Bursa Province Research Articles

Irrigation Performance Evaluation for Sustainable Water Management: A Study of Karacabey Water Users Association, Türkiye (2006–2023)

Global climate change exacerbates water scarcity, making efficient water use a critical priority worldwide. In Türkiye, agricultural irrigation accounts for a significant share of water consumption, underscoring the need for sustainable management practices. Water users associations (WUAs) play a crucial role in overseeing irrigation schemes and optimizing water use in agriculture. This study assesses the irrigation performance of the Karacabey Water Users Association in Bursa Province using data from 2006 to 2023. Seven key irrigation performance indicators were analyzed, revealing an average irrigation ratio (IR) of 69.02%, irrigation water distributed per unit area (WIRR) of 8602.04 m3 ha−1, and a water supply ratio (RWS) of 1.33. The operation and maintenance cost (WOM) per unit irrigation water was calculated as USD 0.02 m−3, while total management, operation, and maintenance costs amounted to USD 0.08 m−3. The production value (WP) per unit irrigation water was found to be 0.89. Correlation and regression analyses indicated that WIRR is significantly influenced by indicators related to production, management, and water consumption. The findings highlight the necessity of a comprehensive approach to improving WUA performance, considering multiple performance indicators. To ensure sustainable agricultural water use, adopting advanced irrigation techniques, modernizing infrastructure, and enhancing management strategies are essential. This study provides valuable insights into enhancing irrigation efficiency and sustainability.

Investigation of the Soil Properties in the Habitat of the Local Endemic Taxon Verbascum yurtcuranianum

Verbascum yurtkuranianum is a locally endemic species distributed in Ericek province of Gürsu District of Bursa Province. In research, the element contents and soil properties of soil samples from 5 different locations where the V. yurtkuranianum taxon naturally spread were analyzed and they were correlated with the number of individuals in the locations. The soil properties in locations were determined to be clayey, low-medium calcareous, and moderately rich in organic matter. In this study dated 2023, it was determined that the total number of individuals with flowers or rosette leaves in 5 populations of V. yurtkuranianum naturally spread in Ericek location was 235, 216 of them had rosette leaves and 19 of them had flowers. The highest number of individuals with rosette leaves was found in location V, and the highest number of individuals with flowers was found in location I. At the same time, it was observed that the total number of individuals was highest in the region between the road and the shore of the pond located on the southeastern shore of Ericek province, which is the location V. considering that V. yurtkuranianum, a locally endemic species, is at risk due to human activities, we believe that the results obtained will provide important findings for the conservation studies of the species.

Prediction of Energy Balance Based on Milk Parameters Across Different Lactation Stages

Following the changes observed in milk parameters throughout the lactation period will offer an easy and practical method for the evaluation of the feeding programs of animals as well as presenting opportunities to improve the quality of milk. For this purpose, the milk samples collected from 1390 Holstein cows Bursa Province in Turkey on the test day of the month (at an interval of 30 days) were examined and their fat, protein, dry matter and lactose contents were measured. The cows with boundary values for the fat/ protein accepted for the metabolic states of the cows in the study are considered to be at risk of acidosis if they are lower than 1.2, to be healthy if they are between 1.2 and 1.4 and to have a ketosis risk if the values are over 1.4. The results of the study have shown that the risk for acidosis among the animals are 39.5%, 32.4% and 33.9% respectively during the lactation periods 1, 2 and 3. The percentage of animals at risk of ketosis was determined to be 30.2%, 37.9%, 36.6% respectively. Energy balance is defined as the difference between energy intake from feed and energy required for animal performance. It is an important concept in cattle management and nutrition because it directly impacts the health, productivity, and reproductive success of cows, particularly during lactation. The percentages of the animals at the positive energy balance are 30.3, 29.7 and 29.6 respectively. Estimates for early, mid and late lactation show that in early lactation 31% of cows have acidosis, 37% have ketosis and 32% have positive energy balance, in mid lactation 31% have acidosis, 28% have ketosis and 32% have positive energy balance, while in late lactation 34% have acidosis, 34% have ketosis and 32% have positive energy balance.

