Black Sea Region Research Articles

Characterization of the Morphology, Growth and Fruit Yield of Chilli (Capsicum Annuum L.) Genotypes Collected from the Eastern Black Sea Region of Türkiye

Capsicum annuum, native to Central America, specifically Mexico, is widely cultivated throughout Türkiye for its unripe green or ripe red fruits, known as "biber" in Turkish. In this study, a comprehensive assessment of morphological diversity, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative traits, was conducted. A total of 48 different genotypes of C. annuum, varying in colour shape, and size, were collected from the Pazar district and villages in Rize in 2014 and stored at +4°C. Planting of these C. annuum seeds occurred in May 2015 in trays filled with a mixture of peat and perlite at a 2:1 ratio under greenhouse conditions. When the seedlings reached the stage of having 4-5 leaves, they were transplanted into the field in June 2015. The data obtained on morphological characteristics were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis, and hierarchical clustering analyses. The first six principal component axes accounted for 79% of the variance among the 48 genotypes. Hierarchical clustering revealed four main clusters, whereas ANOVA revealed significant differences in various morphological characteristics of 48 different genotypes of C. annuum. This study revealed substantial morphological variability within the C. annuum genotypes examined and hence provides valuable insights for geneticists and breeders, enabling the identification of populations with desirable characteristics for future integration into pepper breeding programmes

Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Western Black Sea Region of Turkey

Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Western Black Sea Region of Turkey

Calibration and evaluation of various reference evapotranspiration estimation methods in a humid subtropical climate: A case study in Samsun Province, Türkiye

Reference evapotranspiration is crucial for estimating plant water needs and managing resources. Simplifying the Penman-Monteith model by reducing input parameters and local calibration can enhance efficiency and reliability. In this study, three empirical formulas—Hargreaves and Samani (HS, 1985), Priestley and Taylor (PT, 1972), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO, 1966)—representing temperature-, solar radiation-, and mass-transfer-based approaches, respectively, were evaluated. To achieve this objective, meteorological data from five synoptic stations situated in the Samsun province in the Black Sea region of Türkiye, were utilized. Three methods, namely the traditional method, regression analysis, and genetic algorithm, were employed to estimate the local calibration coefficients of empirical equations based on the Penman-Monteith 56 equation. Finally, the outcomes were evaluated based on four criteria: root-mean-square error, coefficient of determination, mean bias error, and percentage error of estimate. The results of empirical formulas both before and after calibration were analyzed. Prior to calibration, HS and PT exhibited greater accuracy for the case study. This accuracy trend was also observed in the calibrated results. Additionally, among the three employed calibration methods, regression analysis and traditional methods demonstrated a higher level of accuracy.

Rocky Landscape of Gerdekkaya: An overview of the survey project in Çorum Alaca Region

The architectural elements and structure traces located on the rocky landscape, alongside the rock-cut tombs and the extensive illegal excavation activities causing damage, indicate the presence of a significant settlement in Gerdekkaya awaiting archaeological discovery. The settlement of Gerdekkaya can be identified as a fortification settlement from the Hellenistic period. New data regarding Gerdekkaya within the framework of rocky landscape is explored. The settlement, inhabited during multiple periods, was within the boundaries of the Mithradatic Kingdom's geography in antiquity and situated between the Mithradatids and its neighbor Galatia. This study involves the identification and interpretation of the currently available archaeological data from Gerdekkaya. It provides the first information about this settlement, located in the southwestern direction of the Mithradatic Kingdom's geography, referred to in modern literature as terra incognita, or unknown lands. Considering the fortress’s characteristics and location, this study defines an important fortification settlement in Gerdekkaya that will provide data for the Central Black Sea Region’s archaeology. It also offers guiding information for future planned excavations. In this context, information was gathered through archaeological survey and geological prospection

Analysis of Genetic Diversity of Some Vitis labrusca and Vitis spp. with Molecular Markers

