Atılım Academic Archive (Atılım University)
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Microfluidic Rapid Isolation and Electrochemical Detection of S. Pneumonia Via Aptamer-Decorated Surfaces
Background: S. pneumoniae is widely recognized as a leading cause of respiratory infections worldwide, often resulting in high mortality rates. However, the advent of microfluidic technologies has brought significant advancements, including the simplified, sensitive, cost-effective, and rapid approach to pneumococcal bacteremia detection. In this study, a microfluidic magnetic platform is presented for rapid isolation, and an electrode array is utilized for the electrochemical detection of S. pneumoniae. Aptamer-decorated surfaces were employed for both isolation and detection. For isolation, silica magnetic microparticles were synthesized and decorated with aptamer. Results: Isolation performance was assessed for phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and blood samples for different concentrations of S. pneumoniae. Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with fabricated gold interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) decorated with aptamer was implemented for the detection of S. pneumoniae at different bacteria concentrations. The microfluidic platform performed bacteria isolation at comparable isolation efficiency with batch systems but at a much faster rate (isolation took about a minute, and the aptamer-decorated electrode array exhibited a limit of detection (LOD) at 962 CFU/mL and linear range between 104 and 107CFU/mL. Significance: Our method represents a significant advancement compared to previous reports. Our microfluidic platform can efficiently isolate 60 mu L of the bacteria sample within about one minute. The entire process takes about two minutes including the detection step. Furthermore, our method achieves a notable improvement in the detection limit for S. pneumoniae compared to conventional ELISA and magnetic microfluidics ELISA.Katip Celebi-Newton Fund Industry Academy Partnership Program of the Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkiye; Royal Academy of Engineering, United Kingdom [220N316]This study is financially supported by Katip Celebi-Newton Fund Industry Academy Partnership Program of the Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkiye and Royal Academy of Engineering, United Kingdom under Grant No. 220N316.Science Citation Index Expande
Short-Term Gains, Long-Term Gaps: The Impact of GenAI and Search Technologies on Retention
The rise of Generative AI (GenAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, has transformed how students access and engage with information, raising questions about their impact on learning outcomes and retention. This study investigates how GenAI (ChatGPT), search engines (Google), and e-textbooks influence student performance across tasks of varying cognitive complexity, based on Bloom's Taxonomy. Using a sample of 123 students, we examined performance in three tasks: [1] knowing and understanding, [2] applying, and [3] synthesizing, evaluating, and creating. Results indicate that ChatGPT and Google groups outperformed the control group in immediate assessments for lower-order cognitive tasks, benefiting from quick access to structured information. However, their advantage diminished over time, with retention test scores aligning with those of the e-textbook group. For higher-order cognitive tasks, no significant differences were observed among groups, with the control group demonstrating the highest retention. These findings suggest that while AI-driven tools facilitate immediate performance, they do not inherently reinforce long-term retention unless supported by structured learning strategies. The study highlights the need for balanced technology integration in education, ensuring that AI tools are paired with pedagogical approaches that promote deep cognitive engagement and knowledge retention
Azerbaycan'da Halkla İlişkiler, Sorunlar ve Çözümler
ÖZER, Yasemin. Azerbaycan'da Halkla İlişkiler, Sorunlar ve Çözümler, Yüksek Lisans Tezi, Ankara, 2025. İletişim, hayatımızın her alanında kendini gösteren önemli bir olgudur. Kurumlar ve markalar için de iletişim sadece bir araç değil; itibar yönetimi yapabilmenin, hedef kitleyle bağ kurabilmenin ve stratejik konumlandırmanın anahtarıdır. Halkla ilişkiler, kurum veya kuruluşların belirledikleri strateji doğrultusunda amaçlarına ulaşabilmeleri, hedef kitleyle iletişim kurulabilmeleri için önemli bir konumdadır. Fakat büyüyen sektörler, gelişen markalaşma süreçlerine rağmen halkla ilişkiler her ülkede aynı düzeyde gelişme gösterememiştir. Bu ülkelerden biri de Sovyet Sosyalist Cumhuriyetler Birliği (SSCB)'nde yer almış, bu birliğin kurallarıyla yönetilmiş Azerbaycan'dır. Çalışma, Azerbaycan'da uygulanan halkla ilişkiler faaliyetlerinin mevcut durumunu, yaşanan sorunları ve bu alandaki eksikliklerin giderilmesine yönelik çözüm önerilerini incelemektedir. Çalışmanın amacı, halkla ilişkiler alanındaki asıl sorunları belirleyerek bu sorunların