Alexandria Governorate Research Articles

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders and Burnout Syndrome among Community Paramedic Staff

Background: Community health nursing specialties is continuously changed and updated according to the community needs, ambulance paramedics staff is one of the specialties in community health nursing, and they play a vital role in emergencies even at home, they play a role in advancing home care which reduces the cost in the health care system, they deal with serious conditions such as pandemic situation as in case of COVID-19 pandemic nowadays. So, this group of staff must be studied to understand the occupational problems that might be facing them and help them to deal with it. Aims of the study: the current study aimed to assess the post-traumatic stress disorders among paramedic staff, and to evaluate the burnout syndrome severity among paramedic staff as a community paramedic. Material and Methods: A descriptive exploratory research design was used. Settings: The study was carried out at once out of the seven regions served by the Egyptian Ambulance Organization (EAO) namely Alexandria region which serves three Egyptian governorates (Alexandria, Matrouh and Beheira governorate). Subjects: All paramedic staff working at the chosen settings and meet the inclusion criteria (68) was recruited in the study. Tools: Data was collected through using three tools “Paramedic Staff Health Profile and Sociodemographic Assessment Tool, Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI-HSS) Tool and the Clinician administered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) Past Month Version. Results: The current study indicate that the studied paramedic staff has different degree of burnout syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder with a significant association with multivariable such as age, marital status level of education, years of experiences, working hours per week, sleeping hours and their evaluation for their health condition. Conclusion and Recommendations: it was concluded that, the paramedic staff burnout inventory scale indicate that around one third of them have high emotional exhaustion level, whereas, more than two fifths of them have low level of personal accomplishment. Around one third have high level of depersonalization. Furthermore, three quarters of the studied paramedic have mild, minimal distress or disruption of activities followed by moderate, distress clearly present but still manageable. It was recommended that, regular screening of paramedic staff should be done for evaluating stress, depression, and anxiety. Proper management must be held at early stage of symptoms of BOS and PTSD. Inservice stress management training especially for invoice community paramedic staff must be executive to raise their awareness regarding the possibility of PTSD and BOS and how to deal with.

Kaizen methodology for continuous improvement as an entry point to achieve outstanding institutional performance in the Directorate of Youth and Sports in Alexandria Governorate

research aims to identify effect of using (Kaizen) methodology for continuous improvement in achieving distinguished institutional performance in Directorate of Youth and Sports in Alexandria Government by identifying role of senior management in achieving continuous improvement, procedural steps of Kaizen methodology planning, implementation, evaluation and examination, Responding to proposed improvements, The effect of applying Kaizen methodology on improving performance of each of the employees, operations, youth and sports directorate. Research Procedures: descriptive approach was used. research society and sample consist of: directors of youth and sports directorate in Alexandria Government, deputy of directorate, and a number of (5) departments represented in Administration of Sports, General Administration for Youth, Vanguard Administration, Leadership Development Department, Planning and Follow-up Department, questionnaire was used as a tool for collecting data and information and appropriate statistical treatment was used - research concluded effect of using Kaizen Methodology to improve performance of employees and operations and Directorate of Youth and Sports in Alexandria Government.

