Abstract In this study, the results obtained from forest vegetation via the research project on plant sociology which was conducted in the Black Sea region of Türkiye is evaluated with the help of a fuzzy similarity measures approach. Via this project, the plant sociology in an area which has not been studied in the Black Sea region of Türkiye is performed to investigate the plant communities and ecological and sociological relationships with each other. The similarity relations among the plant communities and relevés (sampling areas) which they covered are investigated. The issue of fuzzy similarity of sets and elements in sets is studied. According to this point of view, the fuzzy similarity among the plant communities and among the relevés is introduced. This joint study is carried out in a fuzzy environment, considering the classical results found in the project in question to be obtained in more detail for application. It is also understood that such studies can only be best performed with an interdisciplinary working group.

The natural regeneration of vegetation in areas of marly soils is restricted due to drought and soil erosion. For the ecological restoration of eroded areas, the selection of suitable plant species is critical. The aim of this study is to assess specific plant species and their ecological characteristics for their ability to thrive under drought in eroded areas with marly soil. The study was conducted on 36 sampling locations in the marly areas of Eskisehir-Bozan, Turkiye, during the most droughtprone months, August and September, in 2011 and 2012. Vegetation sampling was conducted according to the Braun-Blanquet method. Fifteen plant taxa with the highest coverage and frequency were identified. Relationships between plant species and environmental factors were determined using Spearman's correlation analysis. According to the results of numerical analysis, there were correlations between ecological parameters including nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter, lime, slope, altitude and plant taxa. The resistance rate of fifteen plant taxa in marly areas is quite high even in the driest months. These plant taxa, possessing properties essential for soil protection, may be used for revegetation practices of marly areas exposed to soil erosion. This study's findings will provide useful guidance for vegetation programs.

Natural regeneration of vegetation is prevented in areas of marly soils by drought and soil erosion. In ecological restoration of eroded areas, the selection of suitable plant species is critical. The aim of this study is to assess specific plant species and their ecological characteristics for their ability to thrive under maximum drought in areas with marly soil. The study was conducted on 36 plots in the marly areas of Eskisehir-Bozan, Turkey, during the most drought-prone months, august and September, in 2011 and 2012. Vegetation sampling was conducted according to the Braun-Blanquet method. Fifteen plant taxa with the highest coverage and frequency were identified. Relationships between plant species and environmental factors were determined by correlation analysis. According to the results of numerical analysis, there were relationships between site factors (nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter, lime, slope, altitude, and radiation index) and 8 plant taxa. The other 7 plant taxa did not show any relationship with environmental factors. The survival resistance of fifteen plant taxa in marly areas is quite high even in the driest months. These plant taxa, which have properties essential for soil protection, can be used in the revegetation studies of marly areas exposed to erosion.

Ak üçgül (Trifolium repens) çok yıllık bir baklagil bitkisidir ve esas olarak bir yem bitkisidir. Aynı zamanda toprak yüzeyini çok iyi kaplayan, basmalara dayanıklı, kısa ve güzel görünümlü bir bitki olduğundan, çevrecilerin, park bahçe ve oyun alanları tasarımcılarının da en çok aradığı ve kullandığı bitkilerden biridir. Gölgeye toleransı nedeniyle, ağaçlarda ve meyve bahçelerinde veya çim alanlarının oluşturulmasında örtü bitkisi olarak kullanılmaktadır. 2015 yılında İstanbul, Antalya, Ankara, İzmir, Kayseri, Bursa, Aydın, Muğla illerinde bulunan parklar, bahçeler, golf sahaları, rekreasyon alanları, stadyumlar, piknik alanları ve refüjlerden oluşan çim alanlarına surveyler düzenlenmiştir. Survey alanları incelenerek, bodurlaşma, solgunluk, yaprak sararması, lekelenme, yanıklık, kök ve kökboğazı lezyonları gibi belirti gösteren toplam 60 adet ak üçgül (Trifolium repens L.) örneği toplanmıştır. Bu bitkilerden yapılan izolasyonlar ve DNA sekans analizleri sonucunda Rhizoctonia solani AG 1, Binükleat Rhizoctonia AG G, AG I, AG K, Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium chlamydosporum, F. oxysporum, F. equiseti, Myrothecium verrucaria, M. roridum, Curvularia spicifera, C. aeria, C. lunata, C. trifolii, Alternaria alternata, A. teniussima, A. rosae, A. infectoria, Colletotrichum destructivum, C. trifolii, C. truncatum, Phoma exigua, Epicoccum nigrum, Sordaria fimicola, S. macrospora, S. superba, Gnomoniopsis fructicola türlerine ait 222 adet fungus izolatı elde edilmiştir. İzole edilen tüm izolatların hastalık şiddeti değerleri sera koşullarında tespit edilmiştir. Çalışmada en çok izole edilen yaprak patojeni A. alternata iken en çok izole edilen kök patojeni F. oxysporum olmuştur. En virülent yaprak patojeninin Curvularia spicifera ve en virülent kök patojeninin ise R. solani AG 1 olduğu tespit edilmiştir.

Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. (the sclerotial state of Athelia rolfsii (Cruzi) Tu and Kimbrough), the soil-borne pathogen on several plants all over the world, has been previously reported from Turkey on certain plants. In this study, turfgrass areas in 9 provinces of Turkey were firstly surveyed for S. rolfsii, and samples showing chlorotic, reddish-brown, and frog-eye shaped circular patches were collected. Totally, 32 Sclerotium rolfsii isolates were obtained from these areas. One mycelial compatibility group (MCG) was identified among S. rolfsii isolates. Disease severity in pathogenicity tests carried out in the greenhouse ranged from 83.74 to 92.87%. Identification of fungal and bacterial isolates used in the study was performed by DNA sequencing analysis. Five antagonistic bacterial strains, previously found as effective on controlling some fungal pathogens, were tested to determine their antifungal effects against the southern blight by using seed coating method in greenhouse conditions. In consequence of the biological control studies, Bacillus cereus 44bac and Stenotrophomonas rhizophila 88bfp were found more effective than the other strains with the ratio of 91.00 and 90.11%, respectively.

This study was carried out to determine the plant communities and understand the main topographical driving factors of floristic differentiation in the Sivrihisar Mountains (Eskisehir Province). Vegetation samplings were carried out according to the Braun-Blanquet approach. The releves were stored in the TURBOVEG database management program. Hierarchical classification was carried out in PC-ORD program with Ward's method and Euclidean distance as a resemblance measure. The diagnostic species were identified by a fidelity measure in the JUICE program. The results of the classification were visualized by ordination techniques in the CANOCO package by using principal component analysis. In conclusion, except for the degraded forest community, all the 7 steppe and 1 scrub plant communities studied were identified and described as new associations. Also, a syntaxonomical scheme for the vegetation of Sivrihisar Mountains was suggested.

The study aiming determination of the vegetation cover in the degraded forest, shrub, and steppe areas between altitudes of 870-1100 meters after destruction of black pine forests in the region of Bozan (Alpu, Eskişehir) has been carried out in 37 plots during optimal development periods of the vegetation between 2011 and 2012. Sampling plots were determined via minimal area method, while the vegetation was classified using Braun-Blanquet method. In grouping of sampling plots, cluster analysis in PC-ORD programm was used and three plant groups were found to be present. In determinaion of indicator species within plant groups, indicator species analysis was applied. The vegetation of the study area was grouped into three as degraded forest, shrub and steppe. Degraded shrub and forest vegetation can be discerned by lacking of indicator species. Contarily, the steppe vegetation in which the anthropogenic effect is minimal can be identified by presence of the steppe vegetation indicator species. The vegetation cover of the study area has severely been degraded due to ongoing II. Ulusal Akdeniz Orman ve Çevre Sempozyumu 70 anthropogenic pressure and become open to erosion threat. The grazing threat effects are prominently observed at the site. Due to the regressive succession, there are difficulties in separation of plant communities and while in climax communities this separation can be achieved using the indicator species, separation of plant groups can be made by observation of the disappearence of the species from such areas or the decreasing or increasing of their cover percentages.

The objective of present study was to compare essential oil components of Salvia forskahlei L. collected from nature and cultivated. Experiment materials were collected from Zonguldak province (in Turkey) and cultivated in Faculty of Agriculture of Ankara University. Essential oil components were analyzed by GC-MS. According to results, there were significant differences in terms of essential oil content and components of Salvia forskahlei. The essential oil content varied from 0.01 to 0.10 %. The essential oil components varied depending on climatic and geographic factors. Thirteen components in Salvia forskahlei were determined in nature and germacrene D and beta-caryophyllene were the main components of essential oil, representing 19.4 % and 23.6 %, respectively. Germacrene D (29.2 %), alpha-cadinol (21.2 %) and delta-cadinene (20.5 %) were the major components at first, second and third cutting of 2008, respectively.

