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Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Face Mask Littering: Environmental Impacts, Regulatory Challenges, And Ai-Driven Waste Management Strategies For The Post-Pandemic Era, Pri̇yanka Rathee, Sari̇ta Khatkar, Renu Sehrawat, Pooja Rathee, Anurag Khatkar, Esra Küpeli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The widespread use of polypropylene-based face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic created a significant and persistent source of plastic pollution. This review aims to provide an integrative assessment of the environmental, toxicological, and public health implications of face mask litter and evaluate current waste management challenges and emerging technological solutions in the postpandemic context. A narrative review approach was employed, synthesizing literature published between 2020 and 2025 and indexed in major scientific databases including Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the issues of environmental contamination, microplastic generation, toxicological effects, regulatory frameworks, and …

C-Reactive Protein–Albumin–Lymphocyte (Cally) Index As A Novel Inflammatory Marker For Sarcopenia: Evidence From A Cross-Sectional Study ​, Yasemi̇n Polat Özer, Merve Güner, Serdar Ceylan, Engi̇n Çeşmeci̇, Cafer Balci, Burcu Balam Doğu, Meltem Gülhan Hali̇l, Mustafa Cankurtaran, Mert Eşme

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by progressive impairments in skeletal muscle mass and performance, with chronic low-grade systemic inflammation playing a pivotal role in its development. The C-reactive protein–albumin–lymphocyte (CALLY) index reflects inflammatory burden alongside immune and nutritional status; however, its association with sarcopenia in older populations has yet to be sufficiently elucidated. The present study investigates the relationship between CALLY index values and probable sarcopenia (PS) in a large cohort of geriatric outpatients.

Materials and methods: Included in this retrospective cross-sectional study were 2042 geriatric outpatients aged ≥65 years who were assessed between May 2022 and March …

Association Of Occupational Lead Exposure With Erythrocytic Parameters And Nitric Oxide–Related Metabolites: A Case-Control Study ​​, Meli̇h Gaffar Gözükara, Servet Bi̇rgi̇n İri̇taş, Deni̇z Özkan Vardar, Lütfi̇ye Tutkun, Özlem İri̇taş, Serdar Deni̇z, Vugar Ali̇ Türksoy, Engi̇n Tutkun

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Occupational lead (Pb) exposure remains a significant public health concern due to its persistent presence in industrial environments and its cumulative toxic effects. Although the hematological and neurological consequences of Pb exposure are well documented, early vascular effects and the mechanisms associated with potential endothelial impairment remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations between Pb exposure, erythrocytic parameters, and nitric oxide (NO)–related metabolites (asymmetric dimethylarginine [ADMA], symmetric dimethylarginine [SDMA], arginine, homoarginine, and citrulline) to identify early biomarkers that may suggest impairment in NO-related pathways.

Materials and methods: This case-control study included a strictly selected cohort of 125 …

Histomorphological Changes In Human Septal Cartilage Stored In Different Preservation Solutions ​, Özlem Akkoca, Aki̇f Si̇nan Bi̇lgen, Harun Çoban, Fatma Aslan Yay, Zeynep Kaptan, Funda Balkiliç Akkaya, Rahmi̇ Kiliç, Sami̇ Engi̇n Muz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To assess the histopathological effects of three preservation solutions (70% ethanol, povidone-iodine, and ciprofloxacin) on human septal cartilage obtained during septoplasty and to compare their preservation characteristics for potential future graft applications. Optimal preservation of septal cartilage is clinically important because well-preserved grafts may reduce the need for secondary cartilage harvesting and the associated donor-site morbidity while facilitating reconstructive procedures during revision surgery.

Materials and methods: A total of 90 septal cartilage specimens obtained from 30 patients undergoing septoplasty were allocated to three preservation groups and stored in the designated preservation solutions at +4 °C. Samples were examined histologically …

Genetic Diversity And Population Structure Of Carob Germplasm From Lebanon, Morocco, And Spain Reveal Potential For Innovative Breeding Programs, Mohamad Ali El Chami, Guillermo Palacios-Rodriguez, Rafael Maria Navarro-Cerrillo, Lamis Chalak, Maria Dolores-Rey

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a drought-tolerant species native to the Mediterranean Basin. It has been cultivated for centuries for its highly nutritious, edible pods. Genetic diversity is one of the key requirements for the effective management and utilization of plant genetic resources. In this study, we evaluated the genetic diversity and population structure of 169 seminatural carob individuals from Lebanon, Spain, and Morocco using nine expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers. A total of eight polymorphic EST-SSR loci produced 43 alleles, with Cesi_187 and Cesi_1187 identified as the most informative markers. Results of AMOVA and SAMOVA …

