Effect of Cowpea Seed Beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus) Infestation on Selected Landraces of Bambara Groundnut During Storage

The study was carried out to assess the effect of Callosobruchus maculatus infestation on selected Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean) landraces in Gombe during storage to determine the Landrace (s) that are less susceptible to infestation caused by C. maculatus during storage. The trial was done in the Botany laboratory of Gombe State University, Gombe. Seeds were collected from five different Landraces, 40 grams each of healthy and C. maculatus infestation free seeds were infested with two males and three females. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replicates was used to assess the effects of C. maculatus infestation on the selected landraces of Bambara groundnut during storage. The results of the analysis of variance displayed significant differences (p≤ 0.05) among the parameters studied. It indicated that the Mottled and Cream landraces are relatively less susceptible and witness lower damage from the bruchids attack 14.6 (36%) and 17 (46%), whereas Red and Black landraces are more susceptible 24 (61 %) and 22 (57 %) (recorded higher damage from the C. maculatus in terms of percentage weight loss recorded). These results showed the existence of variation among the different Bambara groundnut landraces used due to the infestation of C. maculatus. It can be observed from this study that the use of infestation free landraces at storage time may perhaps be a worthwhile and auspicious factor for integrated pest management especially on bruchids in Bambara groundnuts. additionally, Mottle and Cream landraces might be employed as sources of resistance genes for the subsequent plant improvement program.

The Skills of Intended Meaning behind the Context when Reading Poetry among Fifth Grade Students- Literary Branch from Teachers’ Perspectives

The current research aims to investigate the skills of the intended meaning beyond the context when reading poetry among fifth literary students. To achieve the aim of the research, the researcher has followed the descriptive approach and used two tools: an open questionnaire that includes an inquiry about the skills of the intended meaning beyond the poetic context, and a closed questionnaire that were examined by the juries, and modified accordingly. Besides, its validity and stability were examined by applying the study on an exploratory sample of (15) teachers to reach its final version and determine the time required to answer it. Then, the researcher applied it on the research sample of (96) male and female teachers selected from various schools in the center of Babylon Governorate, who teach fifth grade of the literary branch. After processing the responses statistically, the research has concluded the following: three intended meaning skills have been identified to determine the intended meaning beyond the poetic context. Regarding the item (training students to be able to determine the meaning of difficult words in the text) of the first item of the skill, it has the highest score, as its intensity reached (4,41) and its percentage weight reached (%88,3). The item (training students to be able to understand the hidden meaning of the text and the recognition of its aesthetic value) of the second item of the skill has gained the highest score which amounts to (4.33) with a percentage weight of (%86.6). The item (training the students on the use of educational aids related to the text, which may be pictures or phrases) of the third item of the skill has received the highest score, as its intensity reached (4.5) a percentage weight of (%90). According to these results, the researcher has recommended that students should be given enough time to be able to consider and understand the meaning of a text.

Progressing Ultragreen, Energy-Efficient Biobased Depolymerization of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) via Microwave-Assisted Green Deep Eutectic Solvent and Enzymatic Treatment

Effective interfacing of energy-efficient and biobased technologies presents an all-green route to achieving continuous circular production, utilization, and reproduction of plastics. Here, we show combined ultragreen chemical and biocatalytic depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using deep eutectic solvent (DES)-based low-energy microwave (MW) treatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis. DESs are emerging as attractive sustainable catalysts due to their low toxicity, biodegradability, and unique biological compatibility. A green DES with triplet composition of choline chloride, glycerol, and urea was selected for PET depolymerization under MW irradiation without the use of additional depolymerization agents. Treatment conditions were studied using Box-Behnken design (BBD) with respect to MW irradiation time, MW power, and volume of DES. Under the optimized conditions of 20 mL DES volume, 260 W MW power, and 3 min MW time, a significant increase in the carbonyl index and PET percentage weight loss was observed. The combined MW-assisted DES depolymerization and enzymatic hydrolysis of the treated PET residue using LCC variant ICCG resulted in a total monomer conversion of ≈16% (w/w) in the form of terephthalic acid, mono-(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate, and bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate. Such high monomer conversion in comparison to enzymatically hydrolyzed virgin PET (1.56% (w/w)) could be attributed to the recognized depolymerization effect of the selected DES MW treatment process. Hence, MW-assisted DES technology proved itself as an efficient process for boosting the biodepolymerization of PET in an ultrafast and eco-friendly manner.

