Tested Quality Parameters Research Articles

Ultrasound-assisted chilling to minimize sodium hypochlorite use while reducing pathogens and preserving quality in chicken breast meat

This study investigates the use of ultrasound-assisted chilling (at 80% amplitude for durations ranging from 0 to 5 min) and varying chlorine (NaClO) concentrations (0%, 2%, and 5%) to reduce Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli on poultry meat while assessing its impact on chicken breast physicochemical properties. Treatment of 5% NaClO with 5 min ultrasound exposure resulted in reductions of 1.55 log CFU/g for S. Typhimurium and 2.29 log CFU/g for E. coli. Ideal inactivation conditions for achieving approximately a 1 log CFU/g reduction were identified as 5 min in 0% NaClO, 3 min in 2% NaClO, and 1 min in 5% NaClO, resulting in reduction levels of 0.17, 1.32, and 1.01 log CFU/g for S. Typhimurium, and 0.54, 1.44, and 1.21 log CFU/g for E. coli, respectively. Ultrasound treatment increased the whitening of chicken meat (p < 0.05), particularly with longer treatment durations, but had no impact on other tested quality parameters (p > 0.05). Ultrasound combined with NaClO was more effective at inactivating microorganisms than either method alone, while preserving meat quality. Notably, 3 min of ultrasound in 2% NaClO significantly reduced microbial contamination while minimizing NaClO use, offering an environmentally friendly and effective approach for enhancing food safety during poultry chilling.

Design and Fabrication of Low-Speed Wind Tunnel (LSWT)

The design and fabrication of a low-speed wind tunnel (LSWT), which is a critical component for testing and comprehending aircraft aerodynamics, is presented in this study. Despite the increasing prominence of computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) in manufacturing engineering, wind tunnels remain essential for the intricate development of aircraft and automobile designs with complex flow interactions. Using SolidWorks, we focused on controlling flow turbulence approaching the test section, emphasizing performance and quality parameters. The construction of the wind tunnel used plywood with an axial fan regulating the airspeed, and Arduino facilitated data acquisition. The drag and lift on the Y Clerk Airfoil were quantified by two load cells along the XY-axis, complemented by a Pitot Static Tube and a multitube inclined plane manometer for pressure and velocity calculation. Fusion 360 simulation software was used to analyze pressure and velocity profiles at speeds ranging from 10 to 20 m/s, providing a comprehensive quantitative evaluation of the wind tunnel’s capabilities. By emphasizing both design innovation and quantitative performance metrics, this study underscores the continuing significance of wind tunnels in engineering.

Rearing of Glossina morsitans morsitans tsetse flies for the sterile insect technique: evaluating the impact of irradiation and transportation during early and late-stage pupal development on the quality of emerging adults.

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) and African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) are devastating diseases spread by tsetse flies (Glossina spp.), affecting humans and livestock, respectively. Current efforts to manage these diseases by eliminating the vector through the sterile insect technique (SIT) require transportation of irradiated late-stage tsetse pupae under chilling, which has been reported to reduce the biological quality of emerged flies. We therefore evaluated the impact of irradiation and transportation (including vibration and shock) on pupae at early-stage development (22 days of age) under ambient temperature and compared it to that on pupae at the late-stage development (29 days of age) under chilling, the current practice for tsetse in SIT programs. The quality of flies emerging from these transported pupae was assessed by their emergence rates, flight propensity, mating ability, insemination rates and survival rates (over ca. 100 days, and after specified shorter periods). Generally, flies emerging from the 22-day-old pupae had significantly (p<0.05) higher values for the tested quality parameters, as compared to those emerging from 29-day-old pupae. Irradiation, transportation and the combination thereof significantly (p<0.05) reduced all the tested quality parameters as compared with the untreated control within the 22-day-old pupae group. Further, vibration had a significant negative effect on the quality of flies, notwithstanding the age of the pupae. Irradiation and transportation of pupae at 22 days of age resulted in a higher proportion of flies of good biological quality as compared to those of 29 days of age, and hence may be considered for future SIT programs.

