Hatay Province Research Articles

Early Period Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Child Patients in the Earthquake Zone

Objective:The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of earthquakes on the nutritional status and infection rates of children in the early stages of post-earthquake recovery. Material and Methods: Following the earthquakes on February 6, 2023, 80 out of 504 patients who presented to the pediatric examination tent in Hatay province were included in the study. Reasons for patient visits and weight loss compared to pre-earthquake measurements were examined. Results: A total of 80 patients were examined across three different age groups [1 month-5 years (29 patients), 5-10 years (34 patients), and 10-18 years (17 patients)]. In all three age groups, a statistically significant decline was observed in body weights, weight percentiles, and age-specific standard deviations when compared to their pre-earthquake measurements (p<0.001). Besides, frequently occurring illnesses were respiratory tract infections (51.25%) and acute gastroenteritis (38.75%). Conclusion: Ensuring appropriate and adequate nutrition for children in the aftermath of a disaster is of critical importance for sustaining normal growth and preventing of diseases. Therefore, emergency plans should include expert pediatricians and prioritize children.

Factors Affecting Melon Farmers’ Knowledge Sources and Their Attitudes Towards Input Use; The Case of Hatay Province

The aim of study is to reveal the factors affecting the knowledge sources used by melon farmers in Hatay province, and their attitudes towards input use. In addition, the research also investigated farmers’ attitudes towards plant protection knowledge and support policies. In the study was surveyed with melon farmers. The data were obtained through face to face interviews during the period of Summer-2022. In the study, factor analysis was used to determine farmers’ the factors affecting the knowledge sources. Factors affecting the knowledge sources used by farmers were determined as two-way and one-way communication. The factors affecting the sources that farmers depend on in dose adjustment were determined as internal and external factors. Besides, farmers think that the knowledge sources should be understandable and accessible. On the other hand, farmers think that the sources they depend on should be accurate and reliable. In melon cultivation, chemicals are used excessively to combat diseases and pests. Also, farmers stated that if precautions are not taken while spraying, poisoning may occur. Moreover, it is thought that empty pesticide containers should be destroyed and excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides may harm products and the environment. Furthermore, farmers claimed that support policies for melon production were not sufficient. As a result, it has been understood that melon farmers have a good level of education and are conscious individuals. However, it is thought that the training and extension activities will help farmers increase their income and environmental awareness.

A Study on Farmers’ Use of Social Media; Comparative Analysis of Mardin and Hatay Provinces

This study was conducted in Hatay and Mardin provinces to investigate the tendency of farmers to use social media, the difficulties they face during the use of social media and the variables affecting the use of social media by farmers. The research consisted of data obtained from a face-to-face survey of 221 producers using proportional sampling method. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, and chi-square analysis was used to examine the relationships between variables. The results showed that the rate of producers using social media was 77.8% in Mardin province and 73.8% in Hatay province. Additionally, farmers mostly use social media for communication with families and access to new news. Also, the most commonly used social media applications in both provinces were WhatsApp and Facebook. As a result of this research, it was determined that farmers don’t use social media sufficiently for agricultural activities, and it was suggested that farmers’ organizations and related institutions should carry out information activities for farmers to encourage farmers to use social media efficiently.

Occurrence, dietary exposure and risk assessment to aflatoxins in red pepper flakes from Southeast of Türkiye

Aflatoxins contamination of foods is a global issue that severely threatens human health. This study aimed to measure total aflatoxin (AF) (aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), and aflatoxin G2 (AFG2)) levels in red pepper flakes samples and to evaluate the potential dietary exposure and cancer risk to aflatoxin in the southeast of Türkiye. A total of 90 red pepper flake samples were collected from local markets Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, and Hatay provinces, Türkiye. Total AF in red pepper flakes was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). Then, the margin of exposure (MOE) and cancer risk were calculated. AFB1 and total AF were detected in red pepper flake samples at 98.89% and 100%, respectively. The number of red pepper flake samples exceeded the legislation limits for AFB1 was four, and there was only one sample for total AF. It was determined that AFB1 exposure could pose a risk to public health for Turkish adults (MOE < 10,000). Although AF exposure seems to be higher due to the high consumption of red pepper flakes in some regions of Türkiye, the risk of exposure and cancer may decrease because of complying with the recommendations of the dietary guidelines. The findings provide new insights into exposure to total AF by consuming red pepper flakes.