Türkiye has a very suitable climate for viticulture, and different grape varieties have been grown in almost every region since ancient times. Although these grape varieties have different names, there are also grape varieties with the same genetic structure. In particular, in the Black Sea Region, Vitis labrusca, which is resistant to heavy rainfall and humidity, and hybrids of this species grow. However, it is known that different genotypes of this species are grown in the region. Genetic confusion exists in Vitis labrusca L. and its hybrids due to natural pollen transfer and crossing. This study evaluated the genetic similarities and differences among Vitis varieties and genotypes, mainly Vitis labrusca genotypes, with 18 different SSR primers. In the genetic relationship dendrogram, the varieties/genotypes showed similarity at rates ranging from 0.65% to 0.98%. The highest similarity rate between the varieties and genotypes used in the study was determined between the genotypes 5 '57 Gerze 04' and 6 '61 Of 04' with 92%. The results obtained have revealed different grape gene pools, especially in the Black Sea Region, and are expected to contribute to disease resistance breeding studies in the future significantly. Increasing consumer awareness of climate change will increase the interest in disease-resistant or tolerant grapes, such as Vitis labrusca species, in the coming years.

Evolving Trends in Pediatric Allergic Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study Over 20 Years in the Central Black Sea Region of Turkey.

Background: In the past two decades, the prevalence of asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis has increased among school-aged children in the Central Black Sea region of Turkey. This increase is consistent with national and international data, reflecting the impact and temporal changes of allergic diseases on the community. A similar increasing trend is also observed worldwide. This study aims to contribute to the development of health policies related to allergic diseases among Turkish children in the Central Black Sea region. Materials and Methods: This study compares the results of two cross-sectional surveys conducted in schools in and around Samsun, Turkey, between the years 2006 and 2022, examining changes in the prevalence of specific allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic eczema. Utilizing the Turkish translation of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood protocol, the research encompassed a total of 1,310 and 3,219 children, respectively. Results: In the recent study conducted in 2022, the prevalence of asthma and allergic bronchitis diagnosed by physicians was found to be 10.5% and 4.6%, respectively. In addition, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was determined to be 3.1% and the prevalence of atopic dermatitis was 2.5%. Moreover, previously unidentified rates of food allergy were determined to be 2.5%, and drug allergy was found to be 2.4%. Furthermore, a comparison with a cross-sectional study conducted in the same region 20 years ago revealed a statistically significant increase in the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma and allergic bronchitis (with P-values of 0.0375 and 0.0107, respectively). Discussion: The findings of this study suggest a similar trend of increasing prevalence of allergic diseases when compared with similar studies at national and global levels. Consistent with trends identified in the international literature, Turkey is also affected by the rising prevalence of allergic diseases.

First Molecular Evidence of Leishmania Infantum in Domestic Cats and Associated Risk Factors from the Black Sea Region of Türkiye.

The objectives of the present study are to determine the molecular prevalence of Leishmania spp. in the owned domestic cats in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye and analyze the associated risk factors in FeL. Conjunctival swabs (CS), blood, demographic, and clinical data were collected from 150 owned cats brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital during 2020-2022. Leishmania kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) from CS was screened by TaqMan Real-Time PCR (qPCR) with the genus-specific primers and a probe. All qPCR positive products were also amplified and sequenced to identify Leishmania species by ITS1 primers. Molecular prevalence of L. infantum found as 12.6% (19/150) in the observed cats in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between neutered and intact cats with regarding to L. infantum positivity. Intact cats found to be 0.368 times more prone to be L. infantum-positive (L+). Dermatological lesions were found the most common (26.3%) problems in the L + cats. The median leucocyte count was the only parameter that was found statistically (p < 0.05) lower in the L + group (6.60) than the negative group (L-) (8.96), when comparing the WBC, NEU/LYM, MONO/LYM, EOS/LYM and PLT/LYM values. This study presented the molecular occurrence of FeL in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye for the first time indicating that the carrier status of the cats makes them alternative reservoirs for possible zoonotic transmission of L. infantum in this zone.

