Allegheny College DSpace Repository
Not a member yet
38403 research outputs found
Sort by
Investigation of the impact of clinker grinding conditions on energy consumption and ball fineness parameters using statistical and machine learning approaches in a bond ball mill
This study explores the application of machine learning (ML) techniques-gradient boosting (GB), ridge regression (RR), and support vector regression (SVR)-for estimating the consumption of energy (CE) and Blaine fineness (BF) in cement clinker grinding. This study utilizes key clinker grinding parameters, such as maximum ball size, ball filling ratio, clinker mass, rotation speed, and number of revolutions, as input features. Through comprehensive preprocessing, feature selection methods (mutual info regression (MIR), lasso regression (LR), and sequential backward selection (SBS)) were employed to identify the most significant variables for predicting CE and BF. The performance of the models was optimized using a grid search for hyperparameter tuning and validated using k-fold cross-validation (k = 10). The results show that all ML methods effectively estimated the target parameters, with SVR demonstrating superior accuracy in both CE and BF predictions, as evidenced by its higher R2 and lower error metrics (MAE, MAPE, and RMSE). This research highlights the potential of ML models in optimizing cement grinding processes, offering a novel approach to parameter estimation that can reduce experimental effort and enhance production efficiency. The findings underscore the advantages of SVR, making it the most reliable method for predicting energy consumption and Blaine fineness in clinker grinding
Expression of bcl-2 and laminin in rectosigmoid hirschsprung disease: Correlations with hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis
Background Hirschsprung disease (HD) involves aganglionosis of the intestinal segment, with unclear etiology and challenging histopathological identification. The etiology of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) remains elusive. This study aims to explore the potential roles of Laminin and BCL-2 in the etiology of HD and HAEC by examining their expression levels. Methods Tissues from 20 Rectosigmoid Hirschsprung patients (10 with and 10 without postoperative HAEC) and 10 controls were analyzed retrospectively. Protein expression was analyzed using immunohistochemistry, mRNA levels were measured using Real-Time PCR, and DNA mutations were found using Sanger Sequencing. Results BCL-2 immunohistochemistry indicated decreased expression in HD patients' aganglionic tissues compared to ganglionic tissues (p 0.05). DNA sequencing discovered a novel BCL-2 gene mutation in HD patients. Conclusion BCL-2 and Laminin immunohistochemistry can differentiate ganglionic and aganglionic tissues. Reduced BCL-2 mRNA expression in HD patients indicates a disease that affects the whole gut. More research is needed on the new BCL-2 gene mutations. Impact statement This is the first study to examine the correlation between BCL-2 and Laminin expression changes and enterocolitis developing in HD. It is a previously unreported contribution to the literature that mRNA expression was lower than expected in all intestinal tissues of HD patients, including the intestinal tissues considered to be healthy. Mutagenic changes have been detected in the gene of some HD patients. A definitive novel mutation, which has not been reported in the literature before, was detected in one patient
Dhea-carbamate derivatives as dual cholinesterase inhibitors: Integration of enzymatic and biomolecular interactions in alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and cholinergic dysfunction. Given the limitations of current acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitors, novel multi-target drug candidates are urgently needed. In this study, a series of DHEAcarbamate derivatives were rationally designed and synthesized to integrate cholinesterase inhibition with potential neuroprotective and pharmacokinetic advantages. The synthesized compounds were characterized via NMR and HRMS, and their inhibitory activities were determined by Ellman's method. While native DHEA displayed negligible cholinesterase inhibition (IC50 > 75 mu M), carbamate derivatization significantly enhanced potency. D1 exhibited the highest AChE selectivity (IC50 = 0.09 mu M, SI = 424), D8 showed the strongest BuChE inhibition (IC50 = 0.1 mu M), and D9 emerged as a dual-action inhibitor (AChE IC50 = 0.15 mu M; BuChE IC50 = 0.7 mu M). Molecular docking supported the observed in vitro activities, particularly the binding affinity of D1 toward AChE (-9.2 kcal/mol). Beyond enzyme inhibition, the most potent compounds (D1, D8, D9) were evaluated for their ability to mitigate H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in HT-22 neuronal cells. D9 exhibited the strongest protective effect, restoring cell viability up to 78 %. Additionally, the antioxidant activities of D9 were confirmed through DPPH scavenging and ferrous chelation assays, where it again demonstrated superior activity. DNA and HSA interaction studies revealed favorable binding properties, suggesting genomic stability and prolonged systemic availability. ADMET predictions indicated desirable pharmacokinetic profiles, including blood-brain barrier permeability. These results highlight the therapeutic relevance of hybrid steroid-carbamate scaffolds that combine cholinesterase inhibition, antioxidant capacity, and cellular neuroprotection, offering a promising strategy for nextgeneration AD drug development
Ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from walnut (<i>juglans regia</i> l.) shell waste using choline chloride-based natural deep eutectic solvents (nades): An <i>in vitro</i> bioaccessibility study