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDERS AND BURNOUT SYNDROME AMONG COMMUNITY PARAMEDIC STAFF

Background: Community health nursing specialties have continuously changed and updated according to the community needs. Ambulance paramedics staff is one of the specialties in community health nursing, and they play a vital role in emergency situations even at home. They play a role in advancing home care which reduce the cost in health care system, they deal with serious conditions such as pandemic situation as in case of COVID-19 pandemic nowadays. So, this group of staff must be studied to understand the occupational problems that they might face and help them to deal with. Aims of study: The current study aimed to assess the post-traumatic stress disorders among paramedic staff, and to evaluate the burnout syndrome severity among paramedic staff as a community paramedic. Material and Methods: A descriptive exploratory research design was used. Settings: The study was carried out at one out of the seven regions served by the Egyptian Ambulance Organization (EAO) namely Alexandria region which serve three Egyptian governorates (Alexandria, Matrouh and Beheira governorate). Subjects: All paramedic staff were working at the chosen settings and meet the inclusion criteria (68) were recruited in the study. Tools: Data was collected using three tools namely “Paramedic Staff Health Profile and Sociodemographic Assessment Tool, Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI-HSS) Tool and the Clinician-administered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) Past Month Version. Results: The current study indicate that the studied paramedic staff has different degree of burnout syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder with a significant association with multivariable such as age, marital status level of education, years of experiences, working hours per week, sleeping hours and their evaluation for their health condition. Conclusion and Recommendations: The paramedic staff burnout inventory scale indicate that around one third of them have high emotional exhaustion level. Whereas, more than two fifths of them have low level of personal accomplishment. Around one third have high level of depersonalization. Furthermore, three quarters of the studied paramedic have mild, minimal distress or disruption of activities followed by moderate, distress clearly present but still manageable. Regular screening of paramedic staff should be done for evaluating stress, depression and anxiety. Proper management must be done for detection of early stage symptoms of BOS and PTSD. Inservice stress management training especially for invoice community paramedic staff must be executed to raise their awareness regarding the possibility of PTSD and BOS and their management.

Impact of different pollutants on some water quality aspects of Lake Mariout, Egypt

The present study was carried out in Mariout Lake, which considered an important natural resource for fish production in Alexandria governorate, Lake Mariout is surrounded by different sources of pollution, such as sewage, industrial and agriculture drainages. Therefore, the present study was conducted in five sites to evaluate the effects resulting from pollution on the physical and chemical properties of water. Water samples were collected monthly to investigate the effect of different geographical seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn) of 2018. Obtained results revealed that pH values reached an increased value of 8.8. The highest values of total alkalinity and total hardness were 465.8 and 5400 (mg/l as CaCO3), respectively. The highest values of NO2, NO3 and total nitrogen that recorded alongside the study period were 0.2, 2.32 and 3.98 mg/l, respectively. The highest recorded values of PO4 and total phosphorous were 0.42 and 0.92 mg/l, respectively. Depending on the increased values of nutrients and chlorophyll 'a' (459.6 µg/l), as well as dissolved solids, some basins of the lake classified as eutrophic while the other basins classified as hypertrophic.

دور معلم التعلیم الأساسی فی دعم متطلبات التغییر الاجتماعی – الثقافی دراسة تحلیلیة بمحافظة الإسکندریة

هدف البحث إلى الکشف عن أهم الأدوار المتوقعة من معلم التعليم الأساسي ؛ لدعم متطلبات التغيير الاجتماعي الثقافي, وإمکانية ممارستها بغية الارتقاء بدوره في المستقبل ؛ واعتمد المنهج الوصفي , وتم التطبيق على عينة من موجهي المواد الدراسية بمرحلة التعليم الأساسي بمحافظة الإسکندرية. وجاء تقدير عينة الدراسة لمحور أهمية الأدوار بنسبة موافقة أکبر مقارنة بمحور إمکانية ممارسة تلک الأدوار, وحصل دور المعلم في (تنمية الإحساس بالولاء والانتماء) على أعلى متوسط نسبة موافقة من حيث الأهمية , والإمکانية – کذلک- بنسبة موافقة بلغت 94.95 % ، 83.65 % على التوالي، بينما حصل دور المعلم في (الإسهام في تحقيق الاتساق الثقافي لدى النشء) على أقل نسبة موافقة من حيث الأهمية بلغت 89.04 % ، وحصل دور (تنمية القدرة على التکيف مع الثورة المعلوماتية, وتقديم أنموذج للمواطنة الرقمية) على أقل نسبة موافقة من حيث الإمکانية بلغت 64.90 % . کما لاتوجد فروق ذات دلالة احصائية في تقدير أفراد مجتمع الدراسة للدرجة الکلية لأهمية الأدوار المتوقعة ؛ تعزى لمتغيرات (النوع , المؤهل العلمي, التخصص, الإدارة التعليمية, عدد سنوات العمل فى التوجية والإشراف) ؛ في حين وجدت فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية عند مستوى (0.05) في إمکانية ممارسة الأدوار طبقا لنوع العينة قيد البحث لصالح الإناث فى الدورين (تنمية الاحساس بالولاء , والانتماء) , و( تنمية التفکير الناقد وحل المشکلات واتخاذ القرارات) ، بينما لايوجد فروق دالة فى باقى نسب موافقة إمکانية ممارسة الأدوار؛ تعزى للمتغيرات الأخرى للدراسة. Abstract: The aim of the research is to uncover the most important roles expected of a basic education teacher. To support the requirements of sociocultural change and the possibility of exercising them in order to enhance its role in the future; The descriptive curriculum was adopted, and it was applied to a sample of instructors in the basic education stage in Alexandria Governorate. The evaluation of the study sample came to the axis of importance of roles with a greater approval rate compared to the axis of the possibility of exercising those roles, and the teacher's role in (developing a sense of loyalty and belonging) received the highest average approval rate in terms of importance, and possibility - as well - with an approval rate of 94.95% and 83.65%, respectively. While the teacher's role in (contributing to achieving cultural consistency among young people) received the lowest approval rate of 89.04%, and the role of (developing the ability to adapt to the information revolution and presenting a model for digital citizenship) received the lowest approval rate in terms of potential. 64.90%. There are also no statistically significant differences in the study population's estimate of the overall degree of importance of the expected roles. Due to variables (gender, academic qualification, specialization, educational administration, number of years of work in directing and supervision); Whereas, statistically significant differences were found at the level of (0.05) in the possibility of playing roles according to the type of sample under study in favor of females in the two roles (developing a sense of loyalty and belonging), and (developing critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making), while there were no significant differences in the rest Role-play approval percentages; Attributed to the other variables of the study.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in some meat products