Long-Term Meteorological Drought Analysis of Bursa Province

Drought disaster is at the center of fundamental problems of civilizations. Meteorological drought is observed primarily due to lack of precipitation, high temperatures, and increased evaporation. Meteorological drought is followed by agricultural and hydrological drought. Hydrometeorological time series include trends particularly over the last 30 years as a result of the impact of climate change according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. In this study, drought analyses were conducted for Bursa province, which intersects with the Nilüfer sub-basin, which is in the Susurluk Basin, one of the 25 river basins of Turkey. In the analysis, precipitation data of 17116-Bursa and 17676-Uludağ stations between 1967-2022 were used. Drought analyzes were made using Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Percent of Normal Index (PNI) methods. With the drought analyses, drought phases were found by calculating the amount of drought recurrence, drought duration, drought severity, and drought amplitude values. The seasons with the most drought were determined. As a result of the drought analyses, it was observed that the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Percent of Normal Index (PNI) methods gave compatible results with each other.

Sustainable Transportation Systems Framework and Spatial Analysis with Fractal Analysis Method

Urban studies vary in their evaluations, but the fractal analysis method has been chosen as a tool to achieve strong results with development of geographical modeling and spatial analysis. Fractal geometry is primarily used to detect difference; measure the complexity dependent on initial conditions of the system; and evaluate interactions between spaces. Since formation of a city consists of different layers, systems, and forms, fractal geometry is preferred for this study. The examination of urban spaces is made possible through spatial analysis. The study measures the effectiveness of spatial analysis and transportation decisions. While macroform of a city can be formed with sustainability of transportation, the city's sprawl and controlled development also progress accordingly. Urban density can only be managed through planning decisions. The macroform transformation of Bursa province from past to present has been observed in space. Analysis was conducted on two areas, transportation infrastructure and urban built texture, to understand the change. Based on the coefficient obtained from the spatial analysis, it is evident that transportation decisions significantly influence the transformation of Bursa province in planning decisions, and this transformation is intertwined with settlement texture. The coefficients obtained from fractal analysis emphasize presence of urban sprawl in space.

Administrator opinions on the use of out-of-school learning environments in science and art centers

In today's world, relentless technological advancements have played a significant role in changing the structure and scope of the concept of learning. Learning is now extending beyond school boundaries at all educational levels. Particularly, students who come to Science and Art Centers (SAC) can enhance their existing talents by integrating the theoretical knowledge acquired at their schools with practical opportunities provided at these centers. In this context, planning activities in out-of-school learning environments has become a primary responsibility of SAC. This study aims to explore the opinions of SAC administrators (principals and vice principals) regarding out-of-school learning environments, understand their perceptions, address the gap in similar studies in the existing literature, and contribute to the field. A case study, a qualitative research method, was used in the research. The study group consists of 16 administrators (principals and vice principals) working in SAC centers located in the central and surrounding districts of Bursa province during the second semester of the 2023-2024 academic year. The tools used in the research are semi-structured interview forms prepared by the researchers. These forms consist of two main sections: the first section includes demographic information of the participants, and the second section contains a total of 6 open-ended questions. The data set obtained during the research process was subjected to content analysis. As a result of the research, SAC administrators stated that they have a good command of out-of-school learning environments, but they have difficulty in diversifying the existing concept in the field, that the applications made in out-of-school learning environments contribute to the students, and the institution, and that the most important problem SAC administrators have experienced at the point of implementing out-of-school learning environments in their institutions is financial, bureaucratic, and individuals-related.

Evaluation of Corporate Tax Avoidance Behaviours from the Perspective of Professional Accountants: An Implementation in Bursa Province

In the context of the Sustainable Development Goals, understanding taxpayers' tax avoidance behaviour is crucial for minimising tax losses and developing effective tax policies. In line with this importance, this study aims to investigate taxpayers' reasons for tax avoidance and the impact of their attitudes towards paying taxes on corporate tax avoidance behaviour. The data were collected through surveys of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) operating in Bursa, and the results were analysed using the SPSS program. According to the results of the regression analysis, it was found that taxpayers' attitudes towards paying taxes have a significant and positive effect on corporate tax avoidance behaviour. The factor analysis of taxpayers' tax avoidance behaviour revealed that the main reason for the desire not to pay taxes is the tax policy implemented. In parallel with these policies, a decline in taxpayers' perceptions of tax justice was also observed. In addition, the study found that CPAs with more family business clients reported that their clients were more likely to engage in tax avoidance than CPAs with more corporate clients. The results suggest that increasing tax transparency and raising tax awareness could be effective in reducing taxpayers' tax avoidance behaviour.