Genetic Algorithm For Agricultural Logistics Optimization: Solving The Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem In Rural Distribution, Min Song, Kan Lu

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

With the rapid advancement of agricultural modernization and the increasing demand for agricultural products, inefficient logistics distribution has become a major bottleneck in rural supply chains. This study addresses the capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP) in agricultural logistics. A genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimization model was proposed to enhance distribution efficiency. The model integrates critical agricultural characteristics, including multidistribution center networks, seasonal delivery schedules, and regional road infrastructure constraints, to minimize both transportation distance and operational costs. Experimental results show that the GA outperforms traditional metaheuristic methods (e.g., particle swarm optimization and simulated annealing), achieving a >5 km reduction in total …

Robust Soil Moisture Content Detection Based On Data Augmentation Under Different Testing Conditions, Yang Li, Chenghao Liu, Jing Nie, Jingbin Li

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Accurate and cost-effective monitoring of soil moisture content is essential for the development of precision agriculture and the optimization of water resource management. While low-frequency acoustic signals are used to detect soil moisture content, models trained with controlled laboratory acoustic data often exhibit significant performance degradation with field data due to their sensitivity to environmental noise, soil heterogeneity, and structural variations. This study proposes a novel framework to enhance model robustness and generalization by integrating a WGAN-GP network data augmentation strategy into the soil moisture content workflow. This framework is designed to generate high-quality and diverse data on different soil …

Readability Of Dermatology Patient Education Materials: A Comparative Analysis Of Turkish Dermatology Association Brochures And Texts Generated By Chatgpt And Gemini ​, Ahmet Kağan Özdemi̇r, Bengü Reyhan Botsali Özdemi̇r, Akin Aktaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In modern healthcare, patient education materials (PEMs) are essential for bridging the gap between clinical knowledge and patient understanding. However, in Türkiye, where 64.6% of the adult population possesses inadequate or problematic health literacy, traditional medical brochures often exceed recommended reading levels. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the readability of Turkish dermatology PEMs prepared by the Turkish Dermatology Association (TDA) with those generated by artificial intelligence (AI) models.

Materials and methods: A total of 68 TDA PEMs were analyzed. Readability was assessed using the Ateşman Readability Index. Responses were generated by AI models to questions extracted from …

Can Hydrolyzed Silk Fibroin Derived From Bombyx Hatayensis And Ozonized Gel Modulate Inflammatory And Angiogenic Responses In A Corneal Alkali Burn Model? ​​, Şule Barman Kaki̇l, Hamdullah Suphi̇ Bayraktar, Okan Soylu, İshak Gökçek, Meryem İlkay Karagül, Zehra Demi̇ray Asoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The therapeutic effects of hydrolyzed silk fibroin derived from Bombyx hatayensis and a commercially available ozonized gel, administered individually and in combination, were evaluated in a rat model of corneal alkali burn.

Materials and methods: A standardized corneal alkali burn was induced in the right eyes of Wistar albino rats using 1 N sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Animals were randomly assigned to six groups: negative control, positive control (PC), hydrolyzed silk fibroin (SF), ozonized gel (O), combined treatment (SF + O), and antibiotic treatment. Topical treatments were administered for 21 consecutive days. Clinical evaluation included assessments of corneal opacity, neovascularization, …

Antiobesity, Antidiabetic, And Antioxidant Activities Of Selected Rubia Species (Rubiaceae) And Lc–Ms/Ms-Based Chemical Profiling ​, Semi̇h Bulut, Ahmet Kahraman, Ayşenur Işik, Mustafa Abdullah Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Rubia species (Rubiaceae) are recognized as medicinal and industrial plants exhibiting diverse biological activities. This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antiobesity potential of extracts prepared from Rubia davisiana Ehrend. (an endemic species), R. peregrina L., and R. rotundifolia Banks & Sol., which grow naturally in Türkiye.

