Black Sea Region Of Turkey Research Articles

Records of Amphibians in the Caves of Zonguldak Province in Western Black Sea Region of Turkey

An inventory belonging to knowledge of the amphibian fauna is provided from the caves in Zonguldak province, western Black Sea Region of Turkey. No systematic field survey of amphibians in Turkish cave environments has yet been performed. The number of known caves in the western Black Sea region is approximately 280 and the province of Zonguldak ranks second with 41 caves in this region. We conducted our field surveys in 31 caves of Zonguldak during the period in 2017 – 2019 and our results revealed occurrences of four amphibian species. Dedicated surveys using appropriate methods will increase the number of amphibian species in the caves.

Prediction of pine mistletoe infection using remote sensing imaging: A comparison of the artificial neural network model and logistic regression model

AbstractIn this study, the prediction of pine mistletoe distribution in Scots pine ecosystems was explored using remote sensing variables to compare the multilayer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural network (ANN) and logistic regression (LR) model performances. For this purpose, 109 sample plots were distinguished in pure Scots pine forests (natural) in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey. Distinguishing mistletoe‐infected stands (69) and uninfected stands (40) was performed with field observations. The variables acquired from Landsat 8 (Level 1) images were used as independent variables for independent‐sample t‐test, MLP ANN and LR models. Remote sensing variables indicated that mistletoe‐infected stands were in drier areas with a lower vegetation‐leaf area index. Based on the performance results of both models, the sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of the MLP ANN model were superior to those of the LR model. The prediction percentages (SEN, SPE, PPV and NPV) of mistletoe‐infected stands were better than the prediction percentages of uninfected stands. The prediction accuracies of LR and MLP ANN models were 74.3% and 89.6%, respectively. However, all remote sensing variables were included in the prediction equation of the MLP ANN model, while the thermal infrared 1 (TIRS1) variable was included in the LR model. In the MLP ANN model, the TIRS1 variable also had the highest normalized importance (100%). The area under the curve (AUC) value for identifying the mistletoe‐infected stands of Scots pine forests used by the MLP ANN model (0.892 ± 0.034) was higher than in the LR model (0.838 ± 0.039), explaining the more accurate predictions obtained from the MLP ANN model. The MLP ANN model showed much better performance than the LR model. The results of this study are expected to make important contributions to the identification of potential mistletoe‐infected areas.

Right to health: Pediatric nurses’ views on the hospitalized child

ObjectivesThis study aimed (a) to determine the views of pediatric nurses regarding their roles and responsibilities in the implementation of child rights in healthcare services and children's right to participate in implementations related to their treatment and care, and (b) to examine the relation between these views and sociodemographic features. MethodThis cross-sectional study included 335 pediatric nurses recruited in public hospitals in a province located in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey. The data were collected using a digital questionnaire that included variables to determine the sociodemographic features of the participants and their views on the implementation of child rights in healthcare services and children's right to participate in decision-making about their health and care. The final number of the participants in this study was 321 nurses (96% of the population). ResultsMost of the participants stated that they agreed with the implementation of child rights in healthcare services adopted by UNICEF. However, the participants’ views on the implementation of child rights in healthcare services were affected by variables such as age, gender, marital status, level of education, the state of having children, and the number of years in the profession. Overall, 87.9% of the participants stated that children had the right to participate in the decision-making about their own health and care at an early age. the variables of marital status, educational level, the state of having children, and number of years in the profession affected the participants’ views about children's right to actively participate in their health care. ConclusionThe majority of pediatric nurses agreed with the implementation of child rights in healthcare services. Moreover, the variables of age, gender, marital status, educational level, the state of having children, and the number of years in the profession were significantly relevant to the views of pediatric nurses regarding child rights.

Population dynamics of mite species on poplar trees in the Black Sea region of Turkey

The enormous number of mite species across the world includes economically important pests of agricultural plants and forest trees and biological control agents. However, knowledge of their biology and ecology is greatly lacking. Poplar (Populus spp.) is grown in many countries and a number of mite species have previously been recorded. This study was conducted to determine the population dynamics of mites on poplar in 2021 in Samsun Province, Turkey where it is widely grown in plantations, along property boundaries and as a landscape tree.

