Northeastern Turkey Research Articles

Bartonella Species in Small Mammals in Turkey: Bartonella bilalgolemii sp. nov. Isolated from a Ural Field Mouse (Apodemus uralensis).

Background: The genus Bartonella is composed of Gram-negative, fastidious, facultative intracellular bacteria that can cause bacteremia in mammals and various disorders in humans. Rodents have been reported as reservoirs of more than 30 Bartonella species, seven of which cause zoonotic infections. Materials and Methods: In the present study, the isolation of Bartonella sp. was attempted from 150 spleen samples from 13 rodent species (mostly Apodemus species) from three geographically different regions in Turkey. Results: Bartonella sp. was successfully isolated from 65 of these 150 samples (43%). The prevalences of Bartonella sp. in tested rodents in the regions of Giresun, Yozgat, and Burdur were 68%, 44%, and 16%, respectively. Using polymerase chain reaction/sequence analysis of the citrate synthase-coding gene (gltA), Bartonellaisolates were classified seven species including B. taylorii, B. grahamii, B. birtlesii, B. mastomydis, and three putatively new Bartonella species. We performed further identification techniques for one of the three Bartonella species that were different from the validated Bartonella species according to the gltA sequence analysis. Conclusion: Here, we report the genomic and phenotypic characterization of Bartonella sp. strain G70 that was isolated from the splenic tissue of an Apodemus uralensis (Pallas 1881), the Ural field mouse, captured in the Giresun region of northeastern Turkey. Bartonella sp. strainG70 (RSKK 22001) was characterized by whole genome and partial gene (gltA, 16S ribosomal RNA) sequencing and comparison, scanning electron microscopy, biochemical tests, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. This novel Bartonella is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium and has neither flagella nor pili. The genome from strain G70 was 1,606,969-bp-long with a G + C content of 35.7%. Bartonella rochalimae was found to be the closest phylogenetic relative of strain G70 (OrthoANI = 90.5%, digital DNA-DNA hybridization = 41.4%). We therefore propose that this new species be named Bartonella bilalgolemii sp. nov. with strain G70T as the type strain.

The Effects of Baby Calming Training Provided to Primiparous Mothers on Maternal Role Perception, Maternal Attachment, and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Mothers of crying babies have difficulty adapting to their roles and problems with breastfeeding and attachment. Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of the baby calming training provided to primiparous mothers on maternal role perception, maternal attachment, and breastfeeding self-efficacy. Methods: The study was conducted in a randomized controlled experimental design between March 2023 and March 2024 in the gynecology and obstetrics services of a public hospital in northeastern Turkey (Clinical Trial Number: NCT05594836). The research was conducted with a total of 84 primiparous mothers, including 41 intervention and 43 control groups, who met the inclusion criteria. The Baby Calming Training was administered face-to-face in the intervention group, utilizing a baby swaddling blanket, a sleep companion emitting white noise, and a training booklet. The control group received routine care. Data were collected through the Mother and Baby Introductory Information Form, Semantic Difference Scale-Me as a Mother, Maternal Attachment Inventory, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, and Infant Sleep Activity Record. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square test, independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test, mixed design ANOVA analysis, Cohen's d, and 95% confidence interval (CI). This study adhered to CONSORT research guidelines. Results: Mothers in the intervention group exhibited higher mean scores on the perception of maternal role (mean ± SD: 70.37 ± 5.92, t: 8.590, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.347-2.375], d: 1.865, p < 0.001), maternal attachment (mean ± SD: 100.42 ± 1.52, U: 151.500, 95% CI: [0.732-0.892], d: 0.828, p < 0.001), and breastfeeding self-efficacy (mean ± SD: 64.00 ± 5.98, t: 8.109, 95% CI: [1.248-2.258], d: 1.757, p < 0.001) than the control group. It was determined that the total sleep time of the babies in the intervention group was higher, and the total crying duration was lower (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study revealed that infant soothing training for primiparous mothers enhanced maternal role perception, maternal attachment, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and extended infants' sleep duration. Furthermore, infants exhibited reduced crying.