Objective: To compare the two hyaluronan preparations with different molecular weights and a methyl prednisolone acetate preparation in terms of efficacy and adverse effects in knee osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: A total of 75 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were enrolled in this study. Sixty-nine patients completed the study. The patients were randomized into three groups: Group I (n=22) received 6-methylprednisolone acetate (6-:MPA), Group II (n=24) low molecular weights hyaluronic acid (LMW HA), and Group III (n=23) received high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW HA). All the three groups had three intraarticular injections at one-week intervals. The study was conducted with a prospective and single-blinded fashion. The patients were assessed in terms of radiological stage, functional stage, patient and physician satisfaction parameters, daily acetaminophen intake, physician's and patient's global assessment, pain, as well as SF-36, Lequesne's algofunctional index and Womac osteoarthritis index scores. Assessments were done at pretreatment, posttreatment, and at three and six months posttreatment. Presence of effusion and local and systemic adverse events were recorded. Results: There were no differences among groups at baseline except for the functional stage. Intra-group comparisons demonstrated significant improvements within six months of treatment in some of the subsections of SF-36, except for radiological stage and functional stage, as well as in other parameters. In inter-group comparisons, significant differences were noted in patient's and physician's global assessment of osteoarthritis at second month and in post-treatment SF-36 Social Functioning compared to pre-treatment (p<0.05) (p<0.05). No serious systemic adverse effects were noted except for transient local adverse effects. Conclusion: As a result, with this first study comparing two hyaluronic acid preparations with different molecular weights and methylprednisolone acetate, significant improvements extending up to 24 weeks in all the three groups in all variables were determined except for some parts of SF-36. As for the comparisons between the groups, only at the second month, Group I (6-MPA) and II (LMW HA) were significantly superior to Group III (LMW HA) in terms of patient's and physician's global assessment of osteoarthritis and, after the treatment, in SF-36 Social Functioning scores. No significant differences were observed in other parameters.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Pilates on pain, unctional status, and quality of life in fibromyalgia, which is nown to be a chronic musculoskeletal disorder. Design: Randomized, prospective, controlled, and singlelind trial. Setting: Physical medicine and rehabilitation department. Participants: Women (N 50) who had a diagnosis of firomyalgia syndrome (FMS) according to the American Colege of Rheumatology criteria. Intervention: The participants were randomly assigned into groups. In group 1, a Pilates exercise program of 1 hour was iven by a certified trainer to 25 participants 3 times a week for 2 weeks. In group 2, which was designed as the control group, 5 participants were given a home exercise (relaxation/stretchng) program. In both groups, pre(week 0) and posttreatment week 12 and week 24) evaluation was performed by one of the uthors, who was blind to the group allocation. Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcome measures were ain (visual analog scale) and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionaire (FIQ). Exploratory outcome measures were number of ender points, algometric score, chair test, and Nottingham ealth Profile. Results: Twenty-five Pilates exercise and 24 relaxation/ tretching exercise participants completed the study. In group , significant improvement was observed in both pain and FIQ t week 12 but only in FIQ at 24 weeks. In group 2, no ignificant improvement was obtained in pain and FIQ at week 2 and week 24. Comparison of the 2 groups showed signifiantly superior improvement in pain and FIQ in group 1 at eek 12 but no difference between the 2 groups at week 24. Conclusions: We suggest Pilates as an effective and safe ethod for people with FMS. Our study is the first clinical tudy designed to investigate the role of the Pilates method in MS treatment. We believe that further research with more articipants and longer follow-up periods could help assess the herapeutic value of this popular physical exercise method.

Floristic differentiation of the oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) forests in Turkey and Bulgaria was investigated and the role of geographical and topographical factors in this differentiation was assessed. After geographical and ecological stratification of the available 922 relevés, 288 remained. Classification, by applying cluster analysis, resulted in seven vegetation units defined by species composition which represent the geographical and ecological variation of Fagus orientalis forests. DCA ordination was applied to these units by passively projecting their chorological structure, as supplementary variables. For more detailed interpretation of vegetation types with similar geographic distribution patterns, PCA was applied by passively projecting the chorological elements, life-forms and topographical factors as supplementary variables. Seven vegetation units representing the geographical and ecological variety of Fagus orientalis forests were described. Four vegetation units represent the core area of Fagus orientalis distribution on the western and middle coast of the Black Sea region (Euxine region); the remaining three types represent the distribution in the eastern Black Sea region (Colchic region), the distribution in western and southern Anatolia under the influence of the Mediterranean climate and the distribution in the transitional zone from the Euxine region to the continental parts of Inner Anatolia, respectively. The four vegetation types in Euxine region reflect the decreasing effect of Black Sea towards Inner Anatolia, as well as altitudinal differences, except the forest type representing forests on calcareous sites. The other three vegetation units represent ravine, lowland to montane and altimontane forests in Euxine region. Fagus orientalis forests could be distinguished by their floristic composition, their chorological elements and life-forms spectra, which reflect a geographical and ecological gradients.

