Higher Percentage Of Weight Loss Research Articles

Validity of the Lower Zab River Sediments for Road and Asphalt Works - Southwest of Kirkuk/Northern Iraq

In this study, a geotechnical assessment of gravel and sand deposits were conducted on both sides of the Lower Zab River in the southwest of Kirkuk Governorate/Northern Iraq. geologically the sediment related to Quaternary age and tectonically located at the unstable zone. 5 samples were collected from the study area for the purpose of conducting various geotechnical tests on them and their validity for road works to the sub-base layer and the base layer for asphalt works.
 The results of the physical tests were shown by grain size analysis of thes aggregates for the samples of the study area, and it was found that they are identical to class (A) According to the American Standard [1], and suitable for use in road works for the sub-base layer. The moisture ratio ranging between (1.95 - 4.26) %. The tests of flatness and elongation showed that the highest percentage of flat-shaped particles was (29%) and longitudinal-shaped particles (19%).
 The laboratory tests results showed the durability tests such as - Los Angeles test the highest percentage of weight loss was (20.06%), and thus it is valid according to the Iraqi Standard Specification [2] for use in road works. the highest result of test the aggregate impact value of samples is 7.8%, It conforms to the requirements of specifications that must be provided for road works for a sub base layer. Accordingly it is valid for road works. It was found from Proctor test for (5) samples from the study area that the values of the maximum dry density ranged between (2.14-2.28 gm/cm3), and the values of the optimum moisture content ranged between (3.1-2.41%).
 An asphalt typical mixture was designed for the base layer from the aggregate of the first station S1 as represent station consisting of coarse crushed aggregate 12%, medium crushed aggregate 22%, fine crushed aggregate 20%, river sand 40% and the proportion of filler 6%. The results of the asphalt tests for the ideal station S1 showed that the ideal percentage of asphalt from the weight of the mixture in the asphalt mixture is 4.1, which is within the limits of the specification Roads and Bridges [3]. The percentage of asphalt to the weight of the aggregate after adding the ideal percentage of asphalt showed that its value was 4.3%, As for the stability test result (Marshall), it reached 11.4 kN, and the result of the creep test (Marshall) reached 2.9 mm, and the density was 2.362

Effect of Overwintering Time on Survival Adults of Eurygaster testudinaria Geoffroy in Iraq

A field study was conducted to determine the effect of overwintering time on the survival adult of Eurygaster testudinaria Geoffroy in Kufa/Najaf Governorate during the season 2019-2020. The results showed there is a difference in the survival rate of females and males according to the time of laying sunn pest in the overwintering site. The results showed the lowest survival rate for adults was in the first and second treatment of placing insects in overwintering site, and the maximum survival period for adults was three months. while the highest survival rate for females and males was 100 and 98% on the fourth treatment after a month of placing insects in overwintering site respectively, then this percentage gradually decreased until reached 77 and 66% at the end of January, respectively. The results also showed that the weight of sunn pest adults differed according to the date of entry the insect into overwintering site. The highest percentage of weight loss for females and males was 2.3,3.94% and 2.26,2.08% in the first and second treatment in May after a month from Putting insects in overwintering site respectively. The lowest percentage of weight loss was0.2 and 0.21% on the fourth treatment after a month of treatment, then this percentage gradually increased reached 3.22% at the end of January for females and 4.36% in December for males.

Effect of edible beeswax coating on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) postharvest quality

Beeswax, known for its beneficial composition, has found wide application in various industries, including pharmacy, and medicine. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of beeswax as a covering for preserving tomato postharvest quality. Beeswax was applied to tomato fruits in three different dosages (5, 15, and 25 g) and stored for 30 days at 10 °C. The results revealed that uncoated fruits exhibited a higher percentage of weight loss and firmness compared to coated fruits during storage. Coating treatments demonstrated the ability to delay the decline in weight loss, firmness, TSS and the preservation of bioactive compounds such as lycopene. Notably, the fruits coated with 25 g beeswax displayed significantly lower weight loss percentages than the other treatments. These findings suggest that the postharvest application of beeswax has the potential to extend the storage life of tomato fruits by maintaining fruit quality.