Retesting Schemes That Improve Test Quality and Yield Using a Test Guardband

The digital integrated circuit (IC) testing model module is applied in this study to simulate the fabrication and testing of integrated circuits. The yield and quality of ICs are analyzed by assuming that the wafer devices under test conditions are normal probability distributions. The difficulties of testing and verification become increasingly great as the design function of the chip becomes remarkably complex. Conversely, the automotive industry chip supply chain has been substantially affected since the COVID-19 outbreak. The shortage of chips in the auto-market has always existed; therefore, increasing available chips under a limited production capacity has become a top priority. Therefore, this study applies the digital integrated circuit testing model (DITM) and proposes a retest plan. This method does not require considerable time to collect large wafer data, nor does it require additional hardware equipment. Furthermore, the required test quality parameters are set, and the test is repeated on the device by adjusting the test guardband (TGB). Moreover, three retesting schemes are proposed to improve the IC test quality (Yq) and test yield (Yt) to meet the requirements of consumers for product quality. A set of 2021 IEEE International Roadmap for Devices and Systems (IRDS) parameters is used to demonstrate the three proposed retesting schemes. The simulation results from the 2021 IRDS data prove that the retest method can effectively improve the test yield (Yt). A comparison of the estimated results of the three retest methods shows that using the repeat test method can maximize the test yield without sacrificing the test quality (Yq). By contrast, repeat testing can indeed improve the test yield (Yt) by 14% or more. Moreover, the increase in sellable ICs not only increases additional earnings for corporations, but also alleviates the current global shortage of automotive ICs.

Sulfur Enhancement for the Improvement of Castor Bean Growth and Yield, and Sustainable Biodiesel Production.

Due to limited conventional energy sources, there is a need to find substitute non-conventional sources of energy to meet the societal demands on a sustainable basis. Crude oil and edible oil remain major import items in Pakistan, the deficit of which can be compensated by using biomass, preferably inedible oilseeds. Therefore, the current study evaluated the role of sulfur (S) fertilization for improving yield (seed and oil) and biodiesel value of castor bean, a potential inedible crop with minimum input requirements. For this purpose, a combined approach of field experimentation and laboratory analysis was conducted to explore the potential of two castor bean cultivars (DS-30 and NIAB Gold) against four S supply rates, namely, 0, 20, 40, and 60 kg S ha–1, in terms of growth, phenology, and yield parameters. Subsequently, the obtained seed samples were analyzed for biodiesel-related parameters in the Bio-analytical Chemistry lab, Punjab Bio-energy Institute, Faisalabad. The incremental S rates increased the seed yield for both cultivars, and the highest yield was recorded at 60 kg S ha–1 for NIAB Gold. For NIAB Gold, the oil content increased by 7% with S fertilization at 60 kg ha–1, and for DS-30, the oil content increased by 6% at 60 kg ha–1. As with incremental S fertilization, the oil yield increased on a hectare basis, and the quantity of biodiesel produced also increased. Importantly, the tested quality parameters of biodiesel, except biodiesel viscosity, were in the ASTM standard range. Overall, it has been concluded that castor bean is a promising and sustainable option for producing biodiesel as it is non-competitive to food crops and requires little input.

Do soil and climatic parameters affect yield and quality on table grapes?

Grape is considered as one of the world's most important crop. Climatic and soil parameters can significantly affect the yield and quality of grapes. The aim of this study was to analyse and assess this impact of soil and climatic conditions on table grape yield and quality. The experiments took place on a commercial table grape vineyard in Greece for three successive years (2015, 2016 and 2017). The climatic conditions were found to affect significantly the table grape yield and all the tested quality parameters apart from the berry density and titratable acidity. In addition, the climatic conditions affected the table grape yield and quality but in a different degree per phenological stage. The effect of soil conditions on table grape yield and quality parameters differed significantly per annum due to the climatic conditions variation in terms of temperature and precipitation. The conducted analysis highlighted that the information regarding the combined effect of weather and soil conditions on the spatiotemporal variability of the production of table grapes in terms of their quantity and quality is an essential component of the modern precision viticulture. Based on the contemporary principles of the precision viticulture, appropriate cultivation practices can be planned and implemented, reducing thus the impact of climate change on the vine production efficiency and quality.

