Türksat (Turkey)

This study evaluated the accuracy, readability, and comprehensiveness of patient-facing responses generated by LLM-based chatbot platforms to pediatric contact lens (CL)–related questions, using expert grading and readability benchmarking. Five platforms (ChatGPT-4o, Gemini 1.5, Perplexity, Copilot, and Claude 3.5 Sonnet) were assessed using 28 curated questions. Two pediatric ophthalmologists graded anonymized outputs using DISCERN and PEMAT-P, 5-point Likert scales for accuracy and comprehensiveness, and multiple automated readability indices. Expert-written responses were included only for readability benchmarking. ChatGPT-4o produced the longest responses (p<0.0001). Accuracy and comprehensiveness differed across platforms (p=0.0216 and p=0.0067), with ChatGPT-4o scoring higher than Perplexity in post-hoc comparisons (p=0.0173 and p=0.0087). Expert responses were shorter but showed higher complexity on readability indices. Accuracy-based reproducibility was high for general pediatric CL queries but lower for aphakic CL–related questions (p=0.041), and factual inaccuracies were more frequent in aphakic topics. While LLMs may support patient education, variability in correctness and completeness underscores the need for expert oversight; these tools should complement, not replace, clinical expertise in pediatric CL usage.

This study investigates microplastic content in 79 personal care and cosmetic products (PCCPs)-shampoos, shower gels, peeling gels, and toothpastes-from various commercial brands in Türkiye, each analyzed through multiple extractions. Microplastics were identified using stereomicroscopy, Nile Red staining for fluorescence-based screening, and confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. Shower gels contained the highest levels, while no microplastics were detected in toothpastes. Two types of microplastics -fibers and microbeads- were found, with fibers most common in shower gels (46%), followed by peeling gels (40%) and shampoos (14%). Polyethylene-based microbeads appeared only in one shower gel brand. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between product types (p < 0.05). FTIR analysis revealed that bead-like particles in peeling gels and toothpastes were primarily silica- or cellulose-based. Findings suggest a declining trend in plastic microbeads, possibly influenced by global awareness and policy changes. The study highlights the lack of standardized methodologies in PCCP microplastic research and calls for harmonized international regulations to reduce environmental contamination and ecological risks.

The increasing interest in sustainable materials has led to the development of bio-based composites for additive manufacturing applications. This study aimed to investigate the influence of key printing parameters and new-generation infill patterns together on the maximum compressive force of PLA-wood bio-composites produced by Material Extrusion. By optimizing this material, low-cost wood-like products can be produced. New-generation 3D infill patterns (octet, cubic-subdivision, and lightning which is a biomimetic infill pattern) infill densities, printing temperatures, and layer heights were selected as variables/factors, and the Taguchi method was applied for design of the experiment. The signal-to-noise ratio and Analysis of Variance were used to evaluate the statistical significance and contribution of each parameter to the mechanical response. The signal-to-noise ratio indicated that the optimal printing settings were as follows: printing temperature, 205 °C; infill density, 80%; infill pattern, octet; and layer height, 0.2 mm (7123.4 N). ANOVA results showed that infill density was the most significant factor affecting maximum compressive force at 60%, while infill pattern also exhibited a notable effect. According to these results, infill density and infill pattern are the most important factors for achieving high compressive strength. These findings suggest that optimizing infill architecture and density can improve the mechanical performance of PLA-wood composites, also they can offer assistive design guidelines for lightweight and eco-friendly components.

Abstract Turkish Accelerator and Radiation Laboratory (TARLA) is proposed as the first accelerator-based user facility within the framework of the Turkish Accelerator Center project initiative. Following the completion of technical design studies and infrastructure development, the installation of accelerator components commenced. TARLA is designed to produce free-electron laser (FEL) and bremsstrahlung radiation utilizing state-of-the-art superconducting accelerator technology. The facility aims to operate FELs in the wavelength range of 5–350 µm by accelerating electrons to energies between 15 and 40 MeV, and to generate bremsstrahlung radiation with electrons accelerated up to 30 MeV. As a major milestone, the first stable electron beam was successfully generated in April 2024, marking the completion of the facility’s first operational phase. This study presents the commissioning efforts for the electron beam, outlines the current operational status of the facility, and discusses future plans and the research potential of TARLA.

Qanats, as hydraulic innovations, enabled the sustainable extraction and distribution of groundwater for irrigation and domestic use during history. This study presents a data-driven modeling framework that implements Quantile Regression Forest (QRF), Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Regression (SVR) to predict Qanat discharge under altered subsurface conditions. Using field data from the Dirsak Qanat in northern Iran, a traditional drainage system recently enhanced by the construction of a subsurface dam (SD), we investigate the dam’s effect on discharge potential. The modeling framework incorporates determination of multiple hydro-meteorological inputs including precipitation, temperature, evaporation, humidity, runoff depth, infiltration depth and groundwater levels observed at three monitoring wells. A binary (dummy) variable was also introduced to represent the presence or absence of the SD, thereby capturing the associated changes in boundary conditions. The analysis further revealed that the SD and evaporation are the most influential factors, highlighting the combined effects of anthropogenic modifications and climatic variations on the discharge behavior of the Qanats. It was also concluded that the QRF model with a Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of 0.818, demonstrate strong predictive capability in capturing complex and non-linear hydrological interactions.