Reactive Sintering of Al2O3–Y3Al5O12 Ceramic Composites Obtained by Direct Ink Writing

The main goal of this work was to obtain dense Al2O3–Y3Al5O12 ceramic composites by reactive sintering of three-dimensional samples, built by direct ink writing from a paste containing a mixture of Al2O3 and Y2O3 powders. To obtain a ceramic ink with proper rheological properties for extrusion-based printing, highly pure Al2O3 and Y2O3 powders in a percentage–weight ratio of 64:36 was mixed with 0.2 wt% MgO in a total solid loading of 42 vol% in aqueous media, adding carboxymethyl cellulose and polyethyleneimine solution as additives. The dried printed samples were sintered at final temperatures in the range of 1550 °C and 1650 °C; thus, relative densities of 83.7 ± 0.8%, 95.4 ± 0.4%, and 96.5 ± 0.5% were obtained for 1550 °C, 1600 °C, and 1650 °C, respectively. Rietveld refinement performed on the X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the presence of Al2O3 (42 to 47%) and Y3Al15O12 (58 to 61%) as crystalline phases, while micrographs showed the presence of equiaxial micrometric grains with average sizes of 1.8 ± 0.6 μm, for both phases and all sintering conditions. Samples sintered at 1600 °C and 1650 °C presented similar average Vickers hardness values of 14.2 ± 0.27 GPa and 14.5 ± 0.25 GPa, respectively. A slight increase in fracture toughness as sintering temperature increases was also stated, consistent with the densification.

Processing and Mechanical Behavior of Banana Fibre Reinforced Epoxy based Composite with Alumina and silicon Carbide

Polymer composites have outstanding qualities such as high strength, flexibility, stiffness, and lightweight. Currently, research is being performed to develop innovative polymer composites that may be used in many operational situations and contain a variety of fibre and filler combinations. Banana fibre has low density compared to glass fibre and it is a lingo-cellulosic fibre having relatively good mechanical properties compared to glass fibre. Because of their outstanding qualities, banana fibre reinforced polymer composites are now widely used in various industries. The primary goal of this study is to determine the effect of the wt.% of banana fibre, the wt.% of SiC, and the wt.% of Al2O3 in banana fibre reinforcement composites on the mechanical and physical properties of banana fibre reinforcement composites. Tensile strength and flexural strength of unfilled banana fibre epoxy composite increased with the increase in wt. of banana fibre from 0 wt.% to 12 wt.%. Further, an increase in wt.% banana fibre drop in mechanical property was observed. It has been concluded from the study that the variation in percentage weight of filler material with fixed amount (12 wt.%) of banana fibre affects the mechanical properties of filled banana reinforcement composites. Optimum mechanical properties were obtained for BHEC5 (72 wt.% Epoxy + Hardener, 12 wt.% banana fibre and 16 wt.% Al2O3).

