Central Anatolia Region Research Articles

The Problem of Women's 'Absence' and Women's Representation in Local Government Assemblies: A Study on the Central Anatolia Region

Half of the world population consists of women. It is seen that women are underrepresented in international, national, and local administrations since they are compressed into certain roles and moulds with general assumptions such as social, cultural, traditional, etc. It is seen that women cannot reach the representation they deserve in the administrative processes in almost all countries. Of course, there are many reasons for this situation, but no reason can explain the ‘ignoring’ of women only because of gender and the frameworks and boundaries set by others for that gender. In this study, the ‘problematic of women's absence’ in local governments is analysed through the Central Anatolia Region. The aim of the study, the data of which were accessed by using the descriptive analysis method and document analysis method based on the official data of the Supreme Electoral Council, is to describe the representation of women among the members of metropolitan, provincial and district municipal assemblies and provincial general assemblies in the Central Anatolia Region according to the results of the local elections held on 31 March 2024. In the study, the thesis that women's representation in local governments is low in metropolitan, provincial and district municipal assemblies and provincial general assemblies in the Central Anatolia Region has been tested and the data reveal that women are not adequately represented in these areas. Necessary suggestions are presented to solve the ‘problematic of absence’ of women.

Predictors of Academic Procrastinatıon In Unıversity Students: Academic Motivation, Hope and Personality

This study addressed the variables of academic motivation, hope, and personality characteristics as predictors of academic procrastination among university students. The participants of the study consisted of 659 university students studying at a university in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey and selected from the students who volunteered to participate in the study. The Academic Procrastination Scale, the Academic Motivation Scale, Hope Scale, the Adjective-Based Personality Scale and the Personal Information Form were used to collect data. Employing the relational research model, the study used the SPSS-22 program to analyze the data with a .05 significance level of accepted. Correlation analysis was performed to understand the relationship between the variables, and hierarchical regression analysis was performed to determine the variables' prediction level of academic procrastination. The results concluded that university students' academic procrastination behavior differed significantly according to students' gender, grade level, and faculty type, and that male students procrastinated more than female students. Another finding of the study was that academic motivation, responsibility, extroversion, and openness to experience significantly predicted academic procrastination. According to the study data, hope and personality's neuroticism and agreeableness dimensions did not have a significant effect on academic procrastination.

P0385 Delayed Diagnosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Turkish Population

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by relapsing episodes. These diseases typically present with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloody stools. However, the diagnosis of IBD may be delayed due to the higher prevalence of other clinical syndromes that can present with similar symptoms, lack of using diagnostic tools or depending on patient dependent reasons. This diagnostic delay can exceed six month or even much more in some patients. In this study, we aimed to examine the impact of demographic characteristics on diagnostic delay in IBD patients. Methods Patients diagnosed with UC and CD were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data were collected, including gender, age group, educational status, marital status, parental status (whether the patient had children), geographical region (Central Anatolia vs. other regions), settlement type (urban vs. rural), and year of diagnosis. The time interval between symptom onset and diagnosis was also recorded. Variables associated with diagnostic delay were then identified. Diagnostic delay was defined as the duration between symptom onset and diagnosis exceeding six months. Results A total of 326 IBD patients were included in the study, with 138 (42.3%) and 188 (57.7%) patients assigned to the UC and CD groups, respectively. Of these, 185 (56.7%) were male. The majority of patients were in the age groups of 26–35 years (113, 34.7%) and 36–45 years (103, 31.6%) (Table 1) . Diagnosis dates ranged from 1992 to 2024, with 154 (47.2%) patients diagnosed before 2014 and 172 (52.8%) diagnosed in 2014 or later. The interval between symptom onset and diagnosis exceeded six months (defined as diagnostic delay) in 159 (48.8%) patients. The frequency of diagnostic delay was significantly lower in UC compared to CD (19.0% vs. 63.3%, p < 0.001). Across the entire IBD cohort, no variables were significantly associated with diagnostic delay. However, when UC and CD were analyzed separately, diagnostic delay in UC significantly decreased in patients diagnosed in 2014 or later compared to those diagnosed before 2014 (36.0% vs. 20.6%, p = 0.048) (Figure 1). In CD, a reverse trend was observed, but the difference was not statistically significant (59.5% vs. 66.1%, p = 0.357). Conclusion The frequency of diagnostic delay in IBD patients was significantly lower in UC compared to CD. While diagnostic delay in UC significantly decreased in patients diagnosed in 2014 or later, an opposite trend was observed in CD, although the difference was not statistically significant.

