Northwest Turkey Research Articles

Site response analysis by generating a new 3d mesh design with surface topography: a 3d site response analysis of northwest Turkey

Predicting soil behavior under dynamic load due to earthquakes is pivotal for engineering structures and human life. Due to various limitations, such as insufficient computers and difficulties in generating models, the third-dimension effect is generally neglected in many studies. Conversely, the third-dimension effect in regions with high topographic differences, deep basins, three-dimensional heterogeneous and anisotropic environments, and alluvium is at a level that cannot be neglected. This study created a three-dimensional model of the northwest of Turkey for the first time by including surface topography. Soil properties were added to this model, and dynamic analysis was performed. This new model aims to increase the accuracy of ground motion predictions in Northwest Turkey. The accuracy of this model was analyzed using real earthquake data recorded in the study area. In addition, a new software (SiteEffect3D) with various features has been developed to create a three-dimensional mesh with topography using digital elevation model data and to perform dynamic analysis more effectively. This software has been tested comparatively with “Plaxis 3D” software using synthetic terrain models. The importance of this study is that in addition to its contributions to site response analysis and seismic hazard assessment, new software has been developed that can be used in similar studies. The findings will provide valuable information for seismic design and construction practices and facilitate the development of more effective strategies to reduce the potential damage from earthquakes in the region.

From bowls to pots: The dairying revolution in Northwest Turkey, a view from Barcın Höyük, 6600 to 6000 BCE

Research has identified Northwest Turkey as a key region for the development of dairying in the seventh millennium BCE, yet little is known about how this practice began or evolved there. This research studies Barcın Höyük, a site located in Bursa’s Yenişehir Valley, which ranges chronologically from 6600 BCE, when the first evidence of settled life appears in the Marmara Region, to 6000 BCE, when Neolithic habitation at the site ceases. Using pottery sherds diagnostic by vessel category and type, this paper aims at identifying which ones may have been primarily used to store, process, or consume dairy products. Organic residue analysis of selected samples helped address the process of adoption and intensification of milk processing in this region over time. The lipid residue data discussed in this paper derive from 143 isotopic results subsampled from 173 organic residues obtained from 805 Neolithic potsherds and suggest that bowls and four-lugged pots may have been preferred containers for processing milk. The discovery of abundant milk residues even among the earliest ceramics indicates that the pioneer farmers arrived in the region already with the knowhow of dairying and milk processing. In fact, these skills and the reliance on secondary products may have given them one of the necessary tools to successfully venture into the unfarmed lands of Northwest Anatolia in the first place.

Soil profile development of the Korudağı toposequence, northwest Turkey

Soil profile development of the Korudağı toposequence, northwest Turkey

Cancer screening behaviors and health literacy levels of women aged 30 and over in the northwest Turkey

Cancer screening behaviors and health literacy levels of women aged 30 and over in the northwest Turkey

Radioactivity of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in soil in Northwest part of Turkey: assessment of radiological impacts

Abstract The surface soil samples were collected from Northwest Turkey. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were measured using an HPGe gamma-spectroscopy system. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the soils were found to be in the range of 11.78 ± 1.12–43.89 ± 14.94, 3.19 ± 2.01–88.22 ± 0.92, 362.81 ± 5.94–829.27 ± 12.38 Bq kg−1 d.w., respectively. The Surfer program was used to obtain 3-dimensional maps of the specific activities. Radium Equivalent Activity (Raeq), Absorbed Gamma Dose Rate (D), Annual Effective Dose Equivalent (AEDE), The Excess Life Time Cancer Risk (ELCR), External (H ex) and Internal (H in) Hazard Indexes, Annual Gonadal Dose Equivalent (AGDE), and Activity Utilization Index (AUI) were calculated and compared with the recommended values. Pearson’s correlation analysis (PCA) and factor analysis (FA) were utilized to analyze the data and indicate between the radiological parameters. The analysis showed that the total radiation was mainly caused by 226Ra and 232Th.

