Examination of heavy metal concentrations and their interaction with anthropogenic sources in Ermenek Dam Lake (Turquoise Lake)

This study aims to determine the spatial distribution of heavy metal pollution in Ermenek Dam Lake, water quality assessment and pollution sources. For this purpose, samples were taken 6 times a year from 12 points determined in 2024. Physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals were analyzed in the study. Using the analysis results, indexes such as Water Quality Index and Heavy Metal Pollution Index were calculated. The results show that the lake water complies with TS 266 and WHO standards. The index results indicate that the lake water is at low pollution and risk level and is safe. The distribution and sources of heavy metals were examined using correlation analysis, Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis. Correlation analyses showed that there were significant relationships between pH, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and TDS and heavy metals. PCA results revealed that Zn was positively correlated with temperature and pH, while Mn and Ni were inversely correlated. The alignment of Pb, Cu and Cd in the same direction showed that these parameters were affected by common sources. HCA results showed that Cr and Fe have similar transport and source properties, while Mn and Ni are affected by different sources. In general, it was determined that heavy metal pollution in lake water was at low levels and local concentrations were present. The study revealed the effects of anthropogenic activities on the lake ecosystem. The findings of the study provide a guiding basis for water quality management in similar hydrological systems

Eco-friendly lead-free metal halide perovskites: progress and prospects in multifunctional applications

Recently, metal halide perovskites have engrossed a lot of attraction in the field of developing optoelectronic technologies due to their special optical-electronic characteristics. The toxicity of lead (Pb) based perovskites has developed a major obstacle that restricts their widespread use, despite the fact that they seem to be rising stars in optoelectronic devices. To overcome this hurdle, Pb-free substitutive perovskites have earned growing interest because of their theoretically remarkable environment friendly optoelectronic properties besides compromising stability and enactment. They are not only gaining attention for applications in solar devices but their properties make them an ideal candidate for many other demanding applications. To elucidate the applicability of eco-friendly perovskites in numerous applications, the present article provides an extensive overview of current developments in eco-friendly perovskites in a range of contemporary applications outside of photovoltaics. An overview of these Pb-free perovskites' crystal structure and chemical variety is initially presented. For a number of purposes like artificial synapses, light-emitting diodes, resistive switching memory, photodetectors, and displays, a methodical review of lead-free perovskites is presented in this article. The demonstration of photocatalysis, radiation detection, imaging, sensors, thermoelectric and piezoelectric energy harvesting, and more is crucial. Pb-free perovskite future development prospects and challenges in the aforementioned fields are described, that are thought to be essential for accelerating the profitable adoption of above-mentioned cutting-edge technologies. © 2025 Elsevier B.V

Hexadecimal permutation and 2D cumulative diffusion image encryption using hyperchaotic sinusoidal exponential memristive system

The performance of chaos-based image encryption (IE) highly depends upon chaotic system's complexity and diversity; and IE algorithm's permutation and diffusion strategies. Existing chaotic systems often face limitations in achieving sufficient complexity and dynamical richness, limiting their effectiveness in high unpredictability. To overcome these limitations, a novel hyperchaotic 2D sinusoidal exponential memristive system (2D-SEMS) is designed and validated through a hardware circuit. Additionally, a novel hexadecimal permutation and two dimensional (2D) cumulative diffusion IE (Hp2DCd-IE) is contrived using the 2D-SEMS. The 2D-SEMS is built upon two introduced designs of simplified exponential discrete memristors (SEDMs), forming the basis of its dynamic and chaotic framework. The 2D-SEMS validated by comparison with existing maps through an evaluation in terms of Lyapunov exponents (LE1, LE2), sample entropy (SE), correlation dimension (CD), and Kolmogorov entropy, and (KE), which are measured on average as 4.2889, 0.0250, 1.3204, 1.7599, and 1.6428. The Hp2DCd-IE is corroborated across wide range of cryptanalysis by comparing with the existing IE algorithms. The results demonstrate that the Hp2DCd-IE has high shuffling and manipulating performance thanks to complexity and diversity of the 2D-SEMS. Image Encryption;Chaotic System; Hyperchaotic Systems; Memristive System; Exponential Memristo

Low-level tracking palladium species with a xanthene-indandione conjugated system in foodstuff, environmental samples, and living cells

Palladium (Pd) is a significant heavy metal with outstanding catalytic properties, extensively utilized in the pharmaceutical industry and organic chemistry. Due to the detrimental impact of palladium on human health and the environment, there is a pressing need for efficient and convenient analytical techniques. In this context, we have created a simple fluorescent switch-on probe, INX-Pd, for the selective determination of Pd0. The allyl carbonate in INX-Pd could be entirely cleaved by Pd0 to produce the intermediate INX-OH, resulting in distinct colorimetric and fluorometric alterations. INX-Pd displayed high sensitivity in detecting Pd0, with a detection limit of 56 nM, and a fast response time (2.0 min). INX-Pd was successively utilized to determine Pd0 in drugs, water, soil, and various foodstuff samples as well as smartphone and test strips. Moreover, cell imaging experiments demonstrated that INX-Pd is suitable for imaging Pd0 in living cells.Research Foundation of Selcuk University [SUBAP-23401167]The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Research Foundation of Selcuk University (SUBAP-23401167) , Turkey

