Kars Province Research Articles

Evaluation of Economic Efficiencies of Veterinary Practices in Kars Province with Data Envelopment Analysis

This study was performed to determine the economic activity and profitability of veterinary practices operating in Kars province by using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). In this study, the 2023 data of 53.6% of veterinary practices operating in Kars province were obtained through a face-to-face survey. In the DEA applied to determine the economic efficiency of practices, input-oriented constant returns to scale (CCR) technique were used According to the study findings, 6.7% of the veterinarians participating in the survey were female, 93.3% were male, and 46.6% were aged between 25 and 29 years. It was observed that all the veterinarians participating in the research had been practicing their professional activities since the date of graduation, and the majority (73.3%) had 3-12 years of experience (graduate date 2011-2020). It was determined that 10% of the veterinarians participating in the survey received postgraduate education (master's degree with thesis and PhD). It was found that 30% of veterinarians opened a practice after working in a practice. According to the DEA results for economic efficiency, it was determined that 90% of the practices were active. As a result, when veterinary practices were evaluated in terms of efficiency, it was understood that rent, maintenance-repair, general administrative costs, and other costs must be reduced in order to make economically ineffective veterinary practices to effective.

Presence and Prevalence of Motile Aeromonas Species Isolated from Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykıss) Offered for Consumption in Kars

This study aimed to determine the presence and prevalence of motile Aeromonas species in rainbow trout offered for consumption in Kars province. Muscle and skin tissues were examined from 50 raw trout, and out of 100 total samples, 42 were found positive for Aeromonas spp. While 20 (40.0 %) of the muscle samples were positive for motile Aeromonas spp., 22 (44.0 %) of the skin samples were also positive. Among these 42 positive samples, 24 % were identified as A. hydrophila, 38 % as A. caviae, 16 % as A. sobria, and 14 % contained both A. hydrophila and A. caviae. Consequently, it was determined that raw rainbow trout offered for sale in Kars is at risk with regard to motile Aeromonas spp. It is important to take the necessary hygiene and cooking precautions to minimize the possible danger for this situation that threatens public health.

Airborne pollen seasonality of Kars province, a high-altitude region in NE Anatolia-Turkey

Aeropalynological studies quantify pollen present in the atmosphere and elucidate their seasonal variations and regional distribution. Utilizing a Hirst-type volumetric 7-day pollen and spore trap during 2012 and 2013, we conducted an aerobiological investigation in Kars province, Turkey, a region characterized by high altitude and severe climate. Across the 2-year study period, an average annual pollen concentration of 14,931 pollen/m3 was recorded, with 39 taxa identified, including 29.31% woody taxa, 70.58% herbaceous, and 0.11% unidentified. The seven most dominant taxa were Poaceae, Pinaceae, Artemisia, Amaranthaceae, Urticaceae, Quercus, and Cupressaceae/Taxaceae. The data indicated a significant risk period for individuals with pollen allergies from June to July. Statistical analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between the daily pollen concentrations of the dominant pollen types and the variables. The results demonstrated that an increase in temperature was positively correlated with higher pollen counts, whereas increased average relative humidity was associated with reduced pollen concentrations. Notably, herbaceous pollen taxa were more prevalent in Kars. Additionally, the main pollen season starts approximately 6 weeks later than that at lower altitudes. These findings underscore the importance of localized aerobiological monitoring for effective public health responses to pollen allergies.

Determination of Atmospheric Pollen Grains by Volumetric Method in Sarıkamış District (Kars-Türkiye).

