Provinces Of Turkey Research Articles

Life cycle climate performance of photovoltaic power plant for Turkey’s solar power conditions

ABSTRACT In this study, a solar power plant with an output power of 10 kW AC was designed according to the Turkish Electricity Legislation. Silicon-based photovoltaic modules were used in the design. The solar power plant’s annual and lifetime electricity generation was calculated for 81 provinces of Turkey. The study contributes significantly to the literature by evaluating the environmental impacts of energy sources in a more realistic way. According to the electricity generation calculations, the power plant in Trabzon generates a minimum of 13,037 kWh of electricity per year. In comparison, the power plant in Antalya generates a maximum of 18,562 kWh. Over the plant’s life, Antalya will generate 464,040 kWh of electricity and Trabzon will generate 325,929 kWh. The life cycle climate performance technique was used to understand the environmental impacts during the installation phase, and these values were determined to be 5759 kgCO2. Emission values from electricity generation vary between 0.01241 and 0.01767 kgCO2 per kWh. These data provide a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impacts of solar power plants. This study contributes to the literature by investigating the potential and environmental effects of solar energy in different regions of Turkey in detail. In particular, presenting the emission values of electricity generation from photovoltaic systems for each province provides valuable data that can be used in shaping energy policies and developing environmental strategies. This unique study will provide a scientific basis for planning and implementing solar energy investments in Turkey and contribute significantly to developing energy policies and environmental strategies.

Levels of Nursing Students' Exposure to Colleague Violence and Affecting Factors: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Colleague violence experiences of students negatively affect their vocational education in the short term and their desire to stay in the profession in the long term. This study aims to determine the levels of colleague violence experienced by nursing students and the affecting factors in Türkiye. This study was conducted with second-, third-, and fourth-year nursing students (N = 703) from three state universities in three different provinces in Turkey. The data were collected using the "Student Information Form" and "The Scale of Exposure to Colleague Violence" with an online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, the Independent Samples t-test, and the ANOVA test were employed for data analysis. students' total mean score on the scale was 46.72 ± 21.30. The "exposure to verbal/psychological violence" and "effect of violence on physical and mental health" subscales were 21.62 ± 10.09 and 25.10 ± 12.02, respectively. The most common reaction to the violence they were exposed to was "remain silent" (34.7%). nursing students were exposed to moderate levels of verbal/psychological colleague violence, and students' physical and mental health were moderately affected by this violence. Most students remained silent as a response to colleague violence. This study contributed to the emergence of factors that affect and are related to colleagues' violence. The results highlighted the need for programs that educate people about colleague violence and what should be done.

Entamoeba histolytica in Different Water Sources of Niğde Province of Turkey

SummaryPurposeThis study was carried out to determine the presence of Entamoeba histolytica in water sources of Niğde province in Turkey, between June and November 2021.MethodsA total of 90 water samples were taken from 15 different water sources (drinking water, well water, spring water, wastewater and dam water) every month and the presence of E. histolytica antigens in the samples was examined by ELISA.ResultsThe positivity for E. histolytica was determined in 7 (7.7%) of 90 samples. While no antigens were found in any of the samples in June and September, E. histolytica was positive for three samples (20%) in July, one sample (6.6%) in August and October and two samples in November (13.3%). One of 24 dam samples (4.1%), 1 of 12 wastewater samples (8.3%), 1 of 12 well samples (8.3%), and 4 of 24 fountain samples (16.6%) that examined by ELISA were found positive. On the other hand, none of the examined 18 spring samples were positive. In addition, 4 (8.8%) of 45 samples that examined in summer and 3 (6.6%) of 45 samples that examined in autumn were detected positive by using ELISA. Entamoeba histolytica positivity in samples was statistically insignificant in terms of months, water resources and seasons (P > 0.05).ConclusionAs a result, the presence of E. histolytica, which is an important public health problem in water sources, was determined for the first time in Niğde province of Türkiye with this study.

The impact of disability awareness education program for typically developing children on attitudes and behaviors toward siblings with intellectual disabilities.