Efficacy of teak and pine litter extract with several solvent against wood termites (Cryptotermes cynocephalus light)

Termites are social insects that play an important role in the decomposition and nutrient turnover. In addition, termites are also categorized as pests that eat wood or materials composed of cellulose. Some form of control one of them has been done by making biopesticides. Various types of raw materials have been used from agricultural, plantation and forestry crop groups. Termite mortality is one indicator to determine extract bioactivity by calculating the percentage of the number of termites that died after being given treatment at a certain time. Compound content bioactive substances such as alkaloids, phenolics and other chemicals that can be used to kill and controlling insects in the environment. This study examines the effectiveness teak litter extract and pine litter extract with various solvents against wood termites through experimental research activities in the laboratory. The content of teak litter extract levels and pine litter obtained by 2.5%. Based on the termite mortality value test, the highest toxicity in the ethyl acetate extract, which is at week 3, it has reached 100% at a concentration of 1% which is. In addition, based on testing the retention value of the test paper, The highest percentage of weight loss was in the control, followed by the n-hexane fraction 49.55%. Whereas in testing the level of termite consumption, the highest percentage was in the aquades fraction.

KELIMPAHAN DAN KERAGAMAN JENIS SERANGGA HAMA JAGUNG DI BERBAGAI GUDANG PENYIMPANAN

Corn (Zea mays L.) is a strategic commodity in Indonesia after rice because corn is not only used as food but also as animal feed. This corn commodity is generally stored in the form of shelled seeds. One of the obstacles in the storage process is the presence of warehouse pests. Warehouse pests are plant-destroying organisms that work when plants are stored in storage rooms or warehouses. This study aims to determine the diversity, abundance and dominance of corn pests in sacks and scattered and determine the weight loss and damage to corn kernels in several warehouses. Determination of the number of samples used in this study was by using descriptive survey methods and qualitative data in several warehouses, then the samples were reared for 30-35 days (± a month). Sampling was carried out 8 times with an interval of 2 times a week. The results of the research showed that the diversity of pests was obtained, namely Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Rhizopert dominica Fabricius (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), Sitophilus sp Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Carpteraphilus di (Coleoptera: Midia : Nitidulidae), Cryptolestes ferrugineus Stephens (Coleoptera: Cucujidae), Corcyra cephalonica Stantion (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Lasioderma serricorne Fabricius (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), Palorus depressus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The highest abundance and dominance was in the pests Sitophilus sp. Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The highest percentage of weight loss and damage to corn kernels was found in warehouse A, while the lowest weight loss and damage to corn kernels was in warehouse C.

Body Composition, Sarcopenia and Physical Performance After Bariatric Surgery: Differences Between Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass.

Evaluate the differences between surgical techniques in the modifications of body composition and the interference in skeletal muscle health, risk of sarcopenia, and reduced physical performance. This is a cross-sectional prospective study. A total of 71 patients, who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Both groups underwent anthropometric, laboratory analysis, body composition assessment, presence of sarcopenia, and physical performance tests. The study found a higher percentage of weight loss and lower BMI in RYGB compared to SG. The other assessments of sarcopenia and physical performance showed similarity between the surgical models. Baumgartner index (7.9kg/m2 vs. 7.3kg/m2), FNIH (9.0 vs. 3.0), handgrip strength (27.3kg vs. 25.2kg), and SPPB (9.5 vs. 9.3). Leptin in the general SG group was higher than in RYGB (14.2ng/ml vs. 8.0ng/ml). RYGB and SG have a similar presence of sarcopenia and physical performance. However, SG allows greater preservation of bone and muscle mass and is associated with higher values of leptin, which may represent protection from long-term postoperative complications.

Kerentanan Relatif Beras terhadap Hama Kumbang Bubuk Gabah (Rhyzopertha dominica (F.))

The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is a primary pest that causes damage to stored cereals such as corn, grain, rice, wheat, sorghum, tubers, and starch-containing substrates and packaging made from wood. R. dominica not only cause losses in terms of quantity but also affect quality during the storage period through their feeding activities. The study aimed to determine the level of susceptibility to rice during storage to R. dominica. The research was conducted at the Laboratory of Plant Pest and Disease, Faculty of Agriculture, Malikussaleh University, Aceh which began from November 2019 to February 2020. The study was done in the form of laboratory experiments using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) nonfactorial with a total treatment of 10 rice varieties. The results of variance analysis using the Duncan Multiple Range test showed that the susceptibility level of rice to R. dominica infestation was classified into moderate category. The highest percentage of weight loss was found in Mekongga varieties (1,95%) while the lowest in Inpari 30 (0,73%)

Effect of different packaging materials on shelf life and postharvest quality of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum var. Srijana)