Psychological Capital as a Predictor of Professional Resilience Capacities of Teachers in Public Schools

This study examined the relationship between psychological capital and professional resilience among public school teachers. It aimed to determine the extent to which psychological capital predicts professional resilience. The quantitative study used a correlational survey model, with a sample of 410 teachers from Bursa Province, Turkey, during the 2022-2023 academic year. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the "Psychological Capital Perception Scale", and the "Teacher Professional Resilience Scale", and analyzed using SPSS 22. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and regression analysis were conducted. Results showed positive, significant relationships between psychological capital and professional resilience. Teachers rated their professional resilience as "moderate." While hope, efficacy, and resilience (but not optimism) were predictors of professional resilience, overall perceptions of both psychological capital and professional resilience were not particularly high. The study suggests a need to strengthen teachers' psychological capital and enhance their professional resilience.

Investigation of Mold and Yeast Contaminations in Cheese Samples

Fungi are common contaminants of cheese. Although they are added during the cheesemaking as starter cultures, they might also contaminate the cheese ripening or storage environments. Candida, Penicillium and Aspergillus species can cause serious systemic mycosis in humans and animals. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of the fungal microbiota in 100 samples of various cheese types and screen the azole resistance of Aspergillus flavus isolated from these samples. Twenty aged kashar, 20 fresh kashar, 25 white pickled, 25 curd cheese, and 10 cream cheese were collected from different vendors over six months in Bursa Province. Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) was used to isolate the fungi. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and PDA were used for conventional identification. After microscopic and macroscopic evaluations, isolates were identified species-wise using the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) system. Seventy-six mold and 81 yeast isolates were isolated and selected from 94 out of 100 cheese samples. As a result of conventional evaluation, 156 isolates (excluding one yeast isolate) could be identified. Based on the MALDI-TOF MS analysis, 55.6% (79/142) of the isolates were yeasts assigned to 31 species across five genera. In comparison, 44.4% were molds assigned to 28 species across five genera. The predominant fungal genus detected was Candida (45.1%, 64/142), followed by Penicillium (32.4%, 46/142). The most frequently isolated fungal species, C. famata (n=37), was found in all cheese types. One strain of A. flavus complex was isolated from one curd cheese sample and was susceptible to azole. This study successfully assesses the fungal microbiota of various cheeses from Bursa, consisting of diverse groups of yeasts and molds. While most of the molds consisted of Penicillium spp, detecting azole-sensitive A. flavus complex underlines the need for regular monitoring of cheese microflora owing to the risk of resistance development.

Mitochondrial Genetic Diversity and Historical Population Dynamics of the Bank Vole $Clethrionomys$ $glareolus$ in Northern Anatolia: Insights from $Cytb$ and $COI$ Gene Sequences

This study presents a genetic analysis of $Clethrionomys$ $glareolus$ populations across northern Anatolia, utilizing mitochondrial $Cytb$ and $COI$ gene sequences. Phylogenetic analysis identified two distinct Turkish clades, Clade 1 and Clade 2. Neutrality tests and mismatch distribution analyses indicate a recent population expansion following a genetic bottleneck associated with Pleistocene climatic changes. Interestingly, bank voles from Uludağ in Bursa Province of northwestern Anatolia exhibited a closer phylogenetic relationship with northeastern populations than with other northwestern populations, suggesting complex historical population dynamics, possibly involving a population replacement in northern Anatolia and relic survival in Uludağ. The geographic boundaries between the clades did not align closely with main rivers, suggesting that these geographic features did not act as strong long-term barriers to gene flow among bank vole populations. Our mtDNA study lays the foundation for future research to evaluate these scenarios using phylogeographic patterns of genome-wide diversity for a comprehensive understanding of the complex evolutionary history of bank voles in Türkiye.

The Effect of WebQuest Teaching Strategy on Students' Critical Thinking Skills and Attitudes Towards Technology

In this study, the effect of WebQuest teaching strategy on 6th grade students' critical thinking skills and attitudes towards technology was examined. In the study, simultaneous embedded design, one of the mixed method research designs, was used. The study was conducted in the 2022-2023 academic year with 48 (Experimental group = 23, Control group = 25) 6th grade students from a secondary school in Bursa province. "Critical Thinking Scale", "Attitude Towards Technology Scale" and "Semi-structured Interview Form" were determined as data collection tools. "Mann Whitney U test" and "Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test" were used to analyze quantitative data, while descriptive analysis and content analysis methods were used to analyze qualitative data. As a result of the research, a statistically significant difference was found between the post-test scores of the experimental group and the control group on the critical thinking and attitude towards technology scale in favor of the experimental group. In addition, it was observed that the instruction made a positive contribution to the motivation and self-confidence of the students, made them interested and enthusiastic about the science course, increased their sense of curiosity and made them like the course more.