EXAMINATION OF THE REASONS THAT LEAD TEACHERS TO ABANDON THE CURRICULUM

Educators may occasionally neglect certain parts of the curriculum that they consider relatively unimportant. There are instances when inadequate time and pupils' readiness for central examinations are cited as justifications for these occurrences. The aim of this research was to examine the reasons that lead teachers who teach courses that are tested on the Upper- Secondary School Entrance Exam, which is the central exam for 8th graders, to ignore the curriculum according to the opinions of the teachers. The research was designed according to the case study, a type of qualitative research. The study group of the research consists of a total of 15 teachers, 6 of whom work in private schools and 9 of whom work in public schools, in the province of Hatay in the 2021-2022 academic year. A purposive criterion sampling method was used to select the teachers. Research data were collected through a semi-structured interview form and analyzed by content analysis method. It was found that most of the teachers interviewed ignored or abandoned the curriculum because of central exams or external pressures. It was stated that some reasons related to school administrators, parents and students forced teachers to make changes in course teaching methods and processes or forced them to abandon the curriculum. Keywords: Educational curriculum, commitment to the curriculum, curriculum abandonment, central exams, teacher examinations

Kahramanmaraş-Pazarcık Earthquake 2023: Characteristics of Patients Presented to the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Hospital Far from the Region and Infection Characteristics in Hospitalized Patients.

The aim of this study is to determine the demographic, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of the patients who applied to the emergency department (ED) of Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine Hospital (Antalya, Türkiye) after the Kahramanmaraş-Pazarcık earthquake dated February 6, 2023, as earthquake victims were included in the study. The results of the study could be a guide in terms of emergency health services and the healthy management of disasters. The study included patients over the age of 18 who presented as earthquake victims to the ED of Akdeniz University Medical Faculty Hospital from February 6, 2023 through March 8, 2023. The demographic data of the patients, including age, gender, earthquake zone, time and manner of arrival to the ED, time under debris, length-of-stay (LOS) in the service and intensive care unit (ICU), infection rates, culture results, and mortality, were retrospectively analyzed using the hospital automation system. A total of 1,833 earthquake victims presented to the ED. Of these patients, 1,294 were adults and 539 were children. Services and the ICU admitted a total of 137 adult patients. In the first week, 414 (31.99%) of the patients presented to the ED, while 82 (59.85%) of the hospitalized patients were admitted.Hatay ranked first with 573 (44.28%) patients in the distribution of patients presented to the ED according to earthquake regions. In the distribution of hospitalized patients by earthquake regions, the patients requiring the most hospitalization were from the province of Hatay, with 68 (49.63%) patients.During hospital observations, the medical staff took 132 culture samples based on the positive clinic of the patient. The microorganisms detected in the culture studies were different from the flora of the hospital. The mortality at seven days was two (1.45%), and at the end of 30 days, the mortality was six (4.37%). The ED evaluated all affected cases, with most patients being brought by their relatives using their own means, and had low mortality rates despite presenting with fewer injuries. New environmental conditions that developed after the earthquake caused unexpected results, especially in terms of community-acquired agents.

Investigation of Cryptococcus Colonization and Mating Genotype in Environmental Samples

Cryptococcus species are fungal pathogens that pose a serious threat to human life and can cause meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised and healthy individuals. It was estimated that approximately 112000 people die every year due to cryptococcal-related infections all over the world, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Cryptococcus species can be found in soil, bat dung, pigeon droppings, and various tree species in addition to humans. Despite the majority of Cryptococcus species being haploid opportunistic human pathogens, it is known that the ability to undergo sexual reproduction plays a significant role in the expansion of species distribution and the increase in virulence. In Cryptococcus species, sexual reproduction is governed by the mating genotype gene region called the MAT locus. Pathogenic Cryptococcus species have two mating types (MATa and MATα), defined by the presence of one of two alternative alleles at a single MAT locus. In this study, various tree species (eucalyptus, olive and carob) in a total of seven regions in Mersin (Gülnar, Göksu, Narlıkuyu, Ayaş, Kızkalesi, and Tarsus) and Hatay provinces were examined to detect Cryptococcus species. The aim of this study was to determine the environmental distribution and sexual genotypes of Cryptococcus species in these regions. In the present study, samples were collected from a total of 750 trees, including olive, eucalyptus, and carob trees. The samples were incubated on Staib agar medium containing 0.1% biphenyl and 0.5% chloramphenicol. Colonies that formed brown pigment were identified as C.neoformans using conventional and molecular methods. The sexual genotypes were determined by comparing the lengths of the STE20 gene from the isolates compared with those of reference C.neoformans strains. Growth was observed in 97 (12.9%) of 750 samples collected from eucalyptus (n= 236), olive (n= 303) and carob (n= 211) trees. All 97 isolates were determined to be C.neoformans var. grubii. The highest positivity was found in Narlıkuyu (78.2%), and from carob (9.4%) and olive (3.5%) trees. Cryptococcus species was not detected in any of the samples derived from eucalyptus trees. Based on the lengths of the STE20 gene, it was determined that all C.neoformans var. grubii isolates were in the MAT Aα genotype. The data obtained regarding the environmental distribution of Cryptococcus species and the distribution of genes involved in sexual reproduction are believed to provide valuable guidance in terms of the potential clinical implications of environmental Cryptococcus hotspots and regional species characteristics in our country.