çözümüne dair stratejiler geliştirilebilmesini sağlamaktır. Nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden faydalanılarak halkla ilişkiler profesyonelleri ile yapılan yarı yapılandırılmış derinlemesine görüşmeler aracılığıyla veri toplanmıştır. Bu sayede katılımcıların deneyimleri, algıları ve önerileri derinlemesine anlaşılmaya çalışılmıştır. Görüşmelerin sonucunda Azerbaycan'da eğitim eksikliğine bağlı olarak halkla ilişkilerin doğru uygulanamadığı ve kavramsal kargaşanın yaşandığı ortaya koyulmuştur. Halkla ilişkiler çalışmaları reklam ve basın çalışmalarıyla karıştırılmaktadır. Kuramsal ve pratikteki dengenin kurulamamış olması halkla ilişkilerin Azerbaycan'da gelişimini sınırlayan faktörlerden biri olarak görülmektedir. Ayrıca, halkla ilişkiler profesyonellerinin stratejik planlama süreçlerinde daha etkin bir rol alması gerekliliği ortaya çıkmaktadır. Anahtar Kelimeler: Halkla ilişkiler kavramı, Azerbaycan'da halkla ilişkiler, Azerbaycan'da Halkla İlişkiler Eğitimi, Azerbaycan'da medya ve gazetecilik, SSCB'de medya kullanımıOZER, Yasemin. Public Relations, Problems and Solutions in Azerbaijan, Master's Thesis, Ankara, 2025. Communication is a fundamental phenomenon evident in all aspects of life. For institutions and brands, communication is not merely a tool; it is the key to reputation management, establishing connections with target audiences, and strategic positioning. Public relations play a crucial role in enabling organizations or institutions to achieve their goals and establish effective communication with their target audiences within the framework of predefined strategies. However, despite the growing sectors and evolving branding processes, public relations have not developed at the same level across all countries. One such country is Azerbaijan, which was part of the Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and governed under its rules. This study examines the current state of public relations activities in Azerbaijan, the problems encountered, and the proposed solutions to address deficiencies in this field. The primary aim of the research is to identify the core issues in public relations and propose strategies for resolving these challenges. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted with public relations professionals as part of a qualitative research approach. This methodology allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the experiences, perceptions, and suggestions of participants. The findings indicate that public relations in Azerbaijan are not effectively implemented due to a lack of educational resources, resulting in conceptual confusion. Public relations activities are often conflated with advertising and media operations. The imbalance between theoretical knowledge and practical application is one of the factors limiting the development of public relations in Azerbaijan. Additionally, the necessity for public relations professionals to play a more active role in strategic planning processes has been highlighted. Keywords: The concept of public relations, Public relations in Azerbaijan, Public Relations Education in Azerbaijan, Media and journalism in Azerbaijan, Media Usage in the USS
Evaluation of Food Intake, Malnutrition, Growth and Development in Children With Esophageal Atresia: A Pilot Study From Turkey
Background This study aimed to evaluate the relationships among nutritional intake, malnutrition, and growth and development in children under 2 years of age with esophageal atresia. Methods A survey was administered to the parents of healthy children and children with esophageal atresia who were followed up at Ankara City Hospital Pediatric Surgery Polyclinic. Nutrition education was provided, a follow-up visit was scheduled three months later, and the assessments were repeated. Results The study included 20 children with esophageal atresia and 40 controls under 2 years of age. Height-for-age, weight-for-age and head circumference measurements were significantly lower in children with esophageal atresia than in the control group (p < 0.05). At the second interview, triceps skinfold thickness for age and mid-upper arm circumference for age were also significantly lower in children with esophageal atresia compared to control group (p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed in dietary and food consistency preferences, eating status, and swallowing function (p < 0.05). In addition, according to the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool-10 and Screening Tool for Risk of Impaired Nutritional Status and Growth, a high prevalence of swallowing disorders and a moderate risk of malnutrition were identified in children with esophageal atresia (p < 0.05). At the end of follow-up, significant increases in weight-for-age and height-for-age z scores were observed over time in children with esophageal atresia (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the percentages meeting daily requirements for protein, carbohydrates and dietary fiber increased over time (p < 0.05). Swallowing symptoms improved over time in children with esophageal atresia, and their current dietary patterns remained significantly different from those of the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions Appropriate nutritional support delivered with a multidisciplinary approach and long-term follow-up can help children to achieve a growth rate appropriate for their peers.Research Fund of the University of Health Sciences, Turkey [2023/020]This study was supported by the Research Fund of the University of Health Sciences, Turkey (Project No: 2023/020)
