Mediterranean Region Of Turkey Research Articles

Effect of Physical Performance Levels of Elderly Living in Urban and Rural Areas on Social Participation, Social Functioning, and Quality of Life: A Cross-sectional Study from the Mediterranean Region of Turkey.

Social interaction is a very important subject for the elderly, especially in the context of active aging. This study aims to investigate the effect of physical performance levels of the elderly living in rural and urban areas on social participation, social functioning, and quality of life. A total of 418 volunteer elderly aged 65 and over, living in rural (42.3%) and urban (57.7%) areas, participated in this study. The Mini-Mental State Examination, Short Physical Performance Battery, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale for Older Adults, Social Functioning Scale, and the Community Integration Questionnaire were applied to participants. The scores of social functioning (P = 0.027) and the social network subscale of social participation (P = 0.001) were significantly higher among participants living in urban areas compared to those living in rural areas. Physical performance was positively correlated with social participation (r = 0.404) and social functioning (r = 0.324) at a moderate level (P = 0.000), and with quality of life at a low level (r = 0.158) (P = 0.001). Social participation was positively correlated with social functioning at a high level (r = 0.572) and with quality of life at a moderate level (r = 0.300) (P = 0.000). Social functioning was positively correlated with quality of life at a low level (r = 0.234) (P < 0.01). To increase social participation, social functioning, and quality of life among the elderly, it is necessary to keep physical performance levels higher. In addition, in the planning of social participation, it is crucial to take into account where the elderly live in.

Assessment of engineering geology and grouting applications in Yalnızardıç Dam Site (Antalya, Türkiye)

The Yalnızardıç roller compacted concrete (RCC) dam, constructed in 2015, is located in the Mediterranean region of Turkey, intended for electric power production. It is approximately 303 m long and 92 m in height. In this paper, it is aimed to determine the performance of the grouting method, conducted to control the water seepage and improve the foundation of the Yalnızardıç dam. The engineering properties of the site were introduced by geological mapping, drilling, and laboratory tests. The seepage of the foundation was determined by the in-situ Lugeon test method, also referred to as a water pressure test, which is estimate the mean hydraulic conductivity of rock mass. As a result of the tests, high-permeable and permeable zones were determined in the dam axis area. To make a barrier layer for these permeable zones, grout curtains were built in the left abutment, thalweg and right abutment with two lines of grouting holes which is proposed according to the Lugeon test and rock quality designation (RQD) results. Consolidation grouts were built to increase the density of the soil which makes the strength of the dam's foundation. After the groutings, check boreholes were drilled and water pressure tests were performed to control the seepage along the foundation and dam site. The results indicated that average Lugeon (LU) values reduced, and the values were within the recommended limit. The process shows considerable accuracy in evaluating grouting efficiency.

Survey of antibodies to Peste des petits ruminants virus in small ruminants in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a viral disease affecting sheep and goats caused by peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) has a serious economic impact due to the restrictions on animal trade and animal movements and high mortality rates in small ruminant populations. The common clinical sings of the PPR are fever, muco-purulent nasal discharge, diarrhoea and abortion. Seroepidemiological studies of PPRV infection in sheep and goats in Turkey are scant. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of PPR in small ruminants in Turkey. Ovine blood samples were collected by random sampling method from sheep (n = 77) and goats (n = 61) from unvaccinated flocks (n = 40) in the Antalya Province in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) kit was used to detect antibodies against PPRV in sera samples. Out of 138 sera samples analysed, eighteen sera samples (13%, 95% CI: 7.4 - 18.7) were PPRV seropositive, of which 18.2% (95% CI: 9.6 - 26.8; 14/77) were from sheep, whereas 6.6% (95% CI: 0.3 - 12.8; 4/61) were from goats. Although PPRV seropositivity rate was higher in sheep than goats, it was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). PPRV seropositivity was higher in small ruminants older than 24 months (19.4%) compared with less than or equal to 24 months (7%) (P = 0.04). Although, there was no statistically significant difference between sexes, PPRV seropositivity rate was higher (14.5%) in females than males (10.9%) (P = 0.61). The flock-level seroprevalence was 30% (12/40). The result of the present study showed that seroprevalence of PPRV infection is high in sheep and goats in the Antalya Province. However, results of the study are not enough to determine the regional and country-based profile of the PPRV infection in Turkey. Further epidemiological studies are required to get more epidemiology data on PPR in Turkey.