This study aims to investigate the impact of the "Disability Awareness Education Program" implemented for typically developing children with siblings who have intellectual disabilities on the attitudes and behaviors of these children. This study is divided into two stages. The first stage is descriptive, while the second is a quasi-experimental study consisting of pre-, post-intervention, and control groups. The study was carried out on the parents and typically developing siblings of children with intellectual disabilities studying in Special Educational Institutions in a province of Turkey. In the first phase, it was determined that 31 of 913 intellectually disabled children had siblings with typically developing aged 13-15. In the second phase, the education program was applied to typically developing siblings in the intervention group. It was concluded that the education program applied to typically developing children had a positive impact on their attitudes and behaviors toward their siblings with intellectual disabilities.

Lemonia huerrem – a new species from Turkey (Lepidoptera, Brahmaeidae)

A new species, Lemonia huerrem sp. n. is described from the Bitlis and Hakkâri provinces in Turkey. It is compared with its closely related species, Lemonia tamara Antoshin & Zolotuhin, 2013 from Iran and Lemonia ponticus Aurivillius, 1894 from Armenia and Turkey. Adult males, their genitalia, results of the phylogenic analysis and map with the collecting sites are illustrated.

Phytochemical profile, bioactivity, and molecular docking studies of natural edible mushrooms grown in Tokat and Sivas provinces of Turkey.

Mushrooms have been essential to the human diet because they contain balanced chemical components and some biologically active substances. In this work, we investigated the phenolics, essential oils, metal contents, antioxidant, antibacterial, DNA protective, and enzyme inhibition activities for Clitocybe geotropa, Ramaria aurea, Rhizopogon luteolus (RL), Russula delica (RD), Verpa bohemica, and Marasmius oreades mushrooms. Results exhibited a higher content for citric and succinic acids in all tested kinds. Further, we detected a high content of cis-9-oleic acid, linoleate, and cis-11-eicosanoate. All mushroom species contain a significant percentage of both Cu and Zn. Moreover, RL and RD recorded the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents. Furthermore, all samples showed standard to good antioxidant activity, and the same is true for the antibacterial and DNA protective activities. Enzyme inhibition activity was generally high and significantly higher against the urease than the thiourea. We applied molecular docking between the highest phenolic molecules with the urease to determine the mushroom extracts' high inhibition mechanism. In conclusion, all mushroom species revealed a variety in chemical content that is probably related to their multi-bioactivity.

The Effect of Physical Activity on Quality of Life in Refugee Children

The aim of this study was to show the relationship between the quality of life and physical activity of refugee children who came to Turkey as a result of forced migration from their home countries. The study was conducted with the voluntary participation of 100 children between the ages of 14 and 17 living in the center of Çorum province in Turkey who were admitted as refugees. The data was collected by means of a questionnaire. The "Personal Information Form" created by the researchers was used in the first part and the "High School Quality of Life Scale (HSQOLS)" was used in the second part. For the selection of statistical tests, two independent group comparisons were made using the Mann Whitney U-test, as the data were not normally distributed. Comparisons between three independent groups were carried out using the Kruskal-Wallis test, as the data were not normally distributed. To determine the different groups after the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Mann Whitney U post hoc pairwise comparison test with Bonferroni correction was used. The statistical significance level was assumed to be p0.005. Statistically significant differences were found between participants' athletic status in Turkey, athletic branch in Turkey, athletic branch in their country of origin, athletic branch in their country of origin, and athletic age and the total scale and all sub-dimensions of the LISCEC (p0.05). It is therefore hypothesized that physical activity and sport positively influence the quality of life of refugee children from different cultures in the countries where they settle and that this interaction is due to the integrative function of sport.

Comparing nuclear DNA content, pollen viability, pollen production and seed retention of lavender and lavandin