Tomatoes, being highly perishable, experience extreme post-harvest losses due to improper packaging materials. Experimentation was done to investigate the effect of different packaging materials on shelf life and quality traits of tomato var. Srijana at the horticulture laboratory of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Lamjung Campus under a completely randomized design. Seven treatments viz. no packaging (control), unperforated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bag, perforated (4 holes of 2 mm) LDPE bag, unperforated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bag, perforated HDPE bag, unperforated non-woven fabric bag, and perforated non-woven fabric bag with 3 replications were used. Tomatoes were evaluated for weight loss, color development, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, and shelf life. Among the treatments, the lowest percentage of weight loss (0.66%) was observed on tomatoes packed in an unperforated HDPE bag, however, it had a higher fungus attack. No packaging group showed rapid shriveling of fruits with the highest percentage of weight loss (14.70%). Although packaging in a non-woven fabric bag was better than control, it showed a higher percentage of weight loss than plastic packaging due to its high permeability to gases and water vapor. The TSS and pH values were found to be higher and TA to be lower in no packaging compared to other packagings. The longest shelf life of tomatoes was observed in perforated LDPE (24 days), followed by HDPE (23 days) whereas the lowest was observed in control (16 days). Overall, the perforated plastic packaging was found best among all treatments with no significant variation among perforated HDPE and perforated LDPE for maintaining qualities of tomatoes and longer shelf life.

The Impact of Nutritional and Functional Status on Postoperative Outcomes following Esophageal Cancer Surgery

Malnourished patients undergoing esophagectomy have increased risk of postoperative complications. The aim of the current study was to identify nutritional and functional risk factors for postoperative complications in patients with esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancer who underwent esophagectomy. Seventy patients who were admitted at the First Department of Surgery, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece, were included in this study. Laboratory data and data regarding nutritional and functional status were recorded preoperatively. Postoperative complications were graded according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Thirty-seven patients (52.9%) developed postoperative complications. Albumin and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) levels were lower in patients who developed major complications compared to patients who did not develop postoperative complications (3.90 ± 0.44 vs 4.18 ± 0.37 g/dL, p = 0.014 and 107.40 ± 15.76 vs 114.98 ± 12.26, p = 0.050 respectively). Major complications were associated with higher percentage of weight loss (12.1 ± 11.1 vs 6.2 ± 7.5%, p = 0.019) and with low handgrip strength (80 vs 16.9%, p = 0.006). Albumin (3.93 ± 0.18 vs 4.15 ± 0.41 g/dL, p = 0.019) and low muscle mass (22.6 vs 2.8%, p = 0.016) were significantly associated with anastomotic leakage occurence. The incorporation of patients’ nutritional and functional status in the preoperative risk assessment might increase prognostic ability concerning postoperative complications of patients undergoing esophagectomy.

Leaching of a Nigerian Refractory Gold Ore Using Aqua Regia

In this research, refractory gold ore from Imogbara deposit in Iperindo area of Osun state Nigeria were collected systematically from various segments of the deposits at different depths to obtain a set of samples that truly represent the deposits. The 50 kg sample collected was subjected to panning in a flowing river to obtain about 1 kg-upgraded sample. The upgraded sample was air dried for few days, pulverized to pass through 300 µm sized sieve and concentrated using shaking table. About 50 g of the gold concentrate was roasted in a furnace operated at temperature of 850°C with a slightly opened door. Reflected light and thin section microscopic observation of the ore sample was carried out. Samples of As-received and roasted gold concentrate from 80% passing 75 µm were leached in a single stage leaching using 32 factorials at temperature of 90°C, with aqua regia prepared from HCl and HNO3 concentration of 1M, 2M and 4M, leaching time 30, 60 and 90 min. The leaching was done using an oven operated at 90°C and a magnetic stirrer operated at 300 rpm at a temperature of 80°C. Leachates from combinations that gave the best-leached result were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Roasted sample leached with high acid concentration of 4M and low time of leaching on a magnetic stirrer operated at a speed of 300 rpm at temperature of 90°C gave the highest percentage of weight loss of 6.58%. The AAS test carried out on the roasted sample leachate confirms gold concentration of 2.2 g/t.