A research on the detection of some phytochemical properties in the fruits of passiflora species

Passiflora belongs to the Passifloraceae family and is native to South Africa. Thanks to its health benefits, it is now commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions. This fruit gathers attention, especially for its rich nutritional content, aroma, and taste. Passiflora has gained popularity in the Mediterranean region of Turkey, particularly in recent years. It stands out for its ease of maintenance, yielding twice a year, and high economic returns. Additionally, passiflora is used as an ornamental plant in landscaping arrangements by means of its showy flowers and is often referred to as the “passionflower” or “clock flower”. In this study, the fruits of P. edulis and P. caerulea species were examined for their phytochemical properties, such as DPPH, total phenol, sugar, and organic acid. DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐ picryl‐hydrazyl‐hydrate) and total phenol were analyzed using a spectrophotometric method, while sugar and organic acid were analyzed using HPLC.

West Nile virus seropositivity in Alanya, a coastal city in the Mediterranean region of Turkey.

West Nile virus (WNV)-related illness is a global health problem. Understanding the seropositivity rates and identifying the risk factors related to WNV in various animal species including humans is crucial for the implementation of effective prevention strategies. Assess the rate of seropositivity and the risk factors associated with WNV seropositivity. Descriptive, cross-sectional. Microbiology and virology departments in a veterinary college. In a sample of healthy human participants in Alanya, located close to regions where WNV activity has been detected, anti-WNV IgG antibody detection was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The positive results were confirmed by virus neutralization tests (VNTs). The sample was compared with a second group of age- and gender-matched healthy subjects selected from a previous cross-sectional study. Determination of the seropositivity and risk factors that were associated with WNV in healthy humans. 87 in current study; 356 in previous study. The first group of 87, which had a high risk of encountering vector mosquitoes, had a positivity rate of 8% (7/87), whereas positivity in the second group was 4.5% (16/356; P=.181). In the entire sample, the anti-WNV IgG antibody was positive in 23 out of 443 (5.2%) samples by the ELISA test. Among these 23 samples, ten were confirmed as positive using VNTs. Therefore, the WNV IgG seropositivity was 2.3% (10/442). Confirmed IgG seropositivity rates were higher among male (3.8%) than female participants (0.9%; P=.054) and among adults aged ≥45 years (4%) than those aged 18-44 years (0.8%; P=.048). This study highlights the presence of WNV infection in the research region. More comprehensive and multidisciplinary studies are required to increase our knowledge about this zoonotic infection including risk factors in line with the One Health approach. Small sample size.

A Research on the Energy Literacy of Middle School Students

The general purpose of this research is to examine the energy literacy status of secondary school students. In particular, the change in the energy literacy of secondary school students according to some independent variables was examined. Survey research technique, which is one of the quantitative research methods, was used in the research. Research data were collected in the fall semester of the 2020-2021 academic year. The universe of the research consisted of private and public secondary schools located within the borders of Isparta province in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. Data were collected from 1182 students studying in 7th and 8th grades, determined by convenient sampling method from these schools. The "Energy Literacy Scale" developed by DeWaters, Qagish, Graham, and Powers (2013) and adapted into Turkish by Güven, Yakar, and Sülün (2019) was used in the research. Due to the Covid 19 epidemic, the data was collected in the digital environment. As a result of the research, it was determined that the students were partially low energy literate in the affective sub-dimension and partially high-energy literate in the behavioural sub-dimension. If we look at the energy literacy of the students according to the determined independent variables: the energy literacy of the students studying in public secondary school is significantly higher than those studying in private secondary school. The energy literacy levels of the students in the schools located in the district centre are significantly higher than those in the city centre. The energy literacy levels of those whose father's education level is primary, secondary and high school graduates are significantly higher than those with a master's/doctorate degree. Finally, it can be suggested that science curriculum should be updated to increase energy literacy and that inquiry-based in-class and out-of-class activities should be encouraged in textbooks.