The Association Between the Presence of Human Facial Mites Demodex (Acari, Demodicidae) and Dermatological Symptoms in Rosacea Patients in Central Anatolia, Türkiye.

This study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between the presence of Demodex mites and dermatological symptoms in patients with rosacea in the Central Anatolian Region of Türkiye. A total of 63 patients diagnosed with rosacea were enrolled in the study. Skin samples were obtained using a standardized skin surface biopsy technique, and a questionnaire was administered to assess skin symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the association between Demodex infestation and specific skin symptoms. Among the study participants, 65.1% exhibited Demodex infestation. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between the presence of Demodex and skin burning (p=0.018), skin pain (p=0.012), and skin stinging (p=0.001). However, no statistically significant associations were observed between Demodex presence and gender, skin dryness, itching, irritation, skin rash or the presence of red/pink bumps on the skin. This study provides evidence suggesting a potential role for Demodex mites in the pathogenesis of rosacea, specifically in relation to skin symptoms such as burning, pain, and stinging. The findings underscore the complexity of the relationship between Demodex infestation and rosacea and highlight the need for further research, including longitudinal and mechanistic studies, to better understand this association and its clinical implications. Ultimately, understanding the role of Demodex mites in rosacea may lead to innovative therapeutic approaches, offering hope for improved management of this challenging dermatological condition.

Characterization of the Volatile Profile of Bee Venom from Different Regions in Türkiye Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

The volatile organic compounds of bee venoms from four different populations of Apis mellifera anatoliaca, came from different regions in Türkiye, were analyzed using solid phase microextraction technique combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 144 volatile compounds were identified in the bee venom samples. The identified volatile compounds included esters, terpenoids, alcohols, acid esters, aldehydes, ketones, and hydrocarbons. It was determined that ester-type volatile compounds characterized the bee venom obtained from the Central Anatolia Region, while bee venom from the Western Black Sea Region had a higher amount of volatile terpenes with spicy and woody aromas. Further studies are required to understand the volatile profile of bee venom, which consists of plant and animal secondary metabolites.

Evaluation of grain yield, and quality characteristics of some bread wheat cultivars in different agro-ecological regions of Türkiye.

Climate change and recurrent droughts challenge wheat production and yield, necessitating careful selection and plant breeding research. "Value for Cultivation and Use" experiments are crucial for assessing genetic gains and providing information about potential pathways to alleviate production losses under specific environmental conditions. The goal of the study was to compare the grain yield and quality characteristics of 46 registered bread wheat cultivars in 5 out of 7 agro-ecological regions of Türkiye between 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. The registered wheat cultivars were also characterized in terms of high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) and the relationships between quality traits and band patterns. Genotype×environment interaction was found statistically significant (p<0.05) for grain yield and the stability of the cultivars as explained on biplot graphs. The Mediterranean and the Central Anatolian region had the highest and the lowest average grain yield of 8137kgha-1 and 4260kgha-1 respectively under the rainfed conditions. The average thousand kernel weight of the cultivars was 35.3-39.9g, with test weight of 77.2-79.2kghL-1, protein content of 13.4-14.7%, Zeleny sedimentation of 39.2-53.3mL, and alveograph energy value varied between 191.2-276.4×10-4J. The most common subunits in cultivars were 2∗ at Glu-A1, 7+8 and 7+9at Glu-B1, and 5+10at Glu-D1. It is concluded that high-quality new varieties are developed by high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits oriented crosses and selections in Turkish wheat breeding programs.

Physicochemical, Functional, Sensory, and Rheological Properties of Traditional Tarhanas from the Central Anatolian Region

Tarhana, produced in Anatolia using a variety of production techniques, is a traditional fermented product made from a mixture of yogurt, wheat flour, vegetables, and spices. Tarhana, with its high nutritional value, makes a positive contribution to human nutrition in terms of health. In this study, the chemical (moisture, ash, protein, fat, titratable acidity, salt, aw, total sugar), functional (total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, water and fat holding capacity), viscosity and sensory properties of tarhana produced in Aksaray, Ankara, Eskişehir, Kayseri, Konya, Nevşehir and Sivas provinces of Central Anatolia region were determined. The moisture contents of the tarhana samples were found to be 17.36-7.52%, protein contents 12.62-8.88%, ash contents 7.4-3.66%, fat contents 4.23-0.81%, titratable acidity values 21.5-7.5%, pH values 5.4-4.04. The highest viscosity value was found in Sivas Tarhana with 1721 cp. Kayseri and Konya tarhanas had the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. In terms of sensory properties, the most admired tarhana was the tarhana from Aksaray province, and the least admired tarhana was the tarhana from Ankara province. In conclusion, when we compared the tarhana commonly consumed as soup in the Central Anatolian region, it was found that the physical and chemical properties, as well as the taste preferences, varied regionally.