Atmospheric pollen was investigated using the Lanzoni VPSS 2000 (Lanzoni, Bologna- Italy) device for 2 years between 2012 and 2013 in the Sarıkamış district of Kars province, one of the highest regions of Türkiye. A total of 37,909 pollen grains were collected: 15,298 pollen grains in 2012 and 22,611 pollen grains in 2013. Out of 43 identified taxa, 21 were arboreal, and 22 were non-arboreal. Pollen from arboreal plants accounted for 36.34% (13,778 pollen grains) of the total, while pollen from non-arboreal plants accounted for 63.56% (24,095 pollen grains). Additionally, 0.10% (36 pollen grains) belonged to unidentified pollen. The most frequent arboreal plant pollen in the Sarıkamış atmosphere were Pinaceae (29.79%), Cupressaceae/Taxaceae (2.54%), and Morus (1.30%). The main non-arboreal plant pollen in the atmosphere of Sarıkamış were Poaceae (44.60%), Artemisia (2.98%), Amaranthaceae (2.79%), Rumex (2.41%), Urticaceae (2.33%), Plantago (2.19%), and Boraginaceae (1.40%). The maximum pollen concentration was observed in June and was associated with the pollination of Pinaceae and Poaceae.

CBS TABANLI AHP YÖNTEMİ KULLANILARAK KARS İLİNDE ARICILIK POTANSİYELİ TAŞIYAN ALANLARIN BELİRLENMESİ

Arıcılık yapılacak alanların ve özelliklerin belirlenmesine etki eden çok fazla parametre, farklı tercih unsuru ve kriterin bulunması, karar vermesi, analizi ve çözümü oldukça zor olan bir sorun dizisi oluşturmaktadır. Bu sorun dizisinin çözülmesine yönelik olarak Çok Kriterli Karar Verme (ÇKKV) yöntemlerinin kullanımı giderek önem kazanmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, Coğrafi Bilgi Sistemleri (CBS) tabanlı Çok Kriterli Karar Verme (ÇKKV) yöntemlerinden Analitik Hiyerarşi Process (AHP) yöntemi kullanılarak Kars ili idari sınırları dâhilindeki arıcılık yapılabilecek sahalar ve üretim potansiyellerinin tespit edilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmanın veri analiz aşamasında, araştırma kriterlerinin ağırlık değerlerinin belirlenmesi amacıyla AHP ikili karşılaştırmaları yapılmıştır. Elde edilen ağırlık değerlerinin kullanılmasıyla CBS yazılımı üzerinde Weighted Overlay analizi yapılarak araştırma sahasında arıcılık potansiyeli taşıyan alanlar haritalandırılarak tespit edilmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda Kars ili arazilerinin % 50.3’ünün arıcılık üretimi için uygun koşullar taşıdığı tespit edilmiştir. İl genelinde arıcılık üretimine en elverişli arazilerin yüksek irtifalı Sarıkamış, Selim, Susuz ve Merkez ilçelerinde, en elverişsiz arazilerin ise çevrelerine nispetle düşük irtifaya sahip Aras Vadisindeki Kağızman ve Digor ilçelerinde bulunduğu belirlenmiştir.

Determining the Meat Consumption Preferences of Tourists in the Kars Province

This study aimed to understand the meat consumption preferences of local people and tourists in Kars, which is known for its high-goose production and cultural and historical tourism. The AHP method was used to analyze the data, with 250 consumers interviewed through proportional sampling. Fish was the top preferred meat type for 29.18% of visitors, followed by chicken meat (26.41%), red meat (24.64%), and goose meat (19.77%). The most important criteria for meat consumption in Kars were taste (27.08%), price (23.97%), ease of transportation (19.47%), nutritional content (18.18%), and smell (12.20%). In terms of taste, consumers prefer fish as their first choice, followed by goose meat as their second choice. In terms of affordability, chicken and fish are the first choices, followed by fish. They prefer fish and goose meat for their nutritional and safety value. In terms of smell, fish and goose meat are among the most important choices. The demand for organic fish with higher nutritional value from Çıldır Lake is higher than other types of meat. The affordability of chicken and fish also influences consumers' preferences for these meat types. However, loyalty to red meat and chicken remains low in terms of nutrition and safety. To enhance the economic conditions for producers, consumers, and restaurants, it is crucial to streamline the availability of fish, enhance trust and perception of the nutritional value of red and white meat, and make goose meat more cost-effective. This will lead to increased consumption of meat products and improved service opportunities.

