Percentage Of Dry Weight Research Articles

Packaging types as influencing seed quality in some soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] varieties during storage period

The post-harvest process at the storage stage is one of the most critical processes for maintaining soybean seed quality. The type of packaging and the type of material stored will affect its shelf life. One type of packaging has specific properties that are different from other types of packaging. Therefore, this study used several types of packaging materials and soybean varieties to determine changes in its quality during storage. The treatments were arranged in a 5 × 4 × 7 factorial experiment in a randomised block design (RBD) with three replications, consisting of totally 140 treatment combinations involving five different types of packaging materials. Water content, the weight of 100 grains, seedling dry weight, electrical conductivity (EC), and germination percentage were assessed monthly. The factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare water content, the weight of 100 grains, EC, germination, and seedling dry weight. A qualitative descriptive analysis method was employed for the temperature and relative humidity of the storage room. The results showed that Grobogan had the lowest germination percentage of 84.85% compared to the other varieties (86.97–90.82%). Plastic sack resulted in the most inferior seed quality (82.00% for plastic sack vs. 88.23–90.17% for the other containers). A more extended storage period of soybean seeds caused a decrease in soybean quality for all varieties and packaging materials. Up to 6 months of storage at room temperature, the quality of soybean seeds remained high, with the lowest germination of 80%.

A Simple Relationship to Estimate Parameters of the Optimum Compaction Point

Compacted clay covers have been the most commonly used materials for hydraulic barrier layers. During their construction, the control of some parameters such as compactive effort and molding water content is required. These last parameters affect the hydraulic conductivity, which is considered as one of the important key parameters for cover design. To reach the target in terms of hydraulic conductivity, the cover must be compacted to a pre-determined dry unit weight that usually corresponds to a certain percentage of the maximum dry unit weight (γdmax). During the prefeasibility stage of a project (before conducting the required tests), γdmax and the optimum water content (wOpt) can be estimated to obtain an early overview of the conditions that can be anticipated. In this regard, a new approach was proposed to estimate these parameters using the liquid limit (wL) and the plastic limit (wP). The proposed equations were developed using data from 56 compacted clay liners and validated using 44 others taken from published data. Results presented in this paper indicate how the proposed equations can successfully estimate parameters of the optimum compacted point.

Dry Matter Intake and Digestibility of Napier and Treated Rice Straw Diet in Goats

Plant by-products such as rice straw can be utilized to optimize ruminant feed resources and productivity. This study aimed to determine the intake and digestibility of the basal diet (Napier grass) and treated rice straw diet in goats. A total of 16 heads of male and female Philippine native goats were used in the study. Experimental animals were arranged in randomized complete block design with four treatments and four blocks – weight and sex were used as bases for blocking. The treatments were the following: Treatment 1 (T1): 60% Napier grass + 40% untreated rice straw (control); T2: 60% Napier grass + 40% urea-treated rice straw; T3: 60% Napier grass + 40% fish amino acid (FAA)-treated rice straw; and T4: 60% Napier grass + 40% fermented plant juice (FPJ)-treated rice straw. The gathered data were dry matter intake (DMI), DMI as percent body weight (% BW), total and percent dry matter digestibility (% DMD), rumen pH and weight gain. All data were analyzed using the analysis of variance for RCBD. Comparisons of treatment means were determined using the least significance difference test. The results showed that DMI and DMI as % BW were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the treatments. Furthermore, total DMD and % DMD were significant (p < 0.05). FPJ treatment gave the highest DMI for rice straw. Moreover, goats fed with rice straw treated with urea, FPJ and FAA efficiently digested the diet compared with the control treatment.