Seismic site classification of Samandag district, Hatay province, Turkey, based on the HVSR method and equivalent linear ground response analysis

Seismic site classification of Samandag district, Hatay province, Turkey, based on the HVSR method and equivalent linear ground response analysis

A study on the knowledge and attitudes of dietitians and their clients about collagen

This study aimed to assess the opinions of dietitians and their clients regarding their knowledge and use of collagen and to determine their level of knowledge regarding the use of collagen supplements. It was conducted on 30 dietitians and 125 clients in Istanbul, Balıkesir, Antalya and Hatay provinces between March and April 2023. Online data was collected from participants via Google Forms. 56.7% (n=17) of dietitians and 54.4% (n=68) of their clients use collagen (P>0.05). While 36.7% (n=11) of dietitians said, it was beneficial for the skin, 23.3% (n=7) used it for weight control and digestive regulation, 38.4% (n=48) said it was beneficial for the skin and 34.4% (n=43) for joint density and pain relief. There was also no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between dietitians' and clients' information about collagen use. However, while 17.5% (n=3) of dietitians were concerned about the reliability, certification, and brand of collagen, 22.1% (n=15) of consumers were concerned about its reliability. In addition, the opinions of the dietitians and clients participating in the study regarding the use of collagen were not found to be statistically significant (P>0.05).

From Tragedy to Resilience in a University Hospital: Characteristics of Patients in the Aftermath of the 2023 Turkey Earthquake.

This study focuses on adults affected by the February 2023 Turkey earthquakes, aiming to uncover demographic and clinical traits. A retrospective analysis of data from adult patients who sought emergency care between February 6 and February 21, 2023, following the earthquakes, was conducted. Among 3072 patients, 1544 (50.3%) of whom were women, trauma (31.1%) was the most prevalent cause of emergency department presentations. The median age of all patients was 44 y (interquartile range [IQR] 31-61 y). Hatay province accounted for 65.2% of trauma patients as origin. Most of the patients (66.8%) presented to the emergency department by their own means, while this was opposite for trauma patients, of whom 54.5% was transferred by means of Ambulance Service. Half of the total trauma patients were rescued from the debris, and 75.9% sustained limb injuries. Crush syndrome affected 24.7%, and emergency hemodialysis was performed on 9.1%, whereas emergency surgery was performed on 22.8% of all trauma cases. Overall, 10.2% of trauma patients lacked any identification. The rate of emergency department admittions due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases was higher at the time of the earthquake compared with the previous year (P < 0.001). The insights gained from this study hold valuable implications for disaster response strategies, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, timely intervention, and comprehensive patient care.

Investigation of Oxytetracycline and Enrofloxacin Residue in Beef Collected from Hatay Province

Aim to study: This study purposed to investigate the residues of oxytetracycline and enrofloxacin in beef samples collected from different districts of Hatay province. &#x0D; Material and methods: Fifty beef samples, each weighing 100 grams, were randomly acquired from butchers and markets. High-performance liquid chromatography was utilized for sample analysis.&#x0D; Results: The maximum residue limits for red meat in the European Union and the Turkish Food Codex is 100 μg/kg for enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and oxytetracycline, while according to the Food and Agriculture Organization it is 200 μg/kg. Residues of oxytetracycline, enrofloxacin, and its metabolite ciprofloxacin were found below the maximum residue limits determined by the Turkish Food Codex and Food and Agriculture Organization in 5 (10%) out of 50 beef samples. In 90% of the samples, no residues of enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline, and ciprofloxacin were detected. However, enrofloxacin residues were found in 2 muscle samples (4%) at concentration of 47 and 57 µg/kg, and ciprofloxacin residues of 60 µg/kg. Additionally, oxytetracycline residues were detected in 2 samples (4%) at concentrations of 88 and 95 μg/kg.&#x0D; Conclusion: It was observed that oxytetracycline and enrofloxacin are used in fattening in Hatay province and pre-slaughter waiting periods are adhered to.