Evaluation of the Storage Performance of ‘Valencia’ Oranges and Generation of Shelf-Life Prediction Models

We conducted a large-scale, high-throughput phenotyping analysis of the effects of various preharvest and postharvest features on the quality of ‘Valencia’ oranges in order to develop shelf-life prediction models. Altogether, we evaluated 10,800 oranges (~3.6 tons) harvested from three orchards at different periods and conducted 151,200 measurements of 14 quality parameters. The storage time was the most important feature affecting fruit quality, followed by the yield, storage temperature, humidity, and harvest time. The storage time and temperature features significantly affected (p &lt; 0.001) all or most of the tested quality parameters, whereas the harvest time, yield, and humidity conditions significantly affected several particular quality parameters, and the selection of rootstocks had no significant effect at all. Five regression models were evaluated for their ability to predict fruit quality based on preharvest and postharvest features. Non-linear Support Vector Regression (SVR) combined with a data-balancing approach was found to be the most effective approach. It allowed the prediction of fruit-acceptance scores among the full data set, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.195 and an R2 of 0.884. The obtained data and models should assist in determining the potential storage times of different batches of fruit.

Changes in Chemical and Physical Quality Attributes of Olives as Influenced by Chemical Control of the Olive Fruit Fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera, Tephritidae) in Jordan

The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera, Tephritidae) is the most devastating insect pest possessing severe economic threats for the olive growers in Jordan. Therefore, the current study aimed at determining the effect of insecticidal applications against B. oleae on olive quantity, as well as physical (refractive index, fruit weight, diameter and volume, and weight of seed and flesh, as well as oil percentage) and chemical (olive oil acidity and peroxide value parameters). The experiment was conducted using Nabali olive cultivar in Karak District-Jordan in the year 2016. Three insecticides; Karate, Fytoclean, and Dursban used in the spraying operations, and trees were sprayed twice. Insecticidal spraying significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced olive oil acidity, peroxide value, and refractive index, and increased olive fruit’s weight, diameter and volume, and seed, and flesh weight compared to the untreated trees. In conclusion, the application of insecticides against B. oleae improved the olive quantity and tested quality parameters.

The Formulation and Physical Evaluation of Emulgel the Kalakai (Stenochlaena Palustris Bedd) Roots Ethanol Extract As a Sunscreen

Kalakai (Stenochlaena palustris) is one of the diversity of Kalimantan typical plants that are often consumed as food but can also be used as medicinal plants. Ethanol Extract of Kalakai Root has been shown to have very strong antioxidants and has an SPF value of extreme ability level. Researchers want to examine a form of cosmetic emulgel which potentially as sunscreen. The purpose of this study is as a preliminary stage to see how the physical evaluation results (organoleptic, pH and dispersal power) of emulgel kalakai roots ethanol extract at 1% and 2% concentration. The results obtained for formula I (1%) and formula II (2%) of emulgel kalakai roots ethanol extract meet the organolepic test quality parameters, pH and spreadability test.

Quality parameters change during ripening in leaves and fruits of wild growing and cultivated elderberry (Sambucus nigra) genotypes

This is the first report on the difference in the contents of the major quality compounds during development among cultivated (‘Haschberg’ cultivar and ‘Ljubostinja’ selection) and wild edible elderberry plants. Phenolics content in leaves (four stages) and fruits (unripe and ripe), as well as organic acids and sugars content in unripe and ripe fruits were determined. Quinic acid was the major organic acid in unripe fruits (especially in ‘Wild’ plants 16.7 g 100 g-1), while ripe fruits accumulated citric acid in the highest amounts (the highest was in’ Ljubostinja’ 10.2 g 100 g-1). ‘Wild’ elderberry plants had significantly higher sugar content in fruits, in general (2.2 unripe and in ripe 8.4 g 100 g-1), except for fructose content which was the highest in’ Ljubostinja’ ripe fruits (up to 6-fold higher). Tested elderberry plants had four major groups of phenolics in their leaves and fruits during development: phenolic acids (caffeic and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives), flavanone, flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin derivatives) and anthocyanins (mostly cyanidin derivatives).’ Ljubostinja’ had higher content of cyanidin derivatives in leaves in flowering stage and in all tested fruits (0.01% DW in unripe and 0.7% DW in ripe). Bearing in mind all tested quality parameters, ‘Ljubostinja’ selection had better quality of fruits, which position this selection as valuable resource for further cultivation and breeding of elderberry.