9th Grade Students' Learning of Designing an Incubator through Instruction Based on Engineering Design Tasks

In this study, a STEM activity was designed in which 9th-grade students can complete the task of making incubators by overcoming the difficulties they face in the engineering design process. This activity has been handled in the context of energy conversion and prepared based on the engineering design process consisting of 9 stages. The activity was applied to 34 (19 females and 15 males) 9th-grade students studying at a public school in the Eastern Black Sea Region in Turkey in the fall semester of the 2019-2020 academic year. This application took 7 lesson hours (7x40 minutes) in total. At each stage of the engineering design process, students worked like an engineer and scientists by collaboratively conducting scientific research and inquiry. Throughout the process, students were confronted with several difficulties, given the time and opportunity to help them develop STEM literacy. More importantly, the students had the opportunity to experience a STEM activity by putting the steps of the engineering design process into practice.

Foliar resorption of nitrogen and phosphorus in Alcea apterocarpa (Malvaceae) in different habitats types

The study goal is to reveal foliar resorption patterns of Alcea apterocarpa populations in different habitats (riverbank, meadow and forest clearing) in the Central Black Sea Region of Turkey. We determined foliar nitrogen and phosphorus resorption, considering proficiency and efficiency. The resorption efficiency was also calculated using the mass loss correction factor (MLCF). Some studies indicated that MLCF provides unbiased resorption values. Phosphorus resorption proficiencies (PRP) of species were intermediate level, while nitrogen resorption proficiencies (NRP) were complete level. Phosphorus resorption efficiencies (PRE) were intermediate level for all habitats considering MLCF, while in meadow habitat, PRE was complete level without MLCF. Nitrogen resorption efficiencies (NRE) were intermediate level for all habitats without MLCF, but NRE values of meadow and forest clearing were incomplete level as using MLCF. Green leaf N/P ratios of A. apterocarpa were higher in riverbank, while senescence leaf N/P ratios were higher in meadow habitat. Only, the regression relationship between PRP and green leaf N/P ratio was not significant.

Four Turkish families with hyperekplexia: A missense mutation and the exon 1–7 deletion in the GLRA1 gene

BackgroundHyperekplexia is a disease that progresses with excessive startle attacks and is included in the differential diagnosis of epilepsy and many movement disorders. MethodsThe WES results were validated in available family members by Sanger sequencing, or in the case of deletion, PCR followed by agarose gel electrophoresis was performed. ResultsWES analysis revealed the previously reported homozygous c.277C>T p.Arg93Trp variant in the GLRA1 gene (ENST00000455880.2) in Family 1. In all other three families, the previously reported homozygous deletion of exons 1–7 of the GLRA1 gene was identified using CNV analysis based on the WES data. ConclusionsThe homozygous exon1-7 deletion has been described several times in different populations and may be a founder mutation in the Kurdish people in Turkey. The family with Arg93Trp variant stems from the Black Sea region of Turkey where close consanguinity is common. These analyses are important to provide genetic counseling to families and for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease.

Development and psychometric testing of Perceived Preoperative Nursing Care Competence Scale for Nursing Students (PPreCC-NS)

BackgroundFor nurses to carry out their responsibilities related to preoperative care in the best possible way, it is very important for them to receive competency-based training and for their competences to be measured with reliable and valid tools in the training process. ObjectiveTo develop a measurement tool that evaluates nursing students' perceived competence for preoperative nursing care. DesignA cross-sectional, methodological study. SettingTwo universities in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey. ParticipantsA total of 661 second, third and fourth grade nursing students participated in the study. MethodsItems were created in line with the nursing competencies published by the International Council of Nurses, the competencies in the perioperative period nursing practices published by the European Operating Room Nurses Association, and a review of the literature. Then, to test the content validity, the items were submitted for expert opinion and a pilot implementation was made with 50 nursing students. Furthermore, the construct validity of the scale was tested with exploratory factor analysis (n = 253) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 350). Test-retest stability was also investigated for the PPreCC-NS (n = 58), in the study. ResultsAccording to the results of the exploratory factor analysis, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value was 0.948, and the Bartlett test χ2 was 7765.23; p < 0.001. Three items with a factor loading value below 0.50 were removed from the scale, and the obtained factor structure explained 62.25 % of the variance. The fit indices of the scale model tested in the confirmatory factor analysis were determined as χ2/df = 2.74, RMSEA = 0.07, CFI = 0.92, GFI = 0.88, AGFI = 0.85, IFI = 0.92. The structure of the draft scale was confirmed with 5 factors and 22 items. The Cronbach alpha values were found to be 0.79–0.96 for the sub-dimensions of the scale and 0.94 for the total scale. Data also showed a good test-retest stability (ICC = 0.72). ConclusionsThis scale is a reliable and valid measurement tool for nursing students to determine their level of perceived competence for preoperative nursing care. It is recommended that the psychometric structure of the scale be evaluated with further studies on larger and more diverse samples.

