Central Anatolia Region Of Turkey Research Articles

Cold-pressed pumpkin seed (<em>Cucurbita pepo</em> L.) oils from the central Anatolia region of Turkey: Characterization of phytosterols, squalene, tocols, phenolic acids, carotenoids and fatty acid bioactive compounds

There is a growing interest in cold-pressed oils because they present high contents of bioactive compounds. These oils have the characteristic properties of seeds and are specific products of their regions. The aim of this study was to determine the compositions and contents of fatty acids, phytosterols, squalene, tocols, phenolic acids, carotenoids and phenolic bioactives, and the free radical scavenging as well as antioxidant activities of cold-pressed pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) seed oils. Oil samples from raw pumpkin seeds cultivated in four different central Anatolia regions of Turkey were prepared using a laboratory screw-pressing machine. The results indicate that cold-pressed pumpkin seed oils (PSO) have excellent quality with high contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (%ΣPUFAs) (53.60 ±0.06-53.73 ±0.05), total phytosterols (782.1±9.7–805.2 ±11.3 mg/100 g oil), squalene (591.3±10.6–632.5±11.4 mg/100 g oil), tocols (97.79 ±0.76?94.29 ±0.34 mg/100 g oil), phenolic acids (22.73 ±0.41–23.98 ±0.46 mg/100 g oil), carotenoids (6.95 ±0.03–7.60 ±0.03 mg/100 g oil), total phenolics (3.96 ±0.13 –5.82±0.15 mg GAE/100 g), free radical-scavenging activity (5.70 ±0.13?7.35 ±0.15 mg GAE/100 g) and total antioxidant activity (26.67±0.97-38.89±1.41 mg GAE/100 g) values. Thus, this study demonstrates that the cold- pressed PSOs from the central Anatolia regions of Turkey are an excellent source of natural bioactive compounds, free of chemical contaminants and nutritious.

Comparison of familial Mediterranean fever and juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients according to family origin.

Familial Mediterranean fever is an inherited condition that is more prevalent in some regions of Turkey. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common chronic arthritis of childhood. There is lack of studies on the frequency of mentioned conditions across different regions of Turkey. We aimed to compare the Familial Mediterranean fever and juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients according to their family origin. Patients with diagnosis of familial Mediterranean fever and juvenile idiopathic arthritis followed up at the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology were assessed. Data regarding the family origin of patients were noted from their medical records. Both groups were compared according to their origins. A total of 704 patients with Familial Mediterranean fever, 204 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis were enrolled. The main age of the patients at the study time was 12.3±4.4 years and 12.1±4.8 years, respectively. The frequency of familial Mediterranean fever was significantly higher in subjects with the origin of Black Sea and Central Anatolia regions (z score 2.69, and 3.69, respectively). Juvenile idiopathic arthritis was significantly more common in subjects from Marmara and Southeastern Anatolia regions (z score -4.11 and -2.54, respectively). The familial Mediterranean fever is more common among subjects from the Black Sea and Central Anatolia regions of Turkey, especially Kastamonu, Sivas and Tokat provinces. Whereas, patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis more commonly originate from Marmara and Southeastern Anatolia regions of Turkey.

Seasonal trend analysis and ARIMA modeling of relative humidity and wind speed time series around Yamula Dam

Local climate change is determined by analysis of long-term recorded meteorological data. In the statistical analysis of the meteorological data, the Mann–Kendall rank test, which is one of the non-parametrical tests, has been used; on the other hand, for determining the power of the trend, Theil–Sen method has been used on the data obtained from 16 meteorological stations. The stations cover the provinces of Kayseri, Sivas, Yozgat, and Nevsehir in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. Changes in land-use affect local climate. Dams are structures that cause major changes on the land. Yamula Dam is located 25 km northwest of Kayseri. The dam has huge water body which is approximately 85 km2. The mentioned tests have been used for detecting the presence of any positive or negative trend in meteorological data. The meteorological data in relation to the seasonal average, maximum, and minimum values of the relative humidity and seasonal average wind speed have been organized as time series and the tests have been conducted accordingly. As a result of these tests, the following have been identified: increase was observed in minimum relative humidity values in the spring, summer, and autumn seasons. As for the seasonal average wind speed, decrease was detected for nine stations in all seasons, whereas increase was observed in four stations. After the trend analysis, pre-dam mean relative humidity time series were modeled with Autoregressive Integrated Moving Averages (ARIMA) model which is statistical modeling tool. Post-dam relative humidity values were predicted by ARIMA models.

