Sakarya Province Research Articles

Centaurea sakariyaensis (Asteraceae), a new species from Turkey

In this paper, a new Centaurea L. (Asteraceae) species from Turkey is described and illustrated. Centaurea sakariyaensis Uysal & Dural grows on rocky crevices in Sakarya province in north-western Anatolia. It belongs to C. sect. Centaurea L. and taxonomically its closest relative is C. wiedemanniana. Diagnostic morphological characters from a very similar taxon are provided, and a key from flora of Turkey is modified that includes related species of sect. Centaurea. The geographical distribution of the new species and species of other related taxa of the same section are mapped. The chromosome number of C. sakariyaensis, 2n = 18, counted in root tips, is also reported and illustrated.

The Effect of School Administrators’ Decision-Making Styles on Teacher Job Satisfaction

This study,conducted using a correlational method, determines the relationship between school administrators’decision-making styles andteachers’ job satisfaction levels. In total, 483 teachers and 167 administrators from primary schools in Sakarya Province, Turkey,were surveyed. The short form Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire and Decision-Making Styles Questionnaire were used. The results show that the job satisfaction levels of teachers and administrators who participated in the survey were high. We conclude that administrators mostly userational decision-making style, and they rarely useavoidant decision-making style. Regression analysis results showed that teacher job satisfaction levels were predicted significantly by administrators’decision-making styles.

Hemşirelik Bölümü Staj Uygulamalarının Etkililik Düzeyine İlişkin Öğrenci Ve Rehber Hemşirelerin Görüşleri

With this research, we aim determining effectiveness of Health Professions High School students’ internship at hospitals to increase knowledge, skill and experience with the name of “Skill Training” and making recommendations for possible problems. In this context, in Sakarya Province, in 2013 – 2014 Education year, students at Anatolian Health Professions High School’s Nurse Department and nurses who take part at public hospitals form this research sampling. In this research, with the help of “Skills Training Effectiveness Survey” which is developed according to opinions of experts, students’ and nurse’s opinions have been taken. Students are generally of the opinion that “Skill Training” is more effective. Also, students think nurses aren’t willing to guidance. The internship students don’t have enough information especially at first aid and emergency response and when emergencies experienced, internship students may have important problems. At Health Professions High Schools, lack of practice and equipment is very important and so it can be suggested that increasing credits of the lessons on this field. Also, it is understood that students have negative opinions about they can’t see training teachers at training field

Investigation of the Influence of Selected Soil and Plant Properties from Sakarya, Turkey, on the Bioavailability of Trace Elements by Applying an In Vitro Digestion Model.

The main aim of this study was an investigation of the influence of selected soil and plant properties on the bioaccessibility of trace elements and hence their potential impacts on human health in urban environments. Two artificial digestion models were used to determine trace element levels passing from soil and plants to man for bioavailability study. Soil and plant samples were collected from various regions of the province of Sakarya, Turkey. Digestive process is started by addition of soil and plant samples to an artificial digestion model based on human physiology. Bioavailability % values are obtained from the ratio of the amount of element passing to human digestion to element content of soil and plants. According to bioavailability % results, element levels passing from soil samples to human digestion were B = Cr = Cu = Fe = Pb = Li < Al < Ni < Co < Ba < Mn < Sr < Cd < Na < Zn < Tl, while element levels passing from plant samples to human digestion were Cu = Fe = Ni = Pb = Tl = Na = Li < Co < Al < Sr < Ba < Mn < Cd < Cr < Zn < B. It was checked whether the results obtained reached harmful levels to human health by examining the literature.

Anti-inflammatory and ultrastructural effects of Turkish propolis in a rat model of endotoxin-induced uveitis.

Experimental animal models of acute uveitis, an inflammatory eye disease, can be established via endotoxin-induced inflammation. Propolis, a natural substance collected by honeybees from buds and tree exudates, has antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the effects of propolis, obtained from the Sakarya province of Turkey, on endotoxin-induced uveitis using immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and biochemical approaches. Male Wistar albino rats (n = 6/group) received intraperitoneal (ip) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin (150 μg/kg) followed by aqueous extract of propolis (50 mg/kg ip) or vehicle; two additional groups received either saline (control) or propolis only. After 24 h, aqueous humor (AH) was collected from both eyes of each animal for analysis of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Right eyeballs were paraffin-embedded for immunohistochemical staining of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)/p65 and left eyeballs were araldite-embedded for ultrastructural analysis. Treatment of LPS-induced uveitis with propolis significantly reduced ciliary body NF-κB/p65 immunoreactivity and AH levels of HIF-1α and TNF-α. Ultrastructural analysis showed fewer vacuoles and reduced mitochondrial degeneration in the retinal pigment epithelium, as compared to the uveitis group. The intercellular spaces of the inner nuclear layer and outer limiting membrane were comparable with those of the control group; no polymorphonuclear cells or stasis was observed in intravascular or extravascular spaces. This is the first report demonstrating an anti-inflammatory effect of Turkish propolis in a rat model of LPS-induced acute uveitis, suggesting a therapeutic potential of propolis for the treatment of inflammatory ophthalmic diseases.

Teachers’ Opinions about the Renewed Fifth Grade Mathematics Curriculum and Comparison of Two Versions

The aim of the present study was to determine mathematics teachers’ opinions about the renewed fifth grade mathematics curriculum and to investigate the new mathematics curriculum and the former one comparatively. In the current study, two qualitative research methods namely, document review and semi- structured interview methods were used. With document review, the similarities and differences between the renewed fifth grade mathematics program and the former one were discussed by comparing the two curriculums. The related documents were derived from mathematics curriculum that was published in Turkish Education Board official website. With semi structured interview form, teachers’ opinions about the new curriculum was determined. In the present study, in which the purposeful sampling was used, 18 mathematics teachers were interviewed that worked at schools depending on the Ministry of Education in Sakarya province Ferizli district. The obtained data was analyzed via descriptive statistics. According to findings, the new mathematics curriculum and the former one were similar in general, and teachers had both positive and negative opinions about the new curriculum.

Prevalence of hypertension and its association with obesity among schoolchildren aged 6–15 living in Sakarya Province in Turkey

Childhood hypertension and its association with obesity are becoming important issues worldwide. The prevalence of hypertension and obesity are growing in both developed and developing countries. This paper aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension among school-aged children in Sakarya (western part of Turkey) and to determine whether or not obesity is associated with hypertension. Twelve schools were randomly selected from an area in the center of the Sakarya. A total of 2166 students participated in the study. The students were visited at school, and their weights, heights, and blood pressures were measured. The World Health Organization references were used to determine the prevalence of overweightness, obesity, and hypertension. The prevalences of hypertension and obesity were 15.1% (n = 326) and 18.0% (n = 390), respectively. Overweightness, obesity included, was found to be present in 26.3% of the children. Sex and obesity were found to be associated with hypertension; nevertheless, a positive family history of hypertension was not associated with hypertension in children. The prevalence of obesity and hypertension are high among school children of 6-15 years of age in Sakarya. Obesity is associated with hypertension. Blood pressure measurements should be part of routine clinical examination, especially in obese children.

The relationship between hepatitis serology of ambulance attendants and duration of education.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) run the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Studies investigating the HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) serology of HCWs have been generally conducted in secondary or tertiary hospitals. In this study we aimed to determine the relationships between education level and HBV and HCV serology and HBV vaccination status of ambulance attendants. The data of this study were obtained by retrospective review of ambulance personnel files in Sakarya Province, Turkey. Out of 314 ambulance attendants, 216 (68.7%; 78 males, 138 females) were enrolled in this study. The mean length of employment in the province's ambulance service was 5.22 years. While hepatitis B surface antigen positivity was found in 3 (1.4%) workers, 147 (68%) of them were positive for hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs). The lowest HBV vaccination rate was 12.5%, in drivers. Naturally acquired immunity against HBV was again the highest in drivers (17.5%; P < 0.05). All personnel were anti-HCV-negative. Anti-HBs positivity is rather low in the province's ambulance service attendants, and positive anti-HBs status related to vaccination is associated with vocational training. Training should be performed to increase HBV awareness of ambulance attendants. Nonvaccinated personnel should be determined on the first day of employment, and regulations should be put in place to ensure their vaccination.

External Genital Anomaly and Phimosis Prevalence in Male School Children in Sakarya Province

External Genital Anomaly and Phimosis Prevalence in Male School Children in Sakarya Province

Tachinidae (Diptera) species of Sakarya Province (Turkey), with 2 new records

This study was carried out to determinate the Tachinidae fauna of Sakarya Province in 2012 and 2013. Tachinids were collected in the region by sweeping with nets from various plants. As a result of this study, 7 genera and 8 species belonging to the subfamily of Exoristinae, 5 genera and 5 species belonging to the subfamily of Tachininae, 2 genera and 2 species belonging to the subfamily of Dexiinae, and 4 genera and 6 species belonging to the subfamily of Phasiinae were found. Two species among them, Meigenia incana (Fallen, 1810) and Exorista civilis (Rondani, 1859), were recorded for the first time in Turkey.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A among Different Age Groups in Sakarya and Review of The Literature

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in all age groups in Sakarya province and to review previously presented data about HAV seroprevalence in Turkey. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the records of patients who were tested for IgG anti-HAV and Igm anti-HAV for diagnostic and screening purposes between of 01.01.2012 and 31.12.2013. Anti-HAV antibodies in serum samples were analyzed with chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMI) method (Architect i2000, Abbott). Values below 1 s/co were accepted as negative and values ≥1 s/co were considered positive. Results: IgG anti-HAV positivity was determined in 1498 (74.7%) people out of 2003 for the two-year screening period. Positivity rates were found as 29.7%, 43.4%, 57.1%, 84.8%, 96.8%, 99%, and 99.3% in the age groups 0-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60 and 61-92, respectively. IgM anti-HAV positivity was detected in 75 (4.44%) of 1693 people. IgM anti-HAV positivity rates according to age groups 0-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, and 61-92 years were 13.2%, 13.7%, 6.3%, 1%, 0%, 0%, and 0.6%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study provides information about the serological status of HAV in Sakarya. Knowledge of the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus will be guiding for establishing appropriate preventive measures and creation of vaccination programs. Besides the use of vaccines, sanitation activities, creation of healthy water sources, and improving infrastructure systems will make significant contribution toward reducing the incidence of HAV infection. The data obtained from this and similar studies will provide the opportunity to examine and compare the results of the routine HAV vaccination in the forthcoming years. (Viral Hepatitis Journal 2014; 20(3): 110-114)

Three-dimensional structure of Vp in the upper crust of the Sakarya Basin, NW Turkey

In this study, our aim is to obtain a 3-D velocity model of the Sakarya Basin and its surrounding. First of all, the various velocity models conducted previously are used as initial models and then a new model representing the region exactly is calculated. In selection of the earthquakes with particular criteria, the high-quality events are chosen to obtain reliable results. A total of 311 aftershocks located between Sakarya and Bolu provinces of the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) are selected at the end of this process and a one-dimensional P-wave velocity model is calculated. The earthquakes have been selected among the 3000 aftershocks of the 1999 Izmit earthquake recorded by the digital three-component seismometers that deployed in the section of the NAFZ remaining between Sakarya and Bolu provinces. The one-dimensional P-wave velocity model obtained in this study is used as a reference model in the tomographic inversion process to calculate the three-dimensional velocity structure of the region. Then, several three-dimensional cross sections have been generated. When those sections are examined, it is observed that the aftershocks are concentrated in the layers down to 16 km in depth. These events provide more accurate and reliable results. When 1-D velocity structure has been analyzed, it is observed that the deeper velocity structures of the initial model given the values remain constant. At this point, the P-wave velocity values in the layers starting from 4.21 to 7.23 km/s increase steadily and the velocity structure of the region is brought out as three dimensional, and its compatibility with its geology and tectonics is evaluated. By those results, while the different velocity anomalies are determined in the study areas, in particular presence of the low velocity zones are clearly seen in segments of the NAF. In this case, the region is said to be quite compatible with the geology and tectonics.