Determination of Teacher Candidates’ Awareness of Environmental Ethics

The aim of this study is to determine the awareness levels of teacher candidates about environmental ethics. A survey model from quantitative research methods was used to determine the environmental ethics awareness levels of teacher candidates. An environmental ethics awareness scale was used as the data collection tool, and the working group of the study consisted of all teacher candidates studying in the Faculty of Education of a state university in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey. The data collected were analyzed in terms of statistical methods, including arithmetic means, standard deviations, the Kruskal Wallis H test, and the Mann Whitney U test. According to the findings of the study, environmental ethics awareness levels of teacher candidates were higher than average. Furthermore, there were no differences for gender, maternal education, paternal education, high school graduated from, department of study, monthly income of the family, class level, or residence of the student prior to university.

Determination of Grafting Success and Carbohydrate Distributions of Foxy Grape (Vitis labrusca L.) Varieties Grafted on Different American Grape Rootstocks

This study aimed to determine the grafting success and carbohydrate distributions for newly registered foxy grape varieties grafted on different American grapes and grown in humid conditions in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. In the study, ‘Rizessi’, ‘Çeliksu’, ‘Ülkemiz’, ‘Rizellim’, and ‘Rizpem’ foxy grape varieties were grafted on 140Ru, SO4, and 110R American rootstocks. The graft success, growth, and development characteristics were determined, and carbohydrate accumulations and distributions at the graft area, under the graft area (rootstock), and above the graft area (scion) of the grafted grapevines in the dormant period were also determined. The highest graft success rate was 100.00% in the combinations of ‘Rizessi’/SO4, ‘Rizellim’/SO4, ‘Rizpem’/SO4, ‘Rizellim’/110R, and ‘Rizpem’/110R. The percentage of vine saplings ranged from 86.00% (‘Rizellim’/SO4) to 27.14% (‘Rizpem’/140Ru). Regarding carbohydrate distribution, the ‘Rizessi’/140Ru, ‘Rizessi’/SO4, ‘Rizessi’/110R, ‘Çeliksu’/SO4, ‘Çeliksu’/110R, ‘Ülkemiz’/SO4, ‘Rizellim’/140Ru, ‘Rizellim’/SO4, ‘Rizpem’/SO4, and ‘Rizpem’/110R combinations showed a balanced distribution. The highest total carbohydrate accumulation (100.41 mg·L−1) was detected in the root region of the ‘Ülkemiz’/SO4 combination. On the other hand, vine sapling rate enhanced as carbohydrate accumulation increased in the grafting area. The SO4 American rootstock was found to be more successful than the others.

Research of the Use of Wild Strawberry (Fragaria Vesca) in Gastronomy: The Case of Amasra

Strawberries are included in the group of grape-like fruits with high proportions of bioactive substances. Wild strawberry (Fragaria Vesca) is a small-grained, durable, tasty and fragrant strawberry species that is widely grown in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. This research is planned to determine and promote the use of wild strawberries in the Amasra Region. In this study interview technique, which is one of the qualitative research methods, was used. Interviews were held in Amasra between May 01, 2022 and May 05, 2022. 18 people who voluntarily participated in the study were included in the scope of the research. Content analysis method was used in the analysis of the data. As a result of this research, it was determined that wild strawberries were consumed as fresh fruits, jam and sherbet in the Amasra Region. Wild strawberry is a fruit that will make a significant contribution to the economy of the region both commercially and in terms of gastronomic tourism. In this context, taking part in the projects which are carried out for the development of the region will make this fruit become wide-spread. The use of wild strawberries for the promotion of the region will also be important. In addition, the inclusion of foods and drinks that are made with wild strawberries in the menus of the enterprises will provide a significant added value for the gastronomy of the region.