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the emerging pathogens worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MRSA among different meat products retailed in local markets in Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. The prevalence of MRSA (conventional identification) was 24% (6/25), 28% (7/25), 8% (2/25) and 8% (2/25) in Sausage, Burger, Luncheon and Pasterami respectively with overall prevalence 17 % (17/100), While only 12% (3/25), 20% (5/25), 8% (2/25) and 8% (2/25) of Sausage, Burger, Luncheon and Pasterami respectively were carring the mec A gene by genotyping identification (PCR) with overall prevalence 12 % (12/100), It was observed that all MRSA suspected strains 100% (17/17) was phenotypically resistant to oxacillin and benzyl penicillin , and with subsequent molecular screening for mecA gene; all isolates possessed this gene except 3 isolates from Sausage samples and 2 isolates of Burger samples. All MRSA isolates in this study expressed multidrug-resistant for at least three antibiotics which may constitute a public health concern. Therefore, strict hygienic measures should be carried out to preserve such meat products from emerging multidrug-resistant MRSA and to ensure food safety.

Quality Assessment of Fresh and Chilled Broiler Chicken Carcasses Retailed in Alexandria Province

Chicken meat is a nutritious, healthy meal that is low in fat and cholesterol compared to other meats as well as it is an excellent source of protein. A total of 60 random samples of fresh and chilled chicken meat samples (30 of each) in addition to 60 skin swabs from fresh and chilled chicken samples (30 of each) were collected from different Shops and supermarkets at Alexandria Governorate. All the collected samples were examined to determine their microbiological profiles. The obtained results indicated that mesophilic aerobic bacterial count of all samples exceeded 1.0×105 cfu/gm. Also, the highest mean values of Coliforms Count, yeast count and mould count in all examined samples were found in fresh breast muscles (3.9×106±3.7×106), chilled thigh muscles (7.1×104 ±4.0×104) and fresh breast muscles (1.2×104 ± 4.4×103) for each count, respectively. The highest incidences of E.coli , Salmonellae, S. aureus found in chilled breast muscles and chilled breast skin with the same percentage (26.7%), (13.3) and (80%), respectively. Finally we studied the effect of heat and vinegar on inhibition growth of S. aureus and found that Boiling decrease S. aureus count than roasting and grilling. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of apple and grape vinegar against S. aureus were 1.5% and 1%, respectively.