Participatory action research with wheat landrace producers and community supported agriculture groups; a case from Turkey

ABSTRACT After the 1960s, breeding activities carried out on many crops, including wheat, and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, saw increased criticism of the negative consequences in terms of nutrition, social, and environmental impacts. There is a current re-emphasis upon changing the methods of flour and bread production technologies, and wheat landrace varieties have made a resurgence. Wheat landrace varieties have become widespread and create the demand for their consumption as an alternative to industrial wheat. Producers have come together to form collectives of different structures and seek ways to expand production of wheat landraces. As a result, alternative food consumption communities have become established in which consumers can access wheat landrace products. The factors related to the development of wheat, flour, bulgur, bread, etc. should be put forward to consumers and producers. The fieldwork of this research is based on five community supported food groups formed by consumers in the İzmir province of Turkey, and associations/groups that produce wheat varieties in Çanakkale, Balıkesir and Kars provinces. The aim of the research is to identify common problems that reduce the separation between wheat production and consumption and how to increase the use of wheat landraces and their products by using participatory action research.

Multi-criteria solar power plant siting problem solution using a GIS-Taguchi loss function based interval type-2 fuzzy approach: The case of Kars Province/Turkey

The determination of the areas where the solar power plant will be installed is of great importance for the performance of the solar power plant. Solar and hydroelectric energy are the most widely used renewable energy sources in Kars province. Site selection for these power plants is an important factor in terms of reducing the installation cost of the solar power plant and achieving maximum efficiency during operation. Determining the areas where the power plants will be installed is a very complex and difficult to analyse spatial decision making problem. In this study, firstly GIS is used as a mapping method to obtain the locations of both solar power plants in Susuz, Arpaçay, Akkaya, Kars city centre, Selim, Digor, Kağızman and Sarıkamıș districts of Kars province and then Taguchi loss function based interval type-2 fuzzy approach is applied to the problem. In order to obtain more accurate results, the results of the two methods (GIS and Taguchi loss function based interval type-2 fuzzy approach) were also compared. According to the solar power plant map obtained, it was determined that the total area of suitable areas is 78600 km2.

Slaughter and Carcass Traits of Gray Hungarian and German Mast Geese

This study was carried out to determine the slaughter and carcass traits of Gray Hungarian and German Mast geese raised in private farm conditions in Kars province, and the effect of genotype and sex on these traits. A total of 113 geese, 71 females (51 Gray Hungarian geese and 20 German Mast geese) and 42 males (28 Gray Hungarian geese and 14 German Mast geese) were slaughtered at approximately 6 months of age. The mean live weights of Gray Hungarian and German Mast geese before slaughter were 4291.96 and 3007.59 g, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found between Gray Hungarian and German Mast geese in slaughter and carcass traits except gizzard weight (p0.050). There was a statistically significant difference in gizzard weight between the sex groups of Gray Hungarian geese (p

Pioneering Communities in Dissemination of Local Wheat Varieties and Products in Turkey

Modern wheat varieties developed since the 1960s have increased yields but have also brought with them serious ecological, social and health problems. Local wheat varieties must be produced, developed, conserved and disseminated by farmers. In this research the pioneering farmer/consumer communities in Çanakkale, Balıkesir and Kars provinces and some community supported agriculture groups in Izmir province active in dissemination of local wheat varieties and breads and other products are examined. Participatory action research methodology was used among producer groups and food communities. The research question was developed through common problems and solutions by involving producers and consumers during the field research in line with participatory action research. The local wheat production of producer groups and the processes of supplying their products to the market were carefully analyzed and this information was shared with food groups. In the food groups, ways to increase the consumption of local wheat products were sought with the information shared. As a result, it is seen that pioneer groups that ensure direct marketing of products from farmers to consumers, organize farmers, work holistically and increase women's participation are more successful in the geographical dissemination of local wheat varieties and ensuring seed sovereignty. In consumer groups, it was observed that understanding the production process and identifying problems related to consumption through focus group studies initially increased the consumption of local wheat products. However, the high cost of bread made from local wheat varieties constitutes one of the biggest obstacles. Collaboration between consumers and food groups with local producers can increase the spread of the production and consumption of local wheat. Local governments can also play an important role in promoting local wheat and its products. One of these supports could be participatory plant breeding.