The study was conducted in Rabi of 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 in Begusarai district of Bihar under Frontline Demonstration programme on “Zero Tillage (ZT)” technology in wheat cultivation by KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) Begusarai. The data on Productivity, Economics, Extension gap and Water saving were calculated and compared with the farmer’s practice (FP). In ZT wheat cultivation, saving in cost of crop establishment, water saving and net return were observed more than FP. The average productivity was recorded 50.37 q/ha and 43.13 q/ha in case of ZT and FP respectively, correspondingly crop establishment cost in case of ZT was found 30.55 per cent lower than FP. Similarly, overall average net return in case of ZT wheat cultivation was recorded as Rs 70813/ha per hectare which is 61 % higher than FP. The average calculated B:C ratio for ZT and FP was 3.47 and 2.06 respectively. The average extension gap, Technology gap and Technology index for three consecutive years were perceived 7.24 q/ha, 7.55 q/ha and 18.66 % respectively. It has been observed that there was decreasing trend of extension gap and technology gap in the selected area which reflects the satisfactory adoption rate of the demonstrated technology for the cultivation of wheat. It was recorded that ZT is significantly superior over the FP in terms of several parameters under the study.

The purpose of the research was to reveal the effects of the STEM-centered program designed according to the Demirel model on seventh-grade students regarding socio-scientific issues. The research was conducted with 78 students at Melikşah Secondary School in the Sincan district of Ankara province, during the spring semester of the 2016-2017 academic year, for 19 weeks when a STEM-centered program was implemented. In the research, data were collected using the Attitude Scale Towards Socio-Scientific Issues (ASTSI). After the application of the pretest, activities prepared within the framework of a STEM-centered curriculum were applied to the experimental group, and applications aimed at the achievements determined by the seventh-grade level of science applications course were applied to the control group for one semester. At the end of the semester, ASTSI was applied to both groups as a post-test. The data obtained in the research were analyzed by the t-test analysis technique. In the study, data were analyzed with a t-test. It was observed that there was a statistically significant difference in favor of the experimental group regarding the attitude towards socio-scientific issues after the Stemcentered program.

This paper aims to review the benefits of cross-border institutional partnerships as an instrument to support international student mobility in higher education institutions, along with strategies to maximize these benefits and potential challenges and solutions. The push for internationalization in higher education globally has led to an increase in the international student population and a focus on developing strategies to increase the global market share of universities. Current strategies have shifted towards more economically driven approaches, involving multi-dimensional institutional partnerships to enhance brand value and promote global mobility. However, one-sided partnerships can lead to challenges, thus, partnerships should be structured to include mutual benefits and address potential challenges. Based on research findings, cross-border institutional partnerships and collaborations can positively impact on international student mobility by offering the following benefits: increased access to valuable resources, exposure to diverse perspectives, expanded recruitment networks, enhanced reputation, and streamlined pathways for international students. The scope of this paper does not include short-term exchange programs, but rather focuses on long-term international student mobility.

The aim of this study is to compare the bond strength of lingual brackets bonded to resin-matrix and lithium disilicate based-ceramic crowns following various surface treatments. Sixty ceramic crowns (IPS Emax and Cerasmart) were fabricated by CAD/CAM. Er,Cr:YSGG laser, sandblasting with aluminium oxide and hydrofluoric acid treatment effects on ceramics was tested (n=10/group). A light-cure orthodontic adhesive was used to bond lingual brackets to the ceramic surfaces. Bond strengths of the brackets to ceramics were assessed by shear bond test. The remnant adhesive on bracket and ceramic surfaces was inspected with a light microscope and adhesive remnant index scores were recorded. The data were analyzed statistically using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney U-test. Cerasmart ceramic specimens showed lower shear bond strength values than IPS Emax ceramic specimens (p<0.05). The statistical analysis of the surface treatment groups regarding bond strength were ranked as follows: Laser ≤ Hydrofluoric acid ≤ Sandblasting (p=0.058). While laser-treated Cerasmart ceramic group displayed the lowest SBS (9.39 MPa), hydrofluoric acid-treated IPS Emax group had the highest (16.8 MPa) bond strength value. The use of Er,Cr:YSGG lasers for etching of CAD-CAM ceramics could be a promising alternative to "conventional techniques", to improve bond strength of lingual brackets to IPS Emax and Cerasmart ceramics.