Molecular Characterization of the Horn Fly Haematobia irritans Infesting Horses in Central Anatolia Region in Turkey

This study reports intense horn fly infestations of horses raised in an important wetland ecosystem, Sultan Marshes in Central Anatolia, Turkey. In total, seven horses raised together were found to be harbored over 500 flies per site of each animal. Totally, 376 fly specimens were collected from the horses by using the nets and were subjected to the laboratory for species identification. All flies were morphologically identified as the adults of Haematobia irritans. Partial fragments of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mt-COI) gene from totally 50 isolates were amplified for sequence and phylogenetic analyses. The mt-COI sequence analyses revealed no polymorphism among the isolates and explored a unique haplotype for H. irritans. A mean haplotype and nucleotide diversities of 0.8571 and 0.00695 were determined, respectively, within the COI data set of H. irritans, and newly characterized haplotype from Turkey exhibited a mean intraspecific genetic difference of 1.0 to the all published sequences of the isolates from several countries. COI data set also revealed a mean interspecific genetic difference of 1.7 between H. irritans and Haematobia exigua.

Blood boron levels and anthropometric measurements in prepubertal children

This study was conducted to assess the blood boron levels (BBL) in prepubertal children in the West and Central Anatolia regions of Turkey and its relationship with chosen anthropometric measurements. A multistage sampling design that combined multicluster (West Anatolia vs. Central Anatolia regions and rural vs. urban residents) and simple random sampling methods were used for the sample selection. BBL was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Weight, height, mid-arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness were measured. Z-scores for weight-for-age, height-for-age, and body mass index (BMI)-for-age were calculated. Furthermore, arm-muscle area, arm-fat area, and fat percentage were measured. This study enrolled 2126 children, of whom 50.7% were male. The mean age was 8.9 years. The mean concentration of BBL was 15.6 μg/L (interquartile range: 11.7–19.6 μg/L). Children in urban areas had significantly higher BBL than those in rural areas (17.2 ± 5.5 vs. 11.9 ± 4.6 μg/L; p < .001). Children in the West Anatolia region had significantly lower BBL than those in the Central Anatolia region (14.5 ± 5.9 μg/L vs. 17.8 ± 5.0 μg/L; p < .001). BBL was not affected by maternal education, occupation, sex, and anemia. BBL was found to be significantly lower in children with low BMI, low triceps skinfold thickness, low arm fat area, and low-fat percentage. Change in BBL was associated with the region and residence in Turkey. BBL differed between well-nourished and malnourished children. Further studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between anthropometry and BBL.

A new species of Cymbocarpum (Apiaceae) from the Central AnatoliaRegion of Turkey and its phylogenetic position within Tordylieae

A new species, Cymbocarpum alinihatii, is described from the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. Diagnostic and morphological characteristics that distinguish it from allied species C. anethoides, C. wiedemannii, C. amanum, C. erythraeum, and C. marginatum and an identification key for all Cymbocarpum species are provided. To assess its phylogenetic placement, a maximum parsimony analysis of nrDNA ITS sequences from representative members of tribe Tordylieae was carried out. It shows that the new species nests within a well-supported clade comprising members of Cymbocarpum with strong bootstrap value, but it is distinguished from its most closely related species, C. anethoides and C. wiedemannii. In terms of stem and leaf hairiness, leaf type, and mericarp shape, C. alinihatii differs from C. anethoides by having sparsely to densely scabrid hairy stem and leaf (not glabrous), sometimes having ternate leaves and ovate mericarp shape (not elliptic to oblong). The distribution areas of these two species are also isolated in the high mountains occupying large areas of eastern Turkey. The new species clearly differs from C. wiedemannii by having 4−8 cm (not 20−40 cm) high stem, ca. 1−1.5 cm leaf lamina (not 3 cm), 1−2 cm petiole (not 5 cm), 2−4 mm ultimate leaf segments (not 5 mm), umbel with generally 4−7 (not 10−20) rays, and hairy 2.9−3.2 mm (not 4−5 mm) long mericarps. Based on characters of morphology, and concordant with the molecular phylogenetic results, we recognize the new species as belonging to the genus Cymbocarpum.