Helium and carbon isotope compositions of thermal fluids in the northeastern Anatolia: Implications for the heat source and volatile flux

In this study, we make a quantitative assessment on the volatile flux of mantle-derived fluids and source of volatiles to explain the geologic controls on the transport of volatiles within thermal fluids of northeastern Anatolia. In line with this objective, we collected 22 samples (gas and water phase) from 16 geothermal fields in NE Turkey covering an area of nearly 100,000 km2 that extends from the eastern termination of North Anatolian Fault towards the Georgian and Armenian borders. The 3He/4He ratios of the samples (R) normalized to the atmospheric 3He/4He ratio (Ra = 1.4 × 10−6) vary from 0.31 to 7.15, and are considerably higher than the crustal value of 0.02Ra. Regarding spatial distribution of helium isotope composition, samples collected from areas of tectonic unrest around the Erzincan and Erzurum pull-apart basins in the southern part are represented by a higher range of 3He/4He ratios (>5 Ra) than those in volcanic areas to the east and northeast of the region. δ13CCO2 values of the gas samples varying from −20.76 to 5.43 ‰ are about 4–5 ‰ lower than δ13CDIC values of the water samples that range from −16.90 to 8.85 ‰, indicating CO2 removal from waters by degassing. CO2/3He ratios of gas samples falling in the range of 3.81 × 109 to 2.83 × 1012 imply that carbon is derived from the mixing between the crustal lithologies and mantle, the latter having a contribution up to 40 %. The maximum flux of mantle-derived fluids is found 88 mm/a at Erzincan (eastern part of the North Anatolian Fault Zone). This value is higher by a factor of about 10 than the western part of the fault zone. Calculations show that degassing from magmatic bodies is the sole mechanism to explain the high helium isotope compositions in the region. Therefore, we suggest that mantle-derived He contents might be due to extensive melting associated with active tectonism. The 3He/Heat ratios of thermal waters in northeastern Turkey were calculated in range of 0.25 to 29.7 × 10−15 cm3(STP)/J, consistent with the data reported for waters along the North Anatolian Fault, indicating a crustal heat source for the geothermal systems in northeastern Turkey.

Sediment load forecasting from a biomimetic optimization perspective: Firefly and Artificial Bee Colony algorithms empowered neural network modeling in Çoruh River

The service life of downstream dams, river hydraulics, waterworks construction, and reservoir management is significantly affected by the amount of sediment load (SL). This study combined models such as the artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm with the Firefly algorithm (FA) and Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) optimization techniques for the estimation of monthly SL values in the Çoruh River in Northeastern Turkey. The estimation of SL values was achieved using inputs of previous SL and streamflow values provided to the models. Various statistical metrics were used to evaluate the accuracy of the established hybrid and stand-alone models. The hybrid model is a novel approach for estimating sediment load based on various input variables. The results of the analysis determined that the ABC-ANN hybrid approach outperformed others in SL estimation. In this study, two combinations, M1 and M2, with different input variables, were used to assess the model's accuracy, and the best-performing model for monthly SL estimation was identified. Two scenarios, Q(t) and Q(t − 1), were coupled with the ABC-ANN algorithm, resulting in a highly effective hybrid approach with the best accuracy results (R2 = 0.90, RMSE = 1406.730, MAE = 769.545, MAPE = 5.861, MBE = − 251.090, Bias Factor = − 4.457, and KGE = 0.737) compared to other models. Furthermore, the utilization of FA and ABC optimization techniques facilitated the optimization of the ANN model parameters. The significant results demonstrated that the optimization and hybrid techniques provided the most effective outcomes in forecasting SL for both combination scenarios. As a result, the prediction outputs achieved higher accuracy than those of a stand-alone ANN model. The findings of this study can provide essential resources to various managers and policymakers for the management of water resources.