Religious Attitudes Towards Ethical Problems in the Greenhouse Vegetable Cultivation in Türkiye

The main purpose of this study is to determine the level of influence of religious sensitivity regarding the ethical problems of greenhouse vegetable cultivation and to investigate the possibility of religious contribution to the solution of ethical problems arising on the ground of greenhouse cultivation. Religious sensitivities of greenhouse vegetable growers, where physical conditions are controlled and industrial production is dominant, were analyzed through main categories such as daily life and religion, pesticides and health, genetics and nature. The study aims to provide a background reading of specific moral issues in the context of religious sensitivity analysis.&#x0D; The data were collected by means of questionnaires arranged in accordance with the purpose, by interviewing 430 producers growing vegetables in greenhouses within the borders of Antalya province located in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey. An index was created to analyze the religious mentality of greenhouse vegetable growers and to show their religious sensitivity levels in solving ethical problems. The characteristics of the producers, their attitudes and behaviors in the production process are known as the factors that affect the religious sensitivity towards the ethical problems of greenhouse vegetable cultivation. These factors were tested with a multiple linear regression model whose dependent variable was the religious sensitivity index.&#x0D; Producers who think that they are praying while doing their work in the greenhouse vegetable production process and quit their job to perform the Friday Prayer have been found to be more religiously sensitive to ethical issues than other producers. Religion was found to be important in the daily lives of the producers and it was stated that religion affected behaviors on the basis of mentality. The level of religious sensitivity was determined to be quite high, that a mistake they made in greenhouse vegetable growing activities would be punished not only in the hereafter but also in this world. This situation shows that in order to overcome the ethical problems in greenhouse vegetable cultivation, the strategies to be followed should be considered within the religious framework. In the linear regression model, it can be said that the producers with high school and undergraduate education levels have higher religious sensitivity to the ethical problems of greenhouse vegetable cultivation compared to the producers with primary education level. Certain experiences of greenhouse vegetable growers may be linked to their general religious attitudes. In this respect, it can be said that the religious sensitivity of the producers, who have been doing greenhouse cultivation for a long time, towards ethical problems is more important than the less experienced ones.&#x0D; The religious sensitivity index for greenhouse vegetable cultivation is the first in the literature. The religious sensitivity index, whose relationships are analyzed in the form of daily life and religious perception, genetics and nature, greenhouse vegetable production and the hereafter, chemical spraying and health, non-compliance with the spraying time and seeing the return in life, moral consistency and market conditions, seems to have the potential to guide further studies.

DETERMINING OIL AND FATTY ACID PROFILES OF SELECTED SOYBEAN (Glycine max L.) CULTIVARS UNDER SECOND CROP CONDITION IN EAST MEDITERRANEAN AGROECOLOGY

The objective of this study was to analyse the oil contents and composition of fatty acids (linolenic, stearic, oleic,&#x0D; palmitic and linoleic acids) of 20 distinct soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) cultivars cultivated as the second crop&#x0D; in Cukurova Delta in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. Soybean cultivars Ilksoy, Traksoy maturity group&#x0D; II (MG: II), Atakisi, Arisoy, Cinsoy, Atem-7, Sa 88, Altinay, Asya, Bravo, Gapsoy, Kocaturk, Mitchell, Samsoy,&#x0D; Kristal, Umut-2002 (MG: III), Adasoy, ANP 2018, Nazlican, Lider (MG:3.8) were used. Field tests of this study&#x0D; were carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Eastern Mediterranean&#x0D; Agricultural Research Institute's Dogankent-Adana location in 2020-2021. Years, genotypes, and year x&#x0D; genotype interactions were all determined as significant in the variance analysis of the experiment's data. The&#x0D; fatty acid content of soybean cultivars varied between 10.00 and 12.64% for palmitic acid, 4.15 and 5.17% for&#x0D; stearic acid, 25.75 and 33.90% for oleic acid, 43.22 and 51.59% for linoleic acid, and 4.85 and 5.98% for linolenic&#x0D; acid, according to a 2-years average. Soybean cultivars' oil content ranged from 23.12 to 24.78 percent.