Antioxidant activities of traditional medicinal plant species from the Kars (Turkey)

Fourteen different plant parts consisting of leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds were examined separately of Rumex patientia, Hyoscyamus niger, Melilotus officinalis, Lamium album, and Epilobium angustifolium plants. All of these are naturally growing and used for medicinal purposes in Kars province. Five different methods were used to determine the antioxidant capacity of these herbal products. The methods were as follows: determination of total polyphenol, total flavonoid, DPPH● (free radical), CUPRAC (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity), and FRAP (ferric ıon reducing antioxidant power). The data obtained regarding the antioxidant activity demonstrated that the flower part of the Epilobium angustifolium plant obtained from Kars had the highest antioxidant capacity. It was determined that the seeds of the Hyoscyamus niger plant had the lowest antioxidant capacity.

Sınıf Öğretmenlerinin Müzik Okuryazarlık Düzeylerinin İncelenmesi

The aim of this study is to examine the music literacy levels of primary teachers. In line with this objective, it is considered that assessing the music literacy levels of primary teachers according to diverse factors is crucial for enhancing the quality of the education provided. The study employed the relational survey model, which is one of the non-experimental quantitative research methods. The research sample consisted of 337 primary teachers who work in the urban and rural areas of Ağrı, Ardahan, Iğdır, and Kars provinces, located in the Eastern Anatolia region. Data were collected through the “Music Literacy Scale to Preschool and Elementary School Education Department” and a personal information form. The results showed that the music literacy of primary teachers was at an intermediate level. Demographically, the variables of gender, employment province, and the number of semesters involving music education in their undergraduate studies did not make a statistically significant difference. However, the variables of age, seniority, adequacy of music education received in the undergraduate period, having extracurricular music education beyond the undergraduate study, and receiving a music certificate during or after the undergraduate study made significant differences.

A Study on Socio-Economic Structure of Beekeeping Enterprises in Kars Province

Bu araştırma, Kars ilinde faaliyette bulunan Türkiye Arı Yetiştiricileri Merkez Birliği’ne üye işletmelerin sosyal ve ekonomik durumun incelenmesi ve değerlendirilmesi amacı ile yapılmıştır. Çalışmanın materyalini, ili temsil edecek şekilde seçilen toplam 70 adet arıcılık işletme sahibi ile yüz yüze yapılan anketlerden elde edilen veriler oluşturmuştur. Çalışma sonucunda arıcılık işletme sahiplerinin yaş ortalamasının 50.91 ± 8.95 olduğu, %38.57 oranla lise mezunu olduğu, %27.14’ünün ise üniversite mezunu olduğu görülmüştür. İşletme sahiplerinin %65.71’i arıcılıkla birlikte tarım ve hayvancılık harici bir sektörden gelir elde ettiklerini belirtmişlerdir. Çalışmaya konu işletmelerdeki kovan ortalaması 166.8 (≌ 167) adet olarak bulunmuştur. Anket yapılan işletme sahiplerinin genel gelirlerinin 160 685.71 ± 21 483.14 TL olduğu tespit edilmiştir.

Contributions to the fauna of Geometridae in the north eastern provinces

This article is based on Geometridae species collected from Ardahan, Bayburt, Erzincan, Erzurum, Gumushane and Kars provinces in 2021. Geometridae species were collected using insect net and light traps. All collected samples were prepared and diagnosed in the laboratory. As a result, 4 subfamilies, 23 genera and 27 species were determined. Photos of all diagnosed species and material examined were presented. In addition, 7 from Ardahan, 8 from Bayburt, 5 from Erzincan, 5 from Erzurum, 8 from Gümüşhane and 3 from Kars were determined for the first time in this study Geometridae species.

