008, eta 2 = 0.159) scores across the pre-treatment, during-treatment, and post-treatment measurements. The HTP-T analysis revealed that children had difficulty regulating anxiety and fear, expressed concerns about family and environmental events, reported feelings of loneliness, and exhibited strong emotional attachment to their families. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that incorporating puppet-assisted HTP-T during chemotherapy contributed to reducing children's fear and anxiety and offered a useful approach for identifying influencing factors. Implications for nursing practice: HTP-T, a therapeutic play technique incorporating puppetry and projective methods, may be effective in reducing fear and anxiety among children undergoing chemotherapy. (c) 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Subacute ivermectin-induced affective dysregulation: Evidence for hippocampal microglial and astrocytic activation
(Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2026) Eser, Mustafa; Yazic, Cevsen; Kandemir, Ummuhan; Ucel, Umut Irfan; Bozkurt, Mehmet Fatih; Ozkay, Umide Demir; Can, Ozgur Devrim
Ivermectin (IVR) is a semi-synthetic macrocyclic lactone widely used against nematodes. Under physiological conditions, its central nervous system (CNS) penetration is limited by P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nevertheless, supratherapeutic dosing, BBB-compromising pathologies, concomitant P-glycoprotein inhibitors, or MDR1 variants can enhance CNS entry and precipitate neurotoxicity. To evaluate behavioural and neuroinflammatory sequelae of subacute exposure, rats received IVR (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg; i.p.) once daily for 21 days. Animals were assessed for motor function (activity cage, Rota-rod), affective behaviour (elevated plus maze, modified forced swim test), and cognition (Morris water maze). Assay validation employed diazepam (1 and 3 mg/kg; i.p.), desipramine (30 mg/kg; i.p.), and piracetam (200 mg/kg; i.p.), administered according to their respective protocols. IVR did not alter motor performance or spatial learning and memory across doses. However, 5 and 10 mg/kg reduced the percentage of open-arm entries and increased immobility, consistent with anxiety-and depression-like phenotypes, respectively. At 10 mg/kg, hippocampal immunohistochemistry revealed increased Iba1 and GFAP immunoreactivity within CA1, indicating microglial and astrocytic activation. Quantitative counts demonstrated no significant change in CA1 neuronal number across treatment groups, implying that the observed glial activation occurred in the absence of detectable neuronal loss. Collectively, our data indicate that subacute, high-dose IVR provokes affective behavioural alterations coupled to hippocampal neuroinflammation, while sparing gross motor function and measurable cognitive performance under the present conditions. These findings underscore caution when administering IVR at elevated doses or in settings that compromise BBB integrity and warrant further mechanistic and time-resolved investigation.
Cognitive improvement and hippocampal BDNF/GFAP alterations by Schinus molle essential oil in a rat model of scopolamine-induced amnesia
(Elsevier Ireland Ltd, 2026) Ucel, Umut Irfan; Kandemir, Ummuhan; Yazici, Cevsen; Bilgin, Oznur; Yucel, Nazli Turan; Ozek, Temel; Can, Ozgur Devrim
Ethnopharmacological relevance Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae) has been traditionally used for conditions related to the nervous system and emotional well-being, often through aromatic preparations. However, its cognition-specific effects have not yet been investigated. Aim of the study To assess the cognitive effects of the fruit-derived essential oil of Schinus molle L. (SMEO), administered via oral and inhalation routes, in a rat model of scopolamine-induced amnesia. Materials and methods SMEO was obtained by hydrodistillation and characterised by GC-MS/GC-FID. Amnesic rats received SMEO for 14 days by inhalation (1% or 3%) or oral gavage (100 or 200 mg/kg). Cognition was assessed by Morris water maze (MWM), passive avoidance (PA), and novel object recognition (NOR) tests; locomotion was measured by activity-meter. Hippocampal BDNF and GFAP immunoreactivity were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results SMEO was dominated by alpha-phellandrene (48.7%). Scopolamine impaired cognition, whereas SMEO attenuated deficits with efficacy comparable to piracetam. Key behavioural and immunohistochemical findings (main omnibus statistical effects) were as follows: In the MWM, treatment and time effects on escape latency were significant (both p < 0.001), and probe performance improved (p < 0.001). PA retention was restored (p < 0.001) and the NOR index improved (p < 0.001), without locomotor changes (all p > 0.05). Scopolamine reduced hippocampal BDNF immunoreactivity in CA1 and DG (p < 0.01) and CA3 (p < 0.001), which was restored by SMEO via both routes. GFAP immunoreactivity was reduced in CA1/CA3/DG (all p < 0.001) and was rescued selectively after inhalation. Conclusions These findings provide preclinical evidence consistent with an ethnopharmacological rationale for SMEO and support further translational work to clarify its relevance beyond this experimental paradigm.