Experiences of patients’ primary caregivers with tracheostomy suctioning before discharge

PurposeThis study aimed to determine the experiences of primary caregivers of patients with tracheostomies on the tracheostomy suctioning procedure. MethodsThis is a semi-structured qualitative study of 11 primary caregivers of patients with tracheostomies in one university hospital in a province in northwest Turkey. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview technique with the primary caregivers of the patients and interviews were audio-recorded. The content of the audio recordings obtained during each interview was evaluated by the researchers using the content analysis method. The data were categorized, coded, and analyzed by creating themes and sub-themes. ResultsThe experiences of primary caregivers with tracheostomy suctioning before discharge were classified under three themes and 11 sub-themes. The study's main themes were emotional reactions, information needs, and caring responsibility. Caregivers showed either positive or negative emotions when performed tracheostomy suctioning on their patients. Insufficient information on the patient care and recovery process were mostly emphasized topic by caregivers. Such that they express the knowledge deficiency on tracheostomy suctioning and counseling provided either by nurses/physicians. Thus compete with difficulties ends up with feelings of pressure and avoidance of caring responsibility. ConclusionCaregivers lack of knowledge and poor skills on tracheostomy suctioning ends up with fear, anxiety, and obstacles on patient caring. Implementing individualized education, supporting patients and their caregivers on tracheostomy suctioning, and following up on caregivers’ abilities are valuable interventions.

Spatial distribution and health risk assessment for heavy metals of the soils around coal-fired power plants of northwest Turkey

Spatial distribution and health risk assessment for heavy metals of the soils around coal-fired power plants of northwest Turkey

Modeling Development and Validation of Metaverse Attitude Scale

This study is an attempt to develop a reliable and valid measurement tool to measure secondary school students' attitudes towards metaverse use. Therefore, the study reported the analyses related to metaverse attitude scale (MVAS). The content validity of the scale was ensured by an expert’s view, and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) designed according to the Technology Adaptation Model (TAM) were employed to ensure its construct validity. . The structural equation model was used to reveal the relationship across the variables. EFA was carried out with the data obtained from 251 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade secondary school students enrolled in public schools in a city in northwest Turkey. The results of EFA confirmed a 22-item three-factor model. Then, the three-factor model obtained from EFA was cross-validated through the use of CFA that proposed a 21-item 3-factor model. The fit indices for CFA were found as .05 for RMSEA, .049 for SRMR, .889 for GFI, .871 for AGFI, .9146 for NFI, .965 for CFI, and .916 for RFI. Besides, the results affirmed the proposed 21-item three-factor model theoretically and statistically. Structural equation modeling was used to determine the relationship across variables. Accordingly, secondary school students were identified to have positive responses towards cognitive and affective fields related to the metaverse. However, they could not transform these responses into behavioral field. As a result, the metaverse may be used in education since it is likely to observe the independent variables such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and attitude towards use regarding the metaverse in secondary school students.

Soil Properties in Sloping and Flat Olive Orchards in Rainfed Mediterranean Conditions

ABSTRACT Olives have traditionally been grown for years in northwest Turkey on sloping areas where the use of mechanization is difficult. However, in recent years, it has been encouraged to spread olives in flat areas that are more suitable for mechanization. This study was conducted to determine the soil properties of two traditional olive orchards with no-tillage on the sloping and tillage on the flat for two years. The results showed that the bulk density and penetration resistance of flat orchard at 30–40 cm were 1.70 g cm−3 and 2.10 MPa, and the corresponding values for sloping were 1.24 and 1.56, while the values were lower between 0 and 20 cm soil depths of both orchards. Oxygen diffusion rate remained at threshold level in all soil depths in two orchards, but it was found higher with 110.25 µg m−2 s−1 in sloping compared to 85.50 µg m−2 s−1 in flat. All nutrients were found to be generally insufficient in both orchards. Over the average of two years, N remained below the threshold level for flat and sloping with 1198.15 and 1004.50 mg kg−1, respectively, while the corresponding values of 11.56 and 10.86 mg kg−1 for P were found to be within normal ranges. Overall, at the regional scale where olives represent a very high proportion of agricultural land, the use of no-tillage practices seems promising, which means the sustainability of the olive.