Extruded Wheat Bran Consumption Increases Serum Short-Chain Fatty Acids but Does Not Modulate Psychobiological Functions in Healthy Men: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BackgroundIncorporation of wheat bran (WB) into food products increases intake of dietary fiber, which has been associated with improved mood and cognition and a lower risk for psychiatric disorders such as depression, with short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as candidate mediators of these effects. Modifying WB using extrusion cooking increases SCFA production in vitro relative to unmodified WB.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of extruded WB on psychobiological functioning and the mediating role of SCFAs.MethodsIn a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 69 healthy male participants consumed 55 g of breakfast cereal containing either extruded WB or placebo daily for 28 days. At pre- and post-intervention visits, the cortisol response to experimentally induced stress was measured as a primary outcome. In addition, serum SCFAs and brain-derived neurotrophic factors were quantified as potential mediators. Secondary psychobiological outcomes included subjective stress responses, responses to experimentally induced fear, cortisol awakening response, heart rate variability, and retrospective subjective mood ratings. Intestinal permeability, fecal SCFAs, and stool consistency were measured as secondary biological outcomes.ResultsExtruded WB increased serum acetate and butyrate (p < 0.05). None of the primary or secondary outcomes were affected by the intervention. Participants who consumed a placebo exhibited an increase in the percentage of fecal dry weight but did not report increased constipation. Despite these statistically significant effects, these changes were small in magnitude.ConclusionsExtruded WB consumption increased serum short-chain fatty acids but did not modulate psychobiological functions in healthy men. Effective modulation of psychobiological functions may require greater increases in SCFAs than those achieved following extruded WB consumption. Rather than attempting to induce health benefits with a single fiber-rich food, combinations of different fibers, particularly highly fermentable ones, might be needed to further increase SCFA production and uptake in the systemic circulation to observe an effect on psychobiological processes.

Mechanical characterization and material modeling of ascending aortic aneurysm with different bicuspid aortic cusp fusion morphologies

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is frequently associated with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA). Impact of cusp fusion patterns on biomechanics and microstructure of the ATAA remains unknown. This study aims to investigate biaxial mechanical properties of the ATAAs with right-left (RL) and right-noncoronary (RN) cusp fusion patterns. Fresh ATAA samples (n = 26) were obtained from patients who underwent surgical aneurysm repair. Biaxial extension tests were performed to characterize mechanical behaviors of the RL and RN BAV-ATAAs. A material model was fitted to biaxial experimental data to obtain model parameters. Histological and mass fraction analyses were employed to investigate the underlying microstructure and dry weight percentages of elastin and collagen in the ATAA tissue. The RL and RN BAV-ATAAs exhibited nonlinear and anisotropic mechanical responses to biaxial loading. Tissue stiffness of the RN BAV-ATAAs was significantly higher than that of the RL BAV-ATAAs in the circumferential (2679 ± 755 vs 1942 ± 578 kPa, mean ± SD, p = 0.04) and longitudinal (2535 ± 630 vs 1709 ± 512 kPa, mean ± SD, p = 0.02) directions under the equibiaxial stresses. Laminar structure of elastic fibers was disrupted in both RL and RN BAV-ATAAs. Notably, interstitial fibrosis and thinner elastic fibers were identified in the RN BAV-ATAAs. Mass fraction of collagen was significantly higher for the RN BAV-ATAAs than that of the RL BAV-ATAAs. The tissue stiffness in the circumferential direction was significantly increased and strongly correlated with the mass fractions of collagen for both RL and RN BAV-ATAAs. Our results suggest that elastic properties of the RN BAV-ATAAs are more deteriorated than those of the RL BAV-ATAAs. Changes in biomechanical properties may have great impact on ascending aortic dilation.

The association between the susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea and the levels of volatile and non-volatile metabolites in red ripe strawberry genotypes

The relations between physical and chemical characteristics (e.g., color, firmness, volatile and non-volatile metabolites) of red ripe strawberry fruit and the natural spoilage caused by Botrytis cinerea were investigated. The spoilage rates differed between genotypes, and this was highly correlated over two successive years. Among seventeen genotypes, a more intense red coloration of the fruit skin was associated with a lower spoilage rate (r = –0.63). Additionally, weakly negative correlations were found between the levels of anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, malic acid and spoilage rates. No clear correlations were found between spoilage rates and soluble sugars, most volatiles, firmness and dry weight percentage. High levels of two volatile compounds, ethyl butanoate (r = 0.55) and 1-hexanol (r = 0.61), were correlated to high spoilage rates. These characteristics may assist strawberry breeders in selecting for genotypes with reduced susceptibility to B. cinerea.

