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The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of block play on the creativity of children. The present study adopted a quasi-experimental research design, with pre- and post-test control groups. The study group consisted of a total of 52 children, enrolled at preschool education institutions in Ankara province in Turkey. The children were submitted the 'Personal Information Form', 'Stages of Block Building Evaluation Form', 'Creative Thinking Test through Figure Analysis' and 'Research Diary' was used. The findings indicated that there was a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-test mean scores for the subtests, attention to details, acceptance of differences, fluency, and originality, and the total creative skills of the children in the experimental group when compared to both control groups. It was concluded that the block play intervention had positive effects on the stages of block building and the creative skills of children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Job engagement, defined as the dedication of employees to their work with the highest performance, is a very important concept for organizations. Job engagement consists of three dimensions: energy, dedication, and concentration. Organizational silence, on the other hand, can be defined as employees knowingly and willingly not expressing their opinions and thoughts in the face of an incident in the organization. As the job engagement of employees increases organizational silence will decrease in return individuals express their ideas freely. Organizational silence consists of three dimensions as acquiescent, defensive, and protective silence. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of work engagement on organizational silence. For this purpose, data were collected on a voluntary basis from civil servants working in a municipality operating in Ankara. The regression analysis showed that work engagement has a positive effect on organizational silence; energy and concentration dimensions of work engagement had no significant effect on acquiescent, defensive, and protective silence; dedication, a dimension of work engagement, has a significant effect on acquiescent and defensive silence but not on protective silence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the early period of the Republic of Turkey, sports clubs played a critical role in the promotion of sports in the public sphere, particularly less widespread sports, and the transformation of sporting activities into recreational leisure activities. This was all done in line with the physical training policies of the state. During this period, Ankara sports clubs introduced different qualities to modern leisure activities within new 'locales', and so played an active role in the transformation of urban space. They did this through the use of recreational leisure activities to emphasise a sense of belonging, entertainment, and recreation amongst the citizens. This study considers the sporting events, as well as the locales where they took place, that were organized by sport clubs in Ankara, the new capital. The period considered begins in 1922, when the institutionalization of sports began with the formation of The Turkish Alliance of Associations Promoting Exercise, until 1946 when the sporting activities were more comprehensively organised. Analysis of the transformation of sports activities into recreational leisure activities, as well as the role of sports clubs in redefining daily life and urban space, considers a variety, in terms of scales and qualities, of activities and locales. The Ankara daily newspaper Hakimiyet-i Milliye [which was renamed Ulus in 1934), was the main primary source used in this study, although certain weekly magazines, such as Resimli Uyanış, (Servet-i Fünun) and Gol Spor, were used to obtain further information and analysis of events and locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Idealkent: Journal of Urban Studies is the property of Idealkent and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Faculty of Educational Sciences is the property of Ankara University, Faculty of Educational Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of the current study was to investigate the statistical literacy of seventh grade students regarding the concepts of average and variation on bar and line graphs presented in alternative real-life contexts. To this end, the statistical literacy levels of the seventh grade students were initially determined. Subsequently, definitions, interpretations and evaluations generated by the students at varying levels of statistical literacy were examined in further depth. More specifically, a qualitative survey study was conducted with 164 seventh graders from two public middle schools in Ankara, Turkey. The data, collected by means of a-five-item instrument, were analyzed by utilizing the modified version of the six-hierarchical-level framework developed by Watson and Callingham (Statistics Education Research Journal, 2(2), 3–46, 2003). The findings revealed that most of the students' statistical literacy levels were identified as either Level 3 or Level 4 in the framework with respect to the concept of average, and either Level 1 or Level 2 with respect to the concept of variation. Hence, it can be inferred that while many of the students could interpret average in the given contexts, they had difficulty in interpreting variation. Although definitions