Optimal route selection using network analysis in terms of time, cost and fuel savings: The case of İskenderun, Türkiye

Solid waste generation has increased significantly as a result of increasing population and living standards. In this context, variables such as waste classification, amount produced, collection and transportation status, disposal method, socioeconomic status of the region include important stages in system planning. It is important to optimize these variables, waste collection route, time, cost, environmental impacts and examine the current situation. The cost of collection and processing accounts for roughly 65-80% of the total cost of the solid waste management system managed by local governments. Therefore, by optimization studies, the trash collection-transport route can significantly reduce this rate. Depreciation and fuel expenditures can be significantly reduced as a result of improvements in operational costs. Denizciler neighborhood was selected as an example of all district characteristics within the study's scope when the socio-economic, demographic, and topographic conditions of the Iskenderun district of Hatay province were evaluated. The ESRI ARCGIS software's tools have been used to test the optimization path. A 421-meter shorter route was discovered using network analysis. Considering the current route, which is 14340 meters long, a 3% improvement has been achieved with the analysis made. Garbage collection was done using the newly developed route in the study's final section. As a result, the viability of the network analysis enhancement has been evaluated in practice, and it has been discovered that time and fuel savings are realized in terms of cost.

Traditional Foraged Spice, Sauce, and Egg-Painting Plants of Hatay, Türkiye: Bringing the Traditional into Commerce

In the province of Hatay in Turkey, which has been added to the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy list in recent years and has made significant progress in gastronomy tourism, answers were sought to the following questions: What kinds of change have these developments caused in traditional foraging spice/sauce uses? In the 21st century, is it still possible to introduce new herbal products from the wild into agriculture? What effects does the multi-ethnic structure have on the traditional use of spices/sauces/food coloring plants? How have the uses of spices and sauces changed over the years? In addition, what level of spice/sauce variety was obtained by foraging in this Eastern Mediterranean province? Some spices, e.g., Thymbra spicata, which were supplied by foraging, have started to be obtained through agriculture due to the increasing demand following the city's entry into the UNESCO gastronomy cities list, and have become an important income source for the city. These plants, which are brought into agriculture from the local flora, are also important as alternative agricultural products that can be easily grown with minimum agricultural input in the climate and therefore water crisis conditions our world is facing. Some unique plant usages presented here, e.g., egg painting plants used by spring fests of various ethnoreligious populations, show how different ethnoreligious populations can affect each other when living in harmony for centuries. &#x0D; Hatay was the province that suffered the most destruction in the earthquake of February 6, 2023. We hope that this article, written just before the earthquake, will provide socio-economic guidance in the rebuilding of the city.

Adaptation of Reproductive and Growth Traits of Primiparous Kilis Goats to High-Altitude Mountain Areas

Kilis goat is an important local gene source in terms of fertility and milk yield and its original breeding area is Kilis, Adana, Gaziantep and Hatay provinces in Türkiye. This study was carried out to determine the reproductive and growth characteristics of primiparous Kilis goats and their adaptation to high-altitude mountainous areas (altitude 1550 m). A total of 120 Kilis goats from four different farms in Konya province were used in the study in 2019. Among the reproductive traits of Kilis goats, birth rate, litter size at birth, litter size at weaning, twinning rate and survival rate were found to be 92.5%, 1.25, 1.11, 25.1% and 88.2%, respectively, and the difference between the flocks were not statistically significant (P&gt;0.05). Most of the births occurred between 06:00 and 09:00 during the day (P

The Effect of 7th Grade “Cell and Divisions” Unit Teaching with Augmented Reality Technology on Students' Academic Achievement