Molecular Detection of Integron in Staphylococcus aureus Isolated From Ruminants

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important pathogens of humans and animals, asymptomatically colonizes the anterior nares of humans and animals and it is considered one of the most significant etiological agents of intramammary infection in dairy ruminants, causing both clinical and subclinical mastitis, causing wound infection and dermatitis. A total number of 164 samples (mastitic milk, nasal swabs, wound swabs, abscesses′ contents) were collected from ruminant animals (cattle, sheep and goat) either individually or from farms in Alexandria governorate and subjected to bacteriological examination. Seventeen Staphylococcus aureus isolates were identified morphologically, biochemically. Antibiogram profile of the isolates were carried out against 11 antimicrobials. 16/17 (94%) of isolates showed resistance to at least one antimicrobial, 11/17(64.75) of the isolates showed resistance to three or more of antimicrobials (multi-drug resistance), the highest sensitivity was observed for vancomycin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 17/17 (100%) while the highest resistance was observed for penicillin 14/17 (82%), and gentamicin 9/17(53%). Eight out of seventeen isolates (47%) showed resistance to oxacillin/cefoxitin (methicillin resistant S. aureus) all of them were multi drug resistant (MDR). Ten of MDR S. aureus isolates were molecularly screened for integron. Class 1 integron cassette were detected in 1/10 of tested isolates which exposed to further sequence analysis revealing dfrA15 gene cassette which encodes trimethoprim resistance that firstly reported in S. aureus isolates. The GenBank accession number of the dfrA15gene sequences determined in this study is MW036489.

Bacterial Food Poisoning in Chicken and Some Chicken Product

A total of 150 samples of poultry meat and poultry meat products included chicken breast, chicken thigh, luncheon, nuggets, pane, and burger (25 samples of each) were randomly collected from different super markets in different localities at Alexandria governorate during the period extended from may to July 2019. Each sample was transferred directly with a minimum of delay to the laboratory of Food Hygiene, Animal Health Research Institute, Alexandria. Samples were subjected to microbiological evaluation via making of Aerobic Plate Count (APC), Total Enterobacteriaceae count (TEC) and Total Coliforms Count (TCC). In addition, isolation of some enteropathogens including; of salmonella, shigella, E. Coli and campylobacter jejni. The obtained results revealed that The mean values of APC of chicken breast, chicken thigh, luncheon, nuggets, pane, and burger were 2.30 X 105 ± 0.80 X 105 , 6.90 X 105 ± 0.71 x 105 ,26.2 x 105 ± 1.11 x 105 , 11.2 x 105 ± 2.80 x 105 , 9.60 x 105 ± 2.43 x 105 , 7.41 x 105 ± 1.95 x 105 cfu/g, respectively The mean values of Enterobacteriaceae count of chicken breast, chicken thigh, luncheon, nuggets, pane, and burger were 13.0 x 102 ±3.80 x 102 , 20.00 x 102 ± 1.70 x 102 , 1.83 x 102 ± 0.14 x 102 , 1.19 x 102 ± 0.11 x 102 , 2.70 x 102 ± 0.15 x 102 , 0.9 x 102 ± 0.10 x 102 cfu/g, respectively. The mean values of coliforms count of chicken breast, chicken thigh, luncheon, nuggets, pane, and burger were 11.0 x 102 ± 3.40 x 102 , 18.0 x 102± 1.80 x 102 , 12.7 x 102± 5.87 x 102 , 1.21 x 102± 0.46 x 102 , 38.9 x 102± 1.79 x 102 , 5.53 x 102± 1.81 x 102 cfu/g, respectively. The trail of isolation of E. coli revealed that E. coli was isolated from 7and 5 samples of burger and nuggets, on contrary it could not be isolated from the examined samples of luncheon, pane, breast and thigh. Moreover, the serological identification of the obtained isolates clarified that the serological identification of the obtained isolates clarified that E. coli H3:O158, H4:O27, H2: O126, H3:O157 and H3: O158 were isolated form Burger and H2: O126, H3:O157 and H3: O158 were isolated from nuggets , while the trail of isolation of Salmonella, Shigella and Campylobacter jejeni was be failed. This study concluded that, chicken meat and chicken meat products undergo contamination with different microorganisms that include E.coli, salmonella, shigella and campylobacter jejni that constituted great hazards to human. So, there should be application of good sanitary measures during slaughtering and evisceration with frequent investigation and examination