An ethnoveterinary study on plants used in the treatment of dermatological diseases in Central Anatolia, Turkey

Aim: The aims of the present study were to determine the significant species utilized in ethnoveterinary medicine, identify methods used for different ethnoveterinary medicine preparations, and to compare the plants utilized in traditional veterinary medicine and the plants utilized in the other regions of Turkey and different parts of the world. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 173 individuals in total by means of a semi-structured questionnaire between 2009-2013 for the purpose of recording traditional ethnoveterinary practices employed in animal health care. In order to evaluate the reliability and richness of the knowledge of medicinal plants in the area, quantitative indices, such as “informant consensus factor”, “use value”, “relative frequency citation”, and “fidelity level”, were used for the data analysis. Results: The findings of this study have revealed 26 plant species, including herbs and trees, belonging to 22 families utilized in the treatment of veterinary dermatological diseases by breeders in Central Anatolia. Rosaceae, Fabaceae and Liliaceae were the most common representatives of these families used to treat eight dermatological ailment categories with the percentages of 13.6, 9.09 and 9.09, respectively. Conclusion: The current study has emphasized the ethnoveterinary knowledge of recently discovered plants and their new usage in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey.

WATER - GRAIN AND BIOMASS YIELD RELATIONS OF WINTER WHEAT IN A SEMI-ARID CONDITIONS OF TURKEY

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different irrigation regime on winter wheat yield and water-use efficiency (WUE). The field experiment was carried out between the year 2009 and 2011 at Murted Basin in Turkey with 4 different irrigation treatments which was Rainfed (RF), Full irrigation (FI), Moderate irrigation (MI), and Deficit irrigation (DI). Soil moisture was measured with neutron probe. According to results average wheat yield was obtained 3.35 t ha-1, 4.54 t ha-1, 4.22 t ha-1and 4.31 t ha-1 and average harvest index was 29%, 31%, 32% 31% and 32% for RI, FI, MI and DI irrigation treatments respectively. The highest WUE value with 9.1 kg m-3 was calculated at DI treatment. A significant negative correlation was found between grain yield, total harvested biomass and the WUE. The results presented in this work suggest that the amount of soil water content affects grain yield and water use efficiency. It might be recommended that irrigation concentrated in the after heading period (DI) increase WUE in semi-arid climate condition such as Central Anatolia Region of Turkey.

Research of behaviors of continuous GNSS station by signal analysis methods

Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) networks consisting of multiple GNSS systems have been set up and operating in many developed countries. In Turkey, CORS-TR has been operating. The aim of CORS-TR is a fast, correct, and reliable collection of all kinds of geographic data, thus, speeding up the activities of cadastre, assuring organized urbanization, constituting the spatial infrastructure for relevant works of e-government, and monitoring plate tectonics. Therefore, in this paper, we investigated 788 days of linear and periodic of AKHR, BEYS, CIHA, KAMN, YUNA, AKSI and KNYA CORS-TR stations by linear trend analysis and Wavelet Transform in located in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. As a result of trend analyses of time series, it was determined that except a single station (KAMN), other stations were moving in the Southwest direction (17.78 mm/year). This finding is consistent with the region’s tectonic plate movements. In the periodical analyses, stations’ daily, monthly, seasonal, annual and even biennial movements resulting from atmospheric and hydrologic loading, climatic and other effects were revealed. Moreover, Detail (D) component, which protects the largest percentage of energy, was determined by calculating the energy spectrum. Energies of detail components are similar in horizontal, and especially D7-D8 have the highest energy. However, the components obtained the maximum energy was varied in Up coordinate time series. These results indicate that stations of CORS-TR network located in Central Anatolia were rather stable and able to be providing reliable, accurate and continuous data for national and international studies to be conducted in many fields.

Accessibility Analysis for the Elderly in an Urban Area from Turkey

An increasing population as a result of urbanization brings with it the need for an urban regeneration process. This process is particularly crucial to ensure that elderly people with limited mobility are able to meet their own needs as well as participate in the social dynamics of the city. Depending on their mobility, the accessibility capability of elderly people is one of the key dynamics of the urban planning process, and accessibility is particularly important for elderly people with regard to covering their needs. The aim of this study was to examine the capability of elderly people, whose needs are typically neglected in the urban planning process, in accessing spatial services in Nigde, a city located in the Central Anatolian region of Turkey. The literature was reviewed to identify areas frequented by elderly users, as well as the level of accessibility of such areas. A survey was then conducted to determine the level of importance attached by the elderly to the accessibility of these spatial services. Based on the fi ndings of the survey, a spatial analysis was conducted for the city using the Geographical Information System (GIS), and accessibility impact areas were identifi ed. The inadequacies of urban areas in Nigde were identifi ed, and various recommendations were proposed in order to resolve them.