Spatial Evaluation of Carp Production by Using Geography Information Systems (GIS) in the Anatolian Region of Türkiye

Fish industry has significant importance all over the world because red meat is not enough to complete the protein requirements of growing population. Therefore, focus is now on those fish species production rate which are more suitable. In this study we focused on common carp which has important commercial value due to its size and tasty meat. Common carp is a fresh water fish and mostly found in rivers, ponds, dams and lakes. It is special due to its ability of adjustment in any aquatic habitat and sometimes beneficial also for other aquatic animals by releasing nutrients in habitat. Türkiye is a rich country in terms of rivers, dams and lakes. In this research, we described famous water reservoirs in Türkiye and in which regions higher amount of carp fish produced. It was focused on Central Anatolian Region of Türkiye which has large amount of water reservoirs. Geography Information System (GIS) based mapping and spatial analysis was used in this study to check the production rate of carp in Central Anatolian Region of Türkiye for long period from year 2000 to 2019. It was concluded from this study that highest average production rate of carp is obtained in Konya province (total: 11919,2 tons/2000-2019; average: 596 tons/20 year) which is west part of Anatolian region and lowest average production rate is found in the Niğde province (total: 163,5 tons/2000-2019; average: 8,2 tons/20 year) which is south part of the Central Anatolian Region.

The Effects of Acupressure and Massage on Pain, Menstrual Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: The study was carried out to determine the effects of acupressure and massage on pain severity, menstrual symptoms, and quality of life in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted between January 2021 and May 2021. The study initially enrolled 309 female students with primary dysmenorrhea studying at a university in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye. After exclusions (due to secondary dysmenorrhea diagnosis, study discontinuation, or drug use), the study was completed with a total of 267 students. The students were divided into three groups as follows: (1) the acupressure+massage group, (2) the massage-only group, and (3) the control group. Acupressure + massage and massage-only groups were timed for the first 3 days of three consecutive menstrual cycles. The primary outcome of the study was the mean pain score for primary dysmenorrhea. Data were collected with the Visual Analog Scale, Daily Menstrual Symptom Rating Scale, and Short Form 12 Health Survey. Results: In the first cycle and first day of preintervention measurement, the physical and mental health levels, which are the subscales of pain severity, menstrual symptom intensity, and quality of life, were similar in the three groups (p > 0.05). In other measurements during the three cycles, it was determined that the pain severity and menstrual symptom intensity in the acupressure + massage and massage-only group were lower than the control group (p < 0.05). After the intervention, it was determined that there was no significant difference in all subscales of the Quality of Life Scale (p > 0.05). In the acupressure + massage group, three participants reported having adverse reactions, including pain at the acupoints (n = 1) and shift in menstruation cycle (n = 2); in the massage-only group, four participants reported having adverse reactions, including redness (n = 3) and tingling in a finger (n = 1). Conclusion: It was determined that acupressure and massage applied to those with primary dysmenorrhea were effective methods to reduce the pain level and menstrual symptom intensity, but did not affect their quality of life. Clinical Trials Number: A Clinical trials number was received from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04942288).

Seismic Behavior Analysis of a 14th Century Anatolian Seljuk Kumbet

The preservation of cultural heritage and the seismic resilience of historic buildings are crucial for maintaining social identity, particularly in earthquake-prone regions. This study focuses on the modeling of Sırçalı Kumbet, a Seljuk monument built in the 14th century in Kayseri province, located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, using survey drawings and analysis using the finite element method (FEM) to evaluate its seismic performance. The analysis indicates that linear elastic calculation methods can serve as an initial approach for evaluating such geometrically complex structures. The findings demonstrate that Sırçalı Kumbet exhibits substantial structural rigidity, reducing deformation and enhancing resistance to material fatigue during seismic events. Displacement and stress analyses under G+EQx and G+EQy loading conditions reveal that tensile and compressive stresses remain within acceptable limits, with localized exceedances occurring at specific points, such as cavity corners and wall bases. While these localized stresses are manageable, they highlight areas that require continuous monitoring and potential reinforcement to ensure long-term stability. Additionally, the study suggests that the integration of regular maintenance and targeted reinforcement measures can further improve the monument’s durability and minimize potential damage. This research underscores the essential role of the FEM in bridging the gap between cultural heritage conservation and seismic resilience. It provides a methodological framework for integrating architectural, restoration, and engineering expertise into comprehensive conservation strategies. Future studies should expand this approach to include various building types and material properties to enhance the development of preservation strategies.

