https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12960/29 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:20:26 GMT 2026-04-21T10:20:26Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12960/1821 Automated In-situ Analysis of Tumor-Associated Macrophage Attachment on Antifouling Polymer Brushes Uslan, Volkan; Şeker, Hüseyin; Onaran, İbrahim; Hirtz, Michael; Riehemann, Kristina Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are critical to tumor progression. Quantifying their interactions with biomaterial surfaces is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies. Traditionally, manual cell counting has been used to assess macrophage adhesion, a labor-intensive and subjective process. To address these limitations and enable unbiased analysis, we developed an automated in-situ system to quantify TAM attachment to antifouling polymer brushes. Bland-Altman analysis indicated a high agreement between our automated method and traditional manual cell counting. For M1 macrophages, the mean difference was less than 4 cells, with limits of agreement (LoA) ranging from -70.18% to 80.16%. For M2 macrophages, the mean difference was 25 cells, with LoA ranging from -51.61% to 72.71%. These results were consistent across different experimental conditions, including Unspecific Binding, Specific Antibody, and IgG Control. Our analysis revealed no systematic differences in cell counts and holds significant potential for point-of-care applications, potentially enhancing personalized treatment strategies. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12960/1821 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12960/1799 Maritime sustainability: Navigating complex challenges and ecological footprints Karakaş, Serkan; Acar, A. Zafer; Kırmızı Mehmet The maritime industry holds significant importance in facilitating international trade and contributing to the overall well-being of societies. Maritime activities encompass significant ecological and social results, in addition to their economic value. For instance, carbon emissions from maritime transportation remain a significant challenge, necessitating the implementation of various strategies and technologies to mitigate the issue. Nevertheless, the concept of maritime sustainability encompasses various complex aspects that have significant social and environmental implications. There are ongoing conflicts concerning the sharing of ocean resources among various maritime stakeholders. One additional concern pertains to the environmental inequality that exists between high-income and low-income countries in terms of ship recycling and demolition. Herewith, this chapter considers the various facets of sustainability in the maritime industry, including a recent term of blue economy, where sustainable economics intertwines with ecological well-being. Extensive discussion is also provided on contemporary technological and systems approaches aimed at mitigating the detrimental environmental effects of maritime operations. By interweaving ethnoeconomics and the welfare of coastal communities, this chapter also provides an in-depth discussion on recent issues such as ethical consumerism of maritime resources and environmental injustice. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12960/1799 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12960/1624 Prescriptive digital transformation maturity model: a development and validation study Kocaoğlu, Batuhan; Kırmızı, Mehmet PurposeThis study aims to develop a modular and prescriptive digital transformation maturity model whose constituent elements have conceptual integrity as well as reveal the priority weights of maturity model components.Design/methodology/approachA literature review with a concept-centric analysis enlightens the characteristics of constituent parts and reveals the gaps for each component. Therefore, the interdependency network among model dimensions and priority weights are identified using decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL)-based analytic network process (ANP) method, including 19 industrial experts, and the results are robustly validated with three different analyses. Finally, the applicability of the developed maturity model and the constituent elements are validated in the context of the manufacturing industry with two case applications through a strict protocol.FindingsResults obtained from DEMATEL-based ANP suggest that smart processes with a priority weight of 17.91% are the most important subdimension for reaching higher digital maturity. Customer integration and value, with a priority weight of 17.30%, is the second most important subdimension and talented employee, with 16.24%, is the third most important subdimension.Research limitations/implicationsThe developed maturity model enables companies to make factual assessments with specially designed measurement instrument including incrementally evolved questions, prioritize action fields and investment strategies according to maturity index calculations and adapt to the dynamic change in the environment with spiral maturity level identification.Originality/valueA novel spiral maturity level identification is proposed with conceptual consistency for evolutionary progress to adapt to dynamic change. A measurement instrument that is incrementally structured with 234 statements and a measurement method that is based on the priority weights and leads to calculating the maturity index are designed to assess digital maturity, create an improvement roadmap to reach higher maturity levels and prioritize actions and investments without any external support and assistance. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12960/1624 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12960/1540 Blockchain applications for traceability and food safety in agri-food supply chain: cherry product application İndap, Şebnem; Tanyaş, Mehmet Purpose: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the application of blockchain technology (BCT) in the agri-food supply chain, focusing on traceability and food safety. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a semi-structured interview method with representatives from the cherry supply chain to evaluate their awareness and acceptance of BCT's impact. Additionally, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was utilized to determine digital investment priorities in supply chain strategies. By applying the supply chain operations reference (SCOR) model framework to the cherry supply chain, the study aimed to address the question “Which process model is suitable for implementing BCT in the agri-food supply chain?” Findings: The global agri-food supply chains are characterized by significant food losses, escalating prices along the chain, and food safety risks. Concurrently, consumer concerns regarding food safety, quality and transparency are on the rise. BCT, with its ability to ensure data integrity, immutability, and seamless tracking of chain movements, presents immense potential as a secure infrastructure in the agri-food supply chain traceability. Originality/value: The developed analytic framework and the study's findings can be adapted to different sectors and different sub-sectors within agri-food supply chains. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12960/1540 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z