Northeast Turkey Research Articles

Changes in fish species composition in the rivers of the Ararat Plain during the last century

Changes in fish species composition in the principal rivers of the Ararat Plain have been assessed over the last century through an analysis of the literature and field studies. A total of 39 fish species, spread across 12 families and 31 genera, have been documented across the Ararat Plain (Araks River basin within southern Armenia and northeast Turkey). In the Armenian section of the plain, 37 taxa have been recorded, including 12 non-native species. Over the past century, the number of fish species in the Metsamor River has increased from 15 to 23, and from 6 to 23 in the Hrazdan River. Currently 16 of the 21 native fish species, previously recorded, are still present in water bodies of the Armenian part of the plain. Rhinogobius cf. similis has been documented for the first time in this region. The primary reasons for the changes in the ichthyofauna composition in the Armenian part of the Ararat Plain are the introduction and subsequent spread of non-native species into reservoirs. This process involves species such as Rhodeus amarus, Knipowitschia caucasica, species of Gobio and invasive non-native species such as Pseudorasbora parva, Carassius gibelio, Rhinogobius lindbergi, R.cf. similis, and Oncorhynchus mykiss.

HOPELESSNESS IN PATIENTS RECEIVING HEMODIALYSIS TREATMENT IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A DESCRIPTIVE AND CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Aim: This study was conducted to reveal the hopelessness level of the patients receiving hemodialysis treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic and the factors affecting it. Method: This study was conducted with patients receiving HD treatment in dialysis centers affiliated with three hospitals in a province in Northeast Turkey between January and April 2022. The universe of the research is all patients who are treated in the dialysis units of the mentioned hospitals (N=147). The study was completed with 110 patients who met the inclusion criteria and volunteered to participate in the study. The data of the study were collected with the “Descriptive Information Form”, “Charlson Comorbidity Index” and “Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS)”. Results: 58.2% of the patients with a mean age of 63.30±15.33 were male, and 80.0% were married. 50.9% of them were diagnosed with COVID-19, 56.4% perceived themselves in the risk group for COVID-19, and 30.0% stated that COVID-19 causes hopelessness in their daily life. The mean total score was 7.87±5.38 for the BHS and 5.34±2.35 for the Charlson Comorbidity Index. There was a significant positive correlation between BHS total score and age (p

Effects of sediment-storage dams on suspended sediment transport in the Sera Lake Watershed, northeast Turkey

In this study, the effects of cascade sediment-storage dams (SSDs) on the suspended sediment (SS) transport in the Sera Lake Watershed (northeast Turkey) were investigated. Ten SS monitoring stations from upstream (S01) to downstream (S10) were selected for the study considering the locations of the SSDs and Sera Lake. In a gauging station, where S05 was selected, the water stage monitoring studies were also conducted, and daily discharges and SS loads were computed. The Spearman correlation coefficient between SS and discharges data was computed as 0.592. The deterioration of the naturalness of the watershed with external interventions was effective on this value. While the Sera Lake trapped 33% of the SS transport, this value varied between –25.8 and 44% for SSDs. Although the SSDs have been proportionately succeed in trapping the SS, they have been insufficient in preventing sedimentation and problems caused by sediment transport in the watershed. In addition, the annual average soil erosion amount was determined by the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) method in the watershed. According to the RUSLE method, the annual average soil loss of the watershed is 1.65 tons/ha. The SDR value of the watershed was calculated as 0.104. Integrating different environmental management tools to achieve a balanced and sustainable decision, a strategic environmental management plan should be constituted.

Thousand‐Kilometer DAS Array Reveals an Uncatalogued Magnitude‐5 Dynamically Triggered Event After the 2023 Turkey Earthquake

AbstractLarge earthquakes can trigger smaller seismic events, even at significant distances. The process of earthquake triggering offers valuable insights into the evolution of local stress states, deepening our understanding of the mechanisms of earthquake nucleation. However, our ability to detect these triggered events is limited by the quality and spatial density of local seismometers, posing significant challenges if the triggered event is hidden in the signal of a nearby larger earthquake. Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) has the potential to enhance the monitoring capability of triggered earthquakes through its high spatial sampling and large spatial coverage. Here, we report on an uncatalogued magnitude (M) 5.1 event in northeast Turkey, which was likely dynamically and instantaneously triggered by the 2023 M7.8 earthquake in southeast Turkey, located 400 km away. This event was initially discovered on ∼1,100 km of active DAS recordings that are part of an 1,850‐km linear array. Subsequent validation using local seismometers confirmed the event's precise time, location, and magnitude. Interestingly, this dynamically triggered event exhibited precursory signals preceding its P arrivals on the nearby seismometers. It can be interpreted as the signal from other nearby, uncatalogued, smaller triggered events. Our results highlight the potential of high‐spatial‐density DAS in enhancing the local‐scale detection and the detailed analysis of earthquake triggering.

