Area Of Izmir Research Articles

Ground motion simulations for İzmir, Turkey: parameter uncertainty

In ground motion simulation studies based on earthquake rupture scenarios, the absolute ground motion level, frequency content, signal duration and distribution of simulated ground motion is highly dependent on the input parameters used in the calculations. We conduct a predictive study assessing the potential ground motions for Izmir, Turkey based on earthquake scenarios. We calculate ground motions from a reference scenario (Mw6.8) and compare it to 25 test scenarios for the Izmir fault in order to investigate the effect of input parameter uncertainty on the simulated ground motion. In this study, we use a hybrid broadband frequency (0.1–10 Hz) ground motion simulation technique. We find average ground motion levels in the central area of Izmir of more than 600 cm/s2 and 60 cm/s for peak ground acceleration and velocity, respectively, while the standard deviation is found to exceed 200 cm/s2 and 20 cm/s, respectively. The tested parameters identified to have the largest influence on the absolute ground motion level are seismic moment, average stress-drop, rise time and rupture velocity. Parameters identified to have the least effect on ground motion level are rake and ratio of stress-drop on asperities to background stress-drop. The low-frequency ground motion, critical in terms of damage to the building stock in Izmir, is mostly affected by the location of nucleation point, seismic moment, depth of the rupture area, rise time and the velocity model. It is, therefore, highly recommended that future studies focus on reducing the uncertainties in these input parameters.

Removal of boron from geothermal water by RO system-I—Effect of membrane configuration and applied pressure

In this study, a mini pilot scale reverse osmosis (RO) system containing two spiral wound FilmTech BW30-2540 membranes was installed at a geothermal area in Izmir, Turkey. The desalination and boron removal performances of this system were investigated. The effect of such parameters as operating pressure and the number of membranes employed during the operation on desalination performance of the system was investigated. The system performance was evaluated at 12 and 15bar of operating pressures as a function of the number of membranes used. Desalination performance of brackish water reverse osmosis (BWRO) system was determined by the quality and quantity analyses of the product water. When the operating pressure was increased, a high permeate recovery, permeate flux and salt rejection were obtained with both single and double membrane configurations. The maximum boron rejection was 47% at 12bar of applied pressure while it increased to 49% at 15bar of applied pressure using a single membrane mode of operation. The lowest average boron concentration in the product water was 4.7mg/L at 15bar of applied pressure for a single membrane configuration.

The Social and Health Problems of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Izmir, Turkey.

The aim of this study was to describe how AIDS, as well as the stigma associated with it, affects the lives of HIV positive patients and their family members. Three large state hospitals in the metropolitan area of Izmir participated in the study. Six focus groups were conducted with people infected with HIV (n=32) and their family members (n=11). Participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire to assess their HIV/AIDS knowledge and to convey how the stigma had affected them. The most important problems identified were society and work-related social problems and access to health services. The patients and their family members stated that education was needed to correct misconceptions about HIV and to help them cope with related problems. We found that patients and their family members were sensitive about disclosure. We determined the education, counseling and support needs of HIV-infected patients and their families. Additionally, we found that health personnel who monitor the patients should make more efforts on patients' education and counselling.

A Spatial Analysis of Fish Farming in the Context of ICZM in the Bay of Izmir-Turkey

Cage fish farming is one of the fastest growing food industries, both worldwide and in Turkey. There are growing concerns about the manner of resolving the competing claims for the use of limited coastline and water body space. Matters connected with the siting of fish farming increase the need for the integrated coastal zone planning of aquaculture. This should be undertaken in collusion with other coastal stakeholders and with the cooperation of the government ministries that promote and regulate aquaculture development. In this study the integration and coexistence of fish farms is evaluated in the context of other activities in Izmir Bay. This study shows how different terrestrial and marine activities interact with each other, and that certain areas are subject to layers of multiple usages. One of the major sea users of the Bay, for example, is the fishery sector, which utilizes 850.4 km2 of a total surface area of Izmir's Bay of 960.4 km2. This overlaps with the 113.4 km2 that are used by marine transportation. Military zones encompass 63.1 km2 and fish farming utilizes only 1.23 km2. This study uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to build a spatial database that analyzes conflicting claims for integrating fish farming with other claimants. Clearly planned and properly managed fish farming development should be undertaken within a broader framework of integrated coastal zone management.