Examination of Breastfeeding Behaviours of Mothers in the Mediterranean Region in Turkey: A Cross–Sectional Study

Introduction: Breastfeeding rates in Turkey are still below the target breastfeeding rates of the World Health Organization. To boost breastfeeding rates, it is vital to know women's nursing behaviour as well as the variables influencing breastfeeding behaviour. We aimed to determine the breastfeeding behaviours of mothers and the factors affecting these behaviours who applied to a state hospital in the Mediterranean region.&#x0D; Methods: The descriptive, cross - sectional, quantitative study was conducted with 553 mothers who applied to a state hospital between 30 December 2019 and 29 June 2020. The data were collected using a paper-based questionnaire form prepared by the researchers and the LATCH Assessment Tool. Statistical analysis was done with IBM SPSS 20.0. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-Square test, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis test were used for data analysis.&#x0D; Results: We found that half of the participants had received education on breastfeeding before the study. Participants who received this education from a midwife had higher rates of breastfeeding within the first hour, the infant's first oral food being colostrum, and LATCH scores (p

The Relation Between Sleep Quality and Anger Expression That Occur in Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

AimThe study examined the relationship between sleep quality and anger expression in nurses. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out in a city hospital in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey from February 2020 to November 2020. The sample included 340 nurses. The data collection form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Trait Anger, and Anger Expression Style Scales were used. Data were evaluated with Mann–Whitney U-test, Kruskal–Wallis H, Bonferroni correction test, and Spearman correlation coefficient. ResultsNurses' Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was found as 8.26 ± 2.88, the trait anger score was 20.42 ± 5.11, the anger control score was 21.49 ± 4.49, and the anger-out score was 14.28 ± 3.73. There was a statistically significant relationship between nurses' Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and trait anger; a negative relationship in anger control, and a positive relationship in anger-in (p ˂ .05). ConclusionIt was concluded that there is a relationship between sleep quality and anger expression style occurring in nurses. In-service training on anger expression and anger control for nurses after graduation is believed to be essential and also to arrange nurses' working hours to increase sleep quality and to provide anger management.

Okul Öncesi Öğretmenlerinin Matematik Yeterliğiyle İlgili Görüşlerinin İncelenmesi

The aim of this study is to examine preschool teachers' views on mathematics self-efficacy, mathematics teaching self-efficacy, factors affecting efficacy, and their own mathematics proficiency levels in the context of mathematics efficacy. The study was conducted with 10 preschool teachers working in public schools in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey in the 2022-2023 academic year. In the study where the case study was adopted, the participants were teachers from different school types and with different professional experiences. The results of the study revealed that preschool teachers consider mathematics efficacy in the context of mathematics self-efficacy and mathematics teaching self-efficacy. However, they stated that internal and external factors are effective on mathematics efficacy. In addition, different parameters played a role in whether they found themselves competent in mathematics efficacy. Depending on the results of the study, various suggestions have been presented that will lead to research on mathematics efficacy.

Nematode-citrus plant interactions: host preference, damage rate and molecular characterization of Citrus root nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans.