Alteration of Basic Quality Attributes of Set Yogurts as Added Sugar and Milk Fat Reduction

Fat and sugar-free is a popular health claim for yogurts. However, eliminating these two components may alter the inherent quality attributes of the product. Knowledge of these alteration patterns is vital in the product development process. Present study was designed using general full factorial design, with two factors (and levels) as milk fat (0%, 1.5%, and 3.3%) and added sugar (0%, 3.5%, and 7%) to investigate individual and combined effects of fat and sugar levels on fermentation kinetics, total solid content, instrumental color values, lactic acid bacterial viability, texture profile, and rheology of set yogurt. Milk fat 3.3% and added sugar 7% yogurt was considered as the control. Results showed that fermentation kinetics not largely influenced by fat levels. Fermentation time not significantly differ with the fat/sugar alteration. Total solid content increase with milk fat and added sugar levels. Whiteness (L*) of the yogurt reduces with milk fat content but not significantly affected by added sugar levels. Yogurt bacteria counts were reduced with added sugar and milk fat levels. Full cream low sugar (3.3%, 3.5%) better texture profile over full cream high sugar (3.3%,7%) yogurts. Texture integrity reduces with the reduction of fat content. The consistency index also increased with fat levels. Both milk fat and added sugar have interaction effects on tested quality parameters. Accordingly, the reduction of added sugar and milk fat is favorably influenced some quality attributes of yogurt.

Effects of Atmospheric-Pressure Cold Plasma Treatment on Deoxynivalenol Degradation, Quality Parameters, and Germination of Barley Grains

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the major trichothecene mycotoxins commonly found in grains, in particular barley. This study focused on the reduction of DON concentration on barley samples using atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) treatment. The effects of moisture content, post-treatment storage, and relative humidity of air on DON degradation on barley were evaluated. Additionally, the germination and the quality parameters of barley, including protein content, β-glucan, and moisture content, were evaluated. The results showed that ACP treatment for 6 and 10 min reduced DON concentration by 48.9% and 54.4%, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the DON degradation levels by increasing the moisture content of barley from 9.5 to 15.7 g water/100 g sample and relative humidity of air from 12 to 60%. Steeping of barley grains without subsequent drying prior to ACP treatment significantly increased the degradation rate of DON by ACP due to the presence of water on the grain surface. No significant differences were observed for the tested quality parameters of barley in comparison with control samples. This study shows that ACP may offer an effective DON reduction in barley without affecting the quality attributes. However, ACP treatment parameters should be optimized to achieve a better DON reduction efficacy.

Formulasi dan Uji Stabilitas Fisik Sediaan Salep Dari Ekstrak Etanol Daun Pare (Momordica Charantia L) Sebagai Obat Luka

Daun pare mengandung senyawa metabolit sekunder seperti flavonoid, tanin, saponin, steroid, alkaloid, dan terpenoid yang dapat menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri. Daun pare dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai obat, salah satunya yaitu untuk mengobati luka karena mempunyai daya hambat bakteri dan dapat menutup luka. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh basis terhadap stabilitas salep dan untuk mengetahui formulasi mana yang memenuhi syarat stabilitas sediaan salep. Jenis penelitian ini ialah eksperimental. Dasar salep yang digunakan yaitu dasar salep hidrokarbon dan dasar salep serap. Penyarian ekstrak daun pare dilakukan dengan cara maserasi menggunakan pelarut etanol 70%. Salep ekstrak etanol daun pare dibuat sebanyak 3 formula dengan menggunakan basis yang sama dan konsentrasi ekstrak yang bebeda. Pembuatan sediaan salep menggunakan metode peleburan. Evaluasi sediaan salep dilakukan dengan uji organoleptik, uji homogenitas, uji pengukuran pH dan uji daya sebar. Hasil pengujian semua sediaan salep dari formula I, formula II dan formula III memenuhi parameter kualitas uji organoleptis, homogenitas dan uji pH. Untuk pengujian daya sebar pada masing-masing formula hanya formula I yang mendekati parameter uji stabilitas fisik.