Optimizing number of Raman spectra using an artificial neural network guided Monte Carlo simulation approach to analyze human cortical bone

This study presents a novel methodology for optimizing the number of Raman spectra required per sample for human bone compositional analysis. The methodology integrates Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS). We demonstrate the robustness of ANN in enabling prediction of Raman spectroscopy-based bone quality properties even with limited spectral inputs. The ANN algorithms tailored to individual sex and age groups, which enhance the specificity and accuracy of predictions in bone quality properties. In addition, ANN guided MCS systematically explores the variability and uncertainty inherent in different sample sizes and spectral datasets, leading to the identification of an optimal number of spectra per sample for characterizing human bone tissues. The findings suggest that as low as 2 spectra are sufficient for biochemical analysis of bone, with R2 values between real and predicted values of v1/PO4/Amide I and ?I1670/I1640 ratios, ranging from 0.60 to 0.89. Our results also suggest that up to 8 spectra could be optimal when balancing other factors. This optimized approach streamlines experimental workflows, reduces data and acquisition costs. Additionally, our study highlights the potential for advancing Raman spectroscopy in bone research through the innovative integration of ANN-guided probabilistic modeling techniques. This research could significantly contribute to the broader landscape of bone quality analyses by establishing a precedent for optimizing the number of Raman spectra with sophisticated computational tools. It also sets a novel platform for future optimization studies in Raman spectroscopy applications in biomedical field. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA; National Institutes of Health, NIH; Office of Research and Development, ORD, (I01 BX 004297); Office of Research and Development, ORD; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIAMS, (R01 AR063157); National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIAM

Bioactive properties and chemical compositions of essential oils from three nepeta l. species, two endemic, grown in turkiye

Nepeta is one of the largest genera in the Lamiaceae family. The aim of this study is to evaluate (DPPH center dot and ABTS(+) scavenging tests), antidiabetic (alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes inhibition), and anticholinesterase (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes inhibition) activities of methanolic, aqueous extracts and essential oils obtained from flowering aerial parts of N. cilicia Boiss. ex Benth., N. isaurica Boiss. & Heldr. ex Benth., and N. sulfuriflora P.H.Davis. Furthermore, essential oils extracted from these plants were analysed for their chemical composition by GC-MS/MS. Also, anatomy and morphology of these plants were evaluated. Total phenolic and tannin contents were analysed. The major compounds identified in the essential oils of Nepeta species were as follows: caryophyllene oxide (24.8%) and phytol (17.7%) in N. cilicia, alpha-cadinol (13.6%) and ledol (8.0%) in N. isaurica, and 1,8-cineole (70.4%) in N. sulfuriflora. The plants are perennial, and they have unicellular to multicellular non-glandular and multicellular glandular trichomes. In antidiabetic assays, N. cilicia methanolic extract showed the highest alpha-amylase inhibition (31.66%), while N. isaurica essential oil had the strongest alpha-glucosidase inhibition (14.25%). For anticholinesterase activity, N. sulfuriflora essential oil was most effective against acetylcholinesterase (8.63%), and N. isaurica MeOH extract had the highest butyrylcholinesterase inhibition (13.24%). It was determined that especially methanolic extracts had higher % inhibition value on (+)ABTS and DPPHcenter dot. When a comparison was made in terms of total phenol and total tannin content, it was observed that N. sulfuriflora species was one step ahead. In conclusion, the study revealed that the three Nepeta species-N. cilicia, N. isaurica, and N. sulfuriflora-possess significant bioactive properties, particularly in their antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticholinesterase activities

İnsight into the photoluminescence of ba2cd(bo3)2: re3+ (re = dy, tb) phosphors

Dy3+ and Tb3+ ions doped Ba2Cd(BO3)2 phosphors with varying concentrations (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 mol%) were produced via the solid-state synthesis method in air. The as-synthesized phosphors were characterized. The photoluminescence (PL) and photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra of Ba2Cd(BO3)2 phosphors doped with 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mol% Dy3+ ions reveal four distinct emission bands in the blue, yellow, and red regions, with the 575 nm emission band (4F9/2 -> 6H13/2, electric dipole transition) exhibiting a notably higher intensity than the 481 nm band (4F9/2 -> 6H15/2, magnetic dipole transition). The optimal Dy3+ doping concentration was identified as 5 mol%, beyond which concentration quenching effects became apparent. Additionally, excitation and emission spectra of Ba2Cd(BO3)2 phosphors doped with 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mol% Tb3+ ions demonstrate efficient energy absorption at approximately 225 nm, with characteristic emission bands observed at 415, 436, 488, 544, 586, and 621 nm, corresponding to the 5D3 -> 7F5, 5D3 -> 7F4, 5D4 -> 7F6, 5D4 -> 7F5, 5D4 -> 7F4, and 5D4 -> 7F3 transitions, respectively. The ideal concentrations for Dy3+ (5 mol%) and Tb3+ (6 mol%) in Ba2Cd(BO3)2 are identified at x = 0.3717, y = 0.4064, and x = 0.2902, y = 0.5344, respectively, as per the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) color spectrum, positioning Dy3+-doped phosphors within the yellow spectrum and Tb3+-doped phosphors within the green spectrum. These phosphors exhibit vibrant yellow and green luminescence, demonstrating their suitability as candidates for applications in these hues. They can be employed when stimulated by near-UV, UV, and blue laser diodes for WLEDs