Citrus plants are host to several plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs), which are microscopic organisms. Among PPNs, the citrus root nematode, T. semipenetrans (Cobb 1913) (Tylenchida: Tylenchulidae), causes significant damage to citrus plantations worldwide. Understanding citrus nematode populations, precise identification, host preference among citrus species, and damage threshold are crucial to control T. semipenetrans. The minutiae of citrus plant-nematode interactions, nematode density and molecular nematode identification are not well understood. In this study, nematode species and density in citrus orchards, host specialization, molecular and morphological characteristics of nematodes were assessed. Molecular and morphological methods, host-nematode interactions, host (citrus species) preference, damage economic threshold (ET), and economic injury level (EIL) were determined using laboratory methods and field sampling. Citrus plantations in different provinces in the Mediterranean region of Turkey were investigated. Nematode species were identified molecularly and morphologically. ITS sequences revealed that samples were infected by citrus root nematode T. semipenetrans. The lowest nematode density was in C. reticulata in Mersin (53 2nd stage juveniles (J2s) 100 g-1 soil), while the highest density was from Hatay in C. sinensis (12173 J2s 100 g-1 soil). Highest citrus nematode population density was on roots of C. reticulata, followed by C. sinensis, C. limon, and C. paradisi. The citrus nematode is more common than was thought and population fluctuations change according to specific citrus species. Environmental conditions, host and ecological factors, such as temperature, soil pH, and soil nutrients, might influence nematode populations in citrus orchards. Investigating nematode density in diverse soil ecologies and the responses of different resistant/tolerant citrus species and cultivars to nematode populations is essential in future studies.

Spatiotemporal Variations in Meteorological Drought Across the Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Spatiotemporal Variations in Meteorological Drought Across the Mediterranean Region of Turkey

The relationship between professional values, ethical sensitivities and caring behaviors among nursing students: A structural equation modeling approach

AimTo examine the relationship between professional values, ethical sensitivity and caring behaviors among nursing students and determine whether professional values play a moderator role in the relationship between ethical sensitivity and caring behaviors among nursing students. BackgroundDeveloping professional nursing values, ethical sensitivity and caring behaviors is critical in nursing programs from the first year to graduation to prepare students for increasingly complex and diverse work environments. DesignA cross‐sectional study using structural equation modeling. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist was used. MethodsThis study was conducted with 189 undergraduate nursing students. The study was conducted in a four-year nursing faculty in the Mediterranean region of Turkey from February to June 2022. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Nurses’ Professional Values Scale, the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire and the Caring Behaviors Assessment Tool Nursing Version-Short Form. ResultsWe found that nursing students' perceptions of professional values and caring behaviors were high and their ethical sensitivity was moderate. Nursing students who are successful in high school have higher professional values. In addition, it was determined that nursing students who chose the nursing profession because of altruism had higher perceptions of caring behaviors. A positive relationship exists between professional values, ethical sensitivity (r = −0.258, p < 0.001) and caring behaviors (r = 0.431, p < 0.001) (p < 0.05). Professional values have a positive effect on ethical sensitivity and caring behaviors. ConclusionProfessional values, ethical sensitivity and caring behaviors are relationships and professional values positively predict nursing students' ethical sensitivities and caring behaviors. As the professional value perceptions of nursing students increase, their ethical sensitivity and caring behaviors increase. Improving the curricula in a way that will improve professional values may enable nursing students to increase their ethical sensitivity and caring behaviors. The research contributes to a broader understanding of nursing education curriculum content.

Changes of gut microbiota in FAP and UC patients in Mediterranean region of Turkey: an omic landscape to be discovered

Inflammatory bowel diseases, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and colorectal cancer (CRC) are associated with alterations of the intestinal microbiota. However, few data are available on the perpetuation of FAP and ulcerative colitis (UC) in relation to microbial dysbiosis. This study evaluated the UC and genetically confirmed FAP patients’ gut microbial balance in concordance to clinical outcome. Fecal materials (average mass of 0.54 g) were collected from three FAP and five UC patients to compare with healthy individuals as control group. Genomic materials of microbiota were isolated for next generation sequencing of 16S rRNA that was performed by using QIAseq 16S/ITS panel in Illumina Miseq Platform. Data processing and bioinformatics analysis were performed via CLC Genomic Workbench bioinformatics tool. The comparison between FAP, UC and control group revealed an alteration in the intestinal microbial composition. More in details, relative abundance of class levels showed statistical significance differences among FAP, UC and control groups. Our preliminary data focused on the ex-planation of how dysbiosis can lead to inflammation and drive processes together with host genetic profile that leads to colorectal carcinogenesis.