Catalogue of Bombus wurflenii Radoszkowski, 1860 (Hymenoptera, Apidae) specimens deposited in the State Museum of Natural History NASU, Lviv, Ukraine

Bombus wurflenii Radoszkowski, 1860 belongs to the subgenus Alpigenobombus and is one of the 40 bumblebee species that occur in Ukraine. This Boreal-Alpine species has a disjunctive range and is confined to the mountains and hills of Europe. It occurs in Scandinavia, in central and southern Europe (the Cantabrian Mountains, the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Apennines, the Balkans, the Carpathians). It is also known from the far east of Europe (the Ural Mountains), and from the north-eastern Turkey and the Caucasus (Rasmont, Iserbyt, 2010-2012; Rasmont et al., 2015). All scenarios of future distribution of Bombus wurflenii project a moderate reduction of suitable areas by 2050. By 2100 the climatic niche space of the species would be even more restricted. With low dispersal capability and since Bombus wurflenii is a specialized species linked to cold boreal and alpine-subalpine conditions, it would suffer substantially from global warming (Rasmont et al., 2015). Bombus wurflenii is a medium sized bumblebee. It is highly adapted for “nectar robbing”, i. e. perforating holes at the base of long flower corollas to reach the nectar. To do this, it uses its modified mandibles, each with six denticles on outer margin . In Ukraine the species is represented by the subspecies B. wurflenii mastrucatus Gerst. and occurs in the Ukrainian Carpathians only. It inhabits mountain forests from a height of 500 m a. s. l. to the subalpine zone inclusive. The highest number of population of the species is observed within the altitude range of 800-1100 m above sea level (Konovalova, 2010). B. wurflenii is nesting underground, using the abandoned nests of rodents in beech, beech-spruce and spruce forests, in polonynas, meadows and also on rocky slopes in the subalpine. The emergence of queens from hibernation happens in late spring and early summer. The development of small colonies lasts until July-August, culminating in the emergence of new reproductive generation. In the Carpathian highlands B. wurflenii is considered a common one. However, during last decades, the destruction of both nesting sites and forage flora of this species due to excessive recreational pressure, is a serious factor threatening the persistence of its population. For this reason, B. wurflenii has been included into the Red Book of the Ukrainian Carpathians as vulnerable one, also taking into account a relatively limited area inhabited by populations of the species. The species plays a significant role in the pollination of high mountain flora. A feeding diet of this bumblebee in the Ukrainian Carpathians includes at least 23 plant species belonging to 16 families (unpublished data of the author). Among its favourite forage plants are: Centaurea phrygia subsp. carpatica (Porcius) Dostál, Cirsium waldsteinii Rouy, Gentiana asclepiadea L., Rhododendron kotschyi Simonk., Vaccinium spp., Aconitum spp. In the entomological collection of the State Museum of Natural History, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 42 specimens of B. wurflenii have been deposited. Only one specimen belongs to an old historical collection. It was collected from the Tatry Mts. in Poland on 30.07.1905 and identified by J. Snieżek. From the present territory of Ukraine B. wurflenii was recorded for the first time in 1939 in Chornohora mountain range, at an altitude of 1500 m a.s.l. (Fudakowski et al., 1939). The recent part of the collection includes specimens, found from 2000 to 2006 in mountain regions of Ivano-Frankivska and Zakarpatska provinces of Ukraine (fig. 1). The recent collection of B. wurflenii represents all three castes of the species: 1 queen, 32 workers and 8 males. Bumblebees were collected during June, July and August within altitudes of 800-1700 m a.s.l. in the following physiographic regions: UC: PlChr: Chornohora massif; UC: PlChr: Svydovets massif; UC: OCVV: Gg: Outer Gorgany range. The vast majority of specimens have been collected in protected territories: Carpathian Biosphere Reserve (Chornohora protected massif, Svydovets protected massif) and Carpathian National Nature Park.

Oligocene magmatism in the eastern Sakarya Zone, NE Turkey: Geodynamic implications