The Geodynamic Implications of Passive Margin Subduction in Northwest Turkey

AbstractThe number of subduction zones that facilitated the northward translation of the Anatolide‐Tauride continental terrane derived from Gondwana to the southern margin of Eurasia at the longitude of western Turkey is debated. We hypothesized that if two north dipping subduction zones facilitated incipient collision in western Turkey, a late Cretaceous arc would have formed within the Neotethys and along the southern margin of Eurasia. To determine if an island arc formed within the Neotethys we investigated the sedimentary record of the Central Sakarya basin, which was deposited along the southern margin of Eurasia from 85 to 45 million years ago. Detrital zircon deposited within the lower levels of the Central Sakarya basin (the Değirmenözü Formation) are associated with south to north‐directed paleocurrents and exhibit a unimodal late Cretaceous age peak sourced from isotopically juvenile mantle melts. Zircon maximum depositional ages from the Değirmenözü Formation cluster between 95 and 90 Ma and are 5–10 Myr older than biostratigraphic depositional ages. Between 95 and 80 Ma, a 12‐unit shift from mantle to crustal derived εHf values occurs in the overlying Yenipazar Formation. We explain the absence of Paleozoic, Eurasian‐sourced detrital zircon, the rapid shift from mantle to crustal derived εHf values, and lag time in terms of passive margin subduction within an isolated intra‐oceanic subduction zone, whose island arc was reworked from south to north into the Central Sakarya basin during incipient collision. Thus, widely outcropping late Cretaceous plutonic rocks within Eurasia must have belonged to an additional convergent margin.

Dairy farmers' risk attitudes and their perceptions towards environmental risks in Northwest Turkey

This study aims to determine the factors that affect dairy farmers' risk attitudes and their perceptions towards environmental risks in Northwest Turkey. By the proportional sampling method, data were collected from 381 dairy farmers. The survey was performed from September 2020 to June 2021. The study data were evaluated by descriptive statistics, risk matrix method, equally likely certainty equivalent method and probit model. In this study, severe storm, excessive rainfall/flood, livestock diseases, high temperature and drought was posed an important risk for dairy farmers. The majority of them showed risk aversion behaviour. Age, education level, household size, dairy farming experience, the number of dairy cattle, the land ownership status, livestock insurance and access of agricultural credits had a significant effect on risk perceptions and attitudes of dairy farmers. As a result, these findings are expected to ensure contribution to rural development, province and region economy, insurance institutions, agricultural policy makers, and further emphasizing the importance of environmental risks in dairy farming activity

SAPSIZ MEŞENİN (Quercus petrea (Matt.) Liebl) TOPRAK ORGANİK KARBON VE AZOT STOKLARI ÜZERİNDE GELİŞİM ÇAĞLARININ ETKİSİ: TAŞKÖPRÜ, KASTAMONU ÖRNEĞİ

This study aimed to determine the effects of four different development stages of sessile oak (Quercus petrea (Matt.) Liebl) stands on soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) stocks in northwest Turkey. According to the diameter at breast height (dbh), sessile oak stands were classified into four development stages namely: a development stage (<8cm), b development stage (8 to 19.9 cm), c development stage (20 to 35.9 cm) and d development stage (36 to 51.9 cm). Soil samples were taken from three different soil depths (0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm). Total 72 soil samples were collected from all development stages. Forest floor litters were also sampled from each development stage. Results showed that soil organic carbon varied significantly between the four development stages (R2=0.714, p=0.000) with the highest stocks under the d development stage (55.0 Mg ha-1) and the lowest under the b development stage (10.6 Mg ha-1). Total N stock was highest under the a development stage (3.39 Mg ha-1), whereas it was lowest under the b development stage (1.18 Mg ha-1). About 71% of SOC was deposited in the upper 30 cm of the soil. The forest floor litter also varied between the four development stages with the highest values under the b development stage and the lowest under the a development stage. As a result, the results of the study indicated that sessile oaks can play a significant role in storing organic carbon and nitrogen in the soil. On the other hand, amounts of SOC and TN stocks can be significantly varied according to stand development stages.

Do primary and secondary host plants affect aphid- parasitoid interactions in fruit orchards?

The aim of this study was to investigate how the primary (PHP) and secondary host plants (SHP) in the fruit orchards affect the interactions of aphids and their parasitoids in northwest Turkey during spring and summer 2020 and 2021. In total, 67 tritrophic aphid-parasitoid-host plant interactions, including new association records for Europe and Turkey, were obtained from 16 parasitoid species from the subfamily Aphidiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) reared from 25 aphid species (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on 22 PHP and SHP in the fruit orchards. Also, we evaluated the effect of the PHP and SHP on the parasitoids, aphids and their interactions. We revealed that the species richness and the values of the biodiversity indices of the parasitoids and aphids were significantly higher on the SHP than the PHP. Similarly, the aphid-parasitoid interactions on the SHP showed greater diversity than the PHP. The results of this study clearly show that the interactions of parasitoids and aphids in the fruit orchards were more diverse on the SHP compared to the PHP.

Suitable site selection by using full consistency method (FUCOM): a case study for maize cultivation in northwest Turkey.