Using morphometric analysis for assessment of flash flood susceptibility in the Mediterranean region of Turkey

Flash floods are one of the most severe natural disasters around the world because of their rapid and unpredictable nature. It is expected that the frequency and intensity of flood events will increase because of extreme rainfall events induced by climate change. In this context, the generation of a flood susceptibility map contributes to effective flood management in a basin. The present study aims to generate a flash flood susceptibility map for the Imali Stream Basin (ISB) situated within the Mediterranean region of Turkey. For this purpose, morphometric analysis, geographic information system (GIS), remote sensing (RS), and principal component analysis (PCA) were used in this study. ASTER GDEM (v.3) was used to delineate 9 sub-watersheds and to obtain the required morphometric parameters. To generate a flash flood susceptibility map, the original compound values ​​calculated for each sub-watershed were transformed into values ​​between 0 and 1 by using the min-max normalization method. Then, these values were divided into 3 classes called low, moderate, and high by using the equal interval classification method in ArcGIS. According to both flash flood susceptibility maps produced by using morphometric analysis and PCA, sub-watershed 5 has the highest flash flood susceptibility in the basin. The flash flood that occurred in sub-watershed 5 in 2016 contributes to these results. Therefore, flood management based on morphometric analysis can be a highly effective method for decision-makers and planners in the Mediterranean region, one of the hotspots to be affected by climate change.

Attitudes and counselling of healthcare professionals on increasing breast milk: cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo determine the breast milk-increasing practices healthcare professionals used with their children and their recommendations to mothers. MethodA descriptive cross-sectional study in a Mediterranean region of Turkey. It was carried out with 301 healthcare professionals working in 64 Family Health Centers between January and June 2018. The data were collected by the researchers with a questionnaire including 28 questions. ResultsThe mean age of healthcare professionals was 36.89±8.5. All the healthcare professionals encountered mothers with the perception of insufficient breast milk. 73.7% of those with children had breast milk-increasing practices. Increased age negatively affected these practices (OR: 0.923), and increased education positively affected the practices (OR: 3.489). Having received training on breastfeeding and breast milk-increasing measures positively affected the use of practices (OR: 2.118). The use of breast milk-increasing practices by healthcare professionals positively affected their recommendations to mothers (OR: 2.506). ConclusionsHealth professionals had their own breast milk boosting practices that they recommended to women as well. This result is especially significant in terms of guiding mothers who wish to increase breast milk supply and seek reliable information and contributes to the protection of maternal and newborn health.

Epidemiology of bluetongue virus infection among small ruminants in Turkey: Seroprevalence and associated risk factors.