P-OGC93 Weight Loss and Complications in Oesophagectomy and Gastrectomy Patients

Background Oesophagectomy and gastrectomy are major surgeries which often involve patients fasting for prolonged periods of time post operatively thus requiring alternative nutrition regimens. In addition, patients often suffer dysphagia, anorexia, chemotherapy side effects and significant weight loss prior to surgery. Post-operative concerns include delayed gastric emptying, refeeding syndrome and dumping syndrome. Whilst placement of enteral feeding tubes aids the transition back to normal diet there are often still social, physical and dietary challenges that hinder nutrition. The aim of this study was to review weight loss in patients post operatively and to optimise post-operative nutrition. Methods The records of 113 patients who had undergone an oesophagectomy (43) or gastrectomy (64) between June 2018 and November 2019 at a single regional cancer centre were retrospectively examined. These patients’ contemporaneous weights had been recorded at set peri operative timelines and the greatest percentage weight loss calculated. The percentage weight loss was matched to the highest Clavien-Dindo post-operative complication. Results 89 patients had weights routinely reviewed post operatively, with the remainder not having regular post operative weights documented. The median weight loss was 7.53. For patients undergoing a total gastrectomy (27) weight loss ranged from 7.36-29.2%. Median weight loss was 11.45%. Patients who underwent subtotal gastrectomy (26) had between 0.37-18.5% with a median of 7.83% weight loss. Those who underwent an oesophagectomy (36) had between 0 - 28.67% weight loss with the median being 7.21%. 6 patients had their operations abandoned. Post-operative complications, inclusive of Grade II and above, occurred in 16.8% of cases. Majority of complications occurred in those undergoing an oesophagectomy (64%), however complications did not correlate with percentage weight loss. The most common complication was grade IIIb (Grade I: 8, Grade II: 1, Grade IIIa: 1, Grade IIIb: 14, Grade IVa: 2, Grade V: 2). Conclusions Significant post-operative weight loss is common after oesophagectomy or gastrectomy surgery. Postoperative weight loss did not correlate with complications. Furthermore, there did not appear to be a correlation with weight loss and type of procedure. Nutritional status plays an important prognostic role in patients undergoing oesophagectomy or gastrectomy. Optimising nutrition perioperatively and post operatively is important to enhance post-operative recovery and reduce post operative risk. Reviewing a larger cohort of patients would improve the robustness of this study.

Studies on the Growth Responses of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Progenies Raised Using Different Starter Diets

200 fry of carp obtained from induced breeding by stripping were fed three times daily ad libitum with Artemia (DT1), commercial starter diet (DT2), and dried egg yolk (DT3)for 8 weeks. Each treatments were in triplicates in indoor hatchery. At the end of the experiment, the progenies mean weight gained (MWG) was highest in the treatments fed Artemia (3.490±0.015a) as compared to others with significant difference (P<0.05).Mean weight gained (MWG) was highest in the treatments fed Artemia. Percentage weight gain (%WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) had no significant differences (P<0.05). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was highest (P<0.05) in treatment fed with smashed egg yolk. Feed conversion efficiency (FCE) was highest (P<0.05) in the treatment fed with composed feed. Mortality rate was highest in treatment fed with Artemia, and percentage survival was highest (P<0.05) in treatment fed with composed feed. Percentage jumpers per treatment were highest in Artemia diet. In conclusion, it is imperative that Artemia feed (amidst other starter diets researched on) is most preferable for the optimum growth and development of common carp fry.

Preoperative Nutrition Intervention in Patients Undergoing Resection for Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer: Results from the Multi-Centre NOURISH Point Prevalence Study