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is one of the most widely grown essential oil crops in the world. This study aimed to determine the nuclear DNA contents using flow cytometry, pollen viability using TTC (2,3,5-Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride) and IKI (Iodine Potassium Iodide) tests, pollen production quantities using hemacytometric method, and seed retention rates per spike and flower of lavender (L. angustifolia var. Raya) and lavandin (L. intermedia var. Super) grown under ecological conditions in Isparta province of Turkey. The nuclear DNA contents were 2.11 and 2.54 pg 2C-1, respectively in the lavender and lavandin cultivar. The flowers of the lavender cultivar produced abundant pollen grains (average 5800 pollen per flower and 1450 pollen per anther) with high viability (60.65-65.05%) and seed retention rate per spike (91.57% on average). The lavandin cultivar, which had very low pollen viability (1.08-3.32%) and pollen grains (average of 2350 pollen per flower and 587.5 pollen per anther) gave very low seed retention rates per spike (0.60% on average). While each flower had four ovaries with the potential to produce four nutlets, lavandin flowers produced only trace numbers (0.15% on average) of seeds. As a result, the lavandin cultivar had more nuclear DNA content, longer stem and spike, smaller size but more numerous flowers, less and lighter anthers, lower pollen grains and viability, and vey few inviabile seeds compared to the lavender cultivar. It has been observed by eye that honey bees do not visit lavender and lavandin flowers for collecting pollen, but solely for collecting nectar.

Structural Problems Occurring in Reinforced Concrete Drinking Water Tanks and Water Loss Prevention Methods

Water losses occur over time due to structural deformation in buried reinforced concrete tanks built to meet the drinking water needs in living spaces. It is clear that drinking water tanks must be strengthened and waterproofed to prevent tons of water loss every year. A water-repellent coating on the concrete surface of water tanks prevents water loss as well as effectively protecting the concrete and increasing its durability. Waterproofing not only provides protection, but also prolong one's life of the building. The key to success in waterproofing all engineering structures is the proper and appropriate application of the right waterproofing materials. The aim of this study is to prevent water losses due to structural problems that occur over time in four recessed rectangular prismatic reinforced concrete clean water tanks in four different locations in a province in Turkey, to extend the life of the facility and most importantly to provide cleaner potable water to human life. Water and Sewerage Administration started maintenance, repair and waterproofing works of 15,000 m3 water tanks in the city center in 2021-2022. This article, academic articles, previous practices have been researched and it is hoped to be a solution to the problems. Considering the causes of water loss in the existing water reservoir, it is hoped that it will be a guide for the construction of a new water reservoir.

Stigma perception and health fatalism in parents of children with epilepsy: A cross-sectional study

AimThe aim of this study was to examine the factors that affect stigma perceptions and health fatalism of parents of children with epilepsy in eastern Turkey, the relationship between these and the impact of these on their social lives. MethodThis descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2022 and January 2023 with the parents of children under the age of 18 who had been diagnosed with epilepsy for at least 1 year and who were followed up in the only hospital with a paediatric neurology outpatient clinic in Van province of Turkey. No sample selection was made in the study. Healthy parents (n = 123) who presented to the outpatient clinic within the specified time period and who agreed to participate in the study after being explained the purpose of the study participated in the study. ResultsIn this study, parental age was found to have a statistically weak positive correlation with Health Fatalism Scale (HFS) (r = 0.251; p = 0.005). A weak positive correlation was also found between the years patients had epilepsy and Parent Stigma Scale (PSS) (r = 0.275; p = 0.002). In addition, a statistically positive and weak relationship was found between Parent Stigma Scale scores and Health Fatalism Scale scores (r = 0.212; p = 0.018). This study found significant relationships between stigma perception and health fatalism in parents of epileptic children. Stigma perception increased with disease duration and lower parental education levels. ConclusionWhile providing an important basis for understanding the difficulties experienced by parents and developing support mechanisms, the present study can contribute to more informed support for parents of patients with epilepsy in the community. Nurses can contribute to ending stigma and discrimination by identifying patients' and parents’ perceptions of epilepsy, focusing on addressing gaps in knowledge and raising awareness in the community.

The effect of project approach-based science education program on problem-solving skills of preschool children

In this study, the effect of project approach-based science “education program on problem-solving skills” of preschool children attending a kindergarten was investigated. The study was conducted with a quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest control group at a kindergarten affiliated with the “Ministry of National Education” located in a province in Turkey. The study sample consisted of 70 children (35 in the experimental group, 35 in the control group). The study data were collected through Personal Information Form and Age 4–7 “PSSS”. While the Project Approach-Based Science Education Program (PABSEP) was applied to the children in the experimental group in 28 sessions for three days a week for 10 weeks in addition to the National Education Program, the National Education Program was continued in the control group. As a result of the analyses of the data obtained, significant differences were determined between the “PS” scores of the two groups in favor of the experimental group following the education programs applied (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the PABSEP positively affected the problem-solving skills of the preschool children, and that this effect was permanent (p < 0.05).

