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Consumer resistance to parcel lockers: An innovation resistance theory perspective
No full textIn response to the growing pressures on last-mile delivery infrastructure, parcel lockers have emerged as a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional home delivery. Despite T & uuml;rkiye's rapid e-commerce growth and large urban consumer base, the adoption of parcel lockers remains limited. Generation Y represents a critical segment for evaluating the adoption of such delivery innovations. This study explores the barriers affecting Generation Y consumers' behavioral intention toward parcel lockers in T & uuml;rkiye, based on Innovation Resistance Theory (IRT). Specifically, five resistance factors including usage, value, risk, tradition, and image barriers were analyzed, along with the moderating role of environmental awareness. Data were collected from 464 Turkish Generation Y consumers through an online survey, and the hypothesized model was tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results demonstrate that value, risk, and tradition barriers significantly and negatively influence behavioral intention, while usage and image barriers have no significant effect. Additionally, environmental awareness does not moderate any of the resistance-behavioral intention relationships. These findings suggest that Turkish Generation Y consumers are particularly sensitive to perceived value and risk, and their resistance to changing traditional delivery habits prevents the adoption of parcel lockers. Despite being a green solution, environmental considerations alone are insufficient to overcome existing psychological and functional barriers. The study contributes to the theoretical development of IRT by extending its application to last-mile delivery innovations and offers practical guidance for e-commerce companies, logistics providers, and policymakers to improve the visibility, accessibility, and perceived value of parcel lockers
Synthesis, antidiabetic assessment, metal chelating impacts, and computational modeling of 4-fluorophenyl sulfonyl-indole based hydrazones
No full textThe escalating global epidemic of diabetes mellitus (DM) has driven researchers and healthcare professionals to prioritize the synthesis of novel treatment strategies. We have synthesized novel N-substituted indole-based hydrazone derivatives 5(a-o) and evaluated their potential as alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and aldose reductase inhibitors with metal chelating properties. These compounds revealed remarkable inhibitory potency with IC50 values ranging from 1.67 to 179.51 nM. Additionally, the IC50 values of metal chelation for novel compounds ranged from 54.98 +/- 0.97 to 231.43 mu g/mL. Notably, these derivatives demonstrated superior efficacy to the reference inhibitors ACR and Clorgyline, highlighting their potential as groundbreaking candidates in antidiabetic drug development. Among the series, compounds 5a, 5o, and 5n emerged as the most promising. To explore the molecular basis of enzyme inhibition, a comprehensive computational strategy was employed. Molecular docking studies revealed favorable binding affinities and key interactions within the active sites of the chosen target enzymes. The reliability of docking poses was validated via redocking of co-crystallized ligands and root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) analysis. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide insights into electronic properties relevant to biological activity. Molecular dynamics simulations further validated the stability and strong binding interactions of the most promising compounds. Overall, this study combines synthetic, biological, and multi-tiered computational approaches to propose structurally optimized indolebased hydrazones as potential next-generation antidiabetic agents. Their superior pharmacological profile ranks them as potential frontrunners in the quest for next-generation antidiabetic therapeutics.Taif University, Saudi Arabia [TU-DSPP-2024-16]Funding This research was funded by Taif University, Saudi Arabia, project No (TU-DSPP-2024-16
Observation of self-healing and blue response enhancement in c-Si solar cells exposed to electron irradiation
No full textThe effects of electron irradiation on the performance of mono-crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells were investigated by examining various electron doses, ranging from 225 to 900 Gy, with an energy of 8 MeV. The study focused on dose-dependent degradation in cell behavior resulting from irradiation. Detailed analysis was conducted through dark and illuminated current-voltage (I-V) measurements, external quantum efficiency (EQE) measurements, capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements, and conductance-voltage (G/omega-V) measurements. The observed degradations were thoroughly analyzed, quantified, and discussed by comparing the results obtained from complementary electrical and optical characterizations of the cells before and after irradiation. The experimental findings indicated that the degradation in cell parameters was attributed to irradiation-induced defect formations in the base layer. However, the devices were found to be resilient to defect formations in the emitter and near the depletion edge of the base. After 52 months of irradiation, significant self-healing effects and improvements in blue response were observed in the cells, likely due to additional positive charge formation in the nitride layer from oxynitride formation in the ambient atmosphere over time, accelerated by radiation damage. This was confirmed by both illuminated I-V and EQE measurements