A Community Pharmacy-Based Intervention in the Matrix of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Outcomes (CPBI-T2DM): A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction:Egypt has the ninth highest diabetes mellitus (DM) prevalence in the world. There is a growing interest in community involvement in DM management.Aim of the study:The aim of the study was to evaluate the tailored diabetes care model (DCM) implementation in Alexandria governorate by community pharmacy-based intervention (CPBI) from a clinical, humanistic, and economic aspect.Methods:This is a 6-month period cross-over cluster randomized control trial conducted in Alexandria. Ten clusters owing 10 community pharmacies (CPs) recruited 100 health insurance-deprived T2DM patients with >7% HbA1c in 6-months. The study was divided into 2 phases (3 months for each period) with a 1-month washout period in between. After CPs training on DCM, the interventional group received pictorial training for 45 minutes in first visit, and 15 minutes in weekly visits, whereas the control group patients received the usual care (UC). At baseline and end of each phase (3 months), patients had clinical and physical activity assessments, filled all forms of study questionnaire (knowledge, self-management, satisfaction, and adherence) and did all laboratory investigations (Fasting Blood Glucose [FBG]), HbA1c, protein-creatinine clearance (PCR), creatine clearance (GFR), and lipid profile.Results:There was no significant difference in the basal systolic and diastolic blood pressure between patients in the CBPI and UC groups, but the CBPI had significantly decreased the mean SBP and DBP by (P = .008, .040, respectively). Also, significant waist circumference and BMI reductions (−5.82 cm and −1.86 kg/m2, P = .001) were observed in the CBPI. The CBPI patients achieved a greater reduction in FBG and HbA1C than the UC patients (102 mg/dL and 1.9%, respectively P < .001). Also, significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride (−6.4, −15.4, and −6.3 mg/dL respectively, P = .001) were achieved in the CBPI group. No significant differences were found in HDL, GFR, and PCR. Moreover, significant improvements of behavior, score of knowledge, self-management, satisfaction, and adherence were observed in CBPI patients. After multivariate analysis, HbA1C readings were significantly influenced by baseline HbA1C and eating habits. The cost saving for CPBI was −1581 LE per 1% HbA1c reduction.Conclusion:This is the first study in Egypt that illustrated the positive impact of pictorial DCM delivered by CPBI collaborative care on clinical, humanistic, laboratory, and economic outcomes to local T2DM patients.

Ultrasonographical and Histopathological Diagnosis of Anal Sacculitis in Dogs

The objectives of the present experimental study were to induce an experimental anal sacculitis in dog and investigate its effects on anal sac ultrasonography scanning and Histopathological evaluation of anal sac post anal saculectomy. Four dogs were used; three male & one female related to different breeds. They were collected from the clinic at the Faculty of veterinary medicine-Alexandria University and pets private clinic in Alexandria Governorate and animal health center at Alexandria. All dogs subjected to U/S scanning and then artificial ligation of anal sac ducts was performed under the effect of general anesthesia by using the tom cat catheter as duct landmark. Ligation the duct over the skin by proline 0/2 or silk 0/2 in suture. Regular follow up weekly for clinical signs appear and Ultrasonographic scanning every 2 week. Conclusions; the best methods of diagnosis depends up ultrasonographic scanning and laboratory examination and histopathological examination. Surgical removal of anal sac and its gland after 2 months of ligation induce good healing in the wound, the skin and hair coat growth normally.

