Research News

Ph.D. Thesis
Zeliha Yıldırım, ID-SDM: Extending Influence Diagrams for Shared Decision-Making and Clinician-Patient Relationship

This dissertation presents ID-SDM, a computational framework utilizing Influence Diagrams to model Shared Decision-Making (SDM) based on the Three-Talk Model. By representing clinicians and patients through separate IDs, the model simulates information flow via three node operations: decision alternative transfer, chance node transfer, and preference transfer. Applied to Graves’ Disease, results show that SDM achieves the perfect-information-sharing model’s optimal decision.more efficiently than other decision models. The SDM process reaches consensus in less time with upfront information sharing from both sides. When the clinician attributes greater importance to the patient's utility criteria, the clinician's decision shifts to the perfect-information-sharing model’s optimal decision.

Date: 13.01.2026 / 13:30 Place: A-212

M.S. Thesis
Deniz Kizaroğlu, Unified Local-Global Prompt Learning for Few-Shot Vision-Language Adaptation via Optimal Transport

This thesis proposes a unified framework for few-shot vision-language adaptation. Addressing the limitations of holistic image matching in models like CLIP, we introduce a dual-branch architecture combining global prompts with a locality-aware pathway. This local branch utilizes Value-Value (V-V) attention and Optimal Transport (OT) to enforce balanced, discriminative alignments between fine-grained image patches and class-specific prompts. Extensive evaluation on 11 benchmarks demonstrates state-of-the-art average accuracy. Furthermore, the framework exhibits superior Out-of-Distribution (OOD) robustness, offering a configurable trade-off between task specialization and generalized robustness.

Date: 05.01.2026 / 13:00 Place: A-212

M.S. Thesis
Buse Şimşek, Analysis of Generative AI Technologies’ Adoption Using Interpretive Structural Modeling: Empirical Findings from Small and Medium-Sized IT Enterprises in Türkiye

This thesis study investigates the adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) technologies among small and medium-sized IT enterprises in Türkiye. Using the Delphi method and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), the research identifies key barriers and examines their interrelationships to reveal hierarchical influences. The study explores technological, organizational, and environmental determinants shaping GenAI adoption. Findings provide an empirically grounded framework that supports strategic decision-making for SMEs aiming to integrate generative AI effectively. The proposed model offers both theoretical insight and practical guidance for advancing AI-driven digital transformation.

Date: 22.12.2025 / 10:00 Place: B-116

M.S. Thesis
Ramal Hüseynov, Mutation-Centric Graph Networks: Integrating Local and Distal Genomic Context

Somatic mutations drive the transformation of normal cells into cancer. However,distinguishing driver mutations, which confer a selective growth advantage, from the vast background of neutral passenger mutations remains a critical challenge. To address this, we introduce a novel graph-based framework that constructs mutation-centric networks by leveraging longrange genomic interaction data. Our method models genomic intervals as nodes and their long-range interactions or overlaps as edges. Starting from a ’seed’ mutation, the graph expands iteratively, finding overlaps and interacting intervals to capture both local and distal genomic context. This architecture allows us to quantify a mutation’s topological influence, identify complex structural patterns (such as graph cycles), and assess proximity to known driver genes across variable ranges. Furthermore, this approach naturally generates embeddings for individual mutations, enabling the clustering of samples based on mutation profile similarity. Ultimately, by providing a comprehensive, interaction-aware view of the genomic landscape, our framework facilitates more accurate driver identification and improved patient stratification for personalized treatment.

Date: 13.01.2026 / 11:00 Place: A-212

Ph.D. Thesis
Selin Gökalp, Data Governance Capability Maturity Model

This thesis proposes the Data Governance Capability Maturity Model (DG-CMM), a structured assessment model based on ISO/IEC 330xx standards for evaluating organizational data governance maturity. The model examines maturity across four core process areas: Data, Organization, Strategy, and Technology. DG-CMM was developed using a Design Science Research methodology in line with Becker et al. (2009), incorporating an extensive literature review, a Modified Delphi approach with domain experts, and empirical case-based validation. The model offers organizations a standardized and actionable framework to systematically identify maturity gaps, prioritize improvements, and strengthen data-driven decision-making and strategic alignment through effective data governance practices.

Date: 16.01.2026 / 09:00 Place: A-212