This study was carried out to determine the effect of the 7th grade 'Cell and Divisions' unit of the science course with augmented reality technology on the academic achievement of the students. The study group of this research, which was prepared in the "pretest-posttest control group" quasi-experimental model, consists of 79 students in the 7th grade attending a public school in the Antakya district of Hatay province in the 2017-2018 academic year. There are 40 students in the experimental group and 39 students in the control group. While the "Cell and Divisions" unit was taught to the experimental group students by using active learning, technology-centered and internet interactive learning methods with augmented reality applications, the control group students received regular education in line with the program. The application was completed by the researcher within 16 lesson hours. The "Cell and Divisions Achievement Test" (CDAT), which was used as a data collection tool and for which validity and reliability studies were conducted, was administered to both groups before and after the application. In the analysis of the collected data, dependent and independent t-tests from statistical procedures were tried to be analyzed using SPSS 21 package program. At the end of the evaluation of the data; it was concluded that the academic achievement of the students in the experimental group was significantly higher than the students in the control group and the effect size was calculated intermediate level effect. It is thought that the use of augmented reality applications in science courses may have positive effects on students' achievement.

Investigation of Social Media Addiction in Adolescents in Terms Of Social Appearance Anxiety and Social Desirability

When the studies are examined, it is seen that social media addiction (SMA) increases in adolescents with high social desirability and social appearance anxiety (SAA). For this reason, the aim of this research is to examine SMA in adolescents in terms of SAA and social desirability and to determine at what level social desirability and SAA predict SMA. The research was designed as a descriptive study in the relational survey model. A total of 484 students, 338 of whom were girls (69.8%) and 146 (30.2%) were boys studying at secondary school institutions of the central districts of Hatay province, participated in the study in which convenience sampling method. Social Media Addiction Scale, Social Appearance Anxiety Scale and Social Desirability Scale were used as data collection tools. T test and multiple regression analysis were used in the analysis of the data. As a result of the research, it was found that SMA and social desirability does not differ by gender and also it was seen that SAA differed significantly according to gender and girls were more concerned about their social appearance. In consequence of the research, it was also found that social desirability and SAA significantly predict SMA.

Factors affecting individuals’ vegetable oil and animal fat consumption in Hatay province

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Hatay ilinde bireylerin bitkisel ve hayvansal yağ tüketim alışkanlıkları ve yağ tercihinde etkili olan faktörleri ortaya koymaktır. Araştırmanın ana materyalini, basit tesadüfi örnekleme yoluyla belirlenen 412 tüketiciyle yüz yüze yapılan anket çalışması oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada veriler SPSS paket programı kullanılarak değerlendirilmiş olup bireylerin yağ tercihine etki eden faktörlerin belirlenmesi için faktör analizi yapılmıştır. Kişi başı bitkisel yağ tüketimi ortalama 14.13 l yıl-1, hayvansal yağ tüketimi ise 2.52 kg yıl-1 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Bireylerin öncelikli tercihinin bitkisel yağ olduğu, bitkisel yağa göre hayvansal yağ tüketiminin sınırlı olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Faktör analizine göre bireylerin yağ tüketiminde etkili olan en önemli içsel faktörün kalite, dışsal faktörün ise ürünün ambalajı olduğu saptanmıştır. Elde edilen bulgular Hatay ilindeki tüketicilerin yemeklik yağ tercihinde bilinçli olduğunu göstermektedir. Sektördeki firmalar ürün satış ve pazarlamasında fiyat ve reklamların etkisinden çok öncelikle ürünün kalitesini ve ambalajını önemsemelidir. Ayrıca firmalar tüketici tercihlerini dikkate alarak yeni pazarlama stratejileri gerçekleştirmelidir. Hayvansal yağ tüketiminin arttırılması için tüketicilerin gelir seviyesinin arttırılması, gıda enflasyonunun düşürülmesine yönelik politikaların uygulanması ve hayvancılıkta girdi maliyetlerini düşürecek sürdürülebilir teşviklerin uygulanması gerekmektedir.