Examination of the Life Habits of Preschool Children Based on Their Screen Use Patterns.

Children who open their eyes to a digital world begin interacting with screens in the early years of life. The interaction between screens and children starts from the very first moments of life and intensifies over time. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of screen use patterns on the life habits of preschool children. In this context, the relationships between problematic media use, eating habits, and self-care skills among preschool children are analyzed from various perspectives. Structured according to a mixed-methods research approach, this study employs both qualitative and quantitative research designs. The study group consists of 582 children continuing their education in preschool institutions across seven different regions and nine different provinces in Turkey, along with 20 of their parents. Random and non-random sampling methods were used to form the study group. Quantitative data were collected using the Problematic Media Use Measure, Children's Eating Behavior Inventory, and Preschool Children (36-72 months) Self-Care Skills Scale-Teacher Form, while qualitative data were gathered through a semi-structured parent interview form. The study results indicate that problematic media use and eating behaviors significantly vary according to the screen time of children, with an increase in problematic media use linked to a rise in negative eating behaviors. Parents are found to perceive the use of media devices during mealtime as a necessity, thus employing them, and believe that their children's social behaviors are shaped according to screen content.

Evaluation of the effects of pandemic-related fears on anxiety and depression: the mediating roles of traumatic stress and loneliness

BackgroundThe detrimental mental health effects which emerged from COVID-19 have profoundly affected healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating effects of traumatic stress and loneliness on the fears of contracting and dying from COVID-19, and anxiety and depression of HCWs during the pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was completed by HCWs in a province of Turkey. The Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Impact of Events Scale-Revised and numerical rating scales (for fears of COVID-19 and loneliness) were used and a bootstrap approach was used in the analyses with SPSS PROCESS macro software.ResultsOf the HCWs evaluated, 150 (34.4%) were doctors, with a mean duration of work experience of 10.6 ± 7.5 years. The results indicated that fear of contracting COVID-19 was directly related to anxiety (β = 0.244, p < 0.001) and depression (β = 0.135, p < 0.01) and that traumatic stress and loneliness mediated the relationships between the fear of contracting COVID-19 and anxiety (β = 0.435, p < 0.001; β = 0.235, p < 0.001, respectively) and depression (β = 0.365, p < 0.001; β = 0.294, p < 0.001, respectively). The fear of dying from COVID-19 was determined to be directly associated with anxiety (β = 0.190, p < 0.001) but not with depression (β = 0.066, p = 0.116), and traumatic stress and loneliness mediated the relationships between the fear of dying from COVID-19 and anxiety (β = 0.476, p < 0.001; β = 0.259, p < 0.001, respectively) and depression (β = 0.400, p < 0.001; β = 0.311, p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsThe study results demonstrated the important roles of traumatic stress and loneliness in exacerbating the negative consequences of fears of COVID-19 on anxiety and depression, and provide insights for identifying HCWs at greater risk.

Economic Analysis of Land Consolidation Project: Kızılcabölük Neighborhood, Tavas- Denizli- Turkey Province

In this study, the land consolidation project in Denizli Tavas District Kızılcabölük Neighborhood, the economic effects of the consolidation on the neighborhood, were examined by making economic analyzes. The data to be used in the economic analyzes were obtained from the consolidation maps and lists, and at the end of the interviews with farmers. While making the analysis, vegetable production variable, labor input variable, water input variable and fertilizer input variables were used. The economic profitability of consolidation was found by bringing together the obtained variables. The agricultural areas, which were 1292 hectares with consolidation, decreased to 1255 hectares with the cuts made. On the other hand, with the consolidation, an annual profit of $ 2,591,825 was obtained at the project area. It is seen that the most important factor in increasing profitability in the project area is the change in product variety. With the land consolidation, the irrigation system was came to the agricultural areas. Farmers that provide easy and more convenient access to water have turned to corn with high profitability. This situation has led to an increase in the plant production value in the project area.

Experiences of Visually Impaired Mothers in Childcare and Their Expectations from Nurses.