Analysis of the provisions of the legislation of Georgia and Ukraine related to mobilization

Russian military aggression against Ukraine continues for the eleventh year. Terrorist in methods and neo-colonial in essence – now it has acquired an existential character. Russia considers regaining its influence on the post-Soviet territories, among which Ukraine occupies a special place, as one of the priorities of its foreign policy. The first phase of the war, which began in 2014, did not stop the integration of Ukraine into the Euro-Atlantic space, so the full-scale aggression, which began on February 24, 2022, was supposed to finally resolve the issue of the existence of an independent Ukraine. The political goals of the so-called «special military operation» were to change the political system and the Euro-Atlantic course of Ukraine. In the third year of the full-scale invasion, according to the determination of the top military leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (hereinafter referred to as the Armed Forces of Ukraine), the war has reached the level of a protracted positional war, and in order to confront the enemy, Ukraine needs international assistance and the mobilization of all available resources: military, economic, and the most valuable – human. The analysis of the defense legislation of Georgia is of interest in view of the common colonial past of Ukraine and Georgia, the identical starting principles of the construction of the Armed Forces, the practical experience of armed aggression by the Russian Federation (hereinafter – the Russian Federation), access to the Black Sea, the occupation of part of the sovereign territories and the legally defined Euro-Atlantic course of development. Ukraine and Georgia are also members of the subregional association of 12 countries of the Black Sea region – the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC), which increases their status in the negotiations on possible future accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (hereinafter – NATO) and the European Union (hereinafter – the EU). Ukrainian legislation in the field of defense requires normalization of issues of military service, mobilization, creation of a mobilization reserve, and reformation through codification. The updated legislation in the field of mobilization and management of mobilization resources should form the basis of the future consolidated codified act – the Defense Code of Ukraine.

Analytic network process (ANP) based decision support tool for nuclear power plant location and reactor type selection

The nuclear energy industry has seen a resurgence due to interest in sustainable energy. Regulatory agencies are evaluating innovative technology and facility designs for the first time in a long time. The nuclear energy business needs a workable instrument for decision-making in light of the shift in public and regulatory opinion. This study has two main motivations. The first is to determine the set of criteria to be used in determining suitable locations for a nuclear power plant (NPP) to be established in Turkey and to determine suitable regions with Analytic Network Process (ANP) based analyzes in the light of these criteria. The second is to select the most suitable nuclear reactor type for the specified location. Plant efficiency and lifetime vary depending on the reactor type used. For this reason, in the study, both the location of the nuclear power plant and the selection of the appropriate reactor type for the plant were evaluated together. In this context, a criterion set consisting of 3 main criteria and 20 sub-criteria to be used in NPP installation location and reactor selection was determined. In the study, site selection was made by focusing on economic, social and technical factors, and reactor selection was made by focusing on technical factors. Giresun, Trabzon, Rize and Artvin provinces located in the Eastern Black Sea region were evaluated for NPP installation. For reactor selection, we focused on reactor types according to their coolants and in this context, PWR, PHWR, GCR and BWR reactors were examined. NPP location and reactor selection in the study; It was realized as Giresun (PWR) > Rize (PWR) > Trabzon (BWR) > Artvin (BWR).

Physicochemical Analysis of Historical Ordu Taşbaşı Church Mortars and Recommendations for Restoration

Throughout history, the architecture of worship structures has been shaped based on different cultures and belief systems during the Roman, Seljuk, Anatolian Principalities, and Ottoman periods. Additionally, it is understood that the sociocultural and ritual structure in which the worship place is built plays a significant role in church architecture. In province of Ordu, rich in historical and cultural heritage, historical structures outside the city center have not been well preserved. In recent years, neglected historical structures have been restored through various methods with public investments, aiming to reintegrate them into urban life. Through chemical and mineralogical (by microscopy) examinations aimed at determining the types of historical structural materials used for this purpose, the preservation of historical structures in Ordu province and their transfer to future generations is targeted. Church structures, holding a distinct significance in the region’s history, exhibit various characteristics in terms of location, climate, and sociocultural and ritual aspects in the Black Sea region. In this regard, the restoration of the historical Taşbaşı Church in the Altınordu district of Ordu province has been carried out considering scientific techniques and methods, serving as a guide for similar studies in the region in terms of laboratory analysis, studies, planning, project development, and implementation stages.