Bluetongue (BT) is an endemic disease of small ruminants in Turkey, and it has substantial socio-economic impact at national level. To reduce this impact, vaccination has been used for the control of BT but sporadic outbreaks have been reported. Although sheep and goat farming plays an important role in rural communities, little is known about the BT epidemiological situation in small ruminants in Turkey. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of the bluetongue virus (BTV) and to identify the potential risk factors associated with BTV seropositivity in small ruminants. This study was conducted in the Antalya Province in the Mediterranean region of Turkey, from June 2018 to June 2019. A total of 1026 blood samples, from clinically healthy goats (n=517) and sheep (n=509), obtained from randomly selected unvaccinated flocks (n=100) were tested for BTV anti-VP7 antibodies by using a competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay test. A questionnaire was administered to the flock owners to obtain data related to sampled flocks and animals. At the animal level, the true prevalence of BTV antibodies was 74.2% (n=651/1026, 95% CI = 70.7-77.7) with 85.3% (n=370/509, 95% CI = 80.6-89.9) seropositive sheep and 63.3% (n=281/517, 95% CI = 58.2-68.4) seropositive goats. The true flock-level seroprevalence of BTV was higher in goats (100.0%, 95% CI = 92.8-100.0) than in sheep (98.8%, 95% CI = 86.6-100.0). The intra-flock seroprevalence within seropositive flocks varied between 36.4% and 100%, with a mean value of 85.5% and 61.9% in sheep and goat flocks, respectively. The logistic regression model revealed that odds of seropositivity for sheep were significantly higher in female animals (OR: 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1-2.9), animals older than 24 months old (OR: 5.8, 95% CI = 3.1-10.8), Pirlak breed (OR: 3.3, 95% CI = 1.1-10.0) and Merino breed (OR: 4.9, 95% CI = 1.6-14.9), whereas for goats, it was higher in female animals (OR: 1.7, 95% CI = 1.0-2.6), animals older than 24 months old (OR: 4.2, 95% CI = 2.7-6.6) and Hair breed (OR: 5.6, 95% CI = 2.8-10.9). The use of insecticides was identified as a protective factor. The present study revealed that BTV infection is widespread in sheep and goats in the Antalya Province. It is recommended to implement biosecurity measures in flocks and use insecticides to mitigate the spread of infection and contact between hosts and vectors.

A Study on Environmental Literacy of Middle School Students

This study investigated the environmental literacy levels of middle school students in general. In particular, environmental literacy levels of students were compared in terms of different variables. The research was carried out with the participation of 1248 students studying in public and private schools in the province of Isparta, located in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. In this study, the “Environmental Literacy Scale” developed by Yavuz et al. (2014) was used. As a result, the general environmental literacy of middle school students can be regarded in a good level. The environmental literacy level of female students is at a better level than males’. Environmental literacy hasn’t displayed a significant difference statistically among class levels. However; there is a significant difference between public and private school students in favor of public schools. Moreover; the environmental literacy scores of students living in city center were detected higher than the ones living in villages. The environmental literacy level of ones following magazines about environment is significantly higher than the ones who haven’t. Similarly, the environmental literacy level of ones following edition about environment through social media or television is significantly higher than those who haven’t. Moreover, the behavior level of the ones who thinks environment education at schools is sufficient is determined significantly higher in comparison with the behavior level of the ones who doesn’t. Finally, the research was ended with some suggestions for a more effective environment education.

Assessment of suitable shrimp farming site selection using geographical information system based Analytical Hierarchy Process in Turkey

In the last century, the increasing global population and the demand for animal food have caused the limit of the fishing and wild harvest production capacity to be reached. In order to ensure sustainability in the fishing and wild harvest, it is necessary to focus on aquaculture activities. When it is planned to open a new aquaculture facility, the first step to be taken is to determine the most suitable establishment site. Suitable site selection affects both the success and sustainability of any aquaculture development. The aim of this study is to determine the most suitable areas to establish shrimp farming facilities in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey by using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) which are among the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making methods and Geographic Information Systems. In the first stage, analyses of airports, ports, hotels and feed mill businesses in the Mediterranean Region were conducted. Second stage study was performed on the most suitable area determined as a result of the analysis. Within the scope of this purpose, eleven sub-criteria that will affect the facility location were determined under three main criteria (land, water availability, infrastructure and socio-economic). Constraint criteria were determined to exclude areas where shrimp farming facilities are not allowed to be established. As a result of the analysis, it was specified that 0.01% of the study area is highly suitable, 0.87% suitable, 4.69% moderately suitable and 94.43% unsuitable. This study showed that the AHP method and geographical information system techniques are applicable in the selection of suitable areas for greenhouse shrimp farming.