Background and Purpose: Research on the childcare experiences of visually impaired mothers and their expectations from nurses in this context is relatively scarce. This study aims to explore the experiences of visually impaired mothers in caring for their children, as well as their expectations from nurses during this process. The goal is to provide strategic recommendations for nurses based on these expectations. Methods: The study utilized a phenomenological design and employed a qualitative methodology. Data for this study were collected in six different provinces of Turkey between March 2019 and May 2020. The study group consisted of 25 visually impaired mothers with nondisabled children aged 0-18 years. Results: The analysis yielded four themes: "Postpartum Emotions and Care at 0-1 Years," "Hygienic Care of the Child," "Experiences in the Child's Illness," and "Nursing Support: Expectations of Visually Impaired Mothers." While the first three themes are associated with childcare, the fourth theme encompasses both the expectations from nurses and recommendations for visually impaired mothers. The study found that visually impaired mothers had unique experiences and either received assistance or developed childcare strategies. However, it was observed that nurses struggled to empathize with visually impaired mothers, and efforts to address their specific needs were limited. Implications for Practice: Pediatric nurses should develop methods to facilitate childcare for visually impaired mothers. Successful outcomes in this field depend on nurses collaborating with visually impaired mothers and providing them with ongoing support.

Leader Member Exchange as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Schools’ Openness to Change and Political Skills of School Principals

In today’s competitive and complex environment, school leaders require social influencing skills to mobilize schools to enable them to adapt to change. The schools’ openness to change (SOC) is affected by the direction and strength of relationships between teachers and principals in the school. In particular, the political skills of school principals can play a prominent role in mobilizing employees for change. This research investigates the impact of school principals’ political skills on schools’ openness to change, with a focus on the mediating role of leader member exchange (LMX) quality. The sample group was obtained by simple random sampling from 613 state teachers working in the Kocaeli province in Turkey in the 2019 to 2020 academic year. This study is based on quantitative data collected through the “Leader-Member Exchange Scale,”“Schools’ Openness to Change Scale,” and “Political Skill Inventory.” The measurement models of the latent variables (political skill, LMX, and SOC) were confirmed via running Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Afterward, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the structural model. The results reveal that the political skills of school principals significantly predict the SOC and the LMX. Political skills of school principals affect schools’ openness to change positively, and leader-member exchange positively effects the relationship between political skills and openness to change. It’s recommended that activities supporting the quality of leader member interactions in schools be carried out.

Resilience among Turkish adolescents: A multi-level approach.

The objective of this study is to determine the components that contribute to psychological resilience in adolescents and to determine if physical exercise, emotion control, or self-efficacy are more effective predictors of resilience. Data from participants was collected through a personal information form, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, the Self-Efficacy Scale for Children, the Emotion Regulation Scale for Children and Adolescents, and the Psychological Resilience Scale for Children and Adolescents. The data were gathered online from 16 out of the 81 provinces in Turkey, representing 7 different regions, using convenience sampling. The study sample comprised 505 adolescents, with 309 females and 196 males. The average age of the participants was 15.66 years, with a standard deviation of 1.34. The data obtained from the students was analyzed using SPSS 27.0 statistical software. The Chi-Square test was employed to establish the correlation between the demographic features of adolescents and their levels of physical activity. The relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable was determined using correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analysis. According to the analyzed results, there was a substantial positive correlation between physical activity and resilience, reappraisal and resilience, and self-efficacy and resilience. In addition, it was noted that physical activity alone explains 4.8% of the overall variation in resilience and is a significant predictor of resilience. The inclusion of reappraisal in the model resulted in a partial prediction of resilience by physical activity. However, the primary strength of the model was attributed to reappraisal. The inclusion of self-efficacy in the model resulted in a significant prediction of resilience, accounting for 36.8% of the total variance. The self-efficacy variable had a higher impact level compared to the other variables. Furthermore, the inclusion of self-efficacy in the model resulted in the elimination of the influence of physical activity on resilience. The research conclusions point out that self-efficacy has a greater impact on psychological resilience compared to physical activity and emotion regulation.