EVALUATING THE RISK OF DELIRIUM IN ELDERLY INPATIENTS IN COVID-19 INTENSIVE CARE: A PROSPECTIVE AND OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Delirium is dangerous, often preventable, and associated with a high financial burden and increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of delirium in elderly inpatients in COVID-19 intensive care units. Materials and Method: This study used a prospective and observational design. Between July and November 2022, 49 intensive care patients were admitted to a training and research hospital in northeast Turkey. The data were collected using the Patient Information Form, Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool, Ramsay Sedation Scale, and Nursing-Delirium Screening Scale. Results: The patients’ mean age was 76.90±8.29 years. The longer the length of stay in the intensive care unit, the incidence of delirium increased. The incidence of delirium increased in patients aged 70–95 years (p=0.007). Patients with delirium experienced insomnia and agitation and used more sedative drugs (p<0.05). The predictors of early delirium were sedation (β=0.869), agitation (β=-0.582), and diastolic blood pressure (β=0.258). The predictors of delirium were pain (β=-0.599) and sedation (β=0.267). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that older age, agitation, sedation, pain, and diastolic blood pressure predicted delirium in elderly COVID-19 inpatients. It is necessary to identify and eliminate risk factors to reduce the risk of delirium in elderly patients. Nurses should play an active role in identifying and managing delirium in elderly COVID-19 patients. Keywords: COVID-19; Delirium; Aged; Intensive Care.

Does surgery cause anxiety, stress and fear in geriatric patients?

Because of physiological changes in geriatric patients, their surgical process differs from that of young adults. In this regard, the perioperative period is an extremely risky time for geriatric patients. The present study examined preoperative fear, anxiety, and perceived stress levels as well as the factors affecting them in elderly patients prior to surgical intervention. This study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design. The study sample consisted of geriatric patients (n = 407) scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a research and training hospital in northeast Turkey. Data were collected by the researchers using the personal information form, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Surgical Fear Questionnaire (SFQ) and Anxiety Specific to Surgery Questionnaire (ASSQ). In the data analysis, descriptive statistics, the t-test in independent groups, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis and Bonferroni tests for post hoc analyses were used. On the PSS-10, the mean score was higher for the 75-and-older age group, single patients, patients with a disease requiring medication, and those who had previously undergone surgery (P < 0.05). On the ASSQ, the mean score was lower for patients aged 65-69, university graduates, patients without children, and those without a disease requiring medication (P < 0.05). On the SFQ, the mean score was higher for the 75-and-older age group, primary school graduates, and single patients (P < 0.05). It was determined that being single, having a chronic disability, and advancing age had an effect on the patients' surgery-specific anxiety, perceived stress, and fear of surgery. Long-standing chronic diseases can negatively affect both stress and anxiety levels of individuals.

Examining the Effects of Physical Variables in Classrooms on Students' Attention via the Internet of Things

This study aims to examine the effects of physical variables (temperature, humidity, air quality, light, and sound) and those pertaining to the monitoring these physical variables on a group of students in terms of attention, motivation, attitudes, and perceptions of academic achievement (POA). The students were provided with a chance to monitor the physical variables through the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. This study employed a causal comparative design, which is a quantitative research method. The sample chosen by convenience sampling consisted of 262 undergraduate students from five different educational environments in the faculty of education of a large state university located in the Northeast Turkey. A prototype measuring the physical variables of the educational environments and enabling to send these to the internet was developed in the context of an IoT application, and it was ensured that the students in the five different educational environments monitored the physical variables for six weeks. Data were collected by use of the prototype created in the framework of IoT and a questionnaire. Consequently, it was concluded that the physical variables did not have significant effects on attitudes, but temperature, air quality, light, and sound had significant effects on students’ attention, motivation, and perceptions of academic achievement. Furthermore, results showed that monitoring the physical variables caused a difference in the students’ motivation, attention, attitudes, and POA.