The Relationship Between Environmental Uncertainty Perception and Management Accounting: An Application in Kars Province Accommodation Businesses

Bu çalışmanın amacı, üst düzey işletme yöneticilerinin çevresel faktörlerin (hükümet politikaları, ekonomi, işletme tarafından kullanılan hizmet ve kaynaklar, ürün pazarı ve talep, rekabet ve teknoloji) geleceğine ilişkin belirsizlik algılamalarını ortaya koymaya çalışırken yönetim muhasebesi tekniklerinden yararlanma düzeyini ölçmektir. Bu amaçla, üst düzey yöneticilerin çevresel faktörlere ilişkin algılarını ölçmek için nesnel sonuçlar elde etmeye odaklanan nicel araştırma yönteminden yararlanılmıştır. Araştırma verileri anket yoluyla elde edilmiştir. Hazırlanan anket çalışması Kars'ta faaliyet gösteren toplam 78 (yetmiş sekiz) otel işletmesinin üst düzey yöneticilerine uygulanmış; fakat bunlardan 50 (elli) yönetici geri dönüş yapmıştır. Yapılan anket çalışmasının değerlendirilmesi sonucunda elde edilen veriler SPSS 23.0 paket programında analize tabi tutulmuştur. Analiz sonucundaki bulgulara göre üst düzey yöneticilerin çevresel faktörlerin belirsizliğine ilişkin algılamalarının her bir çevresel faktörde farklılık gösterdiği, ayrıca yöneticilerin birbirinden farklı yönetim muhasebesi tekniklerini kullandıkları sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.

Determination of Biogas Production Potential From Animal Manure: Specific to the Provinces of Ankara, Gaziantep, Kars

There are studies on the renewable and environmental friendly energy resources around the world. The evaluation of biomass, which is used as a renewable energy source, and the methane gas released by animal feces to the nature is one of them. As long as the feces remain in the nature, the methane gas released creates a greenhouse effect and causes global warming. After mixing with water, it becomes harmful for human health. Therefore, it must be disposed of. It is possible to obtain both electrical and thermal energy during disposal. In Ankara, Gaziantep, Kars provinces, which were determined by considering the collectibility of animal excrement, the potential electrical energy to be obtained from biogas was investigated. In the provinces examined, 375,497.55 MWhe/year in Ankara, 115,452.27 MWhe/year in Gaziantep, 198,691.4 MWhe/year in Kars.

An Investigation of Heavy Metal Concentrations in the Sera of Cattle Grazed in Different Locations in the Kars Province of Türkiye.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure of cattle to low levels of environmental pollution on trace metal metabolism. The assessment of heavy metal concentrations in blood samples is essential to evaluate the potential effects of pollutants on cattle production and to measure the uptake of pollutants by animals.For this purpose, cattle raised in villages at varying distances to the center of the Kars province were sampled for blood, and heavy metal concentrations were measured in the extracted sera. In total 150 blood samples were collected from 4-to 5-year-old cattle from 15 regions. Sera were extracted from the blood samples from the selected foci and analyzed with an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) device for essential (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn, Se, V) and non-essential (Pb, Cd and Hg, As, Al, Sn) heavy metals. Heavy metals were detected in the serum samples in the following order: Sn > Fe > Al > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > As > V > Ni > Mn > Hg. A confidence interval of 95% was used to evaluate all tests. Differences between the villages were insignificant for the Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg, Se, Al, Co concentrations (p > 0.05), whereas differences between the villages were significant for the Fe, As, Ni, Mn (p < 0.05), Zn, Cr (p < 0.01), V and Sn (p < 0.001) concentrations.The results of this study show that heavy metals detected in bovine sera from the sampling area do not exceed the maximum permissible limits, suggesting limited exposure to heavy metals and no associated health risk to animals in the region.