Ortaokul Öğrencilerinin Genel Kaygı Düzeyleri, Yazma Kaygıları ve Türkçe Dersine Yönelik Tutumları Arasındaki İlişki

AbstractThis study analyzed whether secondary-school students' continuous and stationary anxieties predict their anxiety about writing and their attitudes about courses in Turkish. The research participants consisted of 281 students in Sakarya Province, 58% male and 42% female. The personal descriptive survey model was used for the research. As data collection tools, the Scale of Writing Anxiety, the Continuous-Stationary Anxiety Inventory, and the Attitude Scale for Turkish Courses were used. The multiple regression method determined positive correlation between writing anxiety, and stationary and continuous anxieties. When students' writing anxiety increased, their stationary and continuous anxieties also increased. In contrast, a negative correlation was determined between writing anxiety and attitudes about Turkish courses. Furthermore, as students' writing anxiety increased, their attitudes about Turkish courses changed negatively. The research findings were discussed within the scope of writing in related fields, and suggestions to decrease students' writing anxiety were made. Finally, suggestions to prevent students' writing anxiety from negatively affecting their attitudes about Turkish courses were also included.Key WordsAnxiety of Writing, Attitudes for Turkish Course, Continuous Anxiety, Stationary Anxiety, Secondary School Students.In different studies, writing is described as the narration of feelings, thoughts, and experiences by means of different symbols within certain rules (Akta? & Gunduz, 2004; Boydak, 2004, p. 136; Co?kun, 2007, p. 50; Daly & Shamo, 1978; Demirel, 1999a, p. 59; Go?u?, 1978; Guleryuz, 2002, p. 21; ?nal, 2006; Korkmaz, 1988; Ozbay, 2006, p. 121; Yalc?n, 1999). According to Rao (2007) while writing skill encourages students to think and forces them to create and summarize new ideas, it also strengthens thinking during learning. Sociocognitive writing models emphasize the importance of the social environment on writing (Hayes, 1996; Zimmerman & Risemberg, 1997). In other words, students' interactions with their friends and classmates contribute to create convincing text (Harris, Graham, & Mason, 2006).While the act of writing can cause anxiety (Pennebaker & Beall, 1986), various other studies (Guastella & Dadds, 2008; Hemenover, 2003; Kenardy & Piercy, 2006; Pennebaker & Beall, 1986; Sloan & Marx, 2004; Sloan, Marx, & Epstein, 2005; Sloan, Marx, Epstein, & Lexington, 2007) mention (Piercy, 2006; Pennebaker & Beall, 1986; Sloan & Marx, 2004; Sloan, Marx, & Epstein, 2005; Sloan, Marx, Epstein, & Lexington, 2007) that it can decrease traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. As a therapeutic method, writing contributes to the mental health of the 28% of the population that commonly experience anxiety disorders, among other psychological diseases, during certain periods of their lives (Kessler, Chia, Demler, & Walters, 2005). Anxiety disorder affects people's lives negatively in its physical and social aspects (Hays & Morales, 2001). Moreover, studies (Harris & Coy, 2003; McCraty, 2003) show that anxiety at high levels decreases academic success. Studies also show that anxiety around language learning is related to general anxiety level (Horwitz, 2001; MacIntyre & Gardner, 1989, 1991; Woodrow, 2011) and other research (Bandura, 1986, 1997; Schunk, 2007) show that thoughts about possible failure affect one's self-sufficiency perception.Continuous anxiety is described as perception of a stressful condition as dangerous or threatening and increase in frequency of stationary sensual reactions and density and gaining continuity (Ozguven, 2000). Continuous anxiety is not observed in a person's behavior. However, it can be perceived from the intensity and frequency of stationary anxiety reactions that can be identified at different times and conditions (Oner & Le Compte, 1983).Some educational studies show that students' anxiety levels are related to perfectionistic feelings (Aldrich, 1982; Arthur & Hayward, 1997; Brown et al. …