Co-infection with Border Disease Virus and Brucella melitensis in an Aborted Sheep Foetus

In this study, we investigated the potential roles of BDV and Brucella melitensis infections in a case of sheep abortion. Internal organ specimens from aborted sheep foetus and EDTA whole blood sample from mother of the foetus were collected from a sheep flock in the Konya Province in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey in 2017. The presence of Brucella spp. directly assessed by bacterial isolation and detection of BDV was carried by real time RT-PCR. Genetic characterization of the BDV field isolate was conducted by sequencing the 5’- end untranslated region (UTR) region of BDV. Brucella strain was isolated from the samples of aborted sheep foetus, and it was identified as Brucella melitensis by biochemical characteristics, agglutination with monospecific A and M sera. BDV RNA was detected in EDTA whole blood sample and aborted sheep foetus. Phylogenetic analysis in 5’-UTR region allocated the field isolate of BDV obtained in this study into BDV-7 genotype. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the dual infection of aborted sheep foetus with BDV and Brucella melitensis.

Retrospective analysis of episiotomy prevalence.

Objective:This study was performed to determine the rate of episiotomy.Material and Methods:This retrospective was conducted in 3 state hospitals located in 3 cities in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. Ethics committee approval was received for this study. Also, institutional permissions from the institutions where the study was conducted were obtained before the study. The sample of the study consisted of 8587 women. The data of the study were collected by analyzing birth records in archive records.Results:The average age of the women was 26.16±5.9 years, the average number of deliveries was 2.19±1.2, and 52.0% of the women who gave birth via vaginal delivery underwent episiotomy. The rate of episiotomy was found to be 93.3% in primipara women and 30.2% in multipara women. It was determined that neonatal weight did not affect the episiotomy rate, and that neonatal height was higher in deliveries with episiotomy and suture. Also, it was determined that as the age and parity of the women decreased, the rate of episiotomy increased.Conclusion:The rate of episiotomy was observed to be high, especially in primipara women.

Subset Modeling Basis ANFIS for Prediction of the Reference Evapotranspiration

The study investigates accuracy of a new modeling scheme, subset adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (subset ANFIS), in estimating the daily reference evapotranspiration (ET0). Daily weather data of relative humidity, solar radiation, air temperature, and wind speed from three stations in Central Anatolian Region of Turkey were utilized as input to the applied models. The input data set for modeling the ET0 was divided to several subsets to calibrate the local data using a local modeling-based ANFIS. The estimates obtained from subset ANFIS models were compared with those of the M5 model tree (M5Tree), ANFIS models and ANN. Mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and model efficiency factor criteria were applied for analysis of models. The accuracy of M5Tree (from 15.3% to 32.5% in RMSE, from 14.4% to 24.2% in MAE), ANN (from 24.3% to 65.3% in RMSE, from 34.1% to 47% in MAE) and ANFIS (from 17.4% to 35.4% in RMSE, from 10.8% to 28.3% in MAE) models was significantly increased using subset ANFIS for estimating da ily ET0.

Modelling surface water-groundwater interactions at the Palas Basin (Turkey) using FREEWAT