Rancang Bangun Alat Pengasapan Ikan dengan Metode Pengasapan Panas (Hot Smoking) dan Pengasapan Dingin (Cold Smoking)

The purpose of this study was to produce a fish smoking device for hot smoking and cold smoking methods. This study used 3 types of fish, namely paha fish (Leptobrama sp.), stingray (Dasyatis sp.), and tilapia fish (Oreochromis mossambicus), and the fuel used as fuel for smoking is coconut shell. The data measured included smoking room temperature data, fish weight before and after smoking. The data obtained were analyzed descriptively. The results showed that smoking fish using hot smoking and cold smoking methods with specifications, length 50 cm, width 50 cm, overall height 83 cm. This tool consists of three main components, namely, a fumigation chamber which is combined with a hot smoking biomass combustion chamber, a cold smoking biomass combustion chamber and a connecting pipe. The performance test of the tool was carried out by calculating the weight loss of fish during hot smoking and cold smoking. The smoking time used for hot smoking is 2 hours (temperature 50 – 75℃) and cold smoking 4 hours (30 – 45 ℃). The results showed that the highest percentage of weight loss during hot smoking occurred in stingrays on the second shelf, which was 29.25%, while the highest percentage of weight loss during cold smoking occurred in stingrays on the first shelf, which was 23.79%. The weight loss of fish in both hot and cold smoking is strongly influenced by the smoking time, the distance between the smoking rack and the heat source and the type of fish. Keywords : cold, heat, shrinkage, smoking, weight

English

Sitophilus oryzae is one of the primary pests that causes severe damage to food products. Damage of the grains cause a drastic dropping of rice quality, which significantly affected our rice industry. The amylose content and weight loss are two components that are affected due to the S. oryzae infestation. In this study, eight rice varieties namely Thai Pathumthani Fragrant White Rice 100%, Vietnam Long Grain White Rice 5%, Pakistan Basmathi Long Grain White Rice PK 385, Indian Steam Pusa 1121 Basmathi LGWR, Thai White Rice, Pakistan White Rice, Cambodian Fragrant Sen Kro Oub 5%, and Vietnamese White Fragrant Rice 2% were collected to investigate the amylose content and weight loss after six-month durations of the S. oryzae infestation. ANOVA analysis has shown a significant value, p-value=0.00, p <0.05 for the relationship between amylose content and rice varieties, whereas the weight loss in the eight rice varieties also showed a significant value, p-value= 0.00, p< 0.05. The Pakistan White Rice has recorded the highest percentage of weight loss (55.8%), while Cambodian Fragrant Sen Kro Oub 5% showed the lowest percentage of weight loss (23%). Despite the significant weight loss, the amylose content in each rice variety has showed a low rate, 2-9%. Results obtained from this study are considered as a fundamental data to strategize the S. oryzae pest management to make sure the continuity of rice supply for Malaysia

Specialized Medical Weight Management Intervention for High-Risk Obesity.

Background: Bundled payments are services rendered at pre-determined costs with the goal of providing high value care. Our institution’s Episodes of Care team partnered with its tertiary care obesity center to design a novel medical weight management bundle for employers that would collectively deliver high value obesity services.Objective: As a first step, we sought to evaluate short-term medical weight loss outcomes over 6 months at the obesity center.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed weight loss outcomes on 157 patients with commercial insurance coverage over a period of 6 months.Results: Patients ranged in age from 18-72 years, and 77.7% were female. Patients ranged in weight from 160-443 pounds, with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 42.7 kg/m2 (Class 3a severe obesity; BMI range 28.4-74.5). The prevalence of any obesity-related medical condition was 54.1%; at least a quarter of the patients had either prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes mellitus, approximately a third had hypertension, and over 8% had hyperlipidemia. Mean weight loss from the initial program start date was 6.28% (+/-0.48% standard error of mean [SEM]; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.34-7.23%). Completers (defined as having at least 6 visits with a medical provider) achieved a higher percentage of weight loss (7.06%) from the initial program start compared to non-completers (4.68%; at least 4-5 visits with a medical provider; P<0.0158). Approximately 50% of patients were able to achieve >7% weight loss, with over 55% of patients achieving at least 3% weight loss or higher irrespective of BMI classification.Conclusions: Specialized medical weight intervention is effective in treating high-risk obesity with complications. This has implications for enhanced long-term cost savings related to employer coverage of such programs for their employees with obesity.