The agricultural land evaluation procedure is a valuable guide for growing plants where they are best suitable, and it has a critical role in actualizing sustainable plans for providing food security for the growing population. In agricultural land suitability analysis, different multi-criteria decision-making methods are applied. The main objective of this study is to introduce the potential usage of a new multi-criteria decision-making method the Full Consistency Method (FUCOM) in agricultural land suitability analysis. The study was carried out in the northern part of the Karamenderes plain in NW Turkey. Nine land characteristics (soil texture, soil depth, organic matter content, electrical conductivity, pH, slope, drainage, CaCO3%, and cation exchange capacity) were used for the land evaluation study. The weighting values of the land characteristics were calculated by the FUCOM. According to the results, 223ha (6.26%) were highly suitable, 2650ha (74.40%) were moderately suitable, 508ha (14.26%) were marginally suitable, and 181ha (5.08%) were not suitable for maize cultivation. The weighted values of the parameters were also tested with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Best-Worst Method (BWM). There is a general compatibility between the methodologies. The data obtained from these methods showed that analysis consists of a very positive relationship with each other. The comparisons of these methodologies showed that FUCOM's prioritization order simplicity in parameter weighting and ability to reduce the processing intensity would provide a significant contribution and advantage to the land evaluation experts and planners. It is recommended that the Full Consistent Method could be reliably used in agricultural land suitability analysis.

Effects of Land Use Types and soil Depths on Soil Organic Carbon and Total Nitrogen Stocks of Karacabey Floodplain Forests in Northwest Turkey

To evaluate soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) stocks of ash, alder and oak tree stands in Karacabey floodplain forest and adjacent Calabrian pine forest, grassland, cropland and sand dune in relation to soil depths (0-130 cm), a study in three replicate sites for each tree and the adjacent sites was carried out in northwest Turkey. The results indicated that among the tree species, alder stands had the greatest SOC (3.97%) and TN (0.328%) and total accumulation of SOC (405 Mg ha-1) and TN (34.4 Mg ha-1), followed by ash tree (3.11%, 0.302%, 393 Mg ha-1 and 26.2 Mg ha-1 respectively) and oak (2.43%, 0.220%, 293 Mg ha-1 and 28.6 Mg ha-1 respectively). However, the grassland showed the highest cumulative SOC densities within 0-130 cm depth (678 Mg ha-1) compared to the tree species. It also showed higher TN densities (27.5 Mg ha-1) than the ash tree and the Calabrian pine stands, whereas lower than the alder and oak stands. The sand dunes showed the lowest SOC and TN values. Compared to the soil depth of 0–30 cm, mean SOC and TN stored in 30–130 cm soil depth accounted for 58% and 40% in ash stands, 41% and 45% in alder stands, 52% and 56% in oak stands, 57% and 66% in Calabrian pine stands respectively. Thick alluvial soil and dry climate in the region could be responsible for the better root system development, and thus much higher SOC and TN stocks into deeper soil layers.

Fault displacement analysis using a multidisciplinary approach on the Gerede Segment of the North Anatolian Fault Zone

The North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) is the world's most seismically significant strike-slip fault and Turkey's most active tectonic structure. A segment of NAFZ known as Gerede is located in northwest Turkey. It is debatable whether the Gerede segment of the NAFZ exhibits evidence of tectonic creep formation. The movement of the Gerede Segment of the NAFZ was investigated using various methods in this study. The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and soil mechanics-based methods were used in the Gerede Segment of the NAFZ for fault displacement analysis using a multidisciplinary approach. The GNSS technique is widely used in geodynamics-kinematics and cartography studies of earth crust movements, as well as in determining deformations during earthquake periods and as a source of data in defining geological and atmospheric phases. By establishing a GNSS network composed of regional or geodetic station points around the fault zone, it is possible to determine the deformations, velocities, and possible seismic slip rates of permanent GNSS stations on this network. The shear box test is used in soil mechanics to determine the shear strength parameters c and φ. A shear box test is performed to determine the pattern of fault movement (seismic or aseismic) and to determine the shear strength parameters (c, φ). An undisturbed block sample from a paleoseismology trench was used for a consolidated drained (CD) type shear box test. It was found that the fault movement near the Gerede Segment was not creeping. This study makes a new contribution to the debate on whether the Gerede Segment's movement pattern is creep or seismic.