A research on some variables regarding the frequency of violent and aggressive behaviors among elementary school students and their families

The objective of this study is to investigate some variables regarding the frequency of violent and aggressive behaviors among elementary school students and their families. The research group is made up of 951 sudents (478 girls, 473 boys) who study in 4 different elemantery schools in the central Izmir area. Data was collected through a personal information form which inludes several socio-demographic variables and a questionnaire form that was developed by the researchers. The data was evaluated through SPSS 12. The results of the research generally support the literature. It reveals that the frequency of violent and aggressive behaviors of students differ meaningfully depending on some variables regarding their families.

IzmirNet: A strong-motion Network in Metropolitan Izmir, Western Anatolia, Turkey

A 16-station strong-motion seismic monitoring network covering metropolitan Izmir and the surrounding region was established in July 2008. The seismic network was installed as a cooperative effort involving the Earthquake Research and Implementation Center (ERIC-DAUM) of Dokuz Eylul University (DEU, Izmir), the Earthquake Research Department (ERD) of the General Directorate of Disaster Affairs (GDDA, Ankara), the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, and the Ministry of Public Works and Settlement. The project was funded by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) to collect strong-motion data for earthquake hazard assessment studies and to develop a real-time monitoring system in Turkey (Inan et al. 2007) to address public safety issues. The network is critically important to addressing earthquake hazard issues in western Turkey, an area known to have historically damaging earthquakes. Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey in terms of population, industrial density, economic capacity, and contribution to the national economy, and the economic and human consequences of a damaging earthquake in the Izmir area would be significant. A primary goal of this project is to acquire strong ground-motion data in order to understand propagation and site response characteristics of the Quaternary and Neogene sediments that underlie the Izmir metropolitan area and are thought to produce large site amplification and seismic hazard (Aydinoglu 2000; Masure et al. 2000). These data will complement laboratory data to characterize the properties of the soft soils underlying the Izmir metropolitan residential area so that engineers and architects can design appropriate earthquake-resistant structures for the region. This project is also a first step toward developing a “Rapid Response and Damage Prediction System” for metropolitan Izmir where near real-time strong ground-motion records can be used to compute ground-shaking maps showing the areas most strongly affected by earthquakes. The tectonic framework of western Anatolia is dominated …

Prevalence and risk factors of psychotic symptoms: in the city of Izmir, Turkey

Psychotic symptoms, psychotic-like experiences and schizotypal signs can emerge in different socio-cultural circumstances and cause clinical or non-clinical pictures. Transient or self-limiting psychotic-like experiences are more prevalent than clinical psychotic disorders. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of psychotic symptoms in an urban area. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the residents of two districts in the urban area of Izmir, Turkey. Among the systematically selected 1,500 residents of 85,212-study population, a total of 1,268 individuals (response rate: 84.5%) were screened for any lifetime psychotic symptoms. Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was used to assess psychotic symptoms. CIDI (+) psychotic symptoms were found in 3.6% of the screened sample. Logistic regression analysis showed that being a female (OR=2.4, 95% CI=1.2-5.1), having a first degree family history of any mental disorders (OR=13.9, 95% CI=5.7-34.3), lack of social support (OR=4.5, 95% CI=2.3-8.6) and alcohol use (OR=4.9, 95% CI=2.3-10.6) were all related to psychotic symptoms. Prevalence of any psychotic symptom is lower compared to European studies. Alcohol might be considered as a risk factor for developing psychotic symptoms in the Turkish cultural setting.