Evaluation of Bioactivity of Ethanol and Water Extracts and Determination of Nutrient Concentrations of Laurel (Laurus nobilis) Plants Grown in İzmir Province

This study was conducted to determination of ethanol and water extracts obtained from the leaves of Laurus nobilis (Laurel) plant of the general content by GC-MS analysis, antimicrobial activities of these extracts on some microorganisms, total antioxidant levels (TAS), total oxidant levels (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) values, anti-carcinogenic effects on various cell lines and macro and micronutrient concentrations of Laurel (Laurus nobilis) plants cultivated for decorative purposes in parks and gardens of Izmir province of Turkey. TAS, TOS, and OSI values were determined with the aid of Rel Assay Diagnostics kits. In antimicrobial activity analysis, the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of the plant extracts against microorganisms was determined by microdilution broth method. Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Bacillus cereus (ATCC11778), Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) and Candida tropicalis (DSM11953) microorganisms were used in this analysis. Furthermore, cytotoxic activities of plant extracts were determined by XTT method in normal rat fibroblast cell line, HUVEC, and 2 different human cancer cell lines. At the end of the study, it was found that ethanol and water extracts of the Laurel plants had no antimicrobial activity, low oxidative stress index and good antioxidant activity, and moderate cytotoxic activity on experimented cell lines. Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (P), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn) and Copper (Cu) concentrations of plant extracts were respectively identified as 1.68% N, 0.72% P, 1.12% K, 2.40% Ca, 0.45% Mg, 147.4 mg/kg Fe, 13.6 mg/kg Zn, 326.3 mg/kg Mn and 27.8 mg/kg Cu.

Evaluation of Camel Wrestling in Türkiye in terms of Ethics and Animal Protection Legalisation

It was aimed to investigate the legal competence of camel wrestling, which has a long history in Turkey, with the Animal Protection Law No. 5199 and the Regulation of the Camel Wrestling Federation, which was established by camel breeders and organized wrestling. Among the findings; The data of the survey conducted with camel breeders in Aydın, İzmir and Muğla provinces of Turkey, where camel wrestling is widely practiced, are included. The data obtained in the analysis of the questionnaire made on the basis of verbal and volunteerism with 35 camel riders whose camels participated in these wrestling; are presented in tables as means, frequency distribution and percentages. To the question "What is your reason for participating in camel wrestling?"; Answers 45.7% cultural heritage, 31.4% entertainment and 22.9% tradition has been given. Again, “Are animals treated in accordance with animal rights in camel wrestling?” While 74.3% answered “Yes” to the question, it was seen that the answer was “I don't know” with 25.7%. The legal status of this event has been evaluated by comparing it with similar animal competitions &amp; fights in the world. The subject was interpreted holistically within the framework determined by the Animal Rights Law No. 5199, which is in force in Turkey, and in the perspective of animal ethics. It has been concluded that the use of animals as shows, festivals, culture, tradition and folkloric doesn't directly overlap with the "the principle of beneficialness", of the ethical principles, and a special regulation is needed in the laws.

MODELING THE FACTORS INFLUENCING SECONDARY STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE IN STEM SUBJECTS

STEM education plays a key role in influencing and orienting students' interests towards STEM fields and careers. This influence is multifaceted, involving not only STEM content and experiences but also teachers, schools, and personal factors. The purpose of this study is to explore the factors impacting the academic performance of 951 tenth grade students in STEM subjects (physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and information technologies) who are attending public and private schools in two provinces of Turkey. Using a correlational research model, the study assessed how students' personal characteristics, teacher effectiveness and school characteristics affect achievement in STEM courses. Data were collected using the ‘Factors Affecting STEM Achievement Questionnaire (FA-STEM-A)’, a 20-item questionnaire divided into three sub-dimensions. Analyses focused on the relationships between student characteristics, teaching quality, school infrastructure and STEM performance. Structural equation modelling revealed that positive student characteristics, especially fondness for STEM subjects and confidence in STEM abilities, moderately increase achievement. In contrast, negative factors attributed to teachers and schools, such as inadequate classroom activities, lack of educator expertise, inadequate technological resources, and large class sizes, hindered student performance. These findings emphasize the important influence of both inherent student qualities and external educational conditions in determining STEM education. Keywords: STEM achievement, secondary students, STEM subjects, structural equation modeling