Distribution of marine benthic diatoms on the coasts of the sea of Marmara and their responses to environmental variables

The Sea of Marmara, located in northwest Turkey, comprises challenging environmental conditions and is an important bridge between the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea. In this study, we assessed the trophic situation of the coasts of the Sea of Marmara using the benthic diatom composition and their relation to the environmental variables in the spring and autumn of 2019 and 2020. A total of 120 samples were collected and 452 species were observed; Navicula Bory and Nitzschia Hassal were represented with the highest numbers of taxa. Analysis of Similarity (ANOSIM) revealed that diatom communities differed significantly between the spring-autumn periods and years. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) showed that diatoms grouped under water, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and TIN influence. TRIX observations revealed a highly mesotrophic-eutrophic status along the coasts. Our study contributes to the knowledge of diatom diversity, distribution and community changes in spring and autumn on the coasts Sea of Marmara. Our findings suggest that marine benthic diatoms could be used as eutrophication indicators in the coastal waters for long-term monitoring with the support of environmental parameters.

Diversity and interactions of the parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) of aphids from a lagoon habitat in northwest Turkey

Diversity and interactions of the parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) of aphids from a lagoon habitat in northwest Turkey

Comparisons of diatoms and fishes as toxic metal bioindicator: a case study of an A-class wetland in northwest Turkey under effect of an intensive paddy cultivation stress.

In this research, diatoms as the first step and fishes as the last step of the food chain were compared as toxic metal accumulation bioindicator in an A-class wetland in Turkey. Bioaccumulations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were determined in liver, gill and muscle tissues of two commercially consumed fish species Carassius gibelio and Cyprinus carpio and in frustules of epiphytic diatom communities living on submerged macrophytes. Samples were collected seasonally from the Gala Lake, which is among the best stopover habitats of birds migrating between Europe and Africa, considering the paddy harvest period that is a major stress factor for the ecosystem. Also, potential human health risks associated with the consumption of fishes and consumption - dermal contact of diatoms were evaluated both for summer - before paddy harvest (BPH) and autumn - after paddy harvest (APH) periods. As a result of this research, the investigated toxic metal concentrations were increased significantly in diatoms in the APH period, while less significant exchanges were recorded in fishes. The bioaccumulations of PTEs were ranked as follows: Zn > Mn > Se > Cu > B > Cr > Ni > As > Pb > Cd for C. gibelio; Zn > Mn > Se > Cu > B > Cr > As > Ni > Pb > Cd for C. carpio; and Mn > Zn > Se > Pb > B > Ni > Cr > Cu > As > Cd for diatom frustules. Although the HI values in diatoms detected in the APH period were statistically significantly higher (about 1000 times; p < 0.05) than detected in the BPH period, they were less than the limit of 1 in both seasons. However, the HI coefficients of fishes were quite higher than the limit (an average of 23.59 for C. gibelio and 19.18 for C. carpio), which means quite high probable non-carcinogenic health risks for humans. Furthermore, the CR coefficients of Cr, Ni and As in muscle tissues of fishes were considerably higher than the limit of 10-4, which reflects a significant carcinogenic health risk for consumers. The data showed that although the fishes at the top of the food chain bioaccumulate the PTEs in their tissues much higher than the diatoms at the bottom of the food chain, the diatoms are much more sensitive to changes in the environmental conditions than the fishes and they are more effective biological tools as toxic metal accumulation bioindicators.

An Investigation of Surgical Nurses' Professional Values, Ethical Sensitivity and Quality of Care: A Cross-Sectional Study From Northwest Turkey.

Nurses' professional values are closely associated with their ethical sensitivity and the quality of nursing care. The aim of this study was to determine surgical nurses' perceptions of their professional values, ethical sensitivities and quality of care, the relationship between these variables, and the factors influencing these. The sample of this cross-sectional, descriptive and relational study consisted of 231 nurses working in the surgical units of two university hospitals and a training and research hospital. The study revealed a statistically significant negative relationship between the nurses' professional values scale median score and the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire median score, and a positive significant relationship between the Nurses' Professional Values Scale median score and the Care Behaviors Scale median score. Having ethical problems in their professional lives increased the ethical sensitivity of nurses, while having a medical-vocational high school and vocational school of health services degree and participation in training/meetings about professional values and ethics increased the perception of the quality of nursing care. Awareness of professional values is crucial in providing quality nursing care that is in line with ethical principles; therefore, it is recommended that the continuity of surgical nurses' participation in training/meetings on professional values and ethics be ensured, that they be supported to become members of professional associations, and that supportive working environments be provided to improve the quality of nursing care.