A comparison of the risk analyses for harvesting activities under different conditions

Today, it is mandatory for all employers to conduct risk analysis because of legal regulations and the increased importance attached to occupational safety and health (OSH) by society. Each harvesting unit has a unique topography, climate, type of machine or equipment, tree species, harvesting time (summer/winter), and external threats. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully identify the potential risks for each harvesting unit. This study compared the risk scores of forest harvesting in the Black Sea, Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara, and Southeastern Anatolia regions of Türkiye with different geographical conditions. The risk analysis was conducted with a total of 338 harvesting workers from these regions. Twenty-nine hazards, categorized into six main classes, were identified via literature review, field observations, and expert opinions. Risk analysis was performed using the L-type matrix method. After that, the Chi-square test analyzed whether the risk scores determined for each geographic region differed or not. The results revealed significant differences in the results of risk analyses of harvesting activities between regions (c2 = 97.357; p&lt;.001). While these differences were determined generally in the physical, psychosocial, and worker-related hazard classes, an obvious difference in biological or chemical hazard classes was not determined statistically. The results of the risk analysis obtained from the study will contribute to the identification of the risks that should be taken into consideration primarily for the examined regions and the implementation of measurements. Moreover, this study serves as a model for conducting risk analysis for other regions, to facilitate informed decision-making concerning OSH.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Healthy Nutrition and Obesity Awareness Education for Middle School Students Using Drama-Based Learning Activities

Aim: The prevalence of childhood obesity is rapidly increasing, making it one of the most common nutritional problems globally. This study aimed to investigate the impact of education using the creative drama technique on obesity awareness and healthy nutrition-exercise behavior among middle school students. Material and Methods: This single-group pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted in a state middle school in a Western Black Sea Region province between October 2023 and January 2024, involving 156 middle school students selected through random sampling. A six-session face-to-face education program on obesity prevention and healthy nutrition was implemented. Data collection forms included a Demographic Information Form, an Obesity Awareness Scale, and a Nutrition-Exercise Behavior Scale. Data collection forms were administered to students before (t1) and one month after the education (t2). Results: The mean age of the participating students was 12.33±0.92. Only 3.8% of students had previously received education on combating obesity through healthy nutrition. There was a significant increase in students’ obesity awareness (t1=2.99±0.17, t2=3.54±0.20) and nutrition-exercise behavior scores (t1=153.76±13.07, t2=165.1±11.57) after the education. Conclusion: Interactive and participatory learning through the creative drama technique effectively increased students’ obesity awareness and promoted healthy nutrition-exercise behaviors. Education focusing on hands-on experiences and active engagement was found to be successful in enhancing students’ awareness of obesity and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.

A Contribution to the Scarabaeoid Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) in Forest Nurseries of the Western Black Sea Region of Türkiye

A Contribution to the Scarabaeoid Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) in Forest Nurseries of the Western Black Sea Region of Türkiye

Long-term follow-up results and visual outcomes of childhood glaucoma in the black sea region of turkey.

To investigate long-term visual outcomes and factors associated with low vision in patients with childhood glaucoma. A retrospective review was conducted on the medical records of pediatric glaucoma patients at the Ondokuz Mayıs University Ophthalmology Clinic from 2005 to 2023. The patients were categorized into three groups: primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), secondary childhood glaucoma, and glaucoma following cataract surgery (GFCS). Groups were analyzed regarding visual acuity (VA), ocular conditions and comorbidities, and the cause of visual impairment. The study also investigated the potential risk factors associated with visual impairment. A total of 105 eyes of 60 patients with a mean age of 9.7 ± 5.5years were included in the study. The mean VA in logMAR was 0.59 ± 0.52. At the final follow-up, 34.1% had good VA (≥ 20/50), 29.5% had moderate VA (20/50-20/200), and 36.4% had poor VA (< 20/200). The final mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 16.2 ± 6.2mmHg. Amblyopia was the leading cause of vision loss (38.2%), followed by glaucomatous damage (36.4%). Patients with GFCS had a higher rate of visual impairment (42.4%) and refractive error. The results of the regression analysis showed that low vision was associated with undergoing more than two surgeries, high IOP at baseline, high initial and final cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio, and high initial central corneal thickness (CCT) (CI 95%, p = 0.018, p= 0.017, p = 0.013, p = 0.003, p = 0.001, respectively). Good VA can be achieved in 34.1% of childhood glaucoma cases. However, the VA prognosis may be worse in patients with GFCS. Achieving good visual outcomes in childhood glaucoma requires timely and effective treatment, consideration of risk factors, and management of amblyopia and ocular comorbidities.

Regional variations in psoriatic arthritis: Insights from a nationwide multicenter analysis in Türkiye.

The study aimed to investigate and compare clinical features, disease activity, and the overall disease burden among psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients across seven distinct geographic regions in Türkiye. A multicenter cross-sectional study involving 1,134 PsA patients from 25 referral centers across seven regions was conducted. Demographic and clinical characteristics, comorbidities, joint involvement, extra-articular manifestations, and disease activity measures were evaluated across regions. A total of 1134 PsA patients from seven different geographic regions in Türkiye participated in this study. The highest number of participants was from the Marmara region (n=409), with subsequent representation from Central Anatolia (n=370), Aegean (n=139), Mediterranean (n=60), Black Sea (n=60), Eastern Anatolia (n=60), and Southeastern Anatolia (n=36) regions. There were significant variations in demographic profile, including age, body mass index, age of disease onset, educational status, comorbidities, and family history of both psoriasis and PsA. Clinical features, such as enthesitis, dactylitis, uveitis, and joint involvement, demonstrated significant variation across regions. Additionally, disease activity measures, including pain, patient and physician global assessments, acute phase reactants, disease activity indices, quality of life, and functional status, displayed considerable regional differences. This nationwide study revealed substantial regional diversity in demographic data, clinical characteristics, disease activity, and quality of life among PsA patients in Türkiye. These findings stress the need to customize treatment approaches to address regional needs and to conduct further research to uncover reasons for disparities. It is crucial to enhance region-specific approaches to improve patient care and outcomes for PsA.

Prevalence of Blastocystis infection in humans in Türkiye: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Although Blastocystis, a protozoan, is commonly found in all species of animals and in humans, there remains a lack of clear information about its epidemiology and routes of transmission. The aim of this meta-analysis study was to determine the changes in Blastocystis prevalence and subtype distribution in humans in Türkiye according to geographical regions. Databases were searched using the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and TRDizin to identify studies on the prevalence of Blastocystis in humans in Türkiye published from 2009 to 2023. As a result of this systematic search, 117 of 730 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of human Blastocystis infection in Türkiye was 13.08 %. The prevalence of the pool was higher in the Black Sea region, which is the most humid region in Türkiye, than in other regions. Blastocystis subtypes were identified in a total of 885 positive samples. The most common subtypes (ST) in Türkiye were ST3, ST1 and ST2, respectively. In addition to these ST4, ST5, ST6 and ST7 were also detected in humans in Türkiye. In conclusion, the prevalence of Blastocystis in humans is high in Türkiye, especially in the Black Sea region.