The Search for the 'True Self' in James Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man and Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway
Bu tez, modern edebiyatın temel konularından biri olarak kabul edilen gerçek benlik arayışını araştırmaktadır. Bu çalışma, karakterin sosyal, ailevi ve bazen dini kısıtlamalara maruz kalması nedeniyle yaşadığı anıları, bakış açılarını ve travmatik deneyimleri yakalayan düşünce ve duygu zincirleri oluşturmayı amaçlamaktadır. Ortak temalar ve sıradan yaşamla ilgilenen on dokuzuncu yüzyılın aksine, yirminci yüzyıl özel yaşam ve iç dünyayla ilgilenen daha karmaşık bir dönem olarak tanımlanabilir. I. ve II. Dünya Savaşları'ndan sonra insanlar yalnızlık ve kopukluk çekerek yabancılaştı, modern insan istikrarsız bir hayata ve parçalanmış bir kimliğe sahip olmaya başladı ve bu da onu kendini tanımlamada zorluk çekmeye itti. Karakterlerin düşünceleri rastgele gelir ve belirli bir kurala veya olay örgüsü yapısına uymadan kendiliğinden gelişir. Yazar böylece karakterlerin psikolojisinin derin ve karmaşık katmanlarını keşfeder; karakterin zihninde olup bitenleri yansıtarak duyguların karmaşıklığını yakalar. Modern insan çevresine yabancılaşmış, yalnızlığını kendisiyle ve toplumuyla boğuşarak yansıtmaktadır. Gerçek benliğin dikkate alınmasını incelerken, bilinç akışı, modern yazarın bireyin mücadelesini, yaşam ve yaşama amacını bulma arayışını keşfetmek için kullandığı önemli tekniklerden biri olabilir. Yazar bu anlatım tarzı boyunca karakterin psikolojik durumunu ele alırken aynı zamanda karakterin iç dünyasıyla da tanışıyor. Bu tez, yirminci yüzyılın iki önemli romanındaki: James Joyce'un A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man ve Virginia Woolf'un Mrs. Dalloway romanlarındaki kahramanların kimlik oluşumuyla mücadelelerini göstererek ve bu kahramanların ruh hallerini derinlemesine analiz etmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Bu tez boyunca okuyucu, gizli gerçek benliği ortaya çıkarmak ve onunla yüzleşmek için kahramanların zihnine derinlemesine girecektir. Ayrıca bu çalışmada modern insanın, modern toplumda kaybolduğuna inandığı kimliğini inşa etme çabası da incelenmektedir. Anahtar Sözcükler: James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, gerçek benlik, bilinç akışı, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Mrs. DallowayThis thesis explores the quest for the true self which is considered to be one of the central subjects of the modernist literature. This study aims to create chain of thoughts and feelings capturing the character's memories, perspectives and traumatic experiences due to being exposed to social, familial and sometimes religious restrictions. In contrast to nineteenth century which was concerned with common themes and ordinary life, twentieth century could be described as a more complex period interested in the private life and interior world. After World War I and II, people became alienated suffering loneliness and disconnection, the modern man started to have an unstable life and fragmented identity which pushed him to have difficulty in identifying himself. The modern characters' thoughts come arbitrarily and develop spontaneously without following a specific rule or a plot structure. Thus, the author explores deep and complex levels of the characters' psychology; he catches the complexity of feelings by reflecting what happens in the mind of the character. The modern man is alienated from his surroundings; he reflects his loneliness by grappling with himself and his society. While examining the consideration of the true self, stream of consciousness might be one of the crucial techniques which the modern writer uses to explore the struggle of the individual and his pursuit to find the purpose of life and living. Throughout this narrative style, the writer discusses the psychological state of the character, he is also introduced to the character's inner life. This thesis attempts to analyze the psyche of the protagonists thoroughly by demonstrating their struggle with identity formation in two prominent twentieth-century novels: James Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man and Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway. Throughout this thesis, the reader will be entering into the protagonists' mind deeply in order to reveal and be confronted with the hidden real self. In addition, this study examines the modern man's effort to construct his identity which he believes is lost in the modern society. Key Words: James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, the true self, stream of consciousness, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Mrs. Dalloway