Kars İlindeki Turistik Yerlerin Çevrimiçi Turist Yorumları Bağlamında İncelenmesi

Bu çalışmanın amacı Kars ilindeki turistik yerlerin çevrimiçi yorumlarını incelemek ve bu doğrultuda paydaşlara öneriler sunmaktır. Bu kapsamda yaygınca kullanılan bir seyahat rehberi platformu olan Tripadvisor’da turistler tarafından en fazla beğenilen ilk 10 (on) yer hakkında, son iki yıl içerisinde yapılan çevrimiçi yorumlar değerlendirmeye alınmıştır. Araştırmada toplanan verilerin analizinde sayısal hesaplamaların yanında MAXQDA programından yararlanılmıştır. Turistik yerlerle ilgili yapılan yorumlara içerik analizi yapılmış ve kelime bulutu oluşturulmuştur. Kelime bulutunda olumlu hisler çağrıştıran kelimelerin ön plana çıktığı görülmüştür. Yorumların içerikleri incelendiğinde de genel olarak turistlerin turistik yerleri çok beğendiği ve bölgeden memnun ayrıldıkları tespit edilmiştir. Tabela ve bilgilendirme yetersizliği ile yabancı dil bilen personelin istihdam edilmemesi öne çıkan eksiklikler olarak görülmüştür. Araştırma sonucunda belirlenen bir diğer eksiklik ise rehber hizmeti yetersizliği olmuştur. Araştırmada bu bulgular dikkate alınarak ele alınan turistik destinasyonlar özelinde yöneticilere öneriler yapılmıştır.

The impact of gender on growth performance, live weight gain, and survival rate in Pekin ducks

This study aimed to investigate the effect of gender on growth performance, live weight gain, and survival rate in Pekin ducks raised in a family-type farm in Kars province. A total of 150 ducklings (62 males, 88 females) were observed from day one. Weight measurements were recorded regularly, and mortalities were noted for survival rate analysis. No significant gender differences were observed in live weight up to 10 weeks of age, indicating comparable growth rates initially. However, at 10, 13, and 16 weeks, male ducks had higher live weights compared to females. Daily live weight gains were significantly higher during the first two weeks, with a decreasing trend as the ducks grew older. Gender significantly affected daily weight gains during the initial two weeks. The influence of gender on weekly live weight gains was not statistically significant. Live weight gains decreased over time, while overall live weight increased. Regression models indicated higher growth rates in males. Survival rates remained high throughout the 16-week period, with no significant difference between genders. The hazard ratio analysis suggested no substantial difference in mortality risk between male and female ducks. In conclusion, gender influenced live weight and daily weight gains in Pekin ducks, with males generally exhibiting higher weights. However, gender did not significantly affect average live weight gain and survival rates.

An Ethnobotanical Study on Plants Used in the Treatment of Gynecological Diseases in Some Provinces of the Eastern Anatolia Region

This work was supported by “The Republic of Turkey Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks.” It was carried out to document the plants used by people living in and around Ardahan, Iğdır and Kars provinces between 2020-2021 for gynecological diseases. For this purpose, medicinal plants used by the public for therapeutic purposes were collected and determined, their use, and parts used were reported, and herbarium samples were prepared. Regular visits were arranged to the regions where the research was carried out, and surveys were conducted by interviewing and speaking with the area's people. It was determined that 34 medicinal plant taxa belonging to 18 plant families were used in gynecological diseases among the people of Ardahan, Iğdır and Kars provinces and their surroundings. These plants include 26 wild species and 7 cultivated species. It has been observed that the most commonly used medicina plant families in gynecological diseases are Asteraceae (6), Malvaceae (5) and Lamiaceae (3). Although traditional medicine is widely practiced in the regions where it is studied, it is rapidly being replaced by modern medicine and pharmacy.