Determining the health status of natural monument trees using acoustic tomography method

Areas with natural beauty and rich biodiversity have had a different significance for people since ancient times. With the latest developments in industry, technology, and urbanization, the demand for natural areas has increased considerably. Accordingly, the need to protect such private areas has become even more significant. In order to protect areas with such natural characteristics effectively, problems and threat factors must be correctly revealed. For this purpose; a study was conducted to determine the health status of some trees, which are natural monuments in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Türkiye, using the acoustic tomography method. The general appearance of six trees in the study area was examined, and measurements were made with the Arbor Sonic 3D Acoustic Tomography device. In the research, it was found that the trunk of one of the natural monument trees was hollow. The other five trees were found to be in good general condition. According to the results of the tomography, it was determined that one of the six trees measured was in good health, three of them had partial hollows and decay, and two of them were completely hollow. According to the data obtained, it has been revealed that the acoustic tomography method is an effective tool in determining the health status of nature monument trees.

Changes in Soil Total and Microbial Biomass Nitrogen in Deforested and Eroded Areas in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey

Changes in Soil Total and Microbial Biomass Nitrogen in Deforested and Eroded Areas in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey

Distribution, morphological and molecular characterization of root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) (Tylenchida: Pratylenchidae) in maize (Zea mays L.) (Poales: Poaceae) in Türkiye.

Root-lesion nematodes (RLN) are the most economically important pathogenic nematodes attacking maize. Significant economic losses due to lesion nematodes have been reported in maize producing countries in the world. This study was conducted to determine the distribution and identity of root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) (Tylenchida: Hoplolaimidae) in maize (Zea mays L.) (Poales: Poaceae) fields of the Black Sea region of Türkiye. For this purpose, 39 locations were surveyed and soil samples were taken from 17 regional provinces. Nematodes were extracted using the modified Baerman funnel technique. The species were identified based on sequences of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA, as well as morphological characters and morphometrics. In addition, species identifications were confirmed using species-specific primers in the D3 expansion region of 26S rDNA. At the end of the study, 51.3% of the maize production areas sampled in the region were infected with root-lesion nematode species. Pratylenchus agilis, P. mediterraneus, P. neglectus, P. penetrans, P. thornei, and P. vulnus were identified, and were present in 25%, 5%, 25%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of samples, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. agilis in Türkiye. The present study concluded that the molecular analysis of Pratylenchus sequences based on the ITS and D3 region of ribosomal RNA genes allowed the identification of six root lesion nematode species. This study is of great importance in terms of adding additional species to the root-lesion nematode fauna in Turkey and will provide data for future research on the management of these nematodes.

Paraspecific neutralization capacity of polyvalent snake antivenom against Montivipera wagneri venom

PurposeThis study aims to measure the paraspecific neutralization capacity of nationally produced HSGM polyvalent snake antivenom (HSGM-PSAV), produced using Macrovipera lebetina obtusa, Montivipera xanthina, and Vipera ammodytes montandoni venom, against the lethal effect of the venom of Montivipera wagneri, which is endemic to the Eastern Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia regions of Turkey. MethodsThe neutralization capacity of HSGM-PSAV against the lethal effect of M. wagneri venom was studied using the potency determination testing method specified in the Turkish and European Pharmacopoeia. Lethal dose 50 (LD50) values of the venoms used in immunization, M. wagneri venom in mice, and effective dose 50 (ED50) values of HSGM-PSAV against four types of venoms were calculated using two-fold dilutions. ResultsHSGM-PSAV neutralized the lethal effect of M. wagneri venom in mice. The ED50 of the HSGM-PSAV against M. wagneri venom was calculated as 304.42 LD50/mL. ConclusionAs a result of this in-vivo study, it was determined that HSGM-PSAV neutralized M.wagneri venom above the antivenom neutralization capacity threshold values (≥50 LD50/mL) specified in the Turkish and European Pharmacopoeia. This result is important preclinical data regarding the usability of HSGM-PSAV in the treatment of poisoning due to M. wagneri bites.