Applications of digital twin in precision medicine: a systematic review

Digital twin (DT) technology has emerged as a transformative tool in healthcare and precision medicine, enabling personalized care through real-time simulations, predictive modelling, and patient-specific diagnostics. This systematic review analyses 94 peer-reviewed articles from the Scopus database, highlighting the role of machine learning (ML) techniques—such as supervised, unsupervised, and hybrid methods—in advancing DT applications. The study explores the integration of emerging technologies, including blockchain and generative artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance DT functionality and data security. Spanning disciplines such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, and metabolic disorders, the research underscores the interdisciplinary applications of DTs while addressing critical ethical concerns like data privacy, algorithmic bias, and regulatory challenges. Despite limitations, including reliance on a single database and subjective categorization, this review demonstrates the transformative potential of DTs and suggests future research directions in quantum computing integration and patient-centered DT design

Iteratıve method for rank-defıcıent (2,1)-block kkt systems

Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) systems are widely used in scientific and engineering problems. They are characterized by a 2-by-2 block structure coefficient matrix that exhibits various features, such as sparsity, symmetry, non-symmetry, singularity, and nonsingularity. Solving singular (2,1)-block KKT systems presents significant computational challenges due to their in-herent complexity. To address this challenge, an iterative method has been introduced explicitly for addressing singular (2,1)-block KKT systems. The proposed method reduces the system size by using only maximum linearly independent rows of (2,1) block matrices and effectively handles the singularity by transforming the row deficiency problem into a reduced form. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed iterative method are verified using numerical experiments with various matrices. It has demonstrated the capacity to provide definitive solutions for singular KKT systems and improve computing performance across multiple applications

The effect of future time focus on environmental literacy: a study on universty students

Günümüzde doğal çevreye ilişkin sorunların çözümünde çevre ve insan arasında uyumlu bir ilişki olması gerçeği öne çıkmaktadır. Bu uyumun sağlanabilmesi için çevreye ilişkin bilgileri doğru okumak, anlamak ve buna dair tutum ve davranışın geliştirilmesi gerektiği söylenebilir. Buna göre insanların gelecek kazanımlarını bugünden dikkate alması önem taşımaktadır. Dolayısıyla geleceğe odaklanmak, plan ve eylemlerinde geleceği önceliklendirmek çevresel farkındalıkları etkilemektedir. Bu bağlamda araştırmada gelecek zaman odağı derecesinin çevresel okuryazarlık düzeylerine etkisi olup olmadığını tespit etmek amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmanın katılımcıları 446 üniversite öğrencisinden oluşmaktadır. Çalışmada veri toplamak için Demografik Bilgi Formu; Zimbardo ve Boyd (1999) tarafından geliştirilen Zaman Perspektifi Envanterinin Gelecek Zaman Odağı bölümü ve Tuncer ve diğerleri (2008) tarafından geliştirilen çevre okuryazarlığı ölçeği ile çevresel tutum, davranışlar, algı kısımlarına yönelik Kışoğlu vd. (2009) tarafından geliştirilen çevresel okuryazarlık ölçek soruları kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen bulgular çevresel okuryazarlık düzeyinin gelecek zaman odağı tarafından etkilendiğini ortaya koymaktadır. Buna göre geleceği planlayan bireylerin, çevresel konulara daha ilgili olduğu görülmektedir.Today, the fact that there is a harmonious relationship between the environment and humans comes to the fore in solving problems related to the natural environment. It can be said that to achieve this harmony, it is necessary to read and understand environmental information correctly and to develop attitudes and behaviors regarding this. Accordingly, it is important for people to consider their future gains today. Therefore, focusing on the future and prioritizing the future in plans and actions affects environmental awareness. In this context, the aim of the research is to determine whether the degree of future focus has an effect on environmental literacy levels. The participants of the study consisted of 446 university students. Demographic Information Form; Future Time Focus section of Time Perspective Inventory developed by Zimbardo and Boyd (1999), environmental literacy scale developed by Tuncer et al. (2008) and environmental literacy scale questions developed by Kışoğlu et al. (2009) for environmental attitude, behavior and perception sections were used to collect data in the study. The findings obtained reveal that environmental literacy level is affected by future time focus. Accordingly, it is seen that individuals who plan for the future are more interested in environmental issues