Simultaneous biodegradation of \u03bb-cyhalothrin pesticide and Vicia faba growth promotion under greenhouse conditions

λ-cyhalothrin is a widely used synthetic pyrethroid insecticide and its persistence in plant, soil and water exerts a detrimental effect on humans as well as the environment. There are many studies regarding isolated bacteria capable of degrading λ-cyhalothrin in vitro. However, limited work has been done examining the microbial degradation of λ-cyhalothrin together with plant growth promotion under greenhouse conditions. In this study, 43 bacterial strains were isolated from heavily polluted soil with λ-cyhalothrin by the enrichment technique. The plant growth promotion characteristics of all isolates were evaluated. The results revealed that five isolates were potential in λ-cyhalothrin biodegradation at high concentration (1200 mg/L) within only 24 h together with their high plant growth promotion abilities. The morphological, biochemical and 16S rDNA sequence analyses identified the isolates as Bacillus subtilis strains. The GC/MS analysis revealed that the selected isolates reached high levels of degradation after only two days, the degradation percentage ranged from 95.72 to 99.52% after 48 h of incubation. Furthermore, the degradation pathway for complete detoxification and metabolism of λ-cyhalothrin was established. Moreover, greenhouse experiment was conducted, the results indicate that the application of seed coat significantly enhanced Vicia faba seedling growth and caused an increase from 38.4 to 40.2% percentage of fresh and dry weight, respectively compared to untreated control. All isolates were effective to remove the pesticide residues in Vicia faba seedlings and recorded the highest degradation percentage of 83.79 under greenhouse conditions. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Bacillus subtilis strains isolated in this study have a dual potential role in complete mineralization of λ-cyhalothrin residues in vivo as well as effective biofertilization for future use in sustainable agriculture.

EFFECTS OF LEAD ON THE GROWTH OF TOMATO (Lycopersicon esculentum Miller.)

The research aimed at investigating the effects of Lead as Pb2+ ion on growth of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum M.). The study comprised two phases, in vitro and field experiment. The concentration of lead treatment applied to in vitro, and field base experiment were 0ppm, 50ppm, 100ppm, 150ppm, 200ppm, 250ppm, 300ppm, 350ppm, and 400ppm with four replications each. The parameters investigated include percentage germination, radicle length, plumule length, plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, root length and number of leaves. The results showed action of Pb2+ ion increase percentage germination while radicle and plumule length, fresh weight, dry weight, number of leaves, and root length significantly decreased at high concentration of Pb2+ ion compared to controls. Moreover, plants height revealed stunted growth. Conclusively, actions of Pb2+ ion at high concentration revealed decreased in plant activities associated with tomato growth.

Effect of Biofertilizer and Biostimulators on Seeds germination and Seedlings growth of Albizia lebbeck L.

A factorial experiment according to Randomized Complete Blocks Design (RCBD)was conducted in Serchnar Nursery of the General Directorate of Agriculture in Sulaimani /Kurdistan Region - Iraq, to study the effect of Biofertilizer (Biohealth)at three level were using 0gmL-1 , seed inoculation in biohealth at level 10gmL-1 of distiller water, soil innoculation with biohealth 5gm in 20 litter of water) and Biosimulator( Powhumus at two concentration 0mgL-1 (0ppm) of Powhumus, irrigation with 100mgL-1 (100ppm) of Powhumus), and foliar application with Biozyme TF at two concentration 0ml L-1 and 1ml L-1 on seeds germination and seedlings growth of Albizia lebbeck. It contains the individual factors and their combinations. Data were analyzed using XLSTAT software. The results showed the superiority of the Biohealth inoculation treatment of seeds in germination percentage which recorded 93.33% and soil inoculation showed superiority in (plant height, stem diameter, percentage of P, K, fresh and dry weight of the shoot system, shoot dry matter and root fresh weight) with a score of (101.92 cm, 6.73 mm, 2.38 %, 2.61 %, 139.39 gm, 30.55 gm and 21.44%) respectively. The treatment of using Powhumus showed its superiority in the characteristics of the ( percentage of germination, percentage of N,P,K, fresh and dry weight of the shoot system, percentage of shoot dry matter, fresh and dry weight of the root system) which were recorded (88.89%, 2,30%, 0.33%, 2.43%. 104.71 g, 23.89 gm, 22.54%, 63.87%, 12.03 gm and 17.64% ) respectively. Whereas, the Biozyme treatment excelled in the traits (plant height, stem diameter, N,P and K, relative chlorophyll in leaves, fresh and dry weight of the shoot system, fresh and dry weight of the root system) which they were recorded (80.99 cm, 5.64 mm, 2.36%, 0.31%, 2.34%, 47.20, 97.82 gm, 21.81 gm, 59.57gm, and 10.08gm respectively. In the interaction between soil inoculation with biohealth, irrigation with Powhumus and foliar application with Biozyme B2P1Z1 treatment showed its superiority in the characteristics (plant height, stem diameter, percentage of N,P and K, fresh and dry weight of the shoot system, root dry weight) which were recorded (146.50%, 8.90 mm, 2.93%, 0.49, 2.97, 119.32 gm, 44.77 gm and 25.21) respectively.