Specialized Medical Weight Management Intervention for High-Risk Obesity

Background: Bundled payments are services rendered at pre-determined costs with the goal of providing high value care. Our institution’s Episodes of Care team partnered with its tertiary care obesity center to design a novel medical weight management bundle for employers that would collectively deliver high value obesity services. Objective: As a first step, we sought to evaluate short-term medical weight loss outcomes over 6 months at the obesity center. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed weight loss outcomes on 157 patients with commercial insurance coverage over a period of 6 months. Results: Patients ranged in age from 18-72 years, and 77.7% were female. Patients ranged in weight from 160-443 pounds, with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 42.7 kg/m2 (Class 3a severe obesity; BMI range 28.4-74.5). The prevalence of any obesity-related medical condition was 54.1%; at least a quarter of the patients had either prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes mellitus, approximately a third had hypertension, and over 8% had hyperlipidemia. Mean weight loss from the initial program start date was 6.28% (+/-0.48% standard error of mean [SEM]; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.34-7.23%). Completers (defined as having at least 6 visits with a medical provider) achieved a higher percentage of weight loss (7.06%) from the initial program start compared to non-completers (4.68%; at least 4-5 visits with a medical provider; P&lt;0.0158). Approximately 50% of patients were able to achieve &gt;7% weight loss, with over 55% of patients achieving at least 3% weight loss or higher irrespective of BMI classification. Conclusions: Specialized medical weight intervention is effective in treating high-risk obesity with complications. This has implications for enhanced long-term cost savings related to employer coverage of such programs for their employees with obesity.

Biodegradation of polyethylene by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa in acidic aquatic microcosm and effect of the environmental temperature

The main problem about plastic packaging after their use is the fate of the plastic waste disposed of into the environment. This study was carried out in aquatic microcosm and aimed at assessing the impact of the temperature of an acidic environment on the polyethylene degradation by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as the electrical conductivity of the medium and the temporal abundance dynamics of cells involved. Sterilized pieces of polyethylene of 0.08 g in weight were immersed in sterile mineral solutions of pH 5 in glass flasks containing P. aeruginosa cells at concentration adjusted to 186.103 CFU/100 µL. The whole was incubated at 7 °C, 23 °C, 37 °C and 44 °C for 10 days, 20 days and 30 days. Analysis after incubations showed that electrical conductivity which was 3386 µS/cm at the initial moment increased with an increase in incubation period. Its highest value 5476 µS/cm was noted at 44 °C after 30 days. The pH of solutions decreased. Its lowest value 4.11 was noted at 7 °C after 10 and 20 days. The apparent degradation rates of polyethylene fragments varied from 8.10−5 g/10days (at 7 °C and 23 °C) to 2.10−4 g/10days (at 44 °C). The highest percentage of weight loss of the polyethylene was 6.25% registered after 30 days at 44 °C. The apparent changing rates in cell abundance varied with variation in incubation temperature. It was positive under 7 °C and 23 °C reflecting relative cell growth, and negative under 37 °C and 44 °C reflecting relative cell inhibition. The highest relative apparent cell growth rate was 1.831 CFU/10days recorded at 23 °C and the highest relative apparent cell inhibition rate was 7.831 CFU/10days recorded at 44 °C. In solutions, the pH, electrical conductivity and the weight of the fragments varied significantly from one incubation temperature to another and from one incubation period to another (P<0.05). Cell abundances varied only from one incubation temperature to another (P <0.05). The biodegradation process of polyethylene by P. aeruginosa under various environmental conditions and the impact of the products released on cells remains incompletely understood.

Characterization of microbiological influence corrosion for API 5L X46 pipeline by sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB)

In this study, the microbiological corrosion behavior of API 5L X46 low steel taken from damaged petroleum transporting pipeline used in Babylon-Iraq were investigated. A swab of samples taken from the area of damage was analyzed by polymer chain reaction device to find out the type of corrosive bacteria present, Desulfovibrio sp was found, which is a sulfide reducing bacteria, and this was confirmed by the analysis of corrosive products X-ray diffraction. Two attacking media were used, the first medium (A) representing the surrounding dead water in the pipeline and the second (B) is a “medium bar” in which sulfur-reducing bacteria were cultivated, the specimens were placed in it for 28 days. Simple immersion test was don; the result show that the A medium has higher percentage of weight loss than B medium. Pure elements, compounds and ions were analyzed for the surrounding water. Scan electron microscope and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy examination of the surface of the specimens was conducted, which gave pictures of the existing bacteria, as the medium (A) only the sulfide bacteria appeared in specimens grown, while the B medium has a completely different surface nature from other media, and this is due to the absence of the role of bacteria in it. X-ray diffraction test showed corrosion products taken from samples of all mediums, different results were shown, the compounds present in the medium (A) was associated with the products containing sulfur in their composition only is (FeS), and the medium (B) showed different compounds from the previous two mediums, the most prominent of which were the compounds (FeNO3), which is a compound that may have its source from the interaction of the surrounding environment with the mineral or through the fact that the area is agricultural and it is used in pest control.