Breast self-examination among nurses and midwives in Odemis health district in Turkey

The second leading cause of death due to cancer in Turkey is breast cancer, which accounts for 24% of female cancers. To determine the practices of nurses and midwives and their attitude toward breast self-examination (BSE). The descriptive survey was conducted to determine the practices of nurses and midwives and their attitude toward BSE. It tried to cover the total population rather than sampling part of it. However, 15 nurses and midwives, where there were errors detected in their data coding papers, and who did not accept to join the study, were excluded from the study. A total of 80 nurses and midwives were included in the study group. This survey was carried out at the State Hospital, all Public Health Cabins, and Family Health Centers, in the rural area of Izmir, a city located in the western region of Turkey. The data was collected between 15 March and 1 April 2004. The analysis included descriptive statistics, to examine the association between BSE and medical history, knowledge of BSE, and attitude toward BSE. The results of the study indicated that 52% of the sample performed BSE. Approximately 35% of those who performed BSE reported that they acquired information regarding BSE during their work experience. A significant relationship was found between higher levels of work experience and BSE practice. Except for age, no significant relation was found between the sociodemographic factors and BSE practice. The sample showed a strong belief in the breast lump being the cause of breast cancer and it had a significant correlation with BSE practice. A positive correlation was found between nursing work experience and their practice alongside BSE medical professionals. Almost all the nurses and midwives knew how to conduct BSE, but did not prioritize practicing it.

Hyperuricemia and its related factors in an urban population, Izmir, Turkey

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of hyperuricemia and its associated factors in an urban area of Izmir, located in western Turkey. Our study group was selected by computerized sampling from the participants of a larger population-based study searching for the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in Balcova and Narlidere districts of Izmir. A total of 132 subjects (69 women and 63 men) were included in this study. Serum uric acid, glucose, creatinine and lipid levels were studied. Body composition along with body fat percentage was determined anthropometrically. A total of 16 subjects had hyperuricemia (4 women and 12 men). The overall prevalence of hyperuricemia was 12.1% and the mean uric acid level was 4.9 +/- 1.3 mg/dl. Males had significantly higher uric acid levels than females (P < 0.05; 5.5 +/- 1.3 vs. 4.3 +/- 1.1 mg/dl, respectively). The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome was 24.4, 5.3, 28 and 26.5%, respectively. There was no gouty subject. Sum of skinfold thickness (SFT) measurements and creatinine levels were the independent predictors of hyperuricemia (beta = 0.45, 0.47, respectively). Uric acid measurement is important not only for inflammatory rheumatic disorders but also for predicting metabolic syndrome and related coronary artery disease. There is sex difference in uric acid levels in favor of women most probably explained by gonadal hormones. Hyperuricemia is significantly predicted by anthropometric measure of SFT which is a simple clinical screening method along with creatinine levels.

Effects of sociodemographic factors on febrile convulsion prevalence

The aim of the present study was to determine the lifetime risk (LTR) of febrile convulsion and the effects of socioeconomic factors affecting this risk among school children in Izmir province, Turkey. Information was collected from school children aged 7-17 years in a school-based cross-sectional study. Stratified cluster sampling technique was used to define the study population, which represents the schools located in the metropolitan area of Izmir. Data were collected through a standard questionnaire from the parents. LTR was 9.7% (girls, 9.3%; boys, 10.1%, P > 0.05). The risk of febrile convulsion for children whose fathers' education level was equal to or less than primary school was 2.13 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-4.0) and, for children whose fathers were blue collar workers it was 1.4 (95%CI: 1.0-1.8). LTR for febrile convulsion was relatively high in this population, consistent with studies from other developing countries. Lower socioeconomic status and lack of knowledge about febrile convulsions were main factors related to this risk.