Determination of input usage level for wheat production and changes of input usage in recent years: A case of Hatay province

Bu çalışmada, Hatay yöresinde buğday üretiminde kullanılan girdi kullanımı incelenmiştir. Hatay İli Türkiye'nin tarımsal üretim potansiyeli yüksek illerinden biridir. İldeki toplam tarım arazisinin %53’ünde tarla bitkileri yetiştirilirken, pamuk ve buğday bitkileri yörede yetiştirilen başlıca iki tarla bitkisidir. 2021 yılında, Hatay ilinde 540 988 da alanda toplam 247 960 ton buğday üretimi gerçekleşmiş olup, bu miktar Türkiye’nin toplam buğday üretiminin %1.38’ini oluşturmaktadır. Araştırma kapsamında, Hatay yöresinde 104 işletme ile anket yapılmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre, anket yapılan işletmelerde toplam 16 539 da alanda buğday üretimi gerçekleşirken, ortalama 555 kg da-1 verim elde edildiği belirlenmiştir. Buğday üretiminde kullanılan girdilerin ortalama kullanım miktarları şu şekildedir; kullanılan tohum miktarı: 28.87 kg da-1, zirai ilaç (herbisit, fungusit, insektisit): 345.55 cc da-1, birim alanda kullanılan gübre miktarı: 72.34 kg da-1, toprak işleme, gübreleme, ilaçlama ve hasat için harcanan mazot miktarı: 14.94 lt da-1, makine gücü kullanımı: 1.34 sa da-1, sulama için harcanan; elektrik gücü: 51.54 KW da-1 ve mazot miktarı: 3.21 lt da-1 olarak belirlenmiştir. Bunlara ek olarak işletme başına 2.45 yevmiyeli işçi çalışırken, yevmiyeli olarak çalışılan gün sayısı ortalaması 7.9 gün olarak belirlenmiştir. Araştırma kapsamında, üreticilerin buğday üretiminden genel olarak memnun olduğu belirlenirken, son yıllarda artan girdi maliyetleri nedeni ile girdi kullanımında kesintiye gittikleri araştırma kapsamında bulunana önemli sonuçlardandır.

Infestation rates of Mediterranean fruit fly [Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae)] on common guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruits

The study was conducted to determine infestation rates of medfly on common guava, Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae), fruits in Hatay province of Türkiye. During the study, a different number of the common guava fruits were collected at University of Hatay Mustafa Kemal Research Center in Field 49. They were brought to the laboratory, placed in three plastic container, and each container put into three different mesh screen cages at room temperature. For each of the sampling year, the adults of medfly emerging from the infested fruits were counted in a three-mesh screen cages. Additionally, medfly infestation rates were evaluated as percentage by examining all fruits in plastic cups in each of the cages. As a result of four-year investigations, this pest was found on P. guajava fruits in all sampling years. Totals of 3240 medfly adults in 2016, 4161 medfly adults in 2017, 4621 medfly adults in 2019, and 2982 medfly adults in 2020 were counted in three mesh screen cages. In 2016, a total of 600 guava fruit samples were collected during the study period, of which 255 fruits (42.5%) were infested by medfly. In 2017, a total of 450 guava fruit samples were collected during the study period, of which 352 fruits (78.22%) were infested by medfly. In 2019, a total of 870 guava fruit samples were collected during the study period, of which 625 fruits (71.84%) were infested by medfly. In 2020, a total of 689 guava fruit samples were collected during the study period, of which 554 fruits (81.41%) were infested by medfly. The highest percentage infested rates was recorded as 81.41 in 2020, followed by 78.22 in 2017, 71.84 in 2019 and 42.5 in 2016.

Mathematical Literacy of Middle School Students Improving Awareness Levels: Design-Based A Research

Design-based research develops practical solutions to complex real-life challenges through reasoning to improve students' mathematical literacy achievement levels and mathematical literacy awareness levels. In this context, this method was used to determine the needs of the students and to see whether the applications made in line with their deficiencies worked or not, thus to observe that the system worked and their mathematical literacy improved. Working with the real world in the design-based research method provides formal evaluation beyond narrow measurements in reaching research results of contextual learning. This research was designed according to a design-based research model in order to improve the mathematical literacy success levels and mathematical literacy awareness levels of secondary school students. The study group consists of 43 sixth grade students in Dörtyol district of Hatay province in the 2018-2019 academic year, according to the criterion sampling type, one of the purposeful sampling types. Mathematics literacy achievement test and mathematics literacy self-efficacy scale (MOÖYÖ) were used as data collection tools in the study. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and independent groups t test were applied in the analysis of quantitative data. According to the quantitative results of the research, students received low scores in the preliminary achievement test, but their intermediate success, final success and retention scores increased; It was concluded that mathematical literacy (ML) scores also increased positively.