CORROSION BEHAVIOR STUDY OF STEEL POLE IN DIFFERENT COATING TECHNOLOGY

—Corrosion of steel pole is a serious issue as they used steel pole to support overhead power line in distribution. A lot of money and time are spent for maintenance and repair of existing steel pole. This paper presents investigation on various coating technologies of steel pole for initial corrosion activity. Five types of coating were used on steel samples; epoxy, VEF polyglass, galvanized, epoxy galvanized and polyglass galvanized. The accelerated ageing test, salt spray test and water absorption test were used to determine coating degradation and severity of corrosion process. It was found that, the corrosion rate for epoxy galvanized and VEF polyglass galvanized were higher as the samples were undergoing accelerated ageing test. While VEF polyglass steel showed higher percentage of weight loss during salt spray test. In addition, the results of water absorption behavior showed that epoxy steel gave higher average of absorption rate. The results obtained lead to low degradation of coating as the corrosion rate seem to be uniform

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery Prior to SARS‐CoV‐2 Infection in Modulating the Response to COVID‐19

As of October 2020, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), has infected over 33million individuals and killed over one million people worldwide. (https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html accessed October 1 2020) Obesity and its complications are linked to severe forms of COVID-19, favouring an increased hospitalization and mortality rate. Despite being the gold-standard for the treatment of selected individuals with severe obesity, there is scarce information on whether or not bariatric surgery modifies the prognosis of people living with obesity in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Bel Lassen and colleagues have carried out the first study with a high number of patients in their sample, bringing light into this area of uncertainty. The authors provide evidence of the importance of diabetes itself as a risk factor for severe COVID-19.

EFFECT OF PACKING METHODS, AND COLD STORAGE AND MARKETING PERIODS ON SOME PHSIO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ꞌꞌSALIMIꞌꞌ POMEGRANATE FRUITS

The experiment was conducted in Horticulture of Landscape Design Dept. College of Agriculture University of Diyala from 1/11/2018 to 21/3/2019 to study the effect of packing methods and cold storage of marketing periods on some parameters of salami pomegranate Fruits, The fruits were packed in polyethylene bags and individual packing with special paper (kitchen paper), after that, the fruits were stored at 6 ° C for 4 months, then at 20-day as a marketing period. Some physical and chemical parameters of fruits were done, the data were subjected and analyzed statistically, and means were compared by Duncan multi test at 0.05 probability level. The results showed that: Packed fruits in polyethylene bags have the highest acidity, TSS, ascorbic acid and total sugars and the lowest percentage of weight loss and damage. The individual packing method gave the highest weight loss and spoilage ratio. The cold storage period was characterized by the highest percentage of ascorbic acid, total sugars, the highest percentage of damage and the lowest weight loss. The marketing period showed the highest percentage of weight loss, acidity and the least damage.

Anatomical characterization of wood decay patterns in Hevea brasiliensis and Pinus merkusii caused by white-rot fungi: Polyporus arcularius and Pycnoporus sanguineus

Biological pulping is an environmentally friendly process for making pulp and paper whereby the wood raw material is pre-treated with selective delignifying white-rot fungi. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the decay patterns of white-rot fungi Polyporus arcularius and Pycnoporus sanguineus, as well as its ability to decay Hevea brasiliensis (as hardwood) and Pinus merkusii (as softwood) by observing the anatomical characteristics. Fungal attack testing on wood was carried out by the Kolle-flask method with a variation of 6, 9, and 12 weeks incubation time. The structure of wood cells was analyzed using wood incision method, followed by a combination of safranin-picro aniline blue and safranin-astra blue, and maceration method. The results showed that H. brasiliensis wood has a higher percentage of weight loss than P. merkusii wood. Wood attacked by P. sanguineus showed a higher weight loss compared to the P. arcularius. The decay pattern of P. sanguineus infected wood was concluded as selective delignification in P. merkusii and simultaneous delignification in H. brasiliensis while those infected with P. arcularius both performed simultaneous delignification. In the early stages of decay, selective delignification is characterized by the formation of intercellular space due to degradation of lignin in the middle lamella, while simultaneous delignification is characterized by cell wall thinning. The anatomical structure of H. brasiliensis attacked by the white-rot fungi showed differences with P.merkusii, whereby the ray cells of P.merkusii wood was more degraded than in H. brasiliensis.