In avian species, male fertility significantly impacts reproductive success. This study investigates the relationship between proctodeal gland size in male Japanese quails and sperm function, as well as female fertility duration. Six hundred adult Japanese quails were selected and housed in individual cages. Males (n = 300) were divided into 6 groups (50/group) based on the size of their proctodeal glands. Females (n = 300) were randomly assigned to corresponding groups. After acclimatization, sperm kinematics and the frequency and weight of foam discharge were evaluated. Males were paired with females for 24 h, and eggs were collected for 20 d postcopulation. Eggs were incubated to assess fertility duration. Fresh eggs (n = 20/group/d) were used to assess sperm penetration into the perivitelline membrane on the 2nd, 9th, and 16th d postinsemination. Plasma testosterone levels and the testes' relative weight were determined. The results indicated a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in sperm concentration, total and progressive motility, and nearly all sperm kinematic parameters such as VSL, VCL, VAP, LIN, WOB, and STR values as the size of the proctodeal gland increased. Quails copulated with males having a small and average proctodeal gland area (<400 mm²) laid fertile eggs for a shorter period and had significantly fewer sperm penetration holes than those mated with males having a larger proctodeal gland area (>400 mm²). The proctodeal gland size was positively correlated with testicular weight, plasma testosterone concentrations, and sperm kinetic variables. The results indicate that the size of the proctodeal gland in males can be used to predict sperm function and the duration of fertility in Japanese quail.

The objective of this study to explain the effect of potassium sorbate E 202
(0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3%) on some chemicals properties (Moisture, Acidity, Salt, Fat,
pH, Total nitrogen and Soluble nitrogen), microbiological properties (Total
Bacteria count, Total count of fungi and yeast and its effect on fungal growth and
mycotoxins production) of Ras cheese during five ripening periods (fresh, 15 days,
30 days, 60 days, 90 days) and sensory evaluation for cheese in (30 days, 60 days
and 90 days). The results show that moisture and pH decrease in all treatments
during ripening period’s progress, Acidity, T.N and S.N increases in all treatments
as the settlement period progresses, and the highest was in the second treatment
(Ras cheese treated with 0.2% potassium sorbate). Results showed a good role of
potassium sorbate in inhibiting fungal growth by increasing its concentration and
its role in inhibiting the ability of fungi to produce mycotoxins. Cheese treated
with potassium sorbate 0.3% had the best sensory acceptance during the ripening
period (60 days), with a rate of 96.5% that mean that it can use potassium sorbate
as a good antifungal factor to improve Ras cheese quality.

Ten samples of different types of cheese were collected from local markets
in Assiut city. The samples included (four soft cheese, three Ras cheese and three
Roquefort cheese). All samples were collected and kept under refrigeration
condition (5 – 7 ºC) Czapek's dextrose agar medium used for isolation and
identification the mycoflora of them. The results observed that nine species
belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Eurotium and
Rhizopus were recovered and identified. Aspergillus was the most predominant
and represented by four species namely A. flavus, A. niger, A. paraciticus, and A.
fumigatus. Euotium represented by two species namely E. repens and E. chevalieri.
Aspergillus niger Found in the four types of cheese. This resreach amied to
determine the chemical and microbiological quality of some types of cheese
including detection and identification of fungi

Smart nanohybrid technology with potential advantages to plants has recently been developed for the management of widespread pollution of heavy metals. Herein, we disclose a novel strategy to combat Pb stress in strawberry (Fragaria spp. cv. Fertona) plants through a newly designed nano-based system that conjugates indole acetic acid (IAA) with nanoparticles (NPs) of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) micronutrients, forming IAA-Mn₂O₃NPs (IAA-MnNPs) and IAA-Fe₂O₃NPs (IAA-FeNPs) nanocomposites and illuminate the underlying mechanisms involved. NPs were synthesized, yielding cubic Mn₂O₃ NPs (50 nm) and spheric Fe₂O₃ NPs (30-40 nm) evidenced by various characterization techniques. The incorporation of IAA hormone to the surface of NPs was examined using FT-IR spectroscopy. Pb harshly hindered strawberry growth and promoted stress oxidative markers, i.e., MDA and ROS byproducts …

Grape seeds are a rich source of phenolic substances, which are known for their potent antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. This study aims to estimate the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in the aqueous extract of red and white grape seeds. Additionally, the effect of adding red and white grape seeds in the form of powder or aqueous extract as preservative films by incorporating carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) on the quality characteristics of beef burgers during freezing storage at -18±1°C for 90 days. The results showed that grape seeds contain phenolic substances at a high rate in addition to high antioxidant activity in both varieties. Free phenolic contents and the antioxidant activity were 557.83 - 411.70 mg GAE/100g and 66.37 - 72.71% in the aqueous extract of white and red grape seeds, respectively. Addition of grape seeds led to improving the characteristics of the beef burger during freezing storage. The values of pH, peroxide, and TBA decreased compared to the control sample. The same treatments caused an improvement in the microbial quality of beef burger; the total counts of bacteria, fungi, and yeasts were significantly decreased in the treated samples during storage compared with the control sample. In general, addition of grape seeds powder or their extracts as a natural source of antioxidants and antimicrobials instead of the synthetic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) can improve the quality characteristics of beef burger and increase its acceptability among the consumers.

High persistent organochlorine (OC) insecticides are banned to be used in
indoor. In some developing countries, they used for controlling vectors insects.
Organophosphorus (OP) insecticides widely utilized to control which replaced OC
occasionally. On the contrary, organophosphorus pesticides are widely used in the
control of various insect pests of agricultural crops and fodder for animal
production. In comparison with OC group, OP has highly toxic hazards and shortterm environmental degradation. Herein, we determine the organochlorine
pesticide residues in tomato samples from various governorates in Upper Egypt.
As a result, heptachlor-epoxide, dieldrin, aldrin, p, p'-DDE, and p, p'-DDT had the
lowest residues in all tomato samples, with values of (0.61, 0.93, 1.38, 1.7, and
1.74 µg/ kg) for each pesticide residue, respectively, based on results of gas
chromatography in tomato samples using the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective,
Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method. Further, heptachlor and methoxychlor
was found to be the highest levels among the pesticide residues that detected (13.9
and 10.42 µg/ kg) respectively. For the OP insecticide residues, the collected
samples of tomatoes from Assiut, New Valley, El-Minia and Sohag were no
residues to be found. Further studies of continues monitoring OC and OP residues
of pesticides in different ecosystems septically in table vegetables and fruit should
be applied.