BACKGROUNDWalnut shells, which are discarded as waste at both household and industrial levels, are good sources of phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to apply an ultrasound-assisted extraction method using ten different choline chloride (ChCl)-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) to recover phenolic compounds from walnut shell waste (WSW) and to evaluate the in vitro bioaccessibility of the resulting green extracts. The phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.RESULTSThe results revealed that quercitrin and taxifolin were the predominant flavonoids in WSW, while ellagic acid was the dominant phenolic acid. Bioaccessible total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), flavonoids and phenolic acids and aldehydes were higher in most NADES extracts compared to the ethanolic extract. The extracts prepared with ChCl:lactic acid exhibited the highest bioaccessibility for TPC (79%), TAC (72%) and flavonoids (81%), while ChCl:glycerol had the highest levels of bioaccessible phenolic acids and aldehydes (99%).CONCLUSIONThis study emphasized the effectiveness of treating WSW with NADES combined with ultrasonication to improve the recovery and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds. (c) 2025 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry
Prognostic value of inflammation and nutrition-based scores in low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome: A retrospective cohort study
Background/Objectives: The pathogenesis of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is diverse; however, increasing evidence suggests that inflammation and oxidative stress play a significant role in the development and progression of the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of inflammation, nutritional status, and oxidative stress at diagnosis in patients with low-risk MDS. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 175 newly diagnosed low-risk MDS patients. Results: A low Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) and a high systemic oxidative stress (SOS) score were independently associated with poorer prognosis (PNI: HR 1.598, 95% CI 1.076-2.372, p = 0.02; SOS: HR 1.003, 95% CI 1.001-1.006, p = 0.002). The optimal PNI cut-off value for predicting mortality was identified as 47.47. Based on this cut-off, 92 patients had a low PNI score, while 83 patients had a high PNI score. The comparison between these groups revealed a statistically significant difference in median overall survival (OS), with 45.5 months for the low-PNI group and 75.1 months for the high-PNI group (p < 0.001). However, PNI was not significantly associated with progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (p = 0.668). In the multivariate OS analysis, several factors were identified as independent predictors of prognosis, including a high Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (R-IPSS) score, low PNI, high SOS score, advanced age, male gender, and transformation to AML. Conclusions: Together, PNI and SOS may serve as simple, accessible tools to improve risk stratification in low-risk MDS patients
Mathematical modeling of crop water production functions for sugar beet
Crop water production functions, which describe the relationship between yield and water use, are of great importance in determining the economic value of irrigation, identifying different irrigation strategies and determining optimum irrigation levels. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of Stewart, Jensen, Minhas, Blank and Rao functions in predicting root yield in sugar beet. Field studies were carried out in 2019 and 2020 in Bursa Yeni & scedil;ehir Vocational School Production Area. Water stress sensitivity indices of crop water production functions were determined using ET and yield values in the first year. Root yield values simulated with crop water production functions were compared with root yield values measured in the field in 2020. Sensitivity indices of sugar beet to water at four different growth stages were determined using five different crop water production models. Considering the sensitivity indices of sugar beet to water in four different growth periods, it was determined that the yield formation period (Y) was the most sensitive to water. Yield formation (Y) period was followed by vegetative (V) and establishment (E) periods. The least water-sensitive period of sugar beet was the ripening (R) period. Jensen and Minhas models were recommended when the sensitivity indices to water stress calculated for four different growth stages of sugar beet were compared
A comprehensive review of mechanism, detection methods and prevention for lithium plating on anodes in lithium-ıon batteries
Lithium-ion batteries have taken over as an energy source because they are renewable, they are more environmentally friendly and eco-friendly than limited resources ike petroleum. Recent research into fast charging and high energy density has contributed to the popularity of lithium-ion batteries with electric vehicles. Nonetheless, xtreme cases of fast charging at high C-rates and low temperatures induce lithium plating on the anode surface. This phenomenon causes dendritic growth that endangers safety through short circuits, thermal runaway, and capacity fade. This review presents a structured evaluation of lithium plating in lithium-ion batteries, focusing on its formation mechanisms, triggering factors, detection methods, and prevention strategies. Various detection techniques—including electrochemical, imaging, physical, chemical, and model-based approaches—are critically assessed based on their sensitivity, practicality, and integration potential. Their strengths and limitations are synthesized and compared. Emerging trends such as hybrid diagnostics and machine learning-assisted detection are also discussed. Finally, future research directions are proposed to support the development of accurate and real-time lithium plating detection for advanced battery management systems
When shared humanity is anchored in identity centrality: Self-categorizations and identity motives in alevis as a minority