Influence of weed control methods on the yield and yield components of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) varieties in Sokoto, Nigeria

Field trial was carried out during the 2017 wet season (July to October) at the Dryland Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto to determine the effect of weed control methods on the yield and yield components of three (3) cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) varieties sourced from Sokoto Agricultural Development Project (SADP). Treatments consisted of factorial combination of four (4) weed control methods [Control (no weeding), Chemical weeding (Pendimethalin), Chemical + Hoe and Hoe weeding] and three (3) cowpea varieties [Dan Gidan Yunfa (Local), IT-288 and IT-277-2)]. Treatments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three (3) times. Data were collected on pod yield, grain yield, and haulm yield, total dry weight shelling percentage, 100-grain weight and weed dry weight. Dan Gidan Yunfa recorded higher pod and grain yield than the other varieties. Weed control had significant effect on weed dry matter, the control plot where no weeding was done throughout recorded the highest (103.50 kg ha-1, 114.32 kg ha-1, 139.45 kg ha-1) weed dry matter at 4, 8 and 12 WAS, respectively. Therefore, it could be concluded that Dan Gidan Yunfa performed better than other varieties in the study area. The pod and grain yield of the crop in the weeding treatments were not different from the control (no weeding).

Production of Chlorella pyrenoidosa biodiesel by heterotrophic pathway to improve CI engine output characteristics using statistical approaches

An alarming rise in greenhouse gases originating from on-road vehicles and the rapid depletion of cultivable land for fuel feedstocks has led researchers to explore alternative means of biofuel production. In this context, the current study explores the heterotrophic cultivation of Chlorella pyrenoidosa microalgae by scaling-up using various combinations of stir-tank bioreactors for the sustainable synthesis of low-density biodiesel. Furthermore, statistical tools are employed to develop prediction models to incorporate 20% (vol/vol) of the low-density biodiesel with diesel fuel (CP20) to obtain optimal experimental outputs. From the study, it was found that the percentage dry cell weight of samples acquired from 100 L, 200 L and 300 L stir tank bioreactors achieved 44.1%, 46.7% and 41% of lipid content and biomass concentrations of 5.15 g/L, 4.24 g/L and 4.36 g/L on up-scaling. At an optimal reaction temperature and time of 37 °C and 12 h, the highest biodiesel conversion rate of 98% was achieved during enzymatic transesterification. The prediction engine models reveals that at the finest engine input parameter combinations, 0.74% improvement in brake thermal efficiency and a 50% drop in smoke emissions are achieved using the low-density CP20 blend. Also, superior combustion characteristics are delivered on operation as a trade-off for NOX emissions.

Application of oxyfluorfen and pendimethalin to control weeds on soybean plantation

The appearance of weeds on crops has led to the significant loss of crop yield. Therefore, chemical control with herbicides has been an important tool for rapid and efficient weed management in crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of herbicides oxyfluorfen and pendimethalin against weeds on soybean plantation. This research employed Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) Factorial with 2 factors. The first factor was the type of herbicides: oxyfluorfen and pendimethalin. The second factor was herbicide doses: 0, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 g a.i ha-1, applied on soybean at 1 day after planting (DAP). The percentage of weed control, percentage of weed coverage, weed species, weed population, and weed dry weight were observed at 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks after planting (WAP). The results revealed that different types and doses of herbicide applied has affected the percentage of weed control, percentage of weed coverage weed species and weed dry weight.