Effect Use of Pulsed Deficit Drip Irrigation for Tomato Crop in Greenhouse powered by solar energy

The presented study aims to investigate the effect of using two effective irrigation techniques; the pulse-deficit drip irrigation and the deficit irrigation powered by solar energy in a greenhouse. This work studied impact of these factors a tomato soilless productivity, water productivity and of these techniques solar energy productivity. The experimental study was carried out at Tractors and Farm Machinery Research and Test Station, Alexandria Governorate. The results showed that, the pulsed-full drip irrigation at100%of ETc (FP100) gave the highest yield of 35.8 ton/fed., but the continuous- deficit drip irrigation at 50%of ETc (DC50) gave the lowest yield of 20.4 ton/feddan. The highest water productivity (WP) was 37.1 kg/m3 when using the treatment of (DP50), on the other hand the Continuous-Full drip irrigation at 100%of ETc (FC100) (control treatment) represents the lowest WP of 27.9 kg/m3. Application of pulse-deficit irrigation (DP50) saved 50% of the water irrigation requirements and decreased the total tomato yield per feddan by 34%, but the water productivity increased by 33% compared with continuous-full irrigation (FC100) as control. Treatment of pulse-deficit irrigation (DP50) saved 50% of solar energy consumption and increase energy productivity (908 kg/kWh) by 33% compared to continuous-full irrigation (FC100) as control. The results showed that pulse-deficit drip irrigation technique, decrease tomato yield but increase WP in all treatments. This study recommend apply, pulse-deficit irrigation (DP75) technique results in reducing tomato yield by 3% and increasing water and energy productivity by 29.3 and 29.4% respectively.

RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AND PULMONARY FUNCTION IMPAIRMENT AMONG TEXTILE INDUSTRY WORKERS IN ALEXANDRIA GOVERNORATE

Introduction: Cotton dust inhalation is responsible for the major respiratory symptoms and disease among textile workers. In spite of the seriousness of exposure to cotton dust, little concern has been given to the problem in Egypt and other developing countries.Aim of the work: Assessment of the respiratory health status of textile industry workers.Subjects: All male textile workers exposed to cotton dust in a textile factory located in Alexandria Governorate(n=184). A comparison population consisted of 180 workers not exposed to cotton dust or any other hazards that might affect the respiratory system were selected from same factory. Methods: A cross sectional comparative design was adopted for this research. All workers were subjected to a self-structured interviewing questionnaire to obtain personal and occupational history, British Medical Research Council questionnaire (BMRC) on respiratory symptoms and smoking habit, byssinosis diagnosis questionnaire based on schilling criteria and pulmonary function measurement. Results: The prevalence of chronic cough, chronic phlegm production and chronic bronchitis were significantly higher among exposed workers the mean values of lung function indices reflecting large airways function as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were significantly lower in exposed workers compared to unexposed workers.Conclusions: Occupational exposure to cotton dust was associated with increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms and obstructive pattern in pulmonary function test.

EFFECT OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL TREATMENTS ON CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SUGAR CAN BAGASSE IN THE DEVELOPED BIOREACTOR

This experimental work was conducted during December 2017 at Tractors and Farm machinery Testing & Research Station at Sabahia, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. The present work is aimed to study the effect of treating of sugarcane bagasse biologically in a developed reactor, chemically and biochemically, as feeds for ruminants. Treatments were chemical (4% urea), biological Trichoderma harzinaum F-418 fungi,and biochemical treatment (combined biological + urea). The effect of different treatments on chemical composition of sugarcane bagasse were studied. Chemical composition, in terms of crude protein content (%), crude fiber content (%), Ether extract content (%), ASH content Ash (%) and Nitrogen free extract content NFE (%) to maximize its nutritional values in order to use such improved materials as animal feeds. The results showed that different treatments increased CP, and ash, while decreased CF, EE and NFE. The increments in CP content were 415.56, 248.89 and 169.44% due to biochemical, chemical and biological treatments, respectively. While the decrement in CF content were 28.99, 24.75 and 7.54% due to biochemical, chemical and biological treatments, respectively.