Upcycling marble waste into construction materials and heavy metal adsorbents via hot-pressed geopolymerization technique
(Academic Press Ltd- Elsevier Science Ltd, 2026) Oksuzer, Nurullah; Uslu, Emin; Gokce, H. Suleyman
This study presents a sustainable approach to utilizing marble dust waste by producing bifunctional metakaolinbased geopolymers via a synchronized hot-pressing technique. In this study, the environmental footprint was minimized by designing mixtures in which marble waste constituted 50% of the total volume. Three stoichiometric series were investigated by varying the activator modulus (SiO2/Na2O = 3 and 4) and the Si/Al ratio (2 and 3) under two curing temperatures (150 and 300 degrees C) and three compaction stresses (5, 25, and 50 MPa). Thus, a high-volume industrial byproduct was transformed into a functional component. In this context, it investigated the transformation of industrial products into next-generation materials by using them to produce cementless composite geopolymers for civil engineering and to adsorb heavy metal (Cu2+). As a result of the research, an early compressive strength of 58 MPa was obtained through heat treatment and pressing applied at 300 degrees C and 50 MPa. This optimum strength was achieved in the SiO2/Na2O = 3, Si/Al= 3 series, whereas excess silica (SiO2/ Na2O = 4) and excess aluminum (Si/Al = 2) limited the strength to 16.8 and 35.2 MPa, respectively. Micro-structural analyses (SEM/EDS and FT-IR) revealed that marble dust was used as a filler material in the microstructure to produce an N-A-S-H-containing matrix. The produced materials were then ground after their service life and used to purify water containing heavy metals. More than 99.75% of Cu2+ was removed through ion exchange between copper ions used as heavy metals. The residual Cu2+ concentration fell below 0.25 mg/L from an initial concentration of 100 mg/L, and the released Na+-to-adsorbed Cu2+ molar ratio of approximately 1.8-2.3 confirmed an ion-exchange-dominated uptake mechanism. This structural and environmental impact demonstrates that marble waste, which is otherwise discarded as waste, is considered inert, offering an alternative model for the circular economy and environmental applications.
Assessment of malnutrition in hospitalized children: Comparison of stamp, PYMS and strong-kids screening tools
(Elsevier Science Inc, 2026) Mutlu, Elif; Kokturk, Seda Nur; Soke, Nursena Ersoy; Yardimci, Hulya
Aim: Early identification of malnutrition risk in hospitalized children is essential for timely nutritional intervention. This study aims diagnostic performance of three pediatric malnutrition screening tools validated in Turkish: STAMP, PYMS, and STRONG-Kids.\n\nMethods: In this cross-sectional study, 148 hospitalized children were included. Nutritional risk was evaluated using STAMP, PYMS, and STRONG-Kids screening tools. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and height-for-age, Body Mass Index (BMI)-for-age, and Middle Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC)-for-age z-scores were calculated. The sensitivity and specificity of each tool were assessed in identifying chronic and acute malnutrition. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the discriminative ability of the screening tools. Results: Chronic malnutrition was identified in 12.8% of patients and acute malnutrition in 15.5%. STAMP and STRONG-Kids showed the highest sensitivity for detecting chronic malnutrition (84.2% and 84.3%), while PYMS had the highest specificity. STRONG-Kids demonstrated the greatest sensitivity for acute malnutrition and low MUAC z-scores (100.0%). ROC analysis showed that PYMS had the highest Area Under the Curve (AUC) for acute malnutrition, whereas STRONG-Kids had the highest AUC for chronic malnutrition, although all tools demonstrated limited discriminative ability for chronic malnutrition.\n\nConclusion: STAMP and STRONG-Kids were more sensitive in detecting malnutrition risk, whereas PYMS showed higher specificity. Tool performance varied according to anthropometric indicators. Implications to practice: In clinical practice, selecting the screening tool according to the targeted malnutrition type and available anthropometric indicators may improve early detection and allow more effective prioritization of nutritional interventions in hospitalized children.\n\n (c) 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Enhancing salt stress tolerance in sugar beet via TiO2 nanoparticles: a machine learning approach
(Taylor & Francis Inc, 2026) Engin, Mustafa Alptekin; Sefaoglu, Firat; Gul, Volkan; Aras, Selim; Kaynar, Dilara
In this study, the biostimulant potential of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles was investigated to enhance sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) seed response to salt stress. Controlled applications were conducted at different NaCl (0-200 mM) and TiO2 (0-1,800 ppm) levels, and eight key morphological and physiological parameters were evaluated. In the first stage, the individual and interactive effects of the factors were examined using a two-way analysis of variance. Then, various machine learning-based regression models, primarily the Gradient Boosting algorithm, were used to numerically model plant responses. Based on the high-accuracy models, optimal application combinations were determined for each parameter and visualized using graphical surface analyses. Additionally, the most suitable overall TiO2 dosage for each salt level was calculated using a multi-criteria scoring system that assigned equal weight to all parameters. The results revealed that TiO2 exerts a regulatory and protective effect on plants against salt stress, with this effect varying with both dosage level and environmental stress severity. The study demonstrates that nanotechnological initiatives can be integrated into data-driven agricultural strategies to optimize stress management.