Materials and methods: The antioxidant activity of 80% ethanol extracts prepared from the aerial parts was evaluated using 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays, ferric reducing power, metal chelating capacity, and total antioxidant capacity assays. Inhibition assays for α-glucosidase and α-amylase were performed to evaluate antidiabetic activity, …

Crispr-Cas9: An Emerging And Precise Genome Editing System For Crops To Combat Food Insecurity, Muhammad Faran Tahi̇r, Muhammad Hamzah Saleem, Sidra Aslam, Emi̇ne Orhan, Hayat Topçu, Tauqeer Ahmed Qadri, Khalid Ali Khan, Muhammad Anas

Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry

Genome editing has emerged as a transformative tool to improve crop productivity, resilience, and nutritional quality, helping address global food insecurity. Among gene-editing platforms, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/ Cas systems (notably CRISPR-Cas9) offer simple, efficient, and scalable methods for targeted modifications, including knockouts, base edits, and precise “search-and-replace” prime edits. In plants, recent advances such as improved base editors, optimized prime-editing platforms, and DNA-free delivery methods have expanded the scope of edits achievable while reducing off-target effects and regulatory concerns. This review summarizes CRISPR principles, highlights technical breakthroughs and crop applications that mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses, …

Effect Of Rangeland Quality On Rumen Development Of Angora (Mohair) Goat Kids And Bucks, Betül Zehra Sariçi̇çek

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study was conducted to determine the effect of rangeland quality on the rumen development of Angora goat kids and bucks. Twenty male singleton Angora goat kids with similar birth dates and birth weights were selected from each farm in an area with three different rangeland quality levels (good, medium, or poor) in Ankara Province. The kids were weaned at 60 days of age and then grazed completely on rangeland until slaughter. Rumen volumetric and papillary development of animals slaughtered at 4 and 7 months of age were determined. Empty rumen length, width, and weight were affected by rangeland quality …

Toroidal Plasmonic Nanodimers For Enhanced Near-Infrared Emission In Heterostructured Inp Quantum Dots, Arda Gülücü, Emre Ozan Polat

Turkish Journal of Physics

Near-infrared (NIR) emitters operating in the 650--900 nm spectral range are highly attractive for imaging and sensing in turbid media. However, cadmium-free InP-based quantum dots (QDs) often exhibit limited brightness owing to nonradiative recombination pathways and inefficient photon outcoupling. In particular, heterostructured InP QDs may possess band alignments that induce partial spatial separation of charge carriers, thereby reducing the electron-hole wavefunction overlap. This characteristic modifies the intrinsic recombination dynamics and increases the sensitivity of their emission to the surrounding photonic environment. Here, we investigate silver toroidal plasmonic nanoantenna dimers (Ag TPNDs) using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations as a geometry-tunable platform …

Observational Constraints On The Structure-Induced Dark Energy Model, Ali̇ Kazim Çamlibel

Turkish Journal of Physics

A new phenomenological dark energy model, originally associated with large-scale structure formation and proposed as a solution to the fine-tuning and coincidence problems related to the cosmological constant, was analyzed within the framework of General Relativity in a Friedmann-Robertson-Walker spacetime and its model parameters were estimated using cosmic chronometers and recent DESI data. It turns out that the proposed model can serve as an alternative evolving dark energy model with a novel equation of state function. Given the form of this phenomenological energy density ansatz, which rises with the nonlinear structure growth in the universe and declines as cosmic voids …

Design And Fabrication Of Petri Dish Optimized For High-Frequency Acoustic Microscopy Using 3d Printing, Tuna Pesen, Beyza Ceren Eren, Arda İnanç, Bora Akgün

Turkish Journal of Physics

High-frequency imaging in acoustic microscopy requires the use of Petri dishes with thin and acoustically transparent bottoms to minimize signal attenuation and distortion. Commercially available options suitable for this purpose are often expensive or limited in compatibility with custom setups. Here, we present a cost-effective and easily customizable alternative developed in our laboratory, consisting of a 3D-printed frame combined with commercially available stretch film. The stretch film serves as an ultrathin (8 µm thickness) base that supports efficient high-frequency acoustic transmission, enabling clear and reliable imaging. Beyond acoustic microscopy, the adaptable design is also compatible with other modalities such as …

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

No abstract provided.

Generalized Splines Over ℤ-Modules On Arbitrary Graphs, Gökçen Di̇laver, Selma Altinok

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

Let [[EQUATION]] be a commutative ring with identity and [[EQUATION]] a graph.  Fix an [[EQUATION]]-module [[EQUATION]] for each vertex [[EQUATION]] of [[EQUATION]], an extending generalized spline on [[EQUATION]] is a vertex labeling [[EQUATION]], where for each edge [[EQUATION]] there exists an [[EQUATION]]-module [[EQUATION]] together with homomorphisms [[EQUATION]] and  [[EQUATION]] such that [[EQUATION]]. Extending generalized splines are further generalizations for generalized splines. They can also be considered as generalized splines over modules.In this paper, we prove that some of the results for splines can be extended to extending generalized splines when [[EQUATION]] for each vertex [[EQUATION]], and we define a method …

Biharmonic Curves In Warped Product Manifolds I ×FMN(C), Şaban Güvenç, Ci̇han Özgür

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

We explore the geometric properties of biharmonic curves in warped product manifolds of the form I ×_f Mⁿ(c), where I is an open interval and Mⁿ(c) is a space of constant curvature. By establishing a main theorem, we analyze four distinct cases to reveal deeper curvature-related characteristics of these curves, including situations where they are slant. Finally, we construct three examples in I ×_f S²(1).