A 37-year-old female patient presented with localized, continuous, stabbing back and hip pain which had been occurring for 15 years. She had been diagnosed with FMF, and colchicine had been prescribed which decreased the frequency and severity of the attacks. In the following years, she was prescribed indomethacin and sulfasalazine with the diagnosis of AS. Sacroiliac compression tests were negative, but Patrick’s test was positive on the left side. Chest expansion and Schober’s lumbar measurements were 2.5 and 4 cm, respectively. Low back flexion and extension ranges were normal but painful at the extremes. Chin-sternum and occiput-wall distances were normal. Peripheral arthritis was absent. Straight leg raising and femoral stretch tests were negative, and biochemical tests, complete blood count (CBC), and urinalysis were normal. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 14 mm/h, and C reactive protein (CRP) was 0.48 mg/dl (0.01-0.82). The rheumatoid factor (RF) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 were negative. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disclosed sclerosis, contrast enhancement, and narrowing of the sacroiliac joints compatible with bilateral sacroiliitis. However, lumbar X-rays revealed minimal changes, indicating spondyloarthropathy in the spine.

Studies about conservation of biological diversity are often collided with nutritional and sheltering needs of people and economic developments. However, all countries must complete studies to determine their biological diversity according to their own conditions to ensure efficient and sustainable use of existent resources. For that purpose, EU countries have been developed an easy and understandable classification system which is called the European Nature Information System (EUNIS). On the classification of terrestrial habitats that are dominated by vegetation, plant sociological studies were used. In this case study, Oriental beech forests in Euxine province of Turkey (excluding Thrace, South of Marmara, Western and Central Black Sea region) have been coded according to EUNIS and also 10 new habitat types in the pure and mixed Oriental beech forests have been proposed by means of previous phytosociological studies.

In this study, the floristic composition of the vegetation types of Sivrihisar Mountains (Sivrihisar/Eskisehir) were investigated. In order to determine the vegetation of region, a total of 1100 plant specimens collected in the vegetation period between March 2003-September 2005. As a result of evaluating these samples, 184 genera and 337 taxa that belonging to 49 family have been identified. In this study, taxa, specific to vegetation types of the research area, are given.

The study area are located in the southwest part of central Anatolia. From the phytogeographic point of view , it is with in the boundary of the Eastern province of the Mediterranean floristic region. The study area is under the influences of rainy, less rainy and semi-arid type of Mediterranean climate. The vegetation of the area was analyzed by the three dimensional ordination technique based on the Braun-Blanquet approach different associations were described and one of described associations was introduce; Classis: Quercetea ilicis Br.-Bl. ex A. & O. Bolos 1950 Ordo: Quercetalia ilicis Br.-Bl. ex Molinier 1934 em. Rivas-Martinez 1975Alliance: Quercion ilicis Br.-Bl. ex Molinier 1934 em. Rivas-Martinez 1975 Association: Hyperico-Arbutosetum andrachnii ass. Nova

Bu arastirmada, Sakarat Dagi Amasya-Turkiye ve cevresinin floristik ozellikleri ve burada yetistigi saptanan damarli bitki taksonlarinin listesi verilmistir. Arastirma 2004-2005 yillari arasinda yapilmistir. Yoreden toplanan 2000 bitki orneginin degerlendirilmesi ile 78 familyadan 286 cins ve 494 tur ve turalti seviyede takson saptanmistir. En buyuk familya Astreaceae 70 tur , ikinci Fabaceae 46 tur ’dir. En buyuk cinsler ise 8 turle Astragalus L. ve 7’ser turle Veronica L., Bromus L. ve Galium L.’dur. Arastirma alaninda fitocografik elementlerin dagilimi ise soyledir; Avrupa-Sibirya 127 % 25.71 , Iran-Turan 43 % 8.70 , Akdeniz 24 % 4.86 , genis yayilisli veya bilinmeyen 300 % 60.73 . Arastirma alanindan toplanan turlerin 40’i % 8.1 endemiktir