During the Cenozoic, the eastern Sakarya Zone, northeastern Turkey, has witnessed voluminous Eocene and subsidiary Miocene magmatism. By contrast, except in one previous study, Oligocene magmatism has not been reported. Here, we present new data about an Oligocene dyke swarm from the Artvin district in the easternmost part of the Sakarya Zone. Our study improves our understanding of the Oligocene magmatic and geodynamic evolution of the central Tethyan orogenic belt.The Oligocene dykes consist of two distinct rock types: quartz-bearing trachytic and adakitic trachyandesite/andesite, dated at 31.0 ± 0.2 Ma and 31.1 ± 0.2 Ma to 29.2 ± 0.3 Ma by U-Pb zircon geochronology, respectively. Geochemical analysis reveals enrichment in LREE and MREE for quartz-bearing trachytic dykes, whereas adakitic trachyandesite/andesite dykes show depletion in MREE and HREE. Radiogenic isotopic ratios (87Sr/86Sr(i) and 143Nd/144Nd(i)) and trace element data suggest that the source of Oligocene magmatism was linked to low degree (≈10–15 %) partial melting of a metasomatised lithospheric mantle previously enriched by slab-derived melts and fluids. During the magma ascent in the crust, parental magmas of the trachyandesite/andesite dykes have assimilated crustal rocks and undergone fractional crystallization dominated by amphibole. By contrast, quartz-bearing trachytic dykes have recorded plagioclase fractionation.Local extension, in conjunction with continuous foundering of delaminated thickened lower crust beneath the eastern Sakarya Zone, which likely triggered asthenospheric mantle upwelling and resulted in sporadic Oligocene magmatism.Our study highlights the distinct tectonic and magmatic setting of the rare Oligocene magmatism in the eastern Sakarya Zone compared to Oligocene magmatism in the Tauride-Anatolide and South Armenian blocks.

Hybrid machine learning models for groundwater level prediction in a snow‐dominated region: An evaluation of EEMD, VMD and EWT decomposition techniques

Hybrid machine learning models for groundwater level prediction in a <scp>snow‐dominated</scp> region: An evaluation of <scp>EEMD</scp>, <scp>VMD</scp> and <scp>EWT</scp> decomposition techniques

Elevation-dependent growth trends of Picea orientalis (L.) Peterm forests in the Fırtına Creek Basin (Rize/Turkey)

Changes in climatic conditions have ecological and economic consequences or impact for trees and forest stands. In this respect, it is crucial to understand the radial growth trends of trees, their ecological response across elevation gradients, and the possible impacts of climate change on the species. In this study, Picea orientalis (L.) Peterm, located in the Fırtına Creek Basin in the northern part of the Eastern Black Sea Mountains in northeastern Turkey, was investigated along different elevation gradients in the context of climate-growth response. In the study, six site chronologies along an elevation gradient from 900 m to 2050 m were developed. Dendroclimatological methods were applied to assess the elevation-dependent radial growth characteristics of trees. In total, 200 increment cores were collected from 98 living trees. The relationships between climate and tree ring growth along the elevation gradient showed a positive relationship between growth and temperature at upper elevations (1700–1900 m) and a positive relationship between growth and precipitation at middle elevations (1400–1600 m). In particular, January–April mean temperatures and May rainfall were positively correlated with tree-ring growth. At lower elevations (900–1100 m), the correlation coefficients between climate and growth are insignificant because, at these altitudes, the species have optimum ecological conditions. It was also found that mean temperatures between 0 °C and 2 °C in January–April and total precipitation between 60 and 100 mm in January–February positively affect tree growth. However, if these thresholds are exceeded, it is possible that growth may be adversely affected. This research underscores the complex interplay between climate variables and tree growth along elevation gradients, highlighting the need for adaptive management strategies in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Availability of sedimentary and volcanic rock deposits on Northeastern Turkey as concrete aggregates

Turkey has large aggregate deposits; however, these deposits cannot be used effectively due to a lack of controls. This can lead to fatal errors, as in the 6 February 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquakes. The main motivation of this study is to investigate the availability of existing and new aggregate deposits as concrete aggregates in northeastern Turkey. Thus, the quality of aggregates in this region will be studied comparatively.This research was carried out with aggregate samples taken from 30 different rock quarries in 10 different provinces in this region of Turkey. First, the locations of 30 crushed rock aggregates were identified, and their petrographic, mineralogical, physical, geometric and durability properties were determined. Fifteen different test procedures were applied to 30 crushed rock samples.It was concluded that these rocks are generally sedimentary rock types and that 18 of these 30 samples are of limestone origin. To obtain high-strength concrete, in addition to quality cement, the aggregates used must also be of high quality. The use of aggregate resources mentioned in this study for building concrete will contribute to the production of high-strength concrete. These samples, which generally have sufficient physical, mechanical and durability properties, meet the limitations of the standards much better than concrete aggregates. High-statistical-performance regression equations were obtained for the physical and durability properties.