Background: Preoperative nutrition intervention is recommended prior to upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer resection; however, there is limited understanding of interventions received in current clinical practice. This study investigated type and frequency of preoperative dietetics intervention and nutrition support received and clinical and demographic factors associated with receipt of intervention. Associations between intervention and preoperative weight loss, surgical length of stay (LOS), and complications were also investigated. Methods: The NOURISH Point Prevalence Study was conducted between September 2019 and May 2020 across 27 Australian tertiary centres. Subjective global assessment and weight were performed within 7 days of admission. Patients reported on preoperative dietetics and nutrition intervention, and surgical LOS and complications were recorded. Results: Two-hundred patients participated (59% male, mean (standard deviation) age 67 (10)). Sixty percent had seen a dietitian preoperatively, whilst 50% were receiving nutrition support (92% oral nutrition support (ONS)). Patients undergoing pancreatic surgery were less likely to receive dietetics intervention and nutrition support than oesophageal or gastric surgeries (p < 0.001 and p = 0.029, respectively). Neoadjuvant therapy (p = 0.003) and malnutrition (p = 0.046) remained independently associated with receiving dietetics intervention; however, 31.3% of malnourished patients had not seen a dietitian. Patients who received ≥3 dietetics appointments had lower mean (SD) percentage weight loss at the 1-month preoperative timeframe compared with patients who received 0–2 appointments (1.2 (2.0) vs. 3.1 (3.3), p = 0.001). Patients who received ONS for >2 weeks had lower mean (SD) percentage weight loss than those who did not (1.2 (1.8) vs. 2.9 (3.4), p = 0.001). In malnourished patients, total dietetics appointments ≥3 was independently associated with reduced surgical complications (odds ratio 0.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1, 0.9, p = 0.04), and ONS >2 weeks was associated with reduced LOS (regression coefficient −7.3, 95% CI −14.3, −0.3, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Despite recommendations, there are low rates of preoperative dietetics consultation and nutrition support in this population, which are associated with increased preoperative weight loss and risk of increased LOS and complications in malnourished patients. The results of this study provide insights into evidence–practice gaps for improvement and data to support further research regarding optimal methods of preoperative nutrition support.

EVALUATIONG THE PERFORMANCE OF SENIOR MANAGEMENT FOR THE EXTENSION ORGANIZATION IN LIGHT OF THE TOTAL QUALITY STANDARDS FROM THE STANDPOINT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION WORKERS IN GOVERNORATES OF BAGHDAD AND DIYALA FROM IRAQ

This was aimed to identify the performance of the senior management of the extension organization in light of the comprehensive quality standards from the point of view of agricultural extension workers in the governorates of Baghdad and Diyala in Iraq through the following:Identify the field of planning, identify the field of decision-making, identify the field of humam relations.Data from agricultural extension workers in the governorates of Baghdad and Diyala, which included a graded pentagonal scale consisting of degrees of approval with grades ranging between 5-1 To measure the degree of application of comprehensive quality standards for higher management in the fields from the viewpoint of the agricultural extension workers in the above-mentioned governorates.The governorates of Baghdad and Diyala were selected as an area for conducting the research, as the research community included 38 agricultural divisions, at a rate of20%and by8divisions,and a random sample of510 agricultural extension workers was withdrawn, amounting to20%and by102 agricultural guides.The results showed that the weighted mean for the field of planning from the viewpoint of agricultural extension agents was 3.189,which is close to a certain extent from the hypothetical mean of 3 and a percentage weight 63.78%.With regard to the field of human relations,it came with a weighted mean3.136.

Effects of long-lasting cold storage on Tenebrio molitor larvae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Insects are an emergent source of proteins in the world nutrition, both for humans and farmed animals, moreover they represent a novel food in Europe. The interest in Tenebrio molitor (L.) has particularly grown because its larvae are very rich of high biological value proteins. Although rearing of T. molitor has lately increased, the long-time conservation of alive larvae, very useful for both production and research, needs more information. Research studies conducted so far have investigated the reactions to low temperature on mealworms pupae and adults, or on larvae at 10 °C and for no more than 48 h. The aim of this study is to test the long-term effects of different times of cold storage at 10 °C on the larval survival and on the ability to become healthy adults and to potentially reproduce normally. The insects, divided in experimental groups, were refrigerated on sterile bran (and 10% of yeast) at 10±1 °C and 63% RH for 4 different periods of storage, from 30 to 120 days. Larval survival (i.e. number of larvae alive and number of pupae, expressed as a percentage), weight gain and presence of pupae were detected at the end of each period. The ability to complete the cycle was assessed by detecting the number of hatched pupae, deformed and well-formed adults. Our research results point out the possibility to store T. molitor alive larvae for long time (at least 120 days) at low temperature without significant negative effects on their ability to survive, with a relatively small loss (15.81%) and a very small percentage of deformed adults (4.07%). Further researches will be carried out to test the fertility of the well-formed adults and their ability to reproduce.