and evaluations related to both concepts were found difficult by seventh graders, the graphs, particularly bar graphs, which students were provided with, were observed to be helpful for students in their evaluation of variation. Additionally, students benefitted from some of the contexts they were provided while evaluating variation. Finally, the analysis revealed some discrepancies among students' definitions and their interpretations or evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Turkish Educational Sciences is the property of Journal of Turkish Educational Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Education is the property of Mehmet Tekerek and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Bilge Strateji is the property of BILGESAM and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ilkogretim Online is the property of Ilkogretim Online and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Gazi University Journal of Gazi Educational Faculty (GUJGEF) is the property of Gazi University Journal of Gazi Educational Faculty (GUJGEF) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The consumer knowledge and attitudes towards genetically modified foods (GMF) among volunteer adults were investigated in different socio-economic regions of Ankara (Çankaya, Yenimahalle, Abidinpaşa and Mamak). A survey containing questions on purchasing and consumption habits of probable GMF was used, and nutritional status of subjects was collected. Their anthropometric measurements were also determined. Although there were no differences between the consumers of general status, the concerns of health problems were found mostly in Mamak. The sweet food and soft drink consumption were high in all areas. Overall, subjects usually preferred olive, corn and sunflower oils. While the preference of consumers in Abidinpaşa was towards meat products, consumers in Çankaya region preferred mostly fish and breakfast cereals. Although the subjects believed in some risk of GMF, they purchased processed items containing GMF. This contradiction was due to the price of foods. The result indicated that the consumers from different socio-economic regions in Ankara had contradicting attitudes towards GMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is concerned with the total ozone variation in Ankara, Turkey (39°57' N; 32°53' E) and developing a total ozone prediction model by Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) and single-site aerological data (1984-2006). The daily averages of the total column ozone over Ankara show a seasonal variation, with larger values in spring/winter and lower in autumn/summer and a large day-to-day variability. In this study, in order to forecast the total column ozone over Ankara, a multi-linear regression equation was performed. Predictors are selected by stepwise regression method. The ozone value on the previous day, temperature at the 100 hPa pressure level, previous day's temperature for the 700 hPa pressure level and temperature difference for 50 hPa and 500 hPa are the most important predictors. The success of monthly prognostic total column ozone models built up for Ankara is tested by using Brewer MK III Spectrophotometer data and satellite (OMI) data with the upper-air data in 2007. The Brewer MKIII has been in operation since November 2006 in Ankara. The ground-based one-year data show good agreement with the satellite OMI data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the study 251 fresh ground beef samples sold in Ankara were analyzed to evaluate the prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by immunomagnetic separation (IMS) based cultivation technique. Virulence factors of the isolates were determined by multiplex PCR. Nineteen (7.6%) of 251 ground beef samples were found as contaminated with E. coli O157. By PCR analyse in two of the isolates fliCh 7 gene was detected and identified as E. coli O157:H7. According to the multiplex PCR one of the isolate has all stx 1, stx 2, eaeA, hly and fliCh 7 genes and the other has stx 1, eaeA, hly and fliCh 7 genes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to determine the air pollution level of Ankara and to generate the air pollution map of this city by using Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf as a biomonitor. Lichen samples were collected from unpolluted area at Yaprakli Mountains, Cankiri in November 2002 and transplanted to 27 localities in Ankara. Lichen samples were retrieved following an exposure of 3 and 6 months. Heavy metal, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn, contents were determined by using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP). The chlorophyll a and b contents were determined by using DMSO method. The increase in Ni, Pb, Zn and chlorophyll a content of the specimens were statistically important. All the increases and decreases in the variables could be explained by the environmental stress like pollution, but it is hard to say that this is the only reason of these changes, also climatic conditions, seasons, strength of the light and the physiological status of the plant itself effective on these changes. According to the results of heavy metal analysis Pseudevernia furfuracea continued to accumulate heavy metals and worked well as a biomonitor. The air pollution level of Ankara shows great variations because of the great area of the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe training levels related to careers, employment, and influences