For some minorities, living under constant threat for an extended period requires a solution. It is evident that long-oppressed minorities often possess belief systems rooted in an inclusive notion of humanity. This study examines whether shared humanity serves as public discourse material for an ethno-religious minority group like Alevis, who have suffered collective victimhood for centuries, to prove that they share the same "symbolic universe of values" with the majority, or whether it genuinely occupies a central place in their identity driven by specific motivations. It explores which motivational principles (self-esteem, belonging, meaning, continuity, and efficacy) are active at superordinate, social, and interpersonal levels of self-categorization, based on perceived centrality. Conducted with 142Alevi participants, the study involved expressing 8 identity elements each in response to the question "Who are you?" and rating their perceived centrality and motivational levels. The findings showed that 9.6% of the identity elements are at the superordinate abstraction level of self-categorization. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that the motivational background of the identity process was not limited to self-esteem, supporting the tenets of Motivated Identity Construction Theory, and demonstrated that the role of motivational principles can vary in relation to levels of self-categorization. Among participants who referred to shared humanity at least once in their identity repertoire, the motives of "meaning" and "continuity" positively predicted the perceived identity centrality. Findings are discussed in relation to social psychological perspectives and Alevism studies literature
Examination of the relationship between future attitudes and anxiety levels of international students studying at university in Bursa
Bu araştırma, Türkiye’nin Bursa ilinde eğitim gören uluslararası üniversite öğrencilerinin kaygı düzeyleri ve geleceğe yönelik tutumları arasındaki ilişkileri incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. İlişkisel tarama modeli temel alınarak gerçekleştirilen bu çalışma, uluslararası öğrencilerin kaygı düzeyleri ve geleceğe yönelik tutumlarının sosyo-demografik değişkenlerle olan etkileşimini analiz etmektedir. Araştırmanın örneklemini, kolayda örnekleme yöntemiyle seçilen ve demografik çeşitlilik arz eden 128 yabancı uyruklu öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Veriler yüz yüze anket yöntemiyle toplanmış ve SPSS programı kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Çalışmada, geleceğe yönelik tutumların kaygı düzeyleri üzerindeki etkisi ve bu iki değişkenin sosyodemografik değişkenlere göre farklılık gösterip göstermediği araştırılmıştır. Araştırma bulguları, uluslararası öğrencilerin durumluk ve sürekli kaygı düzeyleri ile geleceğe yönelik tutumları arasında pozitif yönlü bir ilişki olduğunu göstermektedir. Ayrıca, kaygı düzeylerinin barınma türü gibi bazı sosyo-demografik faktörlere göre değişiklik gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. Bu sonuçlar, öğrencilerin kaygı düzeylerinin kontrol altına alınmasının ve olumlu gelecek algılarının güçlendirilmesinin, onların akademik ve sosyal uyum süreçlerine katkı sağlayabileceğini göstermektedir.This study aims to examine the relationships between anxiety levels and future attitudes of international university students studying in Bursa, Turkey. Conducted based on a relational screening model, this research analyzes the interaction of international students' anxiety levels and future attitudes with socio-demographic variables. The sample consists of 128 foreign students selected through convenience sampling, representing diverse demographic characteristics. Data were collected through face-to-face surveys and analyzed using SPSS software. The study investigates the impact of future attitudes on anxiety levels and whether these two variables differ according to socio-demographic factors. Findings indicate a positive relationship between the students' state and trait anxiety levels and their attitudes toward the future. Additionally, it was found that anxiety levels vary according to certain socio-demographic factors, such as housing type. These results suggest that controlling students' anxiety levels and strengthening positive future perceptions may contribute to their academic and social adaptation processes
Evaluation of indoor air pollution in children with asthma
OBJECTIVE: The unfavorable effects of air pollution on respiratory health have been shown in many studies. Exposure to air pollution can lead to developing asthma and losing control over existing asthma. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the investigation of indoor air pollution in children with asthma. METHODS: 130300 measurement data obtained from all participants' home environments (29 patients diagnosed with asthma and 13 controls) were compared. The BLATN BR-SMART Multi-function Air Quality Monitor measured PM2.5, CO2, and formaldehyde (HCHO) levels. RESULTS: The age and sex distributions of the patients and controls were similar. The median age of asthmatic patients was 14 years (IQR: 9), and the median age of controls was 13 years (IQR: 9). The number of household members in the homes of asthmatic patients (median: 4, IQR: 1) was significantly higher than the controls (median: 3, IQR: 1) (p=0.035). Asthmatic patients' houses were closer to the highway than the controls (p=0.019). The frequency of homes being closer than 100 meters to the main road was higher in asthmatics (n=17, 65.4%) than in controls (n=3, 23.1%) (p=0.019). Based on all measurements, indoor CO2 and HCHO levels in the asthmatic patient group were higher than in the controls. Although the PM2.5 levels were also higher in asthmatic patients, this difference was statistically insignificant. According to indoor air pollution parameters throughout the day, PM2.5 levels were found to be higher in asthmatic patients, especially between 18.00 and 06.00, when the number of people in the house was the highest. CONCLUSION: Indoor PM2.5, CO2, and formaldehyde levels in patients with asthma were higher than controls. Management of environmental factors along with medical treatment is also essential to achieve better asthma control