The Effect of Different Organic Nutrients on Some Quality Properties of Popcorn (Zea mays L. everta)

Aims: Organic nutrients such as animal manures, plant-derive compost, biosolids and bioliquids contain varying amounts of plant nutrients and can improve the biological, chemical, and physical properties of soils. They are used primarily for promoting growth of a plant or improving the quality of a crop. Study was aimed to find out the effect of conventional and fifteen different organic nutrients (peat, compost, cattle manure, chicken manure, horse manure, sheep manure, pigeon manure, vermicompost, seaweed + cattle manure, compost + humic acid, cattle manure + humic acid, chicken manure + humic acid, horse manure + humic acid, sheep manure + humic acid and peat + humic acid) on some quality properties of popcorn.&#x0D; Study Design: Trial was designed in complete randomized block design with three replications. Ant-Cin-98 popcorn cultivar was used in the study. Each parcel comprised 4 lines. The planting was made into a depth of 5-6 cm along the lines 5 meters long with a row spacing of 70 cm and intra row of 20 cm.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Diyarbakır - Cermik conditions of Turkey between 2010 and 2011.&#x0D; Methodology: The effect of conventional and fifteen different organic materials to some quality parameters of popcorn such as cob ratio, 1000-kernel weights, test weight, popping volume and number of unpopped kernel were evaluated in the study. Physical and chemical properties of the trial area were determined by taking soil sample from a depth of 0-30 cm on the trial area before planting.&#x0D; Results: According to the investigated results, the highest and the lowest values were ranked between 19.98% (peat + humic acid) and 17.26% (vermicompost) for cob ratio, 138.65 g (seaweed + cattle manure) and 122.48 g (chicken manure) for 1000-kernel weight, 81.29 kg hl-1 (horse manure + humic acid) and 75.62 kg hl-1 (vermicompost) for test weight, 19.71 cm³ g-1 (peat) and 17.17 cm³ g-1 (sheep manure + humic acid), for popping volume 5.92% (peat) and 3.65% (horse manure + humic acid) for number of unpopped kernel.&#x0D; Conclusion: Higher values were obtained from organic nutrient sources than conversional application in all tested quality parameters. The implementation of organic fertilizers together with humic acid in popcorn produced better results in comparison to alone implementation of organic fertilizers. Also it was determined that use of natural enemies of Trichogramma spp against corn borer can be possible without any chemicals.

RESIDUES OF LAMBDA-CYHALOTHRIN INSECTICIDE AND ITS BIOCHEMICAL EFFECTS ON SWEET PEPPER FRUITS

Field studies on residues and dissipation of lambda-cyhalothrin in green pepper fruits were conducted during 2016. Residues were quantified at different harvest intervals of (2h), 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 day after insecticide application. Persistence, dissipation, half-life value and safe harvest interval of the insecticide in green pepper were calculated. Results revealed that, loss percentages of initial deposits were higher in sweet pepper fruits than leaves. The half-life (t½) values of lambda-cyhalothrin 2.68 and 3.45 in green pepper fruits and leaves, respectively. Data indicated that pepper fruits could be consumed safely after 6 days of treatment with lambda-cyhalothrin. Thepre harvest interval (PHI) value was reduced to two hours after spraying with washing the fruits with 1% sodium carbonate or frying the fruits in boiling oil when comparing with themaximum residue limit (MRL) (0.01 mg/kg). While pickling process was, however, don’t alter this value. Lambda –cyhalothrin residues significantly decreased the levels of the all tested quality parameters (total soluble sugar, glucose, acidity, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, β-carotene, and protein) in pepper fruits throughout the experiment with the exception that the dry matter. Lambda -cyhalothrin residues were significantly reduced the levels of N %, P %, K %, iron mg/kg, manganese mg/kg, calcium % and zinc %. Conclusively, results clearly revealed that thePHI value (6 days) was reduced to two hours after spraying with washing the fruits with 1% sodium carbonate or frying the fruits. Lambda -cyhalothrin residues were significantly reduced the levels of some quality parameters and elements.