Study of some soils South El-Amiria, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt using two soil classification systems

A pilot area south El-Amiria, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt was studied by using remote sensing techniques to define its main physiographic units. The soil studies were carried out by two classification systems; USDA (USDA, 2014) and FAO (FAO, 2006 b). The area locates between longitudes 29o47`55``and 30o 30`05`` East and latitudes 29o29`30`` and 30o30` 05`` North and comprise an area of about 571168 Feddan. Two physiographic units were recognized in the studied area as follows: I) Lacustrine plains, which includes four sub-units differ in their soil depths, i.e., moderately deep, deep, very deep, and rock outcrops. 2)Windblown sand, which includes three sub-units, i.e.sand sheets soils, BarchanDunes and Barchan dunes with partial CaCO3 cementations. By comparing the two systems of soil classification used in this study, it is observed that FAO system (FAO, 2006 b) includes different levels of soil properties which have a direct effect on soil reclamation, suitability and land use. On the other hand, USDA system (USDA, 2014) gives importance for texture, mineralogy, soil temperature …etc. in family level which adds more detailed information for soil management. Consequently, applications of the two classification systems, is necessary or preferable due to their compilation.

Effect of jigsaw cooperative learning strategy on obstetric nurses’ knowledge and information retention of emergency contraceptive methods

Background: Despite the availability of highly efficient contraception, approximately one third of all pregnancies in the world are still unintended. These pregnancies may be associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality; particularly in areas where safe abortion is inaccessible or where quality obstetric services are unavailable for those women continuing a pregnancy to term. Every year, 210 million women around the world become pregnant. Of these, 80 million pregnancies are unplanned. Out of these, 46 million pregnancies are terminated each year, and 19 million are ended with unsafe abortion. More than 97% of unsafe abortions occur in developing nations. Most of these results are from nonuse of contraception or from noticeable contraceptive failure, all of which may be avoided by the use of emergency contraception methods. Aim of the study: The present study aimed to determine the effect of jigsaw cooperative learning strategy (independent variable on obstetric nurses’ knowledge and information retention (dependent variable) of emergency contraceptive methods. Methods A quasi experimental research design was used in this study. This study was carried out at El Shatby Maternity University Hospital, in Alexandria governorate, Egypt. A convenient sample of 150 maternity nurses were recruited from the above-mentioned setting. Three tools were used for data collection; (1) socio-demographic characteristic and academic data questionnaire, (2) Emergency Contraceptive Methods Knowledge and Information Retention questionnaire, (3) Nurses’ Satisfaction with Jig Saw Educational Technique Results: Immediately after applying jigsaw strategy the vast majority (97.30%) of the study group had good score of knowledge compared to 74.70 % of control group. Twenty-one (21) days later, a slight decline in knowledge score among the study group was observed with 93, 30% achieving a good total score, while a sharp drop in total score of knowledge among the control group was noticed where 42% of them had good score of knowledge. A statistically significant difference between both groups were found immediately and 21 days after providing teaching session, p (0.000 & 0.000) respectively, where nurses of the study group had better knowledge immediately after providing teaching session. The majority (93.30%) of the study group was highly satisfied with the jigsaw strategy as a new teaching method. Conclusion: Interactive learning environment such as jigsaw cooperative learning strategy was effective teaching methods which facilitated independence and self- directed learning. Recommendation: Jigsaw cooperative learning strategy should be incorporated in obstetric nursing education.

Productivity of Some Onion Varieties Under Different Silicates Forms in Relation to Thrips (Thrips tabaci L.) Infection

The two field experimentswere carried out at the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Saba Basha, Alexandria University, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt, during the two winter seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 to study the effect of foilar application of silicon forms on yield, quality and trips population of some onion varieties. This experiment was laid out in split-plot design in three replications in both seasons. The main plot was four onion varieties named; Giza Red, Giza 20, Hybrid Red (Al-Hamra), and Hybrid Yellow (Alabkar), while the subplots were differentsilicon forms (water = control, nano silicon, silicon in tablets, and silicon in powder form) was in both seasons. The obtained results showed that onion varieties differed in the studied characters, foliar application of the different forms of silicon significantly affected yield, and trips population, as well as the interaction between varieties and Si form, was significant in both seasons. Whereas on the other hand, Giza Red recorded the highest values of the studied parameters followed by Giza 20 as compared with the other varieties, also silicon in form nanoparticles (Si NPs)increased growth, yield quality, and decreased population of thrips in onion in both seasons. The interaction between Si forms and onion varieties was significant on all the studied characters, where planting Giza 20 with foliar application of nanoparticles (Si NPs) form recorded the highest values also reduced the population of thrips in the two cropping seasons under the study conditions.