Targeting AChE and BChE enzymes with novel chalcone-based hybrid compounds containing imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole group: An integrated synthesis, characterization, in silico and in vitro study
No full textIn this study, a series of novel chalcone derivatives bearing an imidazothiadiazole group were synthesized and since they are approved targets in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, their inhibitory potentials against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) were investigated by in silico methods and in vitro experiments. In the initial stage, the syntheses of the compounds were carried out, and the structures of the compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR and MS and elemental analysis. Subsequently, the AChE and BChE inhibition potentials of these compounds were investigated by in silico techniques, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations. Molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations suggested that the compounds may have significant potential as AChE and BChE inhibitors. Therefore, in vitro enzyme inhibition assays were also performed, and the results were compared with the reference drugs donepezil and tacrine. It was found that the synthesized compounds have Ki values in the range of 13.45±5.07 – 102.78±28.04 nM for AChE and 15.34±6.03 – 116.01±18.76 nM for BChE, while tacrine and donepezil have Ki values of 123.41±16.50 and 87.92±4.12 nM for AChE, and 89.44±16.81 and 73.85±6.02 nM for BChE, respectively, showing that the synthesized compounds could be effective AChE and BChE inhibitors. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Prioritizing Sustainable Energy Strategies Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Models in Type-2 Neutrosophic Environment
No full textEmphasis on developing sustainable energy strategies is very important for the energy sector to meet its environmental, economic, and social goals. Energy policy mostly considers the need to improve energy efficiency, cut down on carbon emissions, as well as create a profitable market. One of the major problems faced by decision makers is the complication and multi dimensionality of the decision- making process with regard to assessments, which entails numerous decision criteria. Overlooking these complicating factors has the potential of creating huge bottlenecks such as prolonged energy transition timelines, cost overruns, and derailing of environmental targets. This research introduces an approach based on Type-2 Neutrosophic Fuzzy Sets to rank sustainable energy strategies, using Logarithmic Percentage Change based on Objective Weights (LOPCOW) and Ranking of Alternatives through Functional Mapping of Criterion Sub-Intervals into Single Intervals (RAFSI) methods. The proposed model seeks to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of multi-criteria decision-making model in the areas where decision making is characterized by uncertainty and incompleteness. Energy strategies are evaluated in a comprehensive manner along numerous dimensions, including ecological, economic, technological, as well as societal. This approach helps to identify strategies that effectively support the sustainable development objectives of the energy sector. The analysis indicates that prioritizing Research and Development (R&D) strategies is particularly beneficial in achieving these goals. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Design and evaluation of ester-containing PEPPSI Type Pd(II)NHC complexes as multitarget enzyme inhibitors
No full textThis work reports the synthesis and characterization of a series of PEPPSI-type (NHC)PdBr2(Py) complexes bearing ester-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands. The complexes were characterized using 1H and 13C NMR, FTIR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirmed the square-planar geometry around the Pd(II) center. The synthesized complexes demonstrated significant inhibitory ability against alpha-glycosidase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), with Ki values ranging from 17.63 +/- 2.65 to 106.13 +/- 3.78 nM. Molecular docking studies revealed key interactions between the complexes and the active sites of the target enzymes, providing insights into their inhibitory mechanisms. Notably, complexes 1f, 1i, and 1e exhibited the highest potency, suggesting their potential as therapeutic agents for metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders.Dokuz Eyluel University [2010.KB.FEN.13]The authors thank the Inonu University Faculty of Science Department of Chemistry for the characterization of complexes. The authors acknowledge to Dokuz Eyluel University for the use of the Oxford Rigaku Xcalibur Eos Diffractometer (received under University Research Grant No: 2010.KB.FEN.13) . The authors also thanks Esin Ak & imath; Yalcin and the research group for technical assistance. The numerical calculations reported in this paper were partially performed at TUBITAK ULAKBIM, High Performance and Grid Computing Center (TRUBA resources)
Redesigning rural space through smart ecotourism villages: A model proposal based on TOE theory