Palas Basin is a semi-arid closed basin located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. The major economic activity in the basin is agriculture; therefore, both surface water and groundwater are used for irrigation. However, intensive use of water resources threatens the hydrologic sustainability of a lake ecosystem (Tuzla Lake) located in the basin. In this study, we analyzed the relationships between agricultural water uses in the Palas Basin and water flows to the Tuzla Lake using groundwater flow model developed with the FREEWAT platform. The model grid with 250 m x 250 m resolution was created based on the entire watershed. Two hydrostratigraphic units were identified. The source terms defined in the model were rainfall recharge and the sink terms were evapotranspiration and wells. The model was run for one year at steady state conditions. Three scenarios were simulated to understand the effect of groundwater use on the lake hydrology. The first scenario assumed that there was no groundwater abstraction. As the second and third water management scenario, the model was run with 50% less and %50 more groundwater abstraction than that of the reference conditions. The model successfully simulated the direction of groundwater flow and groundwater levels in the basin. Annual groundwater recharge was simulated as 5.27 million m3. Groundwater losses were due to pumping (1.49 million m3/yr), leakance to Değirmen River (2.25 million m3/yr) and seepage to Tuzla Lake (1.53 million m3/yr). Water flows to Tuzla Lake were significantly related to pumping rates. Increasing groundwater pumping rates reduces groundwater flows to Tuzla Lake and lowers lake water levels. No groundwater abstraction and reduction in groundwater pumping rates increase water flows to Tuzla Lake and cause higher water levels. This analysis showed that protection of hydrologic characteristics of Tuzla Lake is only possible with more control on groundwater abstraction.

Association of two clusters of Orf virus isolates in outbreaks of infection in goat in the Central Anatolian region of Turkey.

Orf virus (ORFV) is the etiological agent of contagious pustular dermatitis and can cause skin disease in sheep and goats. In this study, two outbreaks of ORFV infection in goats in the Central Anatolian region of Turkey were investigated. Samples were collected from 1- to 4-month-old kids (n=9) in two different flocks in the Aksaray and Konya Provinces during the months of March and May 2016. The presence of ORFV in suspected samples was confirmed by PCR using primers specific to envelope gene (B2L). The analysis of the B2L gene sequences revealed that the nucleotide homology between the two isolates in the present study was 100%, whereas the similarity with Parapoxvirus isolates from different regions ranged from 83.6 to 99%. Phylogenetic analysis of the B2L gene revealed that there are two main clusters of ORFV isolates which were responsible for past outbreaks in Turkey. The information presented here will provide an insight into genetic diversity of field isolates of ORFV circulating in the Central Anatolian region of Turkey.

Relationship between Soil Properties and Plant Diversity in Semiarid Grassland

In ecological studies, soil-plant interaction is an important environmental factor. Soil chemical and physical properties affect plant richness and diversity. This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between soil physical and chemical properties, and plant diversity indexes (Shannon-Weiner and Simpson) in semiarid grassland. Plant diversity indexes and soil properties were determined using 34 quadrats (5x5m) on different parent materials (chrome, marble, serpentine, red chalk and red chalk mostra) in semiarid grasslands in the Central Anatolia Region in Turkey. Plant samples were collected and recorded periodically from April to September (the vegetation period) in 2014 for each quadrat. In order to determine the plant richness and diversity indexes, 3 sub-quadrats (1x1m) were randomly added into each of 34 (5x5 m) quadrats. To evaluate the relationship between plant diversity indexes and soil properties, composite soil samples were collected from the four corners, and the center of each quadrat 0-30 cm in depth, and which was mixing of those subsamples. Soil sand-silt-clay contents, soil reaction (pH), bulk density (BD), electrical conductivity (EC), CaCO3 and soil organic matter (SOM) contents were measured. Relationship between plant diversity indexes measured in different months during vegetation period and soil properties of different parent material was statistically analysed using correlation analysis in SPSS 20.0. Modest correlation coefficient was found between the Simpson diversity index and SOM content, sand-silt-clay content, pH and EC for different months in vegetation period.

Yarı Kurak Alanlarda Bulunan Melilotus officinalis (L.) Desr. ve Melilotus alba Desr. (Fabaceae) Taksonlarının Fitojeomorfolojik Özellikleri