Effects of combining phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) fertilization on P-Zn distribution and yield in safflower

The interaction of P and Zn is a crucial factor affecting plant growth and yield. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of P and Zn on P-Zn distribution in safflower tissues and seed yield. A two-year study was conducted in farmer fields in northeastern Turkey during 2014 and 2015 years. P applications consisted of four levels (0, 3, 6 and 9 kg P2O5 da−1) that were allotted to the main plots. Sub-plots were composed of three Zn levels (0, 0.5 and 1 kg Zn da−1). The results showed that P and Zn applications had a significant effect on the P and Zn concentration of straw, head, seed, and yield. P concentration in straw, head, and seed increased significantly with increasing P and Zn levels. Zn concentration decreased with high P levels compared to the control, while it increased with increasing Zn levels regardless of P application. At low P levels, yield did not respond to Zn treatments; however, at high P doses, Zn application resulted in a dramatic increase in yield compared to the control. In order to increase seed yield, instead of P and Zn sole application, their combined application was very effective, and doses of 9 kg P2O5 da−1 and 0.5 kg Zn da−1 showed the optimum performance. In conclusion, this study revealed that in P- and Zn-deficient soil, P treatments increased seed yield remarkably, but the combined application of P and Zn resulted in even higher yield increases.

The Limnephilus bipunctatus Species Group in Turkey with the descriptions of two new species (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae).

The Limnephilus bipunctatus Species Group in Turkey is studied with two new species, Limnephilus bayburt sp. n. from northeastern Turkey and Limnephilus bercalan sp. n. from eastern Turkey, described and illustrated. Four additional species, L. bipunctatus Curtis 1834, L. caucasicus Schmid 1955, L. malickyi Sipahiler 1992, and L. transcaucasicus Martynov 1909 are also redescribed and illustrated. Limnephilus transcaucasicus is a new record for the Turkish fauna.

COVID-19 Pozitif Sağlık Çalışanlarının Semptom, Laboratuvar ve Toraks Bilgisayarlı Tomografi Bulgularının Değerlendirilmesi: Rektrospektif Çalışma

Objective: The study was carried out to examine the symptoms and laboratory and thoracic computed tomography findings of COVID-19-positive healthcare professionals in northeastern Turkey. &#x0D; Material and Method: The sample of this descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study consisted of 146 healthcare professionals who had positive COVID-19. Data were collected using electronic data from the hospital information management system and the personal health records of healthcare professionals. &#x0D; Results: 50.6% of COVID-19-positive healthcare professionals were symptomatic, 49.4% were asymptomatic, 52.7% of nurses, midwives, and health officers, and those who were symptomatic experienced the most cough, muscle-joint pain, and fatigue. Healthcare workers had a high leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet mean, C reactive protein, and D-dimer, and 24.1% had COVID-19-compatible thorax computed tomography. Symptomatic healthcare professionals had a lower median of leukocyte and a higher median of C reactive protein and procalcitonin compared to asymptomatic healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals with COVID-19 compatible thorax computed tomography had a lower leukocyte, median, and platelet mean, lower high C reactive protein median, and higher D-dimer median. &#x0D; Conclusion: The study found that half of the healthcare professionals are symptomatic, and leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, C reactive protein, and platelet values affect the development of COVID-19-compatible thoracic computed tomography. The results can be used as a knowledge base for research and by health workers and institutional authorities to implement methods to improve prevention levels.

Relación entre la conciencia de madres y padres sobre el abuso sexual y las habilidades de los niños para decir «no»

IntroductionChild sexual abuse is a global and multidimensional social problem and causes devastating and permanent psychological, emotional, cognitive, behavioural, physical, sexual and interpersonal sequelae. This study examines the relationship between the ability to say «no» and parental awareness of sexual abuse in 4th grade primary school students. MethodsThe study was conducted between April 2022 and June 2022 in primary schools in the central district of a province in north-eastern Turkey. The sample consisted of 310 students enrolled in 4th grade and their parents. We collected the data through a personal information form, the ability to say «no» scale for children and the sexual abuse awareness scale for parents. ResultsThere was a weak positive correlation between the mean maternal scores of sexual abuse awareness and the mean scores of refusal and resistance in children (P˂.05), as well as a weak positive correlation between the mean paternal scores of sexual abuse awareness and the mean scores of refusal and resistance in children (P˂.05). ConclusionAs mothers’ and fathers’ awareness of sexual abuse myths and of teachings and actions to combat sexual abuse increased, the refusal of children also increased. Also, as fathers’ awareness of the signs of sexual abuse increased, children's refusal increased.