Effect of Participatory Art on the Life Satisfaction of Working Women

Art is an educational activity that can be done in any era or by any generation. Theatre art, which has contributed to the individual and social development of individuals since early times, has had a privileged place in the world of education. New approaches in the science of theatre and pedagogy have emerged in the current age and substantially contributed to participatory art. This current study was conducted regarding participatory art carried out as a theatrical staged work in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey, Artvin Province, Hopa district. The participants in the study were 14 adult females aged between 28 to 55-years-old. Participants were observed during the staging process of a theatrical work and interviews were conducted. The data obtained were analysed and the effect of participatory art on the women’s life satisfaction was determined. It was revealed through the results that there was a significant increase in the life satisfaction of working women who participated in this theatrical work. In research regarding the historical processes of participatory art, the importance of working women expressing themselves through a socio-cultural activity as well as the pedagogical approaches preferred in these studies were also mentioned.

Teacher Candidates’ Metaphorical Perceptions About Pedagogical Formation Education Certificate Program

In this study, it is aimed to reveal teacher candidates’ perceptions about pedagogical formation education certificate program through metaphors. The study group consists of 675 teacher candidates taking that program at a state university in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey in the 2021-2022 academic year. Phenomenology design was used to determine teacher candidates’ metaphorical perceptions about the program. The content analysis, a technique that helps to systematically summarize any text with smaller content with canonical coding was used. The data were collected through the form prepared by the researcher. Each of the teacher candidates was asked to compare the sentences “pedagogical formation education certificate program is like (1)…………/similar because (2)……….……” to an object, a shape, an animal, or a living thing (metaphor / mental image) (1) and state the reason (reason / logical basis) (2) for their analogies. These compositions were used as the main data source. Metaphors produced by the pre-service teachers are divided into 12 categories as pathfinder, lighting, raw fruit, gift, mediator, fast train, life, nature, waste, half of an apple, innovator and contradiction. According to this result, the participants mostly expressed their satisfaction with the program, but they complained about the duration and registration fee of it as well. In a program that received such praise, it is recommended to provide longer-term training based on more practice, rather than accelerated training, which is the most criticized situation.

Assessment of ideal smart network strategies for logistics companies using an integrated picture fuzzy LBWA–CoCoSo framework

PurposeNowadays, companies have required new alternatives and strategies to handle environmental sustainability difficulties, primarily as ecological and social awareness has grown. In this context, the aim is to determine the green transportation indicators in companies with corporate identity and logistics activities at the international level in Giresun, Ordu, Gümüshane, Artvin, Rize, and Trabzon in the Eastern Black Sea Region in Turkey. At the same time, the study contributes to providing an effective and applicable solution to decision-making problems involving the assessment of green transportation indicators and smart network strategies in the logistics sector, which is a critical sector for countries. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachThis study aims to propose a model for the selection of smart network strategy and to determine the criteria weights used in green transportation indicators, and establish an ideal smart network strategy. In achieving the outlined goals of the study, the authors believe that the model proposed in the study will draw the focus to green logistics which will aid the environmental, economic and social efforts of businesses and governments through the provision of efficient use of scarce resources, which will, in turn, ensure that we leave a sustainable environment for future generations and businesses enjoy a competitive advantage. At the same time, different smart network strategies and green transportation indicators in companies show the success rate of social, economic and environmental indicators in green logistics practices. In addition to providing innovative, reliable and sustainable transportation systems, smart network strategies are critical for businesses to create cost advantages. Through the green transportation indicators and smart network strategies selection model outlined in this study, it is clear that the contribution will not only be limited to businesses, as the society and governments will also benefit from the important indicators on sustainability, as well as the protection of the environment and nature.FindingsAccording to the findings, “economic indicators” is the essential green transportation indicator in logistics companies with a corporate identity and worldwide transportation operations. Besides, the “mixed access model strategy” is the most appropriate smart network strategy in logistics firms with corporate identity and worldwide transportation activities. Currently, it is possible to assume that logistics organizations prefer to profit from all smart network strategies in terms of cost optimization and competitiveness rather than from just one. The study, on the other hand, which is a road map that will help sustainability practices in the logistics sector due to green transportation, also examines the similarities and differences of green transportation practices in companies in the relevant sector and to what extent they can be reflected. As a result, the study provides a practical road map for selecting green transport indicators and a smart network strategy process for the logistics industry.Originality/valueThis study examined logistics companies with a corporate identity and international transportation activities in provinces in the Eastern Black Sea Region such as Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon, Rize, Artvin and Gümüshane. Novel picture fuzzy level based weight assessment (PF-LBWA) and picture fuzzy combined compromise solution (PF-CoCoSo) methods are developed to solve the decision-making problem.