Comparison of Tetraploid Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Populations Collected from Turkey and Former Soviet Countries

Tetraploid Medicago sativa L. subspecies; M. sativa subsp. sativa, M. sativa subsp. falcata and M. sativa subsp. varia form the primary gene pool of the alfalfa. The center of diversity for this subspecies is seen as the Caucasus, Northwest Iran and Northeast Turkey, and its natural range is the former Soviet Union and the southern border of North Africa as the northern border. Genetic diversity among the primary gene pool and comparisons between regions of diversity provides a good reference for breeders when utilizing genetic resources. The United States Department of Agriculture Genetic Resources Information Network (USDA-GRIN) System provides reference data from its entire natural range, including Turkey and the Former Soviet region. In this study, seven populations collected from Turkey and thirteen alfalfa populations collected from Former Soviet Countries held in the USDA GRIN System were evaluated using 20 SSR markers. Within the scope of the study, the information between the locations of the subspecies was compared to reveal the hierarchical population structure. The results obtained from the STRUCTURE and PCA analyzes show that the populations are clustered in two main groups for both countries, but there is a high similarity in hybrid genome contents in the subspecies belonging to the Former Soviet countries. In addition, it was determined by AMOVA analysis that the variance within the populations was higher than that between the populations according to the subspecies analyzed from both countries. It is thought that the results will be effective in terms of using alfalfa genetic resources of these countries in breeding programs.

District-Scale VMS to Porphyry-Epithermal Transitions in Subduction to Postcollisional Tectonic Environments: The Artvin Au-Cu District and the Hod Gold Corridor, Eastern Pontides Belt, Turkey

Abstract Porphyry, epithermal, and volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits can form together in the same mineral district in convergent margin environments. Their spatial association and superposition indicate evolving tectonic settings. The Artvin Au-Cu district is one of the major clusters of VMS bimodal-felsic, porphyry, and epithermal deposits in the Eastern Pontides belt in northeast Turkey. Whereas ore-forming processes, timing, and tectonic setting of VMS mineralization are well defined in Artvin, those for porphyry and epithermal mineralization remain less constrained. Our district-scale field study focused on the Hod gold corridor in the Artvin district, which is defined by the NE-trending alignment of the recent Au-Cu mineral discoveries (~205 t Au; ~0.33 Mt Cu; e.g., Hod Maden, Ardala-Salinbaş, and Taç-Çorak) that include Au-rich porphyry, highand intermediate-sulfidation epithermal, carbonate-replacement, and hybrid VMS-epithermal mineralization styles. Our new U-Pb, 40Ar/39Ar, and Re-Os geochronological results interpreted with previously compiled data show that magmatism in the Artvin district formed in the Carboniferous (358–325 Ma), Jurassic (182–174 Ma), Late Cretaceous (92–78 Ma), Eocene (51–40 Ma), and Oligocene (30 Ma). Porphyry and epithermal mineralization along the Hod gold corridor peaked in the Early (~113 Ma; Berta prospect) and Late Cretaceous (~86.5-82 Ma; e.g., Taç and Çorak deposits) and Eocene (~50 Ma; e.g., Ardala deposit), whereas VMS bimodal-felsic mineralization only formed in the Late Cretaceous (~91–85 Ma). Therefore, we interpret that the Hod gold corridor was a long-lived, deep crustal-scale structural feature along which the successive magmatic and mineralization events were emplaced. In addition, the timing of porphyry Cu-Mo mineralization can significantly (&amp;gt;20 Ma) postdate the crystallization age of the intrusive host rocks in the Artvin district, such as at Berta and Balcılı camp, which emphasizes the importance of dating mineralization directly to correctly attribute the tectonic setting. The distribution of Late Cretaceous mineral occurrences suggests a possible eastward temporal evolution from VMS (~91–85 Ma) to epithermal-porphyry systems (~86.5–82 Ma), transitioning from back-arc to arc settings at the onset of the Northern Neotethyan oceanic slab rollback and accompanied by increasingly elevated gold content eastwards across the Artvin district.