Geochemical characteristic of the Lutetian black shale (Bayburt, NE-Turkey): amount, nature, origin of organic matter and palaeo-environment conditions

Abstract To define the amount, thermal maturity and type of organic matter (OM), a comprehensive analysis of major and trace elements, organic carbon isotope and organic geochemistry was conducted on Lutetian black shales found in the Everek (Bayburt) region of northeastern Turkey. Total organic carbon (TOC) levels in the shale samples range from 0.62% to 6.75%, and type II–III to type III kerogen is generated, displaying a combination of high terrigenous and low marine OM. The δ13C values (ranging from –28.22‰ to –28.23‰), aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (methyl phenanthrene, dibenzothiophene, tri-aromatic and monoaromatic steroids), saturated hydrocarbon compounds (sterane and terpane), acyclic isoprenoids, n-alkane distribution (n-C13–n-C36) and inorganic geochemical characterization support that the black shales were deposited in a terrestrial-marine transition environment and had a high proportion of terrestrial OM with small amounts of marine OM preserved in relatively arid to hot climate and oxic to suboxic conditions. The analysis of biomarker thermal maturity markers, Tmax (ranging from 449–458 oC) and estimated vitrinite reflectance (varying from 0.92 to 1.08%) values suggest that the black shales have reached the oil window. As a result, black shales are thought to contain low to high amounts of TOC, have a mixed kerogen type, reach a high thermal maturity level and produce little hydrocarbons.

A geochemical perspective on the genesis of Cenozoic basic volcanism in northeastern Turkey: an overview of metasomatism and heterogeneity of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle in a post-collisional setting

A geochemical perspective on the genesis of Cenozoic basic volcanism in northeastern Turkey: an overview of metasomatism and heterogeneity of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle in a post-collisional setting

The application of biosecurity practices for preventing avian influenza in North-Eastern Italy turkey farms: An analysis of the point of view and perception of farmers

IntroductionItalian and international outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), particularly in densely populated poultry areas (DPPAs), have increased over the past few decades. These emerging risks, which endanger both human and animal health and the entire poultry industry, can be effectively limited by biosecurity measures implemented at human-animal food chain interfaces. Some problems, however, persist in the application of these measures on the part of poultry farmers, prompting the need to explore those aspects and causes that limit their implementation. Material and methodsA qualitative approach was selected for the study and a semi-structured interview technique was applied to collect data among turkey farmers (n = 29) working in the north-east of Italy. The aim of this technique was to gather data on farms in order to understand the biosecurity practices adopted and the reasons for and impediments to farmer implementation, or lack thereof. This article presents and discusses the main data collected. ResultsThe study revealed that farmers were familiar with the biosecurity measures necessary to contain avian influenza (AI) and other poultry diseases; personal disinfection and animal isolation practices were particularly prominent. Based on the reported procedures, managerial, economic, and psychosocial factors were among the barriers behind the failure to implement biosecurity measures. These obstacles were variously intertwined and associated with the different action settings. In particular management factors, such as lack of time to apply the rules and difficulties contingent on the farm’s structural characteristics, mediate the application of biosecurity measures. In terms of communication channels, the company, particularly its technicians, proved to be the primary source of information for farmers in case of emergencies, as well as the primary source of information on the application of biosecurity measures. However, other sources of information were indicated, such as word of mouth among farmers or other non-institutional figures (relatives and acquaintances). ConclusionsWhat emerged, was the need to improve not only the biosecurity management skills, but also to implement forms of cooperation among the various key stakeholders in the poultry sector. The information presented in this pilot study needs to be discussed among competent authorities, public and company veterinarians, company technicians, and farmers. Furthermore, this information will help in participatory co-planning of risk prevention and communication strategies to implement a long-term, sustainable, effective approach to address future epidemic emergencies.