Gluten-Free Precooked Rice-Yellow Pea Pasta: Effect of Extrusion-Cooking Conditions on Phenolic Acids Composition, Selected Properties and Microstructure.

Rice/yellow pea flour blend (2/1 ratio) was used to produce gluten-free precooked pasta using a single-screw modified extrusion-cooker TS-45. The effect of moisture content (28%, 30%, and 32%) and screw speed (60, 80, and 100 rpm) on some quality parameters was assessed. The phenolic acids profile and selected pasta properties were tested, like pasting properties, water absorption capacity, cooking loss, texture characteristics, microstructure, and sensory overall acceptability. Results indicated that dough moisture content influenced all tested quality parameters of precooked pasta except firmness. Screw speed showed an effect only on some quality parameters. The extrusion-cooking process at 30% of dough moisture with 80 rpm is appropriate to obtain rice-yellow pea precooked pasta with high content of phenolics and adequate quality. These pasta products exhibited firm texture, low stickiness, and regular and compact interne structure confirmed by high score in sensory overall acceptability.

The changes of the most important quality parameters of szegedien triticale cultivars in long-term fertilization trials

We were monitoring the quality changes of 2 triticale cultivars from Szeged (GK Rege and GK Szemes) in Fülöpszállás, Hungary, in a longterm fertilizer trial in 2012/2013 and 2013/2014. The following fertilizer combinations were used: untreated control, single applied N and single applied PK, 30 and 60 kg ha-1 N or PK, and N and PK together in 30:30, 60:60 ha-1 ratio. We measured the following quality parameters: kernel hardness, crude protein content and farinograph quality number for wholemeal flour.&#x0D; Based on the results, the N fertilization treatment was beneficial to the tested triticale culticars in terms of kernel hardness and protein content as both indicators increased. The efficiency of the treatment was proportional to the N dose rate. On the other hand, the applied PK treatment decreased the kernel hardness and crude protein values. On these two parameters, the PK free, and high N dosage treatment (N60P0K0) had the most positive effect. However, the single applied N dose had no significant effect on farinograph quality numbers of the wholemeal flours, but PK dose had significantly positive impact on the tested cultivars. The N30P30K30 treatment resulted in the highest farinograph quality number, thus the low PK and low N combination was the most efficient treatment. The correlation analysis of the tested quality parameters showed positive correlation (0.9965***) between kernel hardness values and crude protein contents. Nevertheless, we found strong negative correlation between kernel hardness values and the farinograph quality number of the wholemeal flours (-0.9720***), as well as in the case of crude protein contents and farinograph quality number of the wholemeal flours (-0.9796***).

EFFECT OF SPRINKLER IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT AND STRAW MULCH ON YIELD, WATER CONSUMPTION AND CROP COEFFICIENT OF PEANUT IN SANDY SOIL