Effects of fly ash, slag pozzolans, and polycarboxylate on mechanical properties of concretes and economical evaluation

In this research, steel furnace slag, fly ash and new synthesized polycarboxylate was used to replace cement in concrete composition. Concrete was made in three grades of 400, 450 and 500 using steel furnace slag, fly ash and polymer with different percentages of dry weight. Also, the amount of water to cement was selected as one of the effective parameters in concrete strength and production costs. The results showed that slag percent had a positive effect on improving samples strength. Also, increasing the percentage of polycarboxylate and decreasing the amount of water per cement ratio increased the strength of concretes. Finally, by examining the effect of several parameters on the strength of concrete, an economic evaluation was performed to manage the cost of increasing the strength of concrete. The results also indicated that with increasing percentage of resistance, the amount of costs increased in all three grades: 400, 450 and 500.

Performance Evaluation of Stabilized Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement as Base Layer in Flexible Pavement

The increased scarcity of natural quarry material has resulted in increases in the cost and burden on the environment. Pavement materials comprising asphalt coated aggregates that can be reused are called reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). RAP is crushed and screened, and then blended with one or more stabilization agents to produce a stabilized base or subbase aggregate. In the present study, the influences of fly ash dosage, lime dosage, and curing period on the strength, stiffness, and durability characteristics of RAP fly ash–lime (RFL) mixes were studied for utilization as a base layer material in flexible pavements. The dry density and moisture content relationship were determined by conducting a modified proctor test on all RFL mixes. Unconfined compression tests were conducted on specimens with different dry weight percentages of fly ash (10%–25%) and lime (5%–10%) content for different curing periods (0, 7, and 28 days). The optimum mix obtained as RFL2 had the proportions 70% RAP:22.5% fly ash:7.5% lime. A resilient modulus of 540 MPa at 28 days was observed for RFL2. The durability of RFL2 tested using the resistance index and a wet–dry cycle (weight loss) was observed to be 0.88% and 7.3%, respectively. Pavement analyses were performed for a pavement system with three layers using the KENLAYER program. The RFL2 mix as the base layer material was found to be superior to conventional wet mix macadam, hence the service life of an RFL2 pavement would be higher. Trial sections of the stabilized base and conventional pavement were constructed on a major district road. The falling weight deflectometer showed a better modulus (286 MPa) in RFL2. An RFL mix could therefore be used in a stabilized base layer to replace a conventional base layer.

Seed priming with ZnO nanoparticles promotes early growth and bioactive compounds of Moringa oleifera

Nanotechnology has gained importance in agricultural production systems, with various applications such as pesticides or fertilizers. The application of nanomaterials (NMs) as a pretreatment to seeds (seed priming) has positively affected plant growth and development. On the other hand, Moringa oleifera is a plant appreciated for its multiple nutraceutical properties. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pretreatment of M. oleifera seeds with ZnO nanoparticles (NZnO) (0, 0.5, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 mg L-1). The study was divided into two experimental phases: the first phase consisted of evaluating germination under laboratory conditions (25 °C) at 15 DAS, while in the second phase, vegetative growth and bioactive compounds were evaluated at 45 DAS under greenhouse conditions. For phase one, the percentage of germination, length, and dry weight of the plumule and radicle were considered, and the vigor indices of seeds were determined. In phase two, we measured the plant height, stem diameter, fresh and dry biomass of aerial and root parts, and the concentration of photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamin C, glutathione (GSH), and antioxidant capacity (DPPH), such as the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and phenylalanine ammonium lyase (PAL). The results showed an increase in some variables related to seed germination, with an increase of between 30 and 25% in the vigor of the seeds subjected to 2.5 and 10 mg L-1 NZnO. The photosynthetic pigments resulted in increases of between 23 and 49% for the 7.5-10 mg L-1 NZnO treatments. Regarding bioactive compounds, the increase in phenols, flavonoids and vitamin C stands out, mainly at the levels of 7.5-10 mg L-1 NZnO, where increases of up to 543% were observed with respect to the control. The enzymatic activity showed different responses to the application of NZnO, where a biphasic response (hormesis) was observed on the activity of APX and CAT activities as the levels of NZnO increased. The results show that it is possible to promote the initial growth and bioactive compounds of M. oleifera by pretreatment of seeds mainly with 10 mg L-1 NZnO.