No full textThe transformation of ecotourism villages supported by innovative technologies in rural areas is becoming increasingly critical for bridging the urban-rural divide and achieving sustainable development goals. In today's rapidly evolving world, smart ecotourism villages are expected to significantly influence the future of rural tourism activities and ecotourist preferences. The transformation of ecotourism villages with smart technological infrastructure is essential for the efficient use of resources and the long-term sustainability of rural settlements. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework for smart ecotourism villages by integrating the Technology-organization-environment (TOE) theory with spatial justice and counter-space approaches. A qualitative research design was adopted based on thematic content analysis of secondary data sources. The findings indicate that ICT infrastructure, local participation, ecological sustainability, and organizational capacity are key to successful transformation processes. The proposed model conceptualizes smart ecotourism villages as hybrid socio-technological spaces that foster participatory governance and digital inclusion
Impact of the COVID-19 and Russian-Ukrainian War on Rail Freight Transportation – Analysis of Turkiye
No full textOver the last two decades, global supply chain management has introduced many innovations to minimize costs and to create lean supply chains with faster, more reliable, and more flexible transportation services. However, though leaner supply chains are cost-effective, they are more vulnerable to external risks. Unexpected events such as economic crises, natural disasters, political and cyber security events, and epidemics endanger the functioning of transportation modes and increase the risk in the journey of goods in the supply chain from the first supplier to the final customer. Therefore, the relationship and balance between economic efficiency and resilience are vital in supply chain performance.This article aims to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine War on Turkiye and the Middle Corridor by putting forth the steps the rail industry must take to serve better in future crises and to increase rail competitiveness and resilience. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved
Multifunctional GFRC composites: PEDOT: PSS-driven dielectric enhancement for energy storage and sensing applications
No full textThis study presents a comprehensive investigation into the development and characterization of multifunctional Glass Fiber Reinforced Cement (GFRC) composites enhanced with Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS) to impart advanced electrical properties. We systematically analyzed the influence of PEDOT: PSS concentration (0-15 wt %) and curing age on the dielectric behavior of these novel composites, evaluating their capacitance, dielectric constant, loss factor, and electrical modulus across a broad frequency range (10 Hz-10 MHz). The integration of PEDOT: PSS significantly modified the material's electrical characteristics, demonstrating concentration-dependent variations and complex relaxation mechanisms dominated by Maxwell-Wagner interfacial polarization. The optimized P2 formulation (10 wt % PEDOT: PSS) exhibited superior electrochemical performance, maintaining the highest capacitance values and achieving a peak dissipation factor (tan delta) of 0.43 +/- 0.02 at day 15, representing a 185 % enhancement over unmodified GFRC. EDX analysis confirmed successful polymer incorporation, with P2 exhibiting the highest carbon content (5.8 wt %) and sulfur content (1.8 wt %), indicating optimal dispersion. Equivalent circuit models were established and validated (R2 > 0.98), providing insights into complex charge transport mechanisms within this hybrid material. Microstructural analyses via scanning electron microscopy revealed significant morphological modifications, including the formation of crystalline and plate-like structures, while complementary FT-IR and TGA analyses confirmed polymer-cement interaction stability and thermal stability up to 450 degrees C. These findings establish fundamental design principles for creating electrically conductive cementitious materials with tunable dielectric properties, enabling strategic deployment in innovative infrastructure systems, energy storage devices, and electromagnetic shielding technologies
The Nucleic Acids' Immunoprecipitation Method for DNA Repair Research
No full textTypically, the goal of molecular research is to obtain a highly pure target for study. The affinity principle may generally be used to achieve biomolecules that have high purity. Significant benefits come from an antibody’s affinity for its antigen, including the ability to obtain a very pure target antigen and time savings from a single application. Based on the idea of affinity, immunoprecipitation (IP) is a precipitation technique used to purify biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Nucleic acids are biomolecules responsible for preserving, transferring, and expressing an organism’s genetic information. Therefore, obtaining nucleic acids in high purity is of great importance to scientists. This section covers critical topics such as the basic principles of IP, application types of IP, and the selection of the solid phase and antibodies. In addition, the purification process of repair products resulting from the nucleotide excision repair mechanism of UVC-induced DNA damage is described step by step, serving as an example of nucleic acid purification. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved