Southern Turkey Research Articles

Digital Response to Physical Crises: The Role of an E-Health Platform in the 2023 Southern Turkey Earthquakes.

The catastrophic earthquakes that struck Southern Turkey in 2023 highlighted the pressing need for effective disaster management strategies. The unprecedented scale of the crisis tested the robustness of traditional healthcare responses and highlighted the potential of e-health solutions. Despite the deployment of Emergency Medical Teams, initial responders - primarily survivors of the earthquakes - faced an enormous challenge due to their lack of training in mass-casualty situations. An e-health platform was introduced to support these first responders, offering tools for drug calculations, case management guidelines, and a deep learning model for pediatric X-ray analysis. This commentary presents an analysis of the platform's use and contributes to the growing discourse on integrating digital health technologies in disaster response and management.

Field observations on the damage to road bridges after the 2023 Turkey Earthquake

A series of large-scale earthquakes occurred on February 6 in southern Turkey. The authors had the opportunity to join the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Expert Team and visit several damaged areas in Turkey from March 10 to 12, 2023. This article highlights damage cases of a road tunnel and several road bridges the authors observed around Antakya, Nurdağı, and Malatya. From the features of the observations, this article discusses the following three items for further study in the seismic design of road bridges: (1) seismic details for robustness, (2) seismic responses of bridges with longer natural periods, and (3) post-event inspection.

Lower Devonian vertebrate microfossils from Turkey

A small sample of vertebrate fish scales, predominantly those of a thelodont agnathan, the turiniid Turinia sp. cf. T. nachoi, and a few from the acanthodian gnathostome Nostovicina laticristata, have been found in the Lower Devonian Güneyyaka Formation in the Ovacik slice of the Tahtalidağ Nappe north of Alanya (Antalya Unit) in the Antalya region, southwest Anatolia, southern Turkey. The area is considered to have been on the northern Gondwana margin at that time. The fish microfossils support a Lochkovian to possible early Pragian at youngest (Early Devonian) age for the limestone beds, and are amongst the oldest known Turkish vertebrate fossils. Yakut Göncüoglu [yigtjpc@gmail.com], Kafkas Sitesi 2481. Sok. No 65 Umitköy-Ankara, Turkey; Carole J. Burrow [carole.burrow@gmail.com], Queensland Museum Geosciences, 122 Gerler Road, Hendra Queensland 4011, Australia; Susan Turner [paleodeadfish@yahoo.com], Queensland Museum Geosciences, 122 Gerler Road, Hendra Queensland 4011, Australia; Philippe Janvier [philippe.janvier@mnhn.fr], Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, 75005 Paris, France; M. Cemal Göncüoglu [mcgoncu@metu.edu.tr], Middle East Technical University (METU), Department of Geological Engineering, 06531 Ankara, Turkey.

Evaluation of river water quality using multivariate statistics and water quality indices: A case of Göynük canyon (Turkey)

Natural and anthropogenic water pollution caused by heavy metals has become a major problem worldwide. As a result of these processes, many harmful heavy metals are mixed into the water and endanger the environment and human health. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the hydrogeochemical properties of the stream waters of Göynük Canyon (Göynük Stream), which is located in southern Turkey, an important touristic region of Antalya. A total of 44 water samples were retained to evaluate the geochemical type, heavy metal contamination level, and suitability for drinking and irrigation of Göynük Canyon Stream waters. All samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and multi-parameter portable water quality assessment.Analysed water samples were found to be of classes II and III in terms of overall water quality. The average hardness level is above the limit values. The results of geochemical analyses showed that the common water types in the region are Mg–Ca–HCO3, Ca–Mg–HCO3, Ca–Mg–HCO3–SO4, and Ca–Mg–HCO3–Cl-water facies. Most of the samples belong to the "rock weathering dominated" region represented in the Gibbs diagram. The hydrogen ion concentration (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) values vary between respectively 6.5–7.9; 230.4–720.8 μS/cm, and 149–468 mg/L. Cations and anions followed the order Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ and HCO3− > SO42− > Cl− > F− > NO3−. Heavy metal anomalies in water followed an increasing order: Cu < As < Pb < Ni < Ba < Fe < Cr < Mn < Zn < Sr. These heavy metals showed high index values (Poseidon index (PoS), contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), geochemical index (Igeo), heavy metals pollution index (HPI), contamination degree (Cd), in some water samples. There is a spatial anomaly in these locations related to limestone and ophiolite. This water can be used for irrigation purposes according to Wilcox, the United States salinity laboratory diagram (USSL), permeability index (PI), Kelly's ratio (KR), and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC).

Petrography and geochemistry of the Late Devonian Pirispiki Formation in northern Iraq: Implications for Reservoir Characteristics and reconstruction of depositional environments

Petrographic, mineralogical and whole-rock geochemical investigation of siliciclastic and interbedded carbonate rocks from the Devonian Pirispiki Formation in the Nazdur and Ora sections, extreme northern Iraq, were conducted to assess reservoir potential and to study the effects of Devonian deformation (Middle Paleozoic, Caledonian event) on paleogeography and sediment transport in northern Gondwana. Traditional petrographic and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence were used. The main results are: sandstones from the Ora section contain significantly more quartz and less lithic fragments than those from the Nazdur section. This variation in sandstones composition may reflect uplifting effect due to Middle Paleozoic event and/or different provenance. The most notable feature of the major and trace elements distribution in the studied mudstones and sandstones is that they are significantly enriched in U but significantly depleted in Zr and Hf. The relative absence of zircon in the samples could account for the depletion of Zr and Hf, two elements linked to zircon. The extremely high U concentrations seen in mudstones and sandstones may relates to precipitation by circulating groundwater where it transported into the sediment prior to cementation. No fauna or flora have previously been reported from the Pirispiki Formation at outcrop in Iraq. The widespread occurrence of shell fragments in sandstones from the Nazdur section combined with the presence of eight dolomite and dolomitic marl beds suggest that the lower and middle parts of this section were deposited in a marine environment. This has not previously been recognized. Previous correlations between the Chalki basalts in the Chia Zinnar anticline and conglomerates in the Ora anticline are not supported by our data. We propose a new correlation between the sections in northern Iraq and those from southern Turkey and western Iraq that suggests that the Pirispiki Formation was deposited during a relative sea-level fall. The paleo-shoreline advanced northward through the study area during the Late Devonian. The Pirispiki Formation has been proposed as a potential reservoir for hydrocarbons sourced in underlying Paleozoic units. However, the sandstones and carbonates investigated during this study have no potential as a reservoir due to pervasive carbonate cements.

Environmental color analysis and facade color design in a street rehabilitation: Adana, Kayalıbağ

AbstractStreets and buildings that become inactive within the historical texture of cities can be restored to the district through rehabilitation projects and color designs, which encourage urbanites to use them more actively. Such spaces are especially important for urban memory, yet they risk losing their integrity over time due to uncontrolled development. Therefore, making them available for urban use is important for socio‐cultural and economic development. This study involves the application, under a rehabilitation project, of a holistic approach to façade color design for buildings located on two streets in the center of Adana, a city in southern Turkey that dates back to the Common Era. The study began with collecting color samples from the area as part of environmental color analyses, after which the colors of the samples were measured. In line with the environmental characteristics that affect color perception, a range of colors with Munsell's equivalent value and hue contrast was considered appropriate for application to the facades of buildings in the Kayalıbağ neighborhood. In the color design, five different hues with high‐value (light) and low chroma were selected to increase the attractiveness of the historically and archeologically highly significant district. The aim of the color design was to increase the livability and attractiveness of the district, while not overshadowing the cultural qualities of the urban environment.

INTERACTION OF PHOSPHORUS CHEMICAL FERTILIZER AND BIOCHAR APPLICATION ON WHEAT PLANT

Phosphorus (P) is one of the most important elements required for the physiological and biochemical functions of plants. It is well known that there are many limitations to the uptake of phosphorus from soil. In this study, the interaction between different doses of chemical P fertilizer and biochar application on wheat plants was investigated. In this greenhouse experiment, P fertility was studied in calcareous soil with a high pH in southern Turkey. Wheat plants were grown for seven weeks with 3 biochar doses (0-20-40 tonnes ha-1) and 4 P fertilizer applications (0, 50, 100, and 200 kg P2O5 ha-1). Dry weight (DW), macro (nitrogen (N), P, potassium (K), magnesium (Mg)), and micronutrient (iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn)) concentrations were evaluated in post-harvest plant samples. The efficiency of P utilization (agronomic, physiological, and apparent recovery) was also determined. The dry matter yield increased significantly with increasing biochar dose and P application. The highest agronomic efficiency and apparent recovery efficiency of wheat plants were found to be 13.16 mg-1 and 12.52 % when BOP50 was applied. Increases in N, K, Zn, and Mn concentrations in wheat plants were determined depending on biochar and P dose applications.

Evaluation of absenteeism and presenteeism status of factory employees

BACKGROUND: While absenteeism refers to not attending work, presenteeism is defined as not being present at work. These two conditions, which negatively affect employee health, can be indicators of work efficiency, work peace, work safety and work engagement. OBJECTIVE: Several factors were evaluated in this study concerning absenteeism and presenteeism among factory workers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among workers in a factory operating in a heavy industry in southern Turkey in 2021. A survey consisting of 57 questions was applied to 152 factory workers by face-to-face interview method. The participants’ behaviour over the last month was evaluated regarding absenteeism and presenteeism. RESULTS: It was reported that 24 (15.8%) of all employees were absent from work in the last month (absenteeism), excluding holidays and sick leave, and that 20 (13.2%) employees engaged in presenteeism, working when they should not have been at the workplace. There was a high absenteeism rate among employees who had an acute illness and were dissatisfied with their jobs. Several factors have been associated with presenteeism, including poor economic conditions, family health problems, previous unemployment, working overtime, job dissatisfaction, poor relationships with colleagues and difficulty finding a replacement, acute illness, sleep problems and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: To increase the productivity and commitment of employees, it may be useful to identify the reasons for absenteeism and present behaviours, to facilitate effective interpersonal communication skills by examining the organisational climate of employees, and to regulate workload based on a comprehensive assessment of the health status of employees.

Investigation of the seasonal prevalence, phenotypic, and genotypic characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes in slaughterhouses in Burdur.

This study examined Listeria monocytogenes isolates from two slaughterhouses in Burdur province, southern Turkey, over four seasons for antibiotic resistance, serogroups, virulence genes, in vitro biofilm forming capacity, and genetic relatedness. Carcass (540) and environment-equipment surface (180) samples were collected from two slaughterhouses (S1, S2) for 1 year (4 samplings). Of the 89 (12.4%) positive isolates, 48 (53.9%) were from animal carcasses, and 41 (46.1%) from the environment-equipment surfaces. Autumn was the peak season for Listeria monocytogenes compared to summer and spring (P<0.05). In addition, the most common serotype between seasons was 1/2c. Except for plcA and luxS genes, all isolates (100%) harbored inlA, inlC, inlJ, hlyA, actA, iap, flaA genes. Listeria monocytogenes isolates were identified as belonging to IIc (1/2c-3c; 68.5%), IVb (4b-4d-4e; 29.2%), and IIa (1/2a-3a; 2.2%) in the screening using multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based serogrouping test. A total of 65 pulsotypes and 13 clusters with at least 80% homology were determined by using pulsed field gel electrophoresis on samples that had been digested with ApaI. Thirty-four (38.2%) of the isolates were not resistant to any of the 14 antibiotics tested. The antibiotic to which the isolates showed the most resistance was rifampicin (44.9%). Serotype 1/2c was the most resistant serotype to antibiotics. Despite having biofilm-associated genes (inlA, inlB, actA, flaA, and luxS), a minority (11%) of isolates formed weak biofilm. This study revealed seasonal changes prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes, particularly higher in autumn, posing a greater risk of meat contamination. Notably, Serotype 1/2c showed significant prevalence and antibiotic resistance. Indistinguishable isolates indicated cross-contamination, underscoring the importance of prioritized training for slaughterhouse personnel in sanitation and hygiene protocols.

Changing ideologies about Arabic in Turkey and the consequences in Antioch

Arabic was unwanted by the designers and founders of the Republic of Turkey (founded in 1923) and prohibited in public space in the 1980s. Its status started changing in the late 1990s and 2000s, when it became increasingly offered in state education as a foreign language. By looking at the place of Arabic and the impact of the language policies of the Republic of Turkey then and now, the aim of this article is to investigate the consequences of these recent changes on the language ideologies of Turkish citizens in southern Turkey whose inherited familial language is Arabic but who are experiencing language shift to Turkish, the national language. Rooted in the sociolinguistics of multilingualism, this article, based on ethnographic fieldwork and interviews conducted in Antioch, shows that due to their religious and language background these citizens have lengthy experience of minoritization. Qualitative analysis of their language ideologies shows on the one hand a desire to maintain Arabic, but on the other hand conflicting views about the variety of Arabic they speak and a tendency to be influenced by pro-Turkish language ideologies. The paper concludes by re-evaluating the language shift they have experienced.

Clinical characteristics of children with asthma exacerbations: a cross-sectional descriptive study

Aim In this cross-sectional descriptive study, we aimed to determine the clinical characteristics of children admitted to a tertiary hospital with asthma exacerbations in a city in southern Turkey where aeroallergens are common and to determine how these characteristics affect the severity of exacerbations. Methods Data from a cross-sectional analysis of children with asthma exacerbations who were followed up at the Cukurova University Medical Faculty Pediatric Emergency Department (ED) and Pediatric Allergy & Immunology inpatient clinic were retrospectively analyzed. The study included 106 children who were diagnosed with asthma and did not have any additional comorbidities. In a comparative analysis, the clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters of children with mild/moderate and severe exacerbations were examined. Results While 81.1% of the patients had mild/moderate exacerbation, 18.8% had severe exacerbation. Additional atopic disease, Alternaria positivity in the skin prick test, the frequency of exacerbations in the previous year, Streptococcus pneumoniae infection, and the rate of noncompliance with treatment were significantly higher in children with severe asthma exacerbations. PEF, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC values were considerably lower in patients with severe exacerbations. Conclusions Bacterial infections, presence of atopic disease, Alternaria exposure, low spirometric measures, number of exacerbations in the previous year, and low rate of treatment adherence may be relevant in predicting the severity of asthma exacerbations.

EPMA analysis of a stalagmite from Küpeli Cave, southern Turkey: implications on detrital sediments

EPMA analysis of a stalagmite from Küpeli Cave, southern Turkey: implications on detrital sediments

‘We find our way!’ Preschool children express their mapping skills

ABSTRACT Raising consciousness about the concept of the physical environment and learning ways to find a street or targeted destination in early childhood are important in developing children’s cognitive skills. Map skills and spatial thinking can help children to solve a wide variety of problems in their daily lives (Gökçe, 2015). This study aimed to explore how preschool (five-year-old) children understand and use geographic knowledge in practice. A case study using the Mosaic approach was run to collect data from a series of seven carefully planned sessions, conducted in a rural public preschool in a city of southern Turkey. Pre- and post-activity tests were used to gauge children’s knowledge of maps and mapping, and observations were made as to how children reacted to mapping skills activities. Utilisation of mapping tools was taught and children’s knowledge about mapping skills was increased.

Living With a New Kidney From the Perspective of Adolescent Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Mandala-Supported Qualitative Study Protocol.

This study will guide health services by identifying the mental, physical, and social conditions associated with children's quality of life to better understand the experiences of pediatric kidney transplant recipients and help them lead better lives in adulthood. Encouragement to express their experiences with their own words and drawings can help to improve care practices and better understand their perspectives. Our aim was to determine the experiences and problems of pediatric kidney transplant recipients through Mandala art therapy. For this study, we adopted a descriptive phenomenological design and thematic analysis approach based on the philosophy of Edmund Husserl. The sample will consist of kidney transplant recipients aged 12 to 18 years admitted to the pediatric nephrology polyclinic of a university hospital in southern Turkey. Data will be collected using a semi-structured interview form. We will conduct each interview and Mandala drawing activity face-to-face. The study has been approved by the ethics committee of the university. This study, to our knowledge, is the first to focus on Mandala art therapy and the experiences of pediatric kidney transplant recipients and what it feels like to grow up with a new kidney. Our results will contribute to the literature and will help researchers understand what pediatric kidney transplant recipients are going through and what it means for them to live with a new kidney. Mandala art therapy can help pediatric kidney transplant recipients express their feelings and thoughts that they cannot otherwise express.

Strontium Isotopic, Ostracod fauna, and Paleoenvironmental Features of the Late Miocene Sequence in Mut/Dağpazarı Region (Southern Turkey)

The primary focus of this study was the Dağpazarı village in the Mut region of Mersin, southern Turkey. In this research area, two stratigraphic sections were meticulously measured. The study conducted a comprehensive examination of the Middle-Late Miocene period in the Dağpazarı, Ballı, and Mut Formations by analyzing the ostracod fauna and utilizing strontium isotope chemostratigraphic dating. This research determined that the upper levels of the Mut/Köselerli formations, specifically from the Burdigalian to Serravallian, signify the commencement of the Miocene succession in the study area.The Dağpazarı Formation, characterized by abundant silty-clay, Ostrea fossils, and lignite layers, is deposited unconformably just above these levels.This formation contains the following ostracod taxa; Bairdia subdeltoidea, C. glypta, Cytheridea acuminata acuminata, Acanthocythereis hystrix, Krithe monosteracensis, Neomonoceratina mouliana, Hemicyprideis sp., Cistacythereis caelatura, Cyherella terguemi, T. prava, K. langhiana, A. ulicznyi, Pokornyella deformis minor, Loxoconcha alata, Tenedocythere salebrosa. Furthermore, the planktonic foraminifera species are; O. universa, Globigerinoides trilobus, Glb. ruber, Orbulina bilobata, Glb. sacculifer, O. suturalis, and the formation includes abundant bryozoa, echinoid spines, gastropods such as Terebralia at distinct levels, and fish otolith. The formation, dating from the late Serravallian to the early Tortonian, exhibits the shallow reef characteristics that continued to develop in the late Miocene.The formation consists of dark green, bulbous weathered claystone, Bairdia subdeltoidea and Ostrea which are reduced in size at the levels that pass into hard clayey sandstone, abundant benthic foraminifera with abundant echinoid spines. The formation consists of benthic foraminifera, hard clayey sandstone, and weathered dark green claystone, which contains numerous echinoid spines.Ostrea and Bairdia subdeltoidea are also present. The upper section of the analyzed succession concludes with silty, compact, clayey limestone layers and light-colored limestone bands. The Tırtar Ballı Formation, which conformably overlays the Dağpazarı Formation, signifies the culmination of a relatively recent reef formation during the Tortonian period.Ostracod species such as Aurila pigadiana, Thalmannia hodgii, Buntonia sublatissima dertonensis, Bairdia subdeltoidea, Aurila sp. Bassiouni have been defined. The limestones also contain abundant benthic foraminifera and echinoid spines. The 87Sr/86Sr ratio analyzed from the carbonate sample obtained from the Dağpazarı formation is 0.708920. Based on these isotope data, the age of the Dağpazarı formation was calculated to be 8.7 million years (Ma).

Mt. Etna Tilt Signals Associated with February 6, 2023, M=7.8 and M=7.5 Turkey Earthquakes

On February 6, 2023, at 01 : 17 UTC, a M=7.8 earthquake struck the southern area of Turkey near Gaziantep town and was followed by a second earthquake of M=7.5 at 10 : 24 UTC with the epicenter in Elbistan city. Both events were associated with the Anatolian Fault System and have claimed over 50,000 victims, as reported by the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, and caused serious damage in the regions of southern Turkey and northern Syria. Seismic waves related to strong Turkey earthquakes have been recorded both by seismic stations throughout the globe and on other devices such as the ground deformation (GNSS, strainmeters, or tiltmeters) networks. In this paper, we show and analyze the earthquake signals recorded by bore-hole tilt stations that monitor seismic and volcanic activities at Mt. Etna. Tilt stations showed very large variations, despite their distance from the epicenter (approximately 1950 km) with a period between 10 and 25 seconds. We compared tilt and seismic data for a co–located station evidencing a very similar waveform that highlight how tiltmeters respond to translational acceleration rather than ground tilt during a teleseism, suggesting that, for waves with this period, they may behave as horizontal seismometers. By using these signals, we evidence the different behaviors of two of the most used models of tiltmeters on volcanoes (Lily and Pinnacle) and how they are useful for instrument calibration.

Improvement of Clay Soil Using a Plaster Mortar Additive

This study examines possibility of improving clayey soils in the Handere Formation exposed in the vicinity of Adana (S. Turkey), one of the largest cities in southern Turkey. The Handere Formation, from where the samples for this study are taken, is stratigraphically at the upper most part of the marine sediments of the Adana Basin. The unit is located at the northern part of Adana city. The samples were examined in the geotechnical laboratory to determine the effect of plaster mortar (Master Cast) on the geotechnical properties of the soil and its ability to improve the soil. shear box, consolidation, unconfined compressive strength tests were applied on the samples. It has been shown that the master cast used can improve soil properties geometrically and can be used as a soil stabilizer. The plasticity values of the soils were reduced by master cast addition. Besides, it was determined that the highest maximum dry unit weight and the lowest optimum moisture content were obtained by 15% master cast addition. The soil strength properties were reached to the top values in case of 15% master cast added into the mixtures. Besides, it is determined that the coefficient of volume compressibility (Mv) and the pre-consolidation pressure values are ideal when the master cast ratio in the mixtures are 10% and 5% respectively.

An in-depth study of the biology, trophic ecology and catchability of the invasive pufferfish Lagocephalus sceleratus from southern Turkey, eastern Mediterranean Sea

The silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) is an invasive species of highest concern. Its population must be controlled to mitigate its negative impacts on marine ecosystems, fishers, fisheries and human health. This study thoroughly investigates the biology, diet and catchability of the L. sceleratus stock from Finike, Turkey from March 2017 to February 2018 in order to better manage its invasion. A total of 751 specimens were sampled for this study with a M/F ratio of 1.25/1. The species becomes sexually mature at three and a half years of age, and Lm50 was 41.39 cm for males and 42.08 cm for females. Its spawning season in this region was from June to August, peaking in July. Its diet was mostly crustaceans in spring, fish in summer and both fish and crustaceans in winter. This species consumed a large amount of other pufferfish species, resulting in over a quarter of its fish diet. The trophic level of L. sceleratus was 4.41, demonstrating that it is indeed a top predator carnivore in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Ingested fishing gear parts such as net pieces and hooks were found in about 10% of the fish. A slight modification of longlines using steel branch lines and a swivel hook resulted in double the catch per unit effort than standard longlines, so this technique can be used to target and control more of this invasive species, which is a national priority.

Insights for enhancing resilience in prolonged crises: impact of COVID-19 pandemic on nurses’ quality of life

Aims and backgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had adverse effects on nurses, impacting them physically, mentally and psychosocially. These effects stem from heightened workloads, fears of contracting a life-threatening illness due...

Use of molecular methods for the identification of yeast species isolated from fermentations of table olives produced traditionally in Kahramanmaraş

In this study, yeast species involved in the naturally fermented green table olive produced in Southern Turkey were investigated. Table olive samples were prepared with regional olive cultivars and traditional methods were employed in the production. Yeasts were isolated from the brines of the samples at the late fermentation stage and identified at the species level by the DNA sequences of the D1/D2 domain of 26S rRNA genes. The D1/D2 domains were amplified by PCR, sequenced and compared to reference sequences deposited in the NCBI database. According to the results, isolated yeasts belonged to the Candida, Debaryomyces, and Rhodotorula genera and salt tolerant species were dominant as the salt content of the brines exceeded 11%. Among the determined species, Candida oleophila was the most dominant one and it was thought that isolated strains of Candida oleophila may be taken into consideration to be used as starter culture in table olive production.