Evaluation Performance of Some Wheat Varieties Under Drought Conditions

The present study was carried out at Abess, Alexandria, Egypt, during the two seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 to study the performance of wheat varieties by different markers under drought. This experiment was conducted in a split-plot system in three replications during the two seasons. The main plots were irrigation treatments (Full irrigations (control), skipping one irrigation at the vegetative growth stage and skipping one irrigation at the heading stage), wheat varieties (Gemmieza 11, Giza 168, Giza171 and Shandaweel l) distributed in a subplot in both seasons. The obtained results showed that sowing the wheat cultivar Giza 171 or Giza 168 under normal irrigation recorded the highest mean value of yield, yield components, and protein (%) in grain under study conditions at Abess, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt.

Effect of Nutrient Mixture and Potassium Levels Applied as Spray or to Soil on Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)Yield and its Components

This study was carried out in 2017 and 2018 seasons to investigate effect of nutrient mixture and potassium levels applied as spray or to soil on sunflower yield and its components using split-plot design with four replicates. Main plot treatments were: K1 (control) without K, K2: 57 kg K2O/ ha, K3: 114 kg K2O/ ha (K1, K2 and K3 as soil application), K4 (control): spraying with tap water, K5: 0.58 kg K2O/ ha and K6: 1.16 kg K2O/ ha (K4, K5 and K6 as foliar application). Sub-plot treatments were 0, 1 and 2 liters of nutrients mixture per hectare. K5 treatment produced the heaviest heads(132.0g),highest seed weight/ head(69.98g)in the first season and highest oil (41.33%) without significant differences with potassium soil application treatments in that season. (K6) produced the thickest stems(2.28 and 2.31cm)in both seasons, largest head (20.54cm), heaviest heads (122.49g), highest shelling (52.81%) and heaviest 100-seed weight (8.26g) in the second season, whereas (K5 and K6) treatments gave the heaviest seed weight/ head (60.99 and 64.70 g), and highest shelling (53.03 and 53.02%) in the first season and seed yield/ ha (3.35 and 3.55ton) in the second season. Foliar application of nutrients mixture significantly increased all the studied treatments, except head diameter in 2017, stem diameter, 100-seed weight and oil percent in 2018 season. Interaction had significant effect on plant height, head weight, shelling % and harvest index in both seasons. K5 and/ or K6 combined with nutrient mixture foliar application, generally, increased the aforementioned traits under Alexandria Governorate.

Diversity and temporal variations of the leafhopper fauna (Cicadellidae, Auchenorrhyncha, Hemiptera) in two ecological zones of Egypt

ABSTRACT Leafhoppers constitute one of the largest and most common groups of plant sap-sucking pests found in wild and agricultural habitats. They cause damage to plants directly through feeding and oviposition or indirectly through transmission of dangerous plant pathogens. The present study aims to list, assess and compare the diversity and temporal fluctuations of the cicadellid species associated with different cultivated agronomic crops in two governorates (Qena and Alexandria), representing two different Egyptian ecological zones. By light trapping, 33 species (four species identified only to the genus level) belonging to 22 genera, 12 tribes and 4 subfamilies were collected from six field sites throughout the year 2018. The most common leafhopper species was Empoasca decipiens, composing 51.3% of the total individuals collected, while the other 32 species encompassed 48.7%. Although a significant difference was found in the species richness of leafhoppers between the two governorates, none was found for abundance, species diversity or evenness. A cluster analysis derived from similarity of species composition of cicadellid communities showed a clear grouping of the study sites in each ecological zone. Furthermore, significant differences were found between the community structures in Qena and Alexandria governorates (analysis of similarities [ANOSIM], R = 0.722). A similar population pattern was observed for both governorates. Generally, the density of nearly all cicadellids showed unimodal seasonal patterns with one peak in midsummer (July or August). Spearman’s rank correlation analysis showed significant positive relationships between abundance of cicadellids and temperatures in both governorates; however, no correlation with humidity was found. This is the first faunal and systematic study conducted on a diverse range of leafhopper species collected from different cultivated agronomic crops in two Egyptian governorates.