Improving ecological footprint awareness of primary school students

The aim of this study is to improve primary school students' ecological footprint awareness through ecological footprint-based activities. The research was conducted in accordance with the quantitative research method and a quasi-experimental design with pre-post test experimental-control group was used in the research. The criterion sampling method was used to determine the study group for the experimental process, and 26 students (N experimental=13; N control=13) studying in the fourth grade of a public school in the Central Anatolia Region were included in the study. In the study, the Ecological Footprint Awareness Scale was applied as pretest-posttest. The process took place in science classes in both groups. While the courses were curriculum-based in the control group, ecological footprint-based activities were organized in the experimental group. The data were analyzed by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and dependent groups t-test, and the effect size ([ή2]) was calculated according to the variances. As a result of the research, when the ecological footprint awareness pre-test mean scores of primary school students were controlled, it was concluded that there was a significant difference between the ecological footprint awareness post-test mean scores of primary school students in which the activity process took place, and the ecological footprint awareness post-test mean scores of primary school students in which the activities did not take place. It was evaluated that 45% of the variance related to the post-test mean scores was due to the activity process applied. While teaching courses with ecological footprint-based activities applied in the experimental group significantly increased the mean scores of primary school students' ecological footprint awareness with a medium effect, teaching curriculum-based courses did not significantly increase the mean scores of primary school students' ecological footprint awareness attitude. It should be considered important to present topics such as ecological footprint, carbon footprint or water footprint calculations to students depending on the concept of sustainability to be integrated into primary school curriculum programs and to focus on in-class and out-of-class activities.

Relationship between adolescent smartphone use and peer attachment and nomophobia

Introduction and aim. Nomophobia is fear of being without a cell phone or being unable to use one. This paper investigated the effect of friendship attachment on nomophobia in adolescents. Material and methods. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in five high schools in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye. The sample consisted of 1033 adolescents. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Adolescent Friendship Attachment Scale, and the Nomophobia Questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using parametric tests such as One-Way ANOVA and Independent Sample t-Test, with Bonferroni tests for post-hoc comparisons. Results. The majority of participants were girls (58.3%), lived in nuclear families (76.2%). Most students used their smartphones for 2-4 hours daily (40.3%), and were active on social media (86%). The study found significant differences in phone usage time and friend attachment scores among different age groups. Women had higher friend attachment scores and nomophobia scores compared to men. Social media use was associated with higher nomophobia and friend attachment scores. Conclusion. Adolescents’ smartphone uses characteristics influence their nomophobia levels and friendship attachment styles. Professionals should plan interventions to raise adolescents’ awareness of nomophobia.

The effects of the intrapartum care model given in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the mother's maternal behavior towards her baby, breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding success, and hospital discharge readiness: a randomized controlled trial.

A woman's experiences of childbirth, which represents a significant transition in the journey towards motherhood, encompass a range of factors that can influence breastfeeding, parenting behaviors, and readiness for discharge. However, research exploring the intrapartum and postpartum care aspects of the WHO-developed intrapartum care model remains scarce, particularly with regard to breastfeeding, parenting behaviors, and the readiness of the mother in the early postpartum period. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the intrapartum care model that adheres to the guidelines set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO) on several key outcomes, including the mother's maternal behavior towards her infant postpartum, breastfeeding self-efficacy, the success of breastfeeding, and the mother's readiness for hospital discharge. The study was a randomized controlled trial. The study was conducted with 128 primiparous pregnant women (intervention group n = 64, control group n = 64) admitted to the maternity unit of a training and research hospital in a province in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. The pregnant women in the intervention group were provided with intrapartum care in accordance with the WHO recommendations following the achievement of cervical dilatation reaching 5cm. The control group was provided with only standard intrapartum and postpartum care. The data were collected using a personal information form, a postpartum parenting behavior scale, a breastfeeding self-efficacy scale, a breastfeeding charting system and documentation tool (LATCH), and a hospital discharge readiness scale. The mean scores for parenting behavior and breastfeeding self-efficacy of the women in the intervention group who received intrapartum care in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations were found to be significantly higher than those of the women in the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, the mean LATCH score of the women in the intervention group (9.6 ± 0.8) was higher than that of the women in the control group (8.4 ± 1.6) and no breastfeeding problems were observed (p < 0.001). The women in the intervention group exhibited a higher level of readiness for hospital discharge (176.3 ± 10.7) compared to the women in the control group (149.6 ± 13.7). The mean score for the subscale "expected support" on the readiness for hospital discharge scale was found to be 9 ± 7.2 in the intervention group, which was considerably lower than the mean score of the control group (15.2 ± 8.4). It was determined that women in the intervention group who received the intrapartum care model required less support in the postpartum period compared to women in the control group (p < 0.001). The intrapartum care model provided in line with WHO recommendations increases mothers' parenting behavior, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and breastfeeding success, and supports them to be more ready for discharge from the hospital.