Generalized Submaximality And Paracompactness In Ideal Topological Spaces Via Δβ*-𝔍-Open Sets, Chawalit Boonpok, Areeyuth Sama-Ae

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

This paper explores the notions of δβ^*-𝔍-submaximality and δβ^*-𝔍-paracompactness within ideal topological spaces, viewing them as natural generalizations of the traditional concepts of submaximality and paracompactness. These concepts arise naturally in the context of ideal topology, where an ideal 𝔍 on a topological space provides additional structure for analyzing topological properties. It focuses on the study of submaximal spaces by employing δβ^*-𝔍-open sets, which serve as fundamental building blocks for understanding the topological behavior in ideal spaces. Furthermore, the work provides multiple characterizations of δβ^*-𝔍-paracompact spaces and examines how this property behaves …

Impulsive Hahn--Sturm--Liouville Equations, Bi̇lender Paşaoğlu Allahverdiev, Hüseyi̇n Tuna, Hati̇ce Bulut Demi̇ralay

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

In this study, we investigate the Hahn--Sturm--Liouville problems with impulsive boundary conditions. The basic spectral properties of this type of equations are investigated.

The Kinematic Relationship Between Plücker Coordinates,  Moments Of Ruled Surfaces, And Real Quaternion Algebra, Selahatti̇n Aslan

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

This paper introduces a new kinematic method for generating ruled surfaces in Euclidean 3-space. We demonstrate that the Plücker coordinate method for straight lines can be extended to ruled surfaces. We prove that the moment of a ruled surface is a unique curve, which is independent of the chosen base curve. Moreover, we introduce a novel and distinctive base curve that is defined as the set of points on the rulings of the ruled surface such that these points are closest to the origin. Thus, we prove that each ruled surface can be generated using a real quaternion and a …

Notes On The Geometry Of Electromagnetic Fields And Maxwell’S Equations Along A Nonnull Curves In Nonflat-3d Space Forms MQ3(C), Fatma Almaz, Cumali̇ Eki̇ci̇

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

In this paper, the directional derivatives in accordance with the orthonormal frame {T^→, N^→, B^→} are defined in M_q³(c), the extended Serret-Frenet relations by using Frenet formulas are expressed. Furthermore, we express the bending elastic energy function for the same particle in M_q³(c) according to curve γ(s, ξ, η) and we tried to interpret it from a geometric perspective of the energy for unit vector fields. Also, Maxwell’s equations are expressed for the electric and magnetic field vectors …

Analysis And Categorization Of Second-Order Linear Partial Dynamic Equations On Time Scales, Svetlin G. Georgiev, Jervin Zen Lobo, Sanket Tikare

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

In this paper, we obtain the canonical form of second-order linear partial dynamic equations in two independent variables on time scales, together with the identity for the characteristic quadratic form. This is then used to classify these equations as hyperbolic, elliptic, or parabolic. We deduce the characteristic equations in each case, determine their roots, and provide the corresponding characteristic curves. In one case, we derive the generalized Beltrami equations on time scales. Suitable examples involving equations of interest are explored, and the developed theory is illustrated through these examples.

Nonmarine Ostracods Of Northern Cyprus: Diversity, Ecology, And Global Island Comparisons, Ahmet Özdi̇lek, Okan Külköylüoğlu

Turkish Journal of Zoology

There is a notable paucity of detailed information regarding the distribution and ecological characteristics of nonmarine Ostracoda in Northern Cyprus. Furthermore, a comprehensive assessment of their distribution across islands in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres is incomplete. To advance our understanding of ostracod diversity, distribution, and ecological preferences, a total of 79 aquatic sites in Northern Cyprus were randomly sampled between 18 May and 12 August 2022. A total of 64 ostracod taxa were identified, comprising 28 living species and 36 subfossils, with 18 species representing new records for the island. Additionally, five ostracod species were reported for the first …