Problems and Solution Suggestions Related to Logistics Processes in Cross-Border E-Commerce: Evaluations Towards E-Export in Bursa Province

Rapidly growing e-commerce, due to globalization and the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic, has significantly increased global demand, and cross-border e-commerce has become a frequently mentioned concept. Cross-border e-commerce, which also triggers the development of international trade, has begun to influence the economic policies of countries, especially with its e-export dimension. The most important factor behind the development and success of cross-border e-commerce can be expressed as being its logistics services. E-commerce processes achieve success with the effectiveness of these services. However, as in many countries, problems may occur in logistics processes in Türkiye, which may prevent cross-border e-commerce companies from using their potential. In this context, in the study, firstly, the concepts of e-commerce and cross-border e-commerce are discussed and the concept of e-export is clarified. Then, logistics services in cross-border e-commerce are explained. Finally, a qualitative research is conducted to reveal the logistics problems encountered in cross-border e-commerce, and the findings of in-depth interviews with companies engaged in e-export in Bursa are evaluated.

Dianthus malyeri (Caryophyllaceae), a new species from Türkiye

Dianthus malyeri (sect. Dentati) is described and illustrated as a new species from Bursa Province, in northwestern Anatolia, Türkiye. The new species morphologically resembles D. elegans, but distinctly differs in its longer, with more nodes stems, shorter leaves, shorter calyx, as well as shorter petals with 6–11-toothed at apex. A detailed description, photographs, a morphological comparision with D. elegans vars. elegans and cous, IUCN conservation status assessment, distribution map, notes on ecology of the new species are presented.

The Effects of Unethical Practices on the Burnout Level of Accounting Professionals and an Implementation in Bursa Province

Burnout, which hinders individuals from performing their professions by complicating both work and social life, is also common in the accounting profession due to factors such as the large number of communication parties, intense work pace, and the mentally demanding nature of the job. Given that burnout experienced by accountants is a significant issue affecting many parties, it is essential to evaluate the factors contributing to this condition. Among these factors are unethical practices encountered in the profession. Accountants frequently face ethical dilemmas due to their responsibilities to various stakeholders. This study, designed to determine the impact of unethical practices on accountants' burnout levels, gathered insights from CPAs via surveys and analyzed them using statistical methods. The analysis revealed that accountants experience a significant decline in personal accomplishment and, to a lesser extent, emotional exhaustion, but do not become desensitized to the profession.

Postural analysis of adolescent young athletes in different sports branches

The effects of posture on athletic performance have been the focus of attention of many researchers and the importance of body posture in achieving success has become undeniable. This study aimed to perform the postural evaluation of adolescent youth athletes who are trained in basketball, soccer, volleyball, and swimming branches. A total of 88 adolescent athletes (32 boys and 56 girls) with an average age of ±12.37 years, an average height of ±1.58 cm, an average body weight of ±48.2 kg, an average BMI of ±18.19 and an average training age of ±2.06 years from football, volleyball, and swimming branches actively active in Manisa and Bursa provinces participated in the study. Posture analysis of the athletes was performed using the Apecs-AI Posture Evaluation and Correction System® mobile posture application. The data obtained from the athletes were evaluated with the NewYork Posture Assessment Test (NYPD). The data obtained from the study were analyzed using the SPSS 22.0 package program. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used for independent samples. According to the results of the analysis, there was a significant difference between training age and NYPD scores according to branches (p<.05). Significance was found between NYPD and body axis scores in volleyball and soccer athletes (p<.05). There was no difference between NYPD and other variables in swimming and basketball. As a result, it is thought that the effect of the training age variable on posture structures differs specifically according to the branches, and posture is negatively affected as the training age increases in volleyball and soccer players.