An Examination of Mathematics Teacher Candidates’ Definitions and Images of the Fraction Concept

This study aims to examine the definitions and images of the concept of fractions held by mathematics teacher candidates. However, the aim has been to reveal the similarities or differences in the definitions and images of fractions held by teacher candidates throughout the different stages of the program. A basic qualitative research design has been used in the study. The study group consists of 155 mathematics teacher candidates studying in the mathematics teaching program of a state university in the Central Anatolia Region for the 2023-2024 academic year, selected using the maximum diversity sampling method. A form consisting of open-ended questions has been used as a data collection tool. Descriptive analysis was used in the analysis of teacher candidates' definitions and images related to the concept of fractions. According to the findings of the study, the explanations provided by teacher candidates regarding the definition of fractions have been categorized under four themes: meanings of fractions, types of fractions, association with rational numbers, and elements of fractions. When examining the drawings of teacher candidates regarding the concept of fractions, it has been observed that images of part-whole, sharing, ratio, set, operator, association, and number line have emerged. Teacher candidates have mostly made definitions using the meanings of fractions, with the part-whole meaning being the most frequently used among them. Additionally, it has been addressed how the definitions and images of the concept of fractions change according to the grade levels of the teacher candidates.

Women’s Views of Birth Labor Satisfaction Questionnaire: Turkish Validity and Reliability Study

Aim: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish translation of the "Women's Views of Birth Labor Satisfaction Questionnaire (WVBLSQ)", a tool designed to gauge postpartum women's contentment with the birthing experience. Material and Method: In this methodological study, 320 healthy women who gave birth spontaneously vaginally in the postnatal unit of a state hospital in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye participated. The study data were collected between April 2023 and April 2024. The WVBLSQ and the participant introduction form were utilized to gather data. The study's methods included language and content validity, item analysis, test-retest reliability, and exploratory internal consistency coefficients. Results: The women's average age was 27.09±5.76 years. After the fifth and sixth sub-dimensions were removed from the 26-item version of the scale, Cronbach's alpha value was found to be 0.77 when the reliability of the scale and its seven sub-dimensions were evaluated separately. The sub-dimensions in the scale are ‘Professional support in labour, home assessment at the beginning of labour, expectation of labour, spouse/partner support during labour, control, environment during labour and pain relief’. For each of the scale's sub-dimensions, the Cronbach's α value ranged from 0.26 to 0.75. The results of the test-retest used to assess the scale's temporal invariance revealed that there was a highly significant correlation between the measures. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the scale proved to be suitable for assessing labor satisfaction in women who had normal spontaneous labor.

Mathematics in Environmental Education: An Investigation of Preservice Teachers’ Skills in Drawing and Interpreting Population Size Graphs

Drawing and interpretation graphs, as key mathematical skills, are widely used in teaching various subjects within science education. Population ecology, a topic in the environmental education course within the elementary education curriculum of Türkiye, is one such subject. In the context of this environmental education course, graphs are employed to teach and interpret the factors influencing the growth and decline of populations. This qualitative study aimed to examine the graph drawing and interpretation skills of preservice elementary school teachers in relation to population size. Fifty-seven preservice elementary school teachers from the elementary education department of a university in the Central Anatolia region of Türkiye participated in the study. These preservice teachers were provided with growth rate vs. time graphs of different populations and were asked to draw and interpret graphs representing change numbers of individuals vs. time. The findings revealed that many preservice teachers struggled with both drawing and interpreting population graphs. Specifically, most participants encountered difficulties while drawing and interpreting linear and particularly curvilinear graphs, as they failed to account for the simultaneous changes in two variables. The study’s findings are expected to raise awareness about the importance of mathematical skills and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in environmental education, as well as providing direction for future research.