Dietary Stability Of The Eurasian Beaver Revealed By Hair Stable Isotopes, Linas Balčiauskas, Rasa Vaitkevičiūtė Koklevičienė, Andrius Garbaras, Inga Garbarienė, Laima Balčiauskienė

Turkish Journal of Zoology

The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) is a keystone ecosystem engineer whose expanding populations increasingly occupy agricultural landscapes. Hair stable  isotope analysis was applied to reconstruct assimilated diet in 56 legally  hunted beavers in Lithuania in 2024–2025. Stable carbon isotope values were tightly  clustered (–25.53 ± 0.10‰ SE), while those for nitrogen showed greater variability (5.38 ± 0.20‰ SE), indicating limited interindividual dietary differentiation.  Generalized linear models revealed no significant effects of sex, year, or month, and  age-related differences were limited to the youngest individuals. Comparison with  published Polish data showed no significant differences in mean isotope values.  Overall, the results …

Paleoseismological Study Of The Active Faults Of Northern Cyprus​​, Hasan Elmaci, Şule Gürboğa, Seli̇m Özalp, Hasret Ozan Avci, Hakan Aydoğan, Ayhan Yavuzoğlu, Ali̇ Atalay Yüce, Meryem Kara, Ahmet Rasi̇mcan Öztürker

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

The tectonic framework of Northern Cyprus is presented in this study based on integrated fieldwork and paleoseismology. We identified multiple fault systems including the 214-km Dardere (Ovgos) Fault Zone (with seven segments), the Haspolat Transfer Fault, Mersinlik Fault, Yamaçköy Fault Zone, Boğazköy Fault, Alsancak Fault, and Geçitköy-Koruçam Fault Zone. Eleven paleoseismological trenches were excavated, with six yielding reliable results in terms of dating and stratigraphy. The results indicate recurrence intervals exceeding ~2500 years across different fault segments. The Dardere (Ovgos) Fault Zone shows the potential to generate earthquakes of up to Mw 7.80 with evidence of Holocene activity. The Haspolat …

Integrated Edge Detection Of Gravity Data And Seismicity Approach For Mapping Potential Faults In The Bolu Region, Hazel Deni̇z Toktay, Burçi̇n Di̇dem Tamtaş

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

The Bolu region, situated along the western–central segment of the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ), is characterized by a complex fault architecture in which multiple overlapping strike-slip segments and associated subsurface structures accommodate active crustal deformation. Although the principal fault strands of the NAFZ have been well mapped, several clusters of seismicity are observed in areas without clear surface fault expression, indicating the presence of subsurface or poorly expressed fault zones. In this study, we integrated edge detection methods with a seismicity approach to delineate active and buried structural features across the Bolu region. Bouguer gravity anomalies derived from the …

The Harmancık “Purple Jade”: A Unique Blueschist-Facies Metatrachyte With Significant Geoarchaeological Value, Gülteki̇n Topuz, Aral I. Okay, Constantinos Mavrogonatos, Osman Candan, Michael Brandl, Onur Bamyaci, Serap Ala Çeli̇k, Frederik Vingaard, Warren Thompson, Peter Christian Toft, Benjamin Dominguez Heredia, Tonny Bernt Thomsen, Lasse Vilien Sørensen

Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences

The so-called Harmancık “purple jade” from the Bursa region of northwestern Türkiye has attracted attention as a gemstone; however, its geological characteristics and provenance have long remained uncertain. This short communication presents new field observations along with mineralogical and petrological data concerning the provenance, metamorphic evolution, and geoarchaeological relevance of this unique rock type. The rock occurs as loose boulders scattered across cultivated fields in the villages of Akpınar, Kocapınar, and Gedikören, where it was previously interpreted either as part of Neogene sedimentary successions or as a high-pressure metamorphic rock affected by contact metamorphism. Our detailed mapping and field observations …

Efficient Edge Implementation Of Midasnet For Real-Time Depth Estimation In Indoor Robotics, Muhammed Yasi̇n Adiyaman, İsmai̇l Fai̇k Başkaya

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Real-time depth estimation is crucial in many vision-related tasks, including autonomous driving, 3D reconstruction, robotics, and simultaneous localization and mapping. In recent years, many methods have been proposed to solve depth maps from images by utilizing different modality setups like monocular vision, binocular vision, or sensor fusion. However, for real-time deployment on edge devices, complex methods are not suitable due to latency constraints and limited computation capacity. For edge implementation, models should be simple, minimal in size, and hardware-friendly. Considering these factors, we implemented MiDaSNet, which works on the simplest setup of monocular vision and utilizes hardware-friendly convolutional neural network-based …