Effects of Frozen Storage on Fish Wet Weight, Percent Dry Weight, and Length Revisited

AbstractFrozen storage can affect the physical characteristics of biological samples, and the effects can vary based on the frozen storage method that is used. We compared four frozen storage treatments: (1) flash frozen in liquid nitrogen (LN2) and stored at −20°C, (2) flash frozen in LN2 and stored at −65°C, (3) frozen in a saline solution (0.9% NaCl) and stored at −20°C, and (4) glazed with deionized (DI) water and stored at −20°C, to investigate the effects of frozen storage on wet weight, percent dry weight, and length of Mummichogs Fundulus heteroclitus. Mummichog wet weights differed from Prestorage wet weights for all treatments. Postthaw wet weight increased from the Prestorage wet weight for Mummichogs that were frozen in a saline solution (3–5% for 4–12 g fish). Conversely, Postthaw wet weight decreased from Prestorage wet weight (1–4% for 4–12 g fish) for Mummichogs that were frozen with LN2 and stored at −20°C or −65°C and Mummichogs that were glazed with deionized water and stored at −20°C. Subsequently, percent dry weight was underestimated by 0.77% for the Mummichogs that were frozen in a saline solution and overestimated for those that were frozen with LN2 and stored at −20°C (0.94%) or −65°C (0.60%) and those that were glazed with deionized water and stored at −20°C (0.71%). Fish total length decreased 2–3% after the samples had been frozen, and they did not differ among the four treatments. When possible, fish that are stored frozen should be measured and weighed alive or immediately after being euthanized, and if this is not possible, we suggest glazing the fish with water and developing correction factors for water loss and shrinkage.

Evaluation and screening of elite wheat germplasm for salinity stress at the seedling phase.

Salinity is one of the most important constraints for global cereal production, and breeding for salinity tolerance is a challenge. The limited gene pools, merged information regarding osmotic stress/tissue tolerance mechanism(s) including the accumulation of Na+ , over-stressed on the Na+ exclusion mechanism, and inadequate suitable screening methods further weaken the progress. In the present study, an attempt was made to evaluate the salt tolerance in Triticum aestivum lines using the membership function value (MFV) of certain traits viz., the root and shoot length (RL & SL), shoot and root fresh weight (SFW & RFW), shoot and root dry weight (SDW & RDW) and germination percentage (GP). This study screened 314 wheat lines (278 linked top cross population [LTPs] and 36 normal wheat cultivars) under lab conditions to evaluate their salt tolerance. A positive, and the highest, correlation coefficient was recorded between salt tolerance index (STI) of SL and the STI of RL.0.11 highly salt tolerant (HST), 59 salt tolerant (ST), 100 moderately salt tolerant (MST), 137 salt sensitive (SS), and seven highly salt sensitive (HSS) were observed with a distance of 2.2 between each category. The R-square value was maximum (0.836) between the STI of SFW and the mean MFV, which can be used as the most reliable trait for the salinity tolerance in T. aestivum at the germination phase. Wheat tolerant lines had higher tolerance to salt stress in comparison with the used normal wheat cultivars were detected at the seedling stage.

Applying Self-Management Strategies to the Control of Interdialytic Weight Gain in Hemodialysis Patients

The control of interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) in hemodialysis patients is crucial for maintaining dialysis quality. The results of a survey in our department revealed patients to be unmotivated, have poor self-control, not regularly manage their fluid intake or measure their body weight, and discount the importance of controlling IDWG. The nursing instruction adherence for IDWG control among nurses was only 61.6%. Moreover, the leaflet used for nursing instruction used highly repetitive messaging and lacked pictorial aids. Consequently, up to 48.6% of the patients in our department had an IDWG dry weight percentage of ≥ 5%. To reduce the proportion of hemodialysis patients with an IDWG dry weight percentage of ≥ 5% from the current 48.6% to 29.2%. From August 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020, the improvement program developed in this project included: (1) the addition of an IDWG calculation and reminder function in the information system; (2) development of nursing instruction tools for IDWG control; (3) utilization of self-management strategies to establish care operations for IDWG control; (4) the organization of group health education sessions, dialysis patient seminars, and on-the-job training sessions; and (5) implementation of an audit program for IDWG-control nursing instruction. The proportion of patients with an IDWG dry weight percentage of ≥ 5% decreased to 28.8% and the number of patients who developed acute complications during dialysis decreased from 42 to 15 (35.7%). IDWG in dialysis patients was effectively decreased by establishing a standard operating procedure for IDWG control, designing a self-management record form, and implementing nursing instruction for IDWG control. It is hoped that the adopted measures promote dialysis quality and reduce complications during dialysis.