Investigation of soil dynamic properties using horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio for Eastern Pontides, Northeast Turkey

Investigation of soil dynamic properties using horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio for Eastern Pontides, Northeast Turkey

Two new species of Bergrothia Reitter, 1884, with a review of the Bergrothia fauna of Georgia (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae)

Two species of Bergrothia Reitter, 1884, a small Caucasian genus of Amauropini, are described and illustrated: B. svanetica spec. nov. (Georgia: Svaneti region) and B. simplex spec. nov. (Northeast Turkey: Ordu, Giresun). Including the new species, the genus now includes a total of nine species distributed in Georgia (six species), Northeast Turkey (three species), and Azerbaijan (one species). Based on abundant material collected during seven field trips conducted to Georgia between 2016 and 2021, the partly allo- and partly sympatric distributions of the Bergrothia species in Georgia are clarified and mapped. All of them are confined to the west of the country.

The emotional neglect potentials of nurses working in the COVID-19 service towards their children: A qualitative study

PurposeThis study aims to examine in depth the potential child emotional neglect behaviors of nurses working in the COVID-19 service, and their feelings, thoughts, and experiences regarding the causes and effects on their children. Design and methodsThe study was designed as a qualitative study based on a descriptive phenomenological approach. A purposeful sample of service providers (N = 22) in the COVID-19 clinics of the region's largest hospital in northeast Turkey in terms of education and patient care were recruited for the study. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews using the individual in-depth face-to-face interview method. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed with Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis method. The research was reported by following Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research-COREQ. ResultsThe findings enabled the identification of four unique themes expressed by the participants: parent-child interaction, social impact, physiological impact, and psychological impact. The first theme consists of adversely affected time nurses spent with their children, decreased physical contact, and communication problems; the second theme includes nurses' and their children's social isolation and social stigma; the third theme includes a change in eating habits and daily activities; the fourth theme includes fear of losing parents and emotional change. Conclusions and practice implicationsTo prevent the increased emotional neglect potential due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to regulate the working conditions of parents who are nursing professionals and support the parent/child emotionally and psychologically.

Removal of algae from thermal mud pool: A case study in Koprukoy (Erzurum, Northeast (NE) Turkey) thermal spring area

ABSTRACT. Thermal spring areas, which are available globally, are used for recreational purposes or wellness applications because these areas have mineral-rich materials of thermal water and thermal muds. At the same time, thermal spring areas are one of the best habitats for algae among aquatic habitats. If algae formed on the surface of the thermal water in these areas, they create an ugly appearance and disrupt the aesthetics of the water because of their uncontrolled growth. The algae removal applications are the most effective methods for solution of these adversities in the thermal spring areas. In this work, experimental study was carried out to investigate the removal of algae from thermal water and thermal mud pools in the Delicermic-Koprukoy (Erzurum, NE Turkey) thermal spring area. For this purpose, some chemical materials were used for the removal of algae. The results of the experimental studies showed that the Al2SO3+CaO solution is a good material that provides 100% removal of algae from thermal water and thermal mud pools at pH 6.&#x0D; &#x0D; KEY WORDS: Algae, Algae removal, Thermal water, Thermal mud, Spring area &#x0D; &#x0D; Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(3), 545-553. &#x0D; DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i3.5

Ligula Intestinalis Infection in a Native Leuciscid Hybrid (Alburnus Derjugini x Squalius Orientalis) in The Kürtün Dam Lake, Northeast Anatolia.

SummaryTaxonomic evaluations are needed to accurately determine the host selection of fish parasites. The present study is a multidisciplinary research in the field of basic and fish diseases sciences. The description of the hybrid species of Squalius orientalis and Alburnus derjugini and infection of Ligula intestinalis in these hybrid fish were reported for the first time from the Kürtün Dam Lake in northeast Turkey. A total of 450 fish were sampled in March, August, and October in 2020 using gillnets. Detailed morphological characteristics (n = 24) were compared to determine the difference among ancestors and hybrid species. The prevalence of L. intestinalis between the sampling periods and the size groups of fish (0 – 10, 11 – 15, and ≥16 cm in length) were examined. Moreover, the highest prevalence of the parasite was observed in October (78.94 %), with a size range of 0 – 10 cm in length (77.8 %). In addition, the total prevalence of the parasite was 48.44 %. The results revealed that most of the diagnostic metric and meristic features of hybrid fish were ranging between the data of S. orientalis and A. derjugini. According to previous reports, when hybrid individuals were compared with their ancestors in terms of prevalence, hybrid individuals were more susceptible to L. intestinalis infections. This study was unique as it provided the first record of L. intestinalis in a hybrid fish population.