of "new economy" in small and mid-sized firms. The organizational side of career development behaviors was also a focus of this study. Interviews related to company policies and practices were conducted with 26 employers or managers of small and mid-sized firms located in the OSTIM Organized Industrial Region in Ankara, Turkey. This research found it is rare in small and mid-size companies to offer structured workplace training or career development activities for workers. Managers had more interest in workplace training if their companies were required to have quality assurance certifications, or if the company participated in exporting, was involved in customs procedures, or was in a business that required foreign language skills. Managers indicated very low interest in training related to social, cultural, personal development, and esthetical issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, it is aimed to bring a different approach to kinematic analyses of discontinuity-controlled rock slope instabilities. For this purpose, the data of a detailed discontinuity survey carried out in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, were updated and reevaluated. Serious discontinuity-controlled instability events were observed in the andesites covering large areas with dense population in the city. Instead of analyzing the effects of the planes belonging only to the major discontinuity sets on the stereographic projection net, all discontinuities were taken into consideration, and kinematic analyses were carried out for planar, wedge, and toppling type failures on pixel basis of the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the study area. By doing so, it could be possible to compensate for the deficiency created by neglecting the planes in the lower concentration zones of the stereographic projection. A computer program named FUDIKA (Fuzzified Digital Kinematic Analyses) was written to perform modular kinematic analyses and fuzzy operations, having four modules and operating in three stages. First, Potential Instability Index (PII) was introduced to define instability potential of the rock slopes based on the number of possible instability events for each failure type. Next, the PII values were normalized and fuzzified to obtain PII map of the area. It was seen that when tested on previously occurred instabilities in the area, the PII values obtained through the methodology proposed in the study showed quite a high performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the presence and prevalence of tinnitus among primary school and junior high school students in central Ankara. Methods: In the first stage of the study, all students were tested for the presence of tinnitus by answering a comprehensive questionnaire. The students who had previous ear operations were excluded from the rest of the study. The initial survey/tests yielded presence of tinnitus, frequency of occurrence, characteristics, associated symptoms and the age groups. Results: 15.1% of the children reported to have tinnitus. No significant difference was found between gender (female 45.5%, male 54.4%) and ears (right 25.3%, left 25.5%). The age group that suffered most from tinnitus is 14 years old (20.8%), 25 children had positive family history (16.2%), 44 children had headaches as the most common accompanying symptom (28.6%), 64 of them had tiredness as the predisposing factor (41.6%) and 52 of them have defined worsening of tinnitus during mornings (33.8%). The characteristics of tinnitus were identified as high pitch (n =125, 81.2%), soft loudness (n =124, 80.5%) and ringing (n =61, 39.6%). Conclusions: The study produced much needed data to shed light onto understanding levels and characteristics of tinnitus in school children in Turkey. The data obtained was carefully analyzed and found to be comparative to international studies [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, trends in selected water quality parameters in Eymir Lake over a period of 10years are analyzed using the Mann–Kendall test. Analyzed water quality parameters are dissolved oxygen (DO), total phosphorus (TP), total suspended solids (TSS), and secchi depth (SD). In addition, trends in the yearly averages of precipitation, lake volume, and ambient temperature are examined. According to Mann–Kendall test results, precipitation, volume and ambient temperature values exhibit decreasing trends in 1998–2008. DO and TSS exhibit increasing trends while TP and SD have decreasing trends in Eymir Lake. The change in the volume of the lake has a significant impact on the trends of DO, TSS, and SD. These results indicate that, besides eutrophic conditions, water balance and drought conditions significantly impact the water quality of Eymir Lake. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine presence and prevalence of tinnitus in children with hearing loss under the age of eighteen in central Ankara. Materials and Methods All children were asked: "Do you hear any noises in your ears?" If they answered "yes" they were asked nine more questions. Associated symptoms, pitch, level and general descriptions were also noted. Results and Conclusion: Children with hearing loss had a high incidence of tinnitus. Even though they don't express, they have tinnitus and it effects their lives. By using a survey specific to tinnitus we can identify tinnitus in children with impaired hearing and develop new ways to manage their problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]