Effect of Elevated CO2 on Seed Yield, Essential Oil Metabolism, Nutritive Value, and Biological Activity of Pimpinella anisum L. Accessions at Different Seed Maturity Stages.

Simple SummaryThis study was conducted to investigate whether the positive impact of elevated CO2 (eCO2) on the chemical composition of aniseed (Pimpinella anisum L.) seeds is dependent on seed developmental stages and origin. To this end, we investigated the biochemical changes in eCO2-treated aniseed accessions from Tunisia, Syria, Turkey, Morocco, Yemen, and Egypt during three developmental stages (immature, premature, and mature). The highest dry weight percentages and seed yields were recorded for the Egypt and Morocco accessions. eCO2 has inducing properties on the nutritive and biological values of aniseeds, yet its effectiveness is related to seed maturity and provenances. For instance, seed maturation increased the nutrients and antioxidant metabolites in most eCO2-treated accessions. Conversely, essential oil metabolism was decreased by seed maturation but this effect was significantly reduced by the use of eCO2. The enhanced accumulation of bioactive compounds in eCO2-treated seeds was accompanied by improved health benefits. In this regard, eCO2 induces the antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic activities of aniseeds, particularly at mature stages. Thus, the present study confirms that there are significant interactions between eCO2 exposure, aniseed maturity, and origin on the chemical composition and pharmaceutical properties of aniseed.Besides the lack of studies regarding applying elevated CO2 (eCO2) as a strategy to improve the chemical composition of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) seeds, studies on its interaction with seed developmental stages and origin are very limited. The seed yield, chemical composition, and biological activity of 6 aniseed accessions (Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Turkey, Yemen, and Morocco) were investigated during three developmental stages (immature, premature, and mature) under control and elevated CO2 conditions. Mature seeds from all aniseed accessions had significantly higher (p < 0.05) dry weight (DW) percentages than premature and immature seeds. The highest DW percentages were recorded in Egypt and Morocco accessions. Seed maturation increased nutrients and antioxidant metabolites in most eCO2-treated accessions. In contrast, essential oils were decreased by seed maturation, while eCO2 reversed this effect. Essential oil-related precursors (e.g., phenylalanine) and enzyme activities (3-Deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase (DAHPS) and O–methyltransferase) decreased with seed maturity. However, high CO2 reduced this impact and further induced the other essential oil-related precursors (shikimic and cinnamic acids). Consequently, eCO2 provoked changes in the antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic activities of aniseeds, particularly at mature stages. Overall, eCO2 application, as an efficient way to improve aniseed growth, essential oil metabolism, and chemical composition, was affected by seed maturation and origin. Future studies of eCO2-treated aniseeds as a nutraceutical and pharmaceutical product are suggested.

Physical Properties of Soil and Glyphosate Residue as a Function of Cassava Weed Management by Cover Crops in the Amazon Ecosystem

Cassava production in Amazonas state deserves to be highlighted due to its great historical, social, and economic importance. Weed competition severely constrains cassava production in Amazonas. The use of cover crops is safe and very efficient at eliminating weeds while keeping the soil covered. The objective of this study was to evaluate physical properties of soil and glyphosate residues in storage roots as a function of the weed management in cassava. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with five treatments and five repetitions. The treatments were biological control with two species of cover plants (Brachiaria ruziziensis and Mucuna pruriens), chemical control, mechanical control, and treatment with no weed control. The cover crops characteristics evaluated were dry weight, the percentage of cover, and rate of decomposition of plant residues. In the soil, the bulk density and total porosity were determined. The contamination of the storage roots was evaluated based on the analysis of glyphosate residue. Brachiaria ruziziensis presented more dry weight and higher percentage of cover compared with M. pruriens, and both cover crops showed very similar decomposition rates. The physical properties of soil were unaffected by any treatment evaluated. There was no detection of glyphosate and its metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), in any treatment evaluated. Chemical control with glyphosate is not able to contaminate cassava storage roots.