Bu çalışma, Çankırı ili Yapraklı ilçesinde bulunan Büyükyayla mevkisinin doğal bitki örtüsü içinde yer alan Melilotus officinalis (L.) Desr. ve Melilotus alba Desr. taksonlarının morfolojik, ekolojik ve iklim özelliklerinin belirlenmesi amacıyla hazırlanmıştır. İç Anadolu bölgesinin kuzeyinde yer alan çalışma alanı P.H. Davis‘ in Grid sistemine göre A4 karesi içerisine girmektedir. Çalışma alanının iklimi Emberger Yöntemi kullanılarak belirlenmiştir. Çalışma alanının bitki ve toprak örneklemeleri 2014 yılı vejetasyon dönemi boyunca yapılmıştır. Melilotus officinalis (L.) Desr. taksonuna ait morfolojik karakterlerden, bitki boyu, korolla, meyve için yapılan ölçümler Davis (1965-1988)‘ in çalışmaları ile uyumluluk gösterirken, rasem için yapılan ölçümler arasında farklılıklar tespit edilmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda, Melilotus alba Desr. taksonuna ait morfolojik karakterlerden ise, rasem, çiçek, korolla ve meyve için yapılan ölçümler Davis (1965-1988)‘ in çalışmaları ile uyumluluk gösterirken, bitki boyu için yapılan ölçümler arasında farklılıklar tespit edilmiştir. Taksonların genel ekolojik özelliklerini belirlemek amacıyla 0-30 cm‘den alınan toprak örneklerinde yapılan analizler sonucunda tekstür, pH, CaCO3 ve HA değerleri taksonların bulunduğu alanlardaki topraklarda değişkenlik göstermiştir. Bu durum aynı cins bitkilerin yetişme ortamı isteklerinin farklı olduğunu göstermektedir.

Indoor airborne fungal pollution in newborn units in Turkey.

Pathogenic and/or opportunistic fungal species are major causes of nosocomial infections, especially in controlled environments where immunocompromised patients are hospitalized. Indoor fungal contamination in hospital air is associated with a wide range of adverse health effects. Regular determination of fungal spore counts in controlled hospital environments may help reduce the risk of fungal infections. Because infants have inchoate immune systems, they are given immunocompromised patient status. The aim of the present study was to evaluate culturable airborne fungi in the air of hospital newborn units in the Thrace, Marmara, Aegean, and Central Anatolia regions of Turkey. A total of 108 air samples were collected seasonally from newborn units in July 2012, October 2012, January 2013, and April 2013 by using an air sampler and dichloran 18% glycerol agar (DG18) as isolation media. We obtained 2593 fungal colonies comprising 370 fungal isolates representing 109 species of 28 genera, which were identified through multi-loci gene sequencing. Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Talaromyces, and Alternaria were the most abundant genera identified (35.14, 25.40, 17.57, 2.70, and 6.22% of the total, respectively).

PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS, PESTICIDE RESIDUE AND AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION OF COLD PRESSED PUMPKIN SEED (Cucurbita pepo L.) OILS FROM CENTRAL ANATOLIA REGION OF TURKEY

In this study, physicochemical characteristics, pesticide residues and aflatoxin contaminations of cold pressed pumpkin seed ( Cucurbita pepo L. ) oils cultivated in four different central Anatolia regions of Turkey, were investigated. Lab-scale screw press machine was used to produce cold pressed pumpkin seed oils and the oil contents were found between 42.8%−47.4% for naked seeds. The physicochemical characteristic ( refractive index, viscosity, color value, triglyceride profile analysis, peroxide value, iodine value, free fatty acid, saponification number, unsaponified matter, specific extinction values at 232 and 270 nm ) of cold pressed oils were determined by using different analytical techniques. The results showed that there was a non-significant difference between cold pressed pumpkin seed oils from different regions, in terms of physicochemical characteristics. The contents of pesticide residue and aflatoxin B 1 , B 2 , G 1 and G 2 contamination were determined by using validated UHPLC-MS/MS method. The chlorpyrifos pesticide residue was detected under the limit value declared by official authorities for the quality assessment of edible oils. Aflatoxins weren’t detected in any of studied pumpkin seed oils. Therefore, in food industry the positive effect of screw-pressing application could be useful for preservation of bioactive compounds during edible oil production and also enhancing of their functional properties.

Estimation of the shelf life of pezik pickles using Weibull hazard analysis

Beta vulgaris L. var. rapa is a variety of beet with edible dark green leaves and stalks, which is a close relative of Swiss chard. It is widely consumed in central Anatolia region in Turkey due to its high nutritional value and desirable sensory attributes. Locally known as ‘pezik’, Beta vulgaris L. var. rapa is a highly perishable vegetable. The stalks of pezik are consumed as pickle, allowing longer consumption of this vegetable. In this study, Weibull hazard analysis was applied to the sensory data to determine the shelf life of pezik pickles. The end of shelf life was indicated by the time when 50% of the panelists found the pickles unacceptable. Pickles blanched for 7 min and stored at 17-18 °C were found to have a shelf life of 167 days with 95% confidence limits of 156-179 days. Prolonged blanching (9 min.) decreased the shelf life of pickles by about 19 days.