On the Trail of Traditional Turkish Neighbourhood and Houses: Analysis of the Rural Settlement of Sadağı in Orhaneli

ABSTRACT As global resources dwindle, the significance of traditional rural settlements becomes ever more pronounced, serving as a crucial component of humanity’s shared heritage. The Orhaneli district and its villages in Bursa province offer a rich field of research, particularly in uncovering the architectural and cultural characteristics of the Turkish house. The Ottoman Empire, which ruled for centuries over a vast geographical area including Anatolia and the Balkans, was founded in and around Bursa, its first capital. Consequently, the earliest examples of settlements within the empire can be found in this region. The Sadağı neighbourhood of the Orhaneli district, which forms the subject of this study, is post-dated to a period prior to the conquest of Bursa. This settlement was established by the Turkmen (Yörük) population, who played a fundamental role in the foundation of the Ottoman Empire. Houses formed the core of the settlements of the Ottoman period. These dwellings incorporated traditional materials and methods, local culture and identity, climatic conditions, and local construction techniques, reflecting a traditional extended family lifestyle. In this study, the rural settlement of Sadağı was examined using a combination of historical research methods and field studies. Overall, the Sadağı neighbourhood is representative of traditional Ottoman-Turkish settlement characteristics.

Effectiveness of four Turkish entomopathogenic nematode isolates against Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae) pupae at different temperatures

Türkiye, is the country of origin of the olive tree and is among the world’s leading olive producers. Most of the olive production in Türkiye is concentrated in Izmir, Aydın, Çanakkale, Balıkesir, Muğla and Bursa Provinces. Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae), being one of the main pests of olive trees, is an important problem in olive cultivation in Türkiye. The efficacy of four Turkish populations of entomopathogenic nematodes against B. oleae pupae was determined under laboratory conditions. They were Steinernema feltiae/12, S. carpocapsae/1133, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora/70, H. bacteriophora/91, which were collected in different regions of Türkiye during our earlier studies. They were tested against the pest by using a single dose at 5 different temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C). The highest infection rate was observed forH. bacteriophora/91 isolate at 25 °C, and the lowest infection rate was observed for S. feltiae/12 isolate at 10 °C.

Determination of the leaf and flower volatile components of Thymus jankae Celak

Nowadays, medicinal and aromatic plants are widely used both among the public and in various sectors, so researching the essential oil contents of medicinal and aromatic plants is of great scientific and economic importance. It was aimed to determine the volatile components of Thymus jankae (Syn: Thymus praecox subsp. skorpilii), which has medicinal and aromatic value and is naturally distributed in Bursa province (Türkiye) and used as a spice and tea plant in the region. The volatile components of leaf and flower of Thymus jankae were detected by using the solid phase microextraction technique (SPME) with the help of GC-MS. 42 volatile components were determined. Of them, thymol (17.65%), p-cymene (15.34%), carvacrol (13.27%) and γ-terpinene (10.73%) were found to be the main components. This study is important in terms of ensuring the conscious use of plants consumed as natural herbal tea and spices in the region and revealing the economic values of such plants.

Machine learning algorithms for energy efficiency: Mitigating carbon dioxide emissions and optimizing costs in a hospital infrastructure

Machine learning algorithms for energy efficiency: Mitigating carbon dioxide emissions and optimizing costs in a hospital infrastructure

Climate Change Impacts on Precipitation Dynamics in the Southern Marmara Region of Turkey

Understanding the dynamics of precipitation patterns is crucial for effective water management strategies, especially in regions vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This study investigates the projected changes in annual and seasonal precipitation across the Southern Marmara Region of Turkey by comparing the averages of the reference period (1971-2000) with those of the future period (2061-2090). Employing multiple climate models (GFDL, HADGEM, and MPI) and Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), the analysis includes Mann-Kendall trend tests and Sen's slope method to determine trends in precipitation patterns. Key findings reveal significant variability in precipitation projections among different models and scenarios, with implications for water resource management, agriculture, and ecosystem resilience in provinces such as Çanakkale, Balıkesir, Bursa, Bilecik, and Yalova. According to the annual rainfall change rates relative to the reference period, Balıkesir province stands out as the most resilient province against climate change with average rates of 8.81% and 7.09% under the HADGEM and MPI model simulations, respectively. Regarding seasonal variations, Bilecik province is expected to experience a significant decrease in rainfall, reaching up to -53.78% under the MPI RCP8.5 scenario. In terms of within-period changes in annual rainfall values, the strongest declining trend was identified with Z=-2.03 in Bilecik province under the MPI RCP8.5 scenario conditions by the Mann-Kendall test. On the other hand, for seasonal variations, Bursa province demonstrates the most robust decreasing trend under the GFDL RCP4.5 conditions (Z=-2.89). The study emphasizes the importance of considering spatially varying precipitation patterns and potential shifts in atmospheric circulation for sustainable water resource management amidst climate variability and change in the Southern Marmara region. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers and stakeholders involved in developing adaptive strategies to address the challenges posed by future climate scenarios.