Investigation of the Change in the Incidence of Neural Tube Defects in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey by Years and its Relationship with Folic Acid Use: A Case-control Study

Investigation of the Change in the Incidence of Neural Tube Defects in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey by Years and its Relationship with Folic Acid Use: A Case-control Study

Evaluation of the promoter methylation status of hypoxia factor 3A and interleukin-6 genes and expression levels of mir-130b and mir-146b in childhood obesity.

SUMMARYOBJECTIVE:Obesity, which causes many serious diseases, is increasing exponentially in childhood across the world. Epigenetic changes, as well as genetics, play an important role in the process of adipogenesis. Therefore, we aimed to examine the expression levels of obesity-related MicroRNA-130b and MicroRNA-146b and the methylation status of hypoxia factor 3A and interleukin-6 genes associated with obesity in children.METHODS:This study was performed with 98 individuals (49 obese children and 49 controls) whose DNA was isolated from peripheral blood. Gene promoter methylations were analyzed by methylation-specific Polymerase chain reaction. In addition, expression levels of MicroRNAs were determined by quantitative real-time Polymerase chain reaction in 30 children (15 obese children and 15 controls).RESULTS:Methylation status of interleukin-6 gene was 93.9% in obese children (n=46/49) and 100% (n=49/49) in control group (p>0.05). There was no methylation for hypoxia factor 3A gene (p>0.05). As a result of the study, there was no statistically significant difference in terms of methylation status for hypoxia factor 3A and interleukin-6 genes in the obese group compared to the control group. However, we found that expression levels of MicroRNA-130b (p<0.01) and MicroRNA-146b (p<0.001) were higher in the obese group.CONCLUSIONS:Results support that MicroRNA-130b and MicroRNA-146b are potential biomarkers for the prevention and early diagnosis of obesity. This is the first study on childhood obesity in the Middle Black Sea region of Turkey. We believe that the results obtained by expanding the studies in our country and neighboring countries will be more decisive.

Cognitive Structure of Precervice Primary School Teachers for Basic Biology Concepts

"This study aimed to determine the cognitive structures of preservice primary school teachers for basic biology concepts using Word Association Test (WAT). The study group consists of 50 preservice teachers studying in a university in Western Black Sea Region in Turkey. Four separate cut-off points were determined and analysed. Organ, living things, microscope were the most common response words. The conceptual network was structured as three different islets that were disconnected from each other at the third cut-off point. The desired conceptual network was formed only when cut-off point was taken further than the last cut-off point, and that these desired interconnections, network structure were formed in some students. It is suggested that this situation should be taken into consideration while determining cognitive structures using WAT and that lecturing should be performed according to the structure of the conceptual network that is desired to be shaped in the students' memory. "

Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesinde Öğrenim Gören Öğrencilerin Uzaktan Eğitim Süreçlerinin Değerlendirilmesi