Emergency Response, and Community Impact After February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş Pazarcık and Elbistan Earthquakes: Reconnaissance Findings and Observations on Affected Region in Türkiye
Türkiye has a long history of devastating earthquakes, and on February 6, 2023, the region experienced two major earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.7 and 7.6, striking Pazarcık and Elbistan, Kahramanmaraş, respectively, on the East Anatolian Fault Zone. These earthquakes resulted in significant loss of life and property, impacting multiple cities across 11 cities, and leaving a lasting impact on the country. The 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes rank among the deadliest and most damaging earthquakes in Türkiye, alongside the historical significance of the 1939 Erzincan Earthquake and the 1999 Marmara Earthquake. Despite reforms following the 1999 Marmara Earthquake in disaster policy and preparedness, the scale of damage from the February 6 earthquakes has been shocking, necessitating further insights and lessons for future earthquake management. This paper presents the outcomes of immediate response efforts organized after the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes to elucidate emergency response activities and their impacts on communities, considering the substantial size and severity of the damages. The study focuses on evaluating the emergency response provided within the first 24 h, 3 days, and 2 weeks after the earthquakes, aiming to promptly identify the nature and effectiveness of these responses, as well as the conditions that hindered their efficacy. By shedding light on the specific experiences and challenges faced during these crucial timeframes, the research aims to offer valuable insights and lessons learned. These findings contribute to improved preparedness strategies and more efficient emergency response measures needed in responding to future disaster scenarios. Ultimately, this study provides a useful resource for all stakeholders involved in emergency response and disaster management, offering valuable guidance to enhance resilience and preparedness in the face of seismic hazards. © The Author(s) 2024.Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu, TÜBİTAK; Doğal Afetler Odaklı Saha Çalışması Acil Destek Programı; Scientific and Technological Research Institution of TürkiyeScience Citation Index Expande
Factors Affecting the Intention to Use Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry: An Example From Ankara
Bilim ve teknoloji alanındaki sürekli ilerlemeler, diş hekimliğine yapay zeka (YZ) entegrasyonu yoluyla girmiş, tedavi süreçlerini kolaylaştırma, operasyonel verimliliği artırma ve klinik sonuçları iyileştirme gibi faydalar sunmuştur. Alanı devrim niteliğinde dönüştürme potansiyeline rağmen, diş hekimleri arasında YZ kullanımı sınırlı kalmakta ve bunun önünde çeşitli engeller bulunmaktadır. Bu araştırmanın iki temel amacı vardır: Ankara'daki diş hekimleri arasında yapay zeka kullanımına yönelik temel engellerin düzeyini ve yapay zekayı kullanma niyetini etkileyen faktörleri incelemek ve bu ilişkilerde yaş, cinsiyet ve önceki deneyimin düzenleyici bir rol oynayıp oynamadığını değerlendirmektir. Araştırmada, Ankara'daki çeşitli diş klinikleri ve hastanelerinde çevrimiçi anketler uygulanarak niceliksel ve kesitsel bir yaklaşım benimsenmiş ve 440 katılımcıdan oluşan bir örneklem seçilmiştir. Elde edilen bulgular, performans beklentisi, çaba beklentisi ve sosyal etkinin diş hekimlerinin YZ'yi kullanma niyetini olumlu yönde etkilediğini (küçük etki büyüklüğüyle) ortaya koyarken, YZ kaygısının daha güçlü bir olumsuz etki yarattığını göstermektedir (orta düzeyde etki büyüklüğüyle). Düzenleyici analiz, yaş, cinsiyet ve önceki deneyimin önerilen ilişkiler üzerinde anlamlı bir etkisinin olmadığını göstermiştir. Bu araştırma, mevcut sınırlı literatüre katkıda bulunmakta ve YZ entegrasyonunu kolaylaştırmak amacıyla politika yapıcılar ile diğer paydaşlar için uygulanabilir öneriler sunmaktadır. Bulgulara dayanarak, YZ kullanım niyetini etkileyen faktörler ile karşılaşılan engelleri hedef alan çeşitli stratejiler önerilmiştir. Bu stratejiler arasında düzenleyici çerçeveler, etik YZ tasarımı, YZ'nin diş hekimliğindeki destekleyici rolünün açık bir şekilde iletilmesi, YZ eğitim ve öğretiminin güçlendirilmesi, sosyal platformların kullanımı ve kullanıcı dostu YZ araçlarının geliştirilmesi yer almaktadır.Continuous advancements in science and technology have permeated dentistry through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), offering benefits such as streamlining treatment processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving clinical outcomes. Despite its potential to revolutionize the field, AI adoption among dentists remains limited, with several challenges acting as barriers to the progress of oral healthcare. This research has two primary objectives: to examine 1. the level of key barriers to AI usage among dentists and 2. the factors influencing their intention to use AI in Ankara and to evaluate whether age, gender, and previous experience have a moderating effect on these relationships. A cross-sectional quantitative approach was employed, using self-administered questionnaires distributed online and across various dental clinics and hospitals in Ankara, yielding a sample of 440 participants. The findings revealed that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence positively influence dentists' intention to use AI (with a small effect size), while AI-anxiety exerts a stronger negative impact (with a moderate effect size). Moderation analysis revealed that age, gender, and professional experience did not significantly moderate any of the proposed relationships. This research contributes to the existing limited literature and provide practical insights for policymakers and other stakeholders to facilitate AI integration. Based on the findings, several strategies were proposed to address barriers and the factors influencing the intention to use AI through targeted interventions, including regulatory frameworks, ethical AI design, and clear communication of AI's supportive role, as well as enhanced AI education and training, the use of social platforms, and the development of user-friendly AI tools to support AI adoption
Memory and Anticipation: Two Main Theorems for Markov Regime-Switching Stochastic Processes
We present two main theorems for stochastic processes with a Markov regime-switching model. First, we work on an existence-uniqueness theorem for a Stochastic Differential Delay Equation with Jumps and Regimes (SDDEJRs). Then we provide the duality between an SDDEJR and an Anticipated Backward Stochastic Differential Equation with Jumps and Regimes (ABSDEJRs). Our goal is to provide two technical and fundamental theorems for the future theoretical and applied developments of time-delayed and time-advanced models
Can Cardiometabolic Index Predict Erectile and Other Sexual Functions in Men With Metabolic Syndrome
Background: We aimed to examine the impact of the cardiometabolic index (CMI) on various aspects of male sexuality across different age groups, with a focus on the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: We included a total of 454 sexually active men, 127 with MetS and 327 without MetS. We assessed sexual function using the long form of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. According to the IIEF guestionnaire, a total score 0.05). Logistic regression revealed that both CMI and age were significant risk factors for sexual dysfunction (Odds Ratio = 2.672 and 1.081, respectively; p-value = 0.001). Conclusions: The CMI predicted sexual dysfunction, including ED, in younger men. The presence of MetS increased the risk of sexual dysfunction. However, CMI did not predict male sexual dysfunction in older men, independent of MetS. Our findings suggest that CMI can be a predictor of various aspects of sexual functions, particularly in younger men.Science Citation Index Expande
Galapagos Giant Tortoise Mating Algorithm: Revolutionizing Wireless Charging Trajectories and Secure Data Transmission in Sustainable Power Plants
This paper presents the Galapagos Giant Tortoise Mating Optimization Algorithm (GGTMOA), a novel nature-inspired metaheuristic developed to optimize the trajectory paths of Wireless Mobile Chargers (WMCs) and ensure secure data transmission in power plants. The algorithm addresses critical challenges such as energy-efficient charging, the spatial distribution of wireless sensor nodes, limited operational energy resources, dynamic trajectory planning, and data encryption for secure communication. Inspired by the unique mating behaviors of galapagos giant tortoises, GGTMOA achieves a robust balance between exploration and exploitation through innovative initialization techniques, movement strategies, mating mechanisms, and selection processes. In this study, the proposed algorithm is first employed to optimize the trajectory paths of WMCs, addressing key challenges in energy-efficient charging and dynamic path planning. Following this, the algorithm integrates advanced encryption methods to ensure the secure transmission of data between sensor nodes and base stations, safeguarding sensitive information and enhancing the overall security of the system. This two-fold approach not only optimizes charging efficiency and reduces energy consumption but also fortifies data communication, making the system more robust and reliable in industrial environments. Simulation results demonstrate that GGTMOA outperforms existing metaheuristics by generating optimal trajectories that enhance charging efficiency, reduce energy consumption, ensure secure data communication, and satisfy plant-specific energy constraints. These findings establish GGTMOA as a powerful tool for sustainable energy management, wireless charging optimization, and secure data handling in industrial environments.Emerging Sources Citation Inde