Examination of Attitudes of the Second Grade Primary School Students to Native Language Course: Example of Turkey Sakarya

Attitude is a psychological structure which is adopted as a significant and critical predictor of individual behaviour with its cognitive, affective and behavioural dimensions. To measure attitudes in the process of learning-learning is beneficial as to learn the extant preferences of learners in order to detect the attitudes of learner in a particular period of time and foretell about the behaviour in the future, to change the attitudes or form new attitudes (Nuhoğlu, 2008). The objective of this study is to present the attitudes of primary school students to native language course in terms of different variables. In accordance with this objective, the research was conducted on 740 student who receive education in Sakarya province, Turkey during 2011-2012 school year. Turkish Language Course Attitude Scale developed by Demirel (1999:153) was applied to students in order to measure their attitudes of Turkish language course. In the analysis of data the quantitative analysis techniques were used. The quantitative data were transfered to SPSS 15.00 package program. According to result, it can be said that the attitude of students in Sakarya to Turkish language course is at medium level. The fact that the attitude of students to Turkish language course is not at the desirable level, can be assessed as an indication that Turkish language Curriculum of Primary School which is student oriented is not applied in the way to serve a purpose.

LİSE ve ÜNİVERSİTE ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN SPOR MEDYASINI İZLEME VE BAHİS OYUNU OYNAMA ALIŞKANLIKLARI

Bu arastirmanin amaci, lise ve universitelerde ogrenim goren ogrencilerin spor medyasini izleme ve bahis oyunu oynama aliskanliklarinin belirlenmesidir. Bu kapsamda ogrencilerin medyayi izleme duzeyleri ve bahis oyunu oynayip oynamadiklari da sorgulanmistir. Bolu ve Sakarya’da genel lise, Anadolu lisesi ve meslek liselerinde ogrenim goren 554 ogrenci ile Abant Izzet Baysal Universitesi ve Sakarya Universitesi’nde ogrenim goren 521 ogrenci arastirmanin orneklemini olusturmustur. Ankete katilan lise ogrencilerinin % 42’si hic bahis oyunu oynamadigini bildirirken, % 38’i ara sira, % 11’i ise duzenli olarak oynadigini bildirmistir. Bu sonuc, 18 yasindan kucuklerin bahis oyunu oynamasinin yasak oldugu Turkiye icin uzerinde dusunulmesi gereken bir durumdur. Universite ogrencilerin % 80.4’u spor medyasini takip etmektedir. Spor medyasini takip eden ogrenciler, en cok televizyondaki spor haberlerini ile spor programlarini takip etmektedir. Katilimcilarin % 33’u ara sira, % 9.2’si de duzenli olarak bahis oyunu oynamaktadirlar. Bahis oyunlarini yogun olarak erkek ogrenciler oynamaktadir. Aileleri dar gelirli universite ve lise ogrencileri, para kazanmak amaciyla bahis oyunu oynamaktadir.

Teachers’ Views on the Qualifications that Students should Possess in the Transition to Primary Education (Case Study: Sakarya)

The aim of this study to find out what kind of qualifications students should possess in the transition from preschool to primary school and the views of primary school teachers on this issue. The case study is the Sakarya Province and its districts and the sample was drawn from 205 teachers working in preschools and primary schools connected to the Ministry of National Education. The application was carried out in May at the end of the spring semester of the academic year 2011- 2012. In this study, a survey model was used. Public and private preschool institutions in the province of Sakarya, preschool teachers and primary school teachers working in primary schools were selected via a random sampling technique. Teachers think that they have sufficient knowledge on the transition to primary school. The first three activities that are deemed to be the necessary prerequisites are: readiness to reading, conceptual exercises and Turkish-language activities. Drama, science, nature, art are considered to be essential activities. The study collaborated with institutions as well as teachers, families, and children. Both preschool and primary school teachers were of the opinion that children must be able to abide by rules and must have potty training. Turkey has lowered down the age to start school by six months. However, to see how long-lasting this effect is, some follow-up studies should be carried out at certain intervals.