Machine learning algorithms and geographic information system techniques to predict land suitability maps for wheat cultivation in the Central Anatolia Region

Machine learning algorithms and geographic information system techniques to predict land suitability maps for wheat cultivation in the Central Anatolia Region

The Process of Teaching and Learning from the Views of Prospective Mathematics Teachers: The Case of Algebraic Inequalities

This study explores the views of prospective mathematics teachers on the process of teaching and learning about algebraic inequalities. Phenomenology, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The participants of the study consisted of 6 prospective middle school mathematics teachers studying in the last year of the Elementary Mathematics Teacher Education Program of a university in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye in the spring semester of the 2021-2022 academic year. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The obtained data were analyzed using content analysis, one of the qualitative analysis methods. As a result of the analysis of the interviews with the prospective middle school mathematics teachers, three main themes were obtained. Teaching inequalities, the difficulties that students may experience in inequalities, and the methods that can be used to overcome difficulties were the main categories that emerged. Direct quotations from the prospective teachers’ views were also included in the presentation of the findings. As a result of the study, it is recommended that more practice should be included in teacher education programs to improve prospective mathematics teachers' knowledge and experience of meaningful learning and overcoming difficulties.

A biogeochemical approach to examining sub-adult diet and the weaning process at Neolithic Tepecik-Çiftlik, Türkiye

Tepecik-Çiftlik, a Neolithic settlement located in the Cappadocia region of Central Anatolia, within the boundaries of Niğde province in modern Türkiye is crucial for helping us to better understand social behaviour and human mobility in the Neolithic, as well as relations between different groups. To investigate dietary habits, subsistence practices, and intra-societal variations stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratio analysis has been conducted on the Neolithic human and faunal population. Further to this, 21 sub-adults were also sampled for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratio analysis to examine sub-adult diet, complementary feeding, and the cessation of breastfeeding as part of the weaning process. This isotopic investigation into the weaning process is complemented by a previously conducted study using Sr/Ca ratios from bone apatite of the same population. The δ13C values of the sampled sub-adults range from −19.8 ‰ to −19.0 ‰ and the δ15N values range from 8.0 ‰ to 15.2 ‰. The isotopic data suggest a very early onset of complementary feeding (ca. 0.2 years of age) and a brief breastfeeding period, relative to other prehistoric populations. The cessation of breastfeeding and this very brief weaning process was likely completed by ca. 1–1.5 years old. This early commencement of complementary feeding was most probably a deliberate social and cultural choice, supported by the presence of bowls and feeding spoons in the graves of very young babies and infants. However, this cultural choice may also have affected the mortality profile of the Neolithic population.

Mushroom Intoxication in Türkiye: A Nationwide Cohort Study Based on Demographic Trends, Seasonal Variations, and the Impact of Climate Change on Incidence

Mushroom intoxication poses a considerable public health risk due to its potential for severe toxicity and fatality. This study aims to investigate demographic trends, diagnostic locations, and mortality rates of patients with mushroom intoxication. This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the National Electronic Database of the Turkish Ministry of Health. The study focused on patients without chronic liver disease or prior liver transplantation presenting with mushroom intoxication between 2018 and 2023. Demographic information, diagnostic locations, and mortality rates were analyzed, considering a six-year period to ensure even seasonal distribution. Among 30459 individuals admitted with mushroom intoxication, 44.75% were male, with a mean age of 45.84 years. The Black Sea, Marmara, and Central Anatolia regions had the highest number of cases, with specific cities like Tokat, Bolu, Yozgat, and Kastamonu having the highest rates per 100,000 population in 2022. Mushroom intoxication predominantly occurred in May, June, October, and November. Hospitalization occurred in 8.9% of cases, with a 6.6% mortality rate within 90 days and 1.3% progressing to liver transplantation. Notably, mushroom intoxication cases increased by 130% in the first half of 2023, particularly in May and June, correlating with increased rainfall. Mushroom intoxication is a serious public health issue, with morbidity and mortality influenced by climate factors. The study highlights a significant increase in cases in the first half of 2023, potentially linked to heightened rainfall and climate change.