The Effect of Montessori Approach-based STEM Education on Pre-service Pre-school Teachers’ Self-directed Learning

The aim in the research was to investigate the effect of Montessori-based STEM education on the self-directed learning skills of pre-service pre-school teachers. A mixed method was employed in the research. The sample of the research consisted of 53 pre-service teachers enrolled in the Pre-school Teacher Education Programme at a mid-sized state university in northeast Turkey. During the research, Montessori-based STEM education was given to the pre-service teachers for two hours per week over 14 weeks. The Self-directed Learning Skills scale was applied to obtain the quantitative data and the Semi-structured Interview Form was used for the qualitative data in the research. After coding the data in content analysis, the themes of the coded data were written down. In order to contribute to the validity of the research, direct quotations from the participant group were included in the findings section and participant confirmation was carried out. In order to contribute to the reliability of the data analysis, the consistency of the results with each other was checked by five experts during the data analysis. The aim was to contribute to the reliability of the study by explaining the data collection and analysis sections in detail. At the end of the research, it was observed that there was a significant difference between the self-directed learning skills pre-test and post-test scores and that the qualitative analysis results supported this difference in direction with the development. These developments were determined from the statements by the pre-service teachers in their interviews stating that the training contributed greatly to their personal and social development and helped them gain learning and teaching skills about a subject. In line with the results obtained, it can be concluded that pre-school teacher candidates' self-directed learning skills such as self-confidence, perseverance, self-planned learning, and self-assessment were developed by Montessori approach-based STEM education.

Origins of diverse present displacements in a paleo-landslide area (Isiklar, Trabzon, northeast Turkey)

Origins of diverse present displacements in a paleo-landslide area (Isiklar, Trabzon, northeast Turkey)

Prevalence of Scabies in the Covid-19 Pandemic Period and Determination of Risk Factors for Scabies: a Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Northeast Turkey.

BackgroundThere is an increase in the incidence of scabies in Turkey, which started before the Covid-19 pandemic, and this situation is considered as an epidemic. With this study, we aimed to reveal the prevalence of scabies during the pandemic period and the risk factors that are effective in the transmission of scabies.MethodsOur study was performed as a cross-sectional study in 376 patients who applied to our dermatology outpatient clinic between 1st and 30th April 2021. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, living space, health behavior, and health care utilization of the patients were questioned.ResultsThe prevalence of scabies was determined as 10.9%. Features such as sex, area of residence, age, formal education status, employment status, total income, number of shower, number of people per room, water source, and heating method, which were found to be significant as a result of the double test, were included in the logistic regression analysis. Scabies was found 2.728 times (CI 1.325–5.557) more in those who live in rural areas than those who live in urban areas, 2.714 times (CI 1.365–5.451) more in men than women, 2.707 times (CI 1.256–5.833) more in nonworking than working, 2.354 times (CI 1.057–5.243) more in those with less than 9 showers per month than those with 9 or more showers per month.ConclusionDuring the Covid-19 pandemic period, the prevalence of scabies in Turkey is increasing and it is becoming a serious health problem. Our study emphasizes this increase and determines the risk factors for transmission.

Title: Genetic diagnosis of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) in northeast TURKEY Running title: Genetic diagnosis of MODY in northeast TURKEY

Title: Genetic diagnosis of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) in northeast TURKEY Running title: Genetic diagnosis of MODY in northeast TURKEY

Radiotherapy in Cancer Treatment During The Covid-19 Pandemic: One Year Results From Northeast Turkey

Radiotherapy in Cancer Treatment During The Covid-19 Pandemic: One Year Results From Northeast Turkey

The New Zion of Ot’kht’a

The lavra of Ot’kht’a Eklesia and its twin monastery at Parkhali are located in an isolated, mountainous area of present-day north-east Turkey, which, in the ninth-tenth century, gradually emerged as the politically de facto independent kingdom of Tao-Klarjet’i and as a stronghold of Georgian culture. Both lavras were established on the steep slopes of valleys carved by the tributaries of the Çoruh (Č’orox’i) river by Georgian monks seeking for those “deserts” that, in their opinion, God had reserved to them since the Creation of the world. Thanks to the support of David iii the Curopalates, the churches of Ot’kht’a and Parkhali erected in monumental dimensions and lavishly decorated with a complex, almost identical program of mural paintings in the apses. The present paper aims to show to what extent images could reflect the monastic view of their relationship with the natural world in terms of Biblical allegorism. In particular, it lays emphasis on the multi-layered symbolism associated with the “Holy Zion” - notion and the different ritual, performative, and visual strategies whereby site-bound holiness came to be materially evoked.