Effects of Jigsaw Technique on Seventh Grade Primary School Students’ Attitude towards Mathematics

The jigsaw technique, which focuses on development of peer cooperation and teamwork through division of tasks among students, takes place through each student's assuming responsibility. Students were taught the 7th Grade “Transformation Geometry” subject using the jigsaw technique in this study. In this context, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of learning the subject using the jigsaw technique on students’ attitude towards mathematics. In line with this purpose, the “Transformation Geometry” subject was taught to 33 students studying in the seventh grade at a primary school located in the Sakarya province of Turkey during four class hours in two stages, the first stage being in jigsaw groups, and the second in main groups. The one-group pre-test-post-test experimental design is used in this study that was conducted quantitatively. Data were collected using the “Your Opinions about Mathematics” scale. Data obtained were analyzed using statistical methods, and as a result, it was found that there were no significant differences between the pre-test/post-test scores of students. Based on this result it can be said that the jigsaw technique has no effects on improving students’ attitudes towards mathematics. It was seen that there are no differences among the pre-test scores by sex, but that there is a significant difference based on the scores obtained from the post-test.

Effects of Jigsaw Technique on Mathematics Self-efficacy Perceptions of Seventh Grade Primary School Students

Cooperative learning is based on the method of instruction that involves students working together in small groups to achieve a specific joint goal. The jigsaw technique, which is one of the cooperative learning techniques where students can work in small groups being responsible for each other's learning and express themselves, is used in this study as well. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of use of the jigsaw technique in the 7th Grade “Transformation Geometry” subject on students’ mathematics self-efficacy. In line with this purpose, the “Transformation Geometry” subject was taught to 33 students studying in the seventh grade at a primary school located in the Sakarya province of Turkey during four class hours in two stages, the first stage being in jigsaw groups, and the second in main groups. The one-group pre-test-post-test experimental design is used in this study that was conducted quantitatively. Data were collected using the “Mathematics Self-Efficacy Perception Scale”. Data obtained were analyzed using statistical methods, and as a result, it was found that there were no significant differences between the pre-test/post-test scores of students. This result shows that the jigsaw technique has no effects on students’ mathematics self- efficacy perceptions.

Comparative analysis of fly ash effect with three different method in mortars that are exposed to alkali silica reaction

Many researchers agree that the ASR expansion values that are made on mineral and chemical additive concrete and mortar samples give more rational results.In this study, the potential ASR reactivity of aggregates in Sakarya province is determined. The fly ash’s effect, that is used as mineral additive in ASR, is determined in three different test method one in long term and the others in accelerated test methods.As it can be seen when the fly ash’s contribution that are used in each of the three test methods are used over 25%, we find out that they fall below ASR standard values.Although the long term expansion results are observed below the 6month standard values it is observed that the 12month results agree with those results of accelerated mortar bar method.In terms of autoclave method provides results as soon as possible the mixture of pure water samples has showed us that they have been in a good correlation on the basis of 12month results and 28day results.

The Influence of Secondary Education Entrance Examinations Practiced in Turkey (The Placement Test, SBS) on the Students’ Social Life

This study, between the years 2008-2011, was carried out to find out the effects of the Placement Tests on the students’ social life. The Placement Test is conducted with the aim of determining which secondary school the students will continue for their education in Turkey. The universe of the research that was performed in the screening model is composed of the 6th, 7th, 8th grade primary school students in the province of Sakarya, Turkey. The sample determined according to the method of purposive sampling, consisting of a total of 951 students; 684 of them attending state school, and 267 of them attending private school. “Student placement test questionnaire” was used for data collection. After being transferred the collected data to the SPSS programme, descriptive statistics (Average frequency distributions) were analyzed by using “t-test” whether there are differences of opinion between the averages of only one independent variable, to dependent variable in two groups. According to the obtained findings, it is concluded that due to the preparations for the Placement Test, students spend most of their time in triangle of courses, school and tutoring, so they can no longer spend time for their interests, needs, and hobbies, doing sports, social and cultural activities, and they are able to spend very little time with their families.