Field experiments were conducted at El-Bustan Agricultural Research Station, in summer season of 2013 on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) variety Giza 5, to study the effect of sprinkler irrigation management and the application of rice straw mulch on yield, quality, water consumptive use and crop coefficient of peanut in sandy soil. Two irrigation treatments, (I3) and (I5) were imposed based on the soil water depletion to bring the soil water deficit to the field capacity at two irrigation intervals of 3 and 5 days. Mulching treatments were applied randomly during the 3-leaf growth stage for one half of the experimental area (M) at a rate of about 500 g/m2, while the other half remained bare (non-mulched, Mo). The experimental design was split- plot with three replications and consisted of irrigation treatments in the main plots, mulching and non-mulching treatments as subplots. The results revealed that, higher yield and better crop growth were observed in the mulched plots as compared to nonmulched plots under the same irrigation treatments. Also, the effect of I3 treatment was more pronounced than the effect of I5 treatments. The average values of maximum plant length, No. of pods/plant, pods weight/plant, total Bio-mass, 100 kernels weight ,total pods yield and total kernels yield, were 65.00 cm, 39.45, 53.20 g., 4012.05 kg/fed, 67.10 g, 1658.80 kg/fed and 1176.00 kg/fed, respectively observed with I3M treatment. An increase in the tested quality parameters such as shelling percent, protein and oil percentage, of 8.9, 4.40 and 2.13%, respectively were obtained with I3M treatment as compared to the control treatment (I3MO). The computed ETO value in course of the peanut growth season was 752.25 mm. I3MO treatment had the maximum ETC and applied irrigation water (AIW) values of 2415.0 and 2952.60 m3/fed, respectively. Applying rice straw mulch conserved irrigation water by about 14.37 and 21.62% with I3 and I5 treatments, respectively. WUE ranged from 0.60 with I3M and I5M to 0.36 kg/m3 with I5MO treatment, meanwhile, I5M and I3M treatments had the maximum IWUE values of 0.48 and 0.47 kg/m3, respectively. The maximum crop coefficient (KC) value of 0.88 occurred during July, which was less than the generic value listed in FAO-33and-56 by about 16.2 and 10.2%, respectively, however the average KC values of peanut at El-Bustan area of 0.73 was close to FAO-33 and-56 listed values. These results showed that precise management of the available soil moisture content in the course of the growing season, and accurate estimation of ETC as well as, developing site and cultivar specific KC value can be effective way for appropriate irrigation scheduling and water allocation, saving water, maximizing yield and consequently optimizing the economic return.

The Quality of Grass Silage and Haylage on Farms in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The aim of this research paper was to determine the value of grass silage and haylage on farms for milk production in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and on the basis of a result analysis to make recommendations for improving the quality of forage and for feeding dairy cows. We analysed samples of grass silage from 10 farms and haylage samples from 17 farms having more than 20 dairy cows in the herd. The following parameters of grass silage and haylage were determined: the degree of acidity (pH), dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude cellulose (CC) and mineral matter (MM). The results show a satisfactory level of average pH values (4.76 grass silage, 5.33 haylage), a satisfactory level of DM (29.80% grass silage, 48.26% haylage), low content of CP (grass silage, 11.66%; 12.69% haylage), high content of CC (43.36% grass silage, 42.03% haylage), low content of MM (2.22 grass silage, 2.05 haylage). The results show large variations in all the tested quality parameters. pH value of silage ranged from 3.74 to 5.92, and for haylage from 4.65 to 6.37; DM grass silage 19.10 to 29.80 and haylage from 37.84 to 64.13; CP grass silage from 6.55 to 18.34 and haylage from 7.36 to 24.36; CC grass silage 23.87 to 57.34 and haylage from 25.76 to 63.76; MM grass silage 1.54 to 2.87 and haylage from 2.10 to 2.87.

Feasibility of 1000 Hz tympanometry in infants: Tympanometric trace classification and choice of probe tone in relation to age

ObjectivesUniversal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) has significantly reduced the age of children undergoing audiological examinations. Middle ear function is usually evaluated with tympanometry using a probe tone of 226Hz, although higher frequencies are recommended in infants. The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility of 226 and 1000Hz tympanometry for different trace classification systems in relation to age, risk factors for hearing loss and ear canal volume. MethodsData from 577 infants (915 ears) <1 year were analyzed. Tympanograms were classified according to the classification systems of Jerger [16], Marchant et al. [4] and Kei et al. [5] and correlated with ear microscopy as the gold standard. Test quality parameters of tympanometry with probe tones of 226 and 1000Hz were compared in four different age groups. ResultsThe trace classification following Kei et al. presented the best correlation to ear microscopy and reduced the number of unclassified tympanograms. The use of probe tones of 226Hz in infants below the age of nine months showed a poor level of sensitivity. ConclusionsWe recommend the use of a 1000Hz probe tone in infants at least up to the age of nine months. In this age group, 226Hz tympanometry is inappropriate. In children with craniofacial abnormalities and smaller ear canal volumes, 1000Hz tympanometry could be taken into consideration, even for older children. High-frequency tympanograms should be evaluated according to the classification system of Kei et al., which differentiates between peaked (normal) and flat (abnormal) curves.