Aim: This research was carried out to describe the views of the students studying at the Faculty of Health Sciences at a university university located in the Central Black Sea Region of Turkey regarding the distance education process.&#x0D; Method: This descriptive study was conducted at the Faculty of Health Sciences of a university between January 15- February 15, 2021. The study sample consisted of 868 undergraduate students. The data were collected online using a questionnaire prepared by the researchers in line with the literature, which includes evaluating students' sociodemographic characteristics and distance education processes. The data obtained were evaluated by the SPSS 20 package program.&#x0D; Results: The average age of the students was 20.6 ±2.32, participation rate according to the departments: Midwifery 20.4%, Nutrition and Dietetics 18.9%, Nursing 17.2%, Health Management 14.2%, Social Work 12.7%, Speech and Language Therapy 9.0%, Orthotics and Prosthesis 5.0%, Audiology is 2.8%. It was concluded that 57.9% of the students were connected to distance education by mobile phone, 77.2% of them had problems with the distance education process, and 54.4% of them had no issues in the exams held in distance education. It has been observed that 49.9% of the students adapt to the distance education process quickly, and 72.8% of them regularly attend their classes. 67.7% of the students believe distance education is not so effective as effective as formal education, and 59.7% think it reduces teamwork by directing it to individual work. 53% of the students stated that distance education could be an alternative solution to formal education, 20.3% said that the inability to make laboratory and clinical applications in the distance education process negatively affects their skill development. They have professional anxiety in this regard. Students declared the problems experienced in of distance education 59% as technical infrastructure and 23% as inequality of opportunity.&#x0D; Conclusion and Suggestions: It is thought that distance education is not so adequate and effective learning model as formal education, but nowadays it has become indispensability of education and and can be an alternative solution to formal education.

The relationship between the level of trust in nurses and nursing care quality perceptions of patients treated for Covid-19.

BackgroundDuring the pandemic process, nursing care has gained more importance. So, it is critical to evaluate the level of trust in nurses and the perception of care in terms of the patient, in order to improve the care service provided, to achieve the desired successful patient results, to ensure patient satisfaction in nursing care and to create a healthy society in the long term.AimThis study aimed to examine the relationship between the level of trust in nurses, care perceptions of patients receiving care with the diagnosis of Covid‐19, and the level of trust in nurses and care quality perceptions of patients.MethodsThis descriptive, cross‐sectional, correlational study was conducted in the Covid‐19 unit of a state hospital in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey between May and October 2021. The sample size was calculated as 227 using the sample calculation formula whose population is unknown in the literature. ‘Personal Information Form’, ‘Trust in Nurses Scale’ and ‘Patient Perception of Hospital Experience with Nursing (PPHEN)’ was used to collect data. Ethical approval was obtained from the clinical research ethics committee,ResultsThe total mean score of the patients' trust in nurses scale was 27.67 ± 3.29 (min: 15, max: 30); the mean score of the patients' Perception of Nursing Care scale was determined as 69.52 ± 12.51 (min:15, max:75). It has been determined that the level of trust in nurses and the perception of nursing care of patients receiving Covid‐19 treatment are high. A positive, significant and weak relationship (r = 0.348, p < 0.01) was found between the patients' level of trust in nurses and their perceptions of nursing care.ConclusionDuring the pandemic process, trust in the patient–nurse relationship increases the patient's perception of nursing care and positively affects the quality of care.

Views of education faculty students on emergency remote teaching

This study aims to try to understand in depth what the students studying at the Faculty of Education in the 2020-2021 emergency remote teaching (ERT) period experience during the theoretical and applied courses and their views on distance education. For this purpose, this study was conducted with the phenomenology design, one of the qualitative research designs. The research was conducted with 455 students studying at the Faculty of Education of a state university in the Black Sea region of Turkey. Ethics Committee approval (Number E-45428382-050.99-109541) was first obtained from a State University to collect the study data. The data were collected using the online interview form developed by the researcher. Qualitative data were analyzed by subjecting them to semantic content analysis with content analysis. While the researchers analyzed the data, it was analyzed according to member control, credibility, transferability, and verifiability/confirmability criteria for validity and reliability. In addition, students' opinions were analyzed by Hofstede's descriptive analysis according to their cultural dimensions according to countries. The data obtained from the findings were analyzed in the themes of positive, negative, and solution suggestions in emergency remote teaching. The positive features of distance education are divided into categories under the headings of the courses' teaching, the instructor's attitude, and resource access. The negative features of emergency remote teaching are categorized under the education and training process, communication, technological deficiencies, and personal situation.