Late Pliocene Gilbert Type Delta and Early Pleistocene Drainage System Changes in the Erzurum Basin, NE Turkey

Erzurum intermontane basin in north-eastern Turkey experienced terrigenous and carbonate sedimentation in Mio-Pleistocene. A Gilbert-type delta is described in the west of the basin. The delta deposits are dated to Late Pliocene based on bio- and magnetostratigraphy. The eroded surface of the delta is overlain by pebbles dated to Early Pleistocene by archaeological finds. The Erzurum Basin is the westernmost member in a row of intermontane basins that continues to the east with the Pasinler, Horasan, and Ararat basins that are drained by the Araxes River and its tributaries. It is likely that the paleo-Araxes River spread to the west in Late Pliocene and the studied delta was formed by its upper reaches that flowed into the water body of the Erzurum Basin. The delta deposits were covered by coarse alluvium in Early Pleistocene when the Erzurum Basin was tectonically isolated from the Araxes drainage system. In the latest Early Pleistocene or early Middle Pleistocene, the paleo-Araxes upper reaches were captured by the Euphrates River upper reaches that drain the Erzurum Basin now.

Application of Spectral Analysis and Image Processing Methods to Discriminate Hydrothermal Alteration Minerals Around the Tutakdağı (Şebinkarahisar-Giresun) Lead–Zinc Deposits, Northeastern Turkey

Application of Spectral Analysis and Image Processing Methods to Discriminate Hydrothermal Alteration Minerals Around the Tutakdağı (Şebinkarahisar-Giresun) Lead–Zinc Deposits, Northeastern Turkey

Genetic structure of Ponto-Caspian trout populations shows gene flow among river drainages and supports resident Salmo rizeensis as a genetically distinct taxon.

To assess the genetic structure of Ponto-Caspian brown trout (Salmo trutta complex) populations, we analyzed both mitochondrial DNA sequences and genotypes at 10 microsatellite loci of fish caught in the Black Sea and from nine river catchments in Georgia, flowing into either the Black or Caspian seas. The results show that: (1) there is substantial genetic differentiation among Ponto-Caspian trout populations, both among the populations of different nominal species and within those of the same species; (2) the genetic distance between conspecific populations from the Black and Caspian Sea basins exceeds that among the populations within the same basin. Moreover, within drainages, genetic distance correlates with the geographic distance; (3) the Black Sea itself is not a barrier to gene flow among the watersheds draining into the Black Sea; (4) some populations in the headwaters of the rivers draining into the Black Sea Basin fall out of this pattern and likely form a separate, non-anadromous (resident) taxon, previously described from northeastern Turkey as Salmo rizeensis. This hypothesis is supported by mitochondrial DNA phylogeny. The presence of both anadromous and resident populations in a single river basin calls for a substantial re-thinking of speciation patterns and taxonomy of Eurasian brown trout.

Evaluation of Groundwater Vulnerability in the Upper Kelkit Valley (Northeastern Turkey) Using DRASTIC and AHP-DRASTICLu Models

This study aimed to investigate groundwater vulnerability to pollution in the Upper Kelkit Valley (NE Turkey). For this purpose, vulnerability index maps were created using the generic DRASTIC and AHP-DRASTICLu models. The latter model was suggested by adding a parameter to the DRASTIC model and weighting its parameters with the analytical hierarchy process with the GIS technique. The results showed that areas with high and very high vulnerabilities are concentrated around the Kelkit Stream, which flows from east to west in the central part of the study area. In contrast, areas with low and very low vulnerability classes are located in the northern and southern parts of the study area. To validate the model results, a physicochemical characterization of groundwater samples and their corresponding vulnerability index values were statistically compared using the Spearman correlation method. In addition, the single-parameter sensitivity method was applied to analyze the models’ sensitivities. Results revealed a stronger correlation between the vulnerability index values of the AHP-DRASTICLu model (compared to the DRASTIC model) in terms of sulfate (R2 = 0.75) and chloride (R2 = 0.76), while there was a slightly weaker correlation for the electrical conductivity (R2 = 0.65) values of the groundwater samples. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the vadose zone, aquifer media, and land use are the most influential parameters responsible for the highest variation in the vulnerability index. Generally speaking, the results indicated that the AHP-DRASTICLu model performs better than the DRASTIC model for investigating groundwater vulnerability to pollution in the Upper Kelkit Valley.