Determination of complex permittivity of a thin low-loss dielectric sample using state-space approach from waveguide measurements
(Nature Portfolio, 2026) Hasar, Ugur C.; Ali, Husain; Kaya, Yunus
An extraction procedure is proposed for relative complex permittivity () determination of thin low-loss samples positioned/deposited on a supporting substrate material using waveguide non-resonant microwave measurements. Its substrate thickness and sample thickness independence makes it unique extraction method in comparison with the available retrieval methods which are free from either substrate thickness information only or sample thickness information only. Its theoretical model is constructed on the state-transition matrix and state vector through which the link between and measured scattering (S-) parameters is established. Compared with previous works in the literature, a closed form (explicit) expression of is derived for a two-layer (sample on a substrate material) composite structure, thereby eliminating any numerical analysis or tool. Numerical analyses are implemented for validation of the proposed method as well as assessing the effect of noise and any possible air gap between the sample and its substrate. X-band ( GHz) waveguide measurements of a thinner (around 1.00 mm) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for different measurement scenarios and measurements of a thin zinc oxide film (m) were performed to evaluate the performance of the proposed extraction method against other similar methods in the literature. Our method can find applications for characterization of thin-film, radar-absorbent material coatings, anti-corrosive paints, or thermal barrier coatings where sample thickness (and substrate thickness) can vary from one sample to another from the same batch.
Network comparison methods detect temporal reorganization of psychophysiological integration invisible to conventional univariate analysis: Proof-of-concept using lunar-phase-timed measurements in elite athletes
(Taylor & Francis Inc, 2026) Yousfi, Narimen; Dhahbi, Wissem; Ghouili, Hatem; Mejri, Mohamed Arbi; Bessifi, Manel; Ceylan, Halil Ibrahim; Chamari, Karim
Field studies using conventional univariate methods fail to detect physiological rhythms (melatonin, cortisol, sleep architecture) that are consistently documented under laboratory-controlled conditions, suggesting that temporal factors operate on systemic organization rather than isolated metrics. Network analysis quantifies conditional dependencies among variables simultaneously, enabling the detection of organizational changes independent of mean-level shifts. As an exploratory proof-of-concept, this study examines whether network comparison methods detect temporal reorganization of psychophysiological integration invisible to conventional repeated-measures analysis in elite athletes; no confirmatory causal inference is drawn. Twelve elite male athletes completed psychophysiological assessments (mood states, subjective well-being, neurocognitive performance, postural control, intermittent endurance) at three lunar phases (New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon) in a counterbalanced design. Conventional repeated-measures ANOVA detected no temporal effects on isolated variables (all F < 2.87, p > 0.05, eta(2)p < 0.21). Network comparison revealed marked organizational differences: New Moon versus Full Moon networks exhibited distinct architecture (M = 0.31, padj = 0.008) and connectivity (S = 8.42, padj = 0.029). Centrality systematically redistributed from capacity and well-being constructs (New Moon: vigour z = 1.82) to recovery markers (Full Moon: stress z = 2.13). Twelve connections differed significantly, including enhanced stress-confusion coupling (Delta r = +0.39, p = 0.003). This proof-of-concept demonstrates that temporal measurements can exhibit systemic reorganization despite stable component means, resolving apparent contradictions between laboratory-detected physiological rhythms and field-based null findings. Temporal control measurements and multi-cycle replication are required to definitively attribute observed reorganization to lunar periodicity rather than generic temporal variation.
Deep Eutectic Solvents as Sustainable Media for Efficient Recovery of Phenolics From Black (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) and Red (Lycium barbarum Lam.) Goji Berries: Optimization and Functional Evaluation
(Wiley, 2026) Gercek, Yusuf Can; Kutlu, Naciye; Celik, Saffet; Bayram, Sinan; Cevik, Berke; Basturk, Fatma Nur; Bayram, Nesrin Ecem
Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been frequently preferred over the past decade as alternatives to conventional solvents for the extraction of bioactive compounds from natural products. Meanwhile, black and red goji berries are widely consumed as functional foods due to their many functional properties reported in the literature. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of different DESs in the extraction of individual phenolic compounds from goji berry (Lycium barbarum and L. ruthenicum) fruits, to determine the most suitable DES, and to optimize the extraction conditions. The DES that provided the highest yield in the extraction of individual phenolic compounds from L. barbarum was determined to be proline:citric acid (DES6 - a total of approximately 33,545 & micro;g/kg), while for L. ruthenicum it was choline chloride:acetic acid (DES3 - a total of approximately 37,496 & micro;g/kg). Rutin was the predominant phenolic compound in both species. DESs provided a higher phenolic yield compared to ethanol and water. In addition, L. ruthenicum exhibited higher total phenolics, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and antioxidant activity compared to L. barbarum. These findings reveal that DESs are a green, efficient, and sustainable alternative for the extraction of phenolic compounds from goji berries.

Güncel Gönderiler