Ambient concentrations and source apportionment of PCBs and trace elements around an industrial area in Izmir, Turkey

Atmospheric concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and trace elements were measured at two sites (Industrial and Urban) located around the Aliaga industrial region, Izmir, Turkey. Average ∑ 36PCB concentrations were 3136 ± 824 and 1371 ± 642 pg m −3 for summer and winter periods, respectively in the Industrial site and they were 314 ± 129 and 847 ± 610 pg m −3 in the Urban site. The elemental content showed that the PM 10 measured at the Industrial site was dominated by terrestrial elements and trace elements emitted by the iron–steel plants (Fe, Zn and Pb). The elemental profile at the Urban site was typical for Aegean Region that was dominated by terrestrial elements (Ca, Al, Mg) and sea salt (Na). Sources of particle-phase PCBs and trace elements were identified using factor analysis (FA) and were apportioned by chemical mass balance (CMB) model. FA suggested that the steel industry, fuel oil combustion, or the nearby vinyl chloride process in the petrochemical plant, and soil were significant PCB sources. CMB results showed that at the Industrial site, the contribution of steel industry and soil to particle-phase PCBs were 71% and 22%, respectively, while at the Urban site, the contributions were 33% and 49%, respectively. Steel industry was also the dominant contributor for trace elements around the site. Fugacity calculations in air and soil showed that the soil acts as a secondary source to the atmosphere for low molecular weight PCBs especially in summer and as a sink for the higher molecular weight ones.

Bornova-Kemalpaşa (İzmir) Arkeolojik Envanteri 2003

The present study, conducted by the Archa­eology Department of Ege University through May-July 2005. has been carried out within the framework of the Turkish Academy of Sciences extensive project to develop cul­tural properties in Turkey, as a contribution for our understanding of cultural history and also for social enrichment. Fieldwork in two different area of Izmir (Ke­malpasa and Bornova) continued for a total of 25 days. The survey was carried out in five different localities in Kemalpasa, including two cemeteries, four different localities in Bornova, three prehistoric settlements and one cemetery. Data evaluation was comp­leted in the following months. Archaeological sites are disappearing be­cause of the fact that most of them are wit­hin the urban area of the modern town. Des­pite such destruction, the existence of such a number of these sites is remarkable. The field work revealed that in Bornova and Kemalpasa, there is evidence for Neolithic, Chalcofithic periods. Early Middle and Late Bronze Ages, Classical and Medieval periods.

Comparison of model predictions with the data of an urban air quality monitoring network in Izmir, Turkey

The CALMET meteorological model and its puff dispersion model CALPUFF were used to predict dispersion of the sulfur dioxide emissions from industrial and domestic heating sources in Izmir, the third biggest province in Turkey. The modeling domain covered an area of 80×100 km centered at the metropolitan area of Izmir with grid spacing of 1000 m. Statistical analyses were carried out to evaluate the model performance by comparing the predicted and measured time series of sulfur dioxide concentrations at four monitoring stations using two main methods: root of the mean square error (RMSE) and an index of agreement (d). The index of agreement varied from 0.51 to 0.77 at four monitoring stations and the total RMSE ranged from 0.36 to 0.66 for the year 2000. The overall model performance for four monitoring stations was found good with an accuracy of about 68%. The agreement of model predictions and measurements was better for two urban monitoring stations (Karsiyaka and Bornova), compared with the other urban stations (Alsancak and Konak).

Comparison of moss and bark samples as biomonitors of heavy metals in a highly industrialised area in Izmir, Turkey

The moss, Hypnum cupressiforme and bark of the pine, Pinus brutia have been used for passive monitoring of airborne heavy metal pollution by an iron-steel mill of an industrialised area of Izmir, Turkey. Six metals, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) have been monitored using atomic absorption spectrometry. Between 26.2.1992 and 13.8.1992 samples were taken on five occasions at a distance of 0.25, 1.0 and 2.5 km from the mill. The results show an accumulation of all six metals, with differences between the moss and bark samples and a decrease in concentration with distance from the mill. The arithmetic means of the measured heavy metal concentrations in the moss, Hypnum cupressiforme, were always much higher than those in the bark of the P. brutia, indicating that the moss H. cupressiforme is more suitable than the bark of P. brutia for use in monitoring heavy metal pollution. The results show that the study area, within 2.5 km from the iron-steel mill, is heavily polluted.