The application of natural antimutagens and antioxidants, particularly those derived from higher plants has been seen as a promising approach to the protection of human health. In this work, we studied methanolic extracts from Sansevieria cylindrica, Sansevieria trifasciata, and Polianthes tuberosa plants focusing on their antioxidative and antimutagenic capacities based on the following parameters: inhibitory activity on lipid peroxidation, suppressing ability on direct-acting mutagen sodium azide-induced mutagenesis in Salmonella typhimurium cells. A clear dose-dependent decrease in lipid peroxidation was observed with all the extracts tested. Extracts from leaves of P. tuberosa and rhizomes of S. cylindrica and S. trifasciata (1 mg/mL) displayed the highest antioxidant effect. At the same time, extracts from rhizomes of S. cylindrica and S. trifasciata significantly reduced the sodium azide-induced mutations. The highest antimutagenic activity (76 %) in the S. typhimurium TA100 strain was obtained for the S. cylindrica rhizomes extract (1 mg/plate). We propose that the observed protective effects of plant extracts tested may correspond to a synergic participation of several secondary metabolites and mainly to polyphenolic compounds.

There is a great shortage in poultry feed ingredients in Egypt; therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the usage of some food industry byproducts and wastes in broiler diets. The effects of partial substitution of yellow corn (YC) with two levels of corn crunches waste (CCW), potato chips scraps (PCS), potato starchy waste (PSW), or sugar beet pulp (SBP) on growth performance, carcass traits and economic efficiency of broiler chicks were understudy. A total number of 297 unsexed one-day old ROSS broiler chicks were equally assigned into nine dietary groups (control and 8 treatments), each group of three even replicates. Two levels of each of the four byproducts partially replaced 5% or 10% of YC in the 8 treatments diets. Body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed consumption (FC), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and relative economic efficiency (REE) were estimated for the whole experimental period (6 weeks). At the end of the experiment, 6 birds from each group were sacrificed for evaluating different carcass traits. The results revealed that BW and BWG at 6 wks of age of the groups received 5% CCW or 10% PCS in place of YC were not significantly different from the control group; however, the lowest BW and BWG were detected for the groups received PSW or SBP. There were no significant differences in FC and FCR between all groups, except those received SBP which were worse. In regard to carcass traits, no significant differences were detected between treatments in breast % and legs % (thigh and drumstick); but eviscerated carcass weight, breast weight and legs weight were significantly lower for the groups received SBP. The best net revenue was detected for the group received CCW instead of 5% YC, while the worst net revenue and REE were detected for SBP groups. In conclusion, corn crunches waste or potato chips scraps could replace 5% or 10% YC; respectively, in broiler diets till 6 weeks of age without any adverse effect.

There is a great shortage in poultry feed ingredients in Egypt; therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the usage of some food industry byproducts and wastes in broiler diets. The effects of partial substitution of yellow corn (YC) with two levels of corn crunches waste (CCW), potato chips scraps (PCS), potato starchy waste (PSW), or sugar beet pulp (SBP) on growth performance, carcass traits and economic efficiency of broiler chicks were understudy. A total number of 297 unsexed one-day old ROSS broiler chicks were equally assigned into nine dietary groups (control and 8 treatments), each group of three even replicates. Two levels of each of the four byproducts partially replaced 5% or 10% of YC in the 8 treatments diets. Body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed consumption (FC), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and relative economic efficiency (REE) were estimated for the whole experimental period (6 weeks). At the end of the experiment, 6 birds from each group were sacrificed for evaluating different carcass traits. The results revealed that BW and BWG at 6 wks of age of the groups received 5% CCW or 10% PCS in place of YC were not significantly different from the control group; however, the lowest BW and BWG were detected for the groups received PSW or SBP. There were no significant differences in FC and FCR between all groups, except those received SBP which were worse. In regard to carcass traits, no significant differences were detected between treatments in breast % and legs % (thigh and drumstick); but eviscerated carcass weight, breast weight and legs weight were significantly lower for the groups received SBP. The best net revenue was detected for the group received CCW instead of 5% YC, while the worst net revenue and REE were detected for SBP groups. In conclusion, corn crunches waste or potato chips scraps could replace 5% or 10% YC; respectively, in broiler diets till 6 weeks of age without any adverse effect.

There is a great shortage in poultry feed ingredients in Egypt; therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the usage of some food industry byproducts and wastes in broiler diets. The effects of partial substitution of yellow corn (YC) with two levels of corn crunches waste (CCW), potato chips scraps (PCS), potato starchy waste (PSW), or sugar beet pulp (SBP) on growth performance, carcass traits and economic efficiency of broiler chicks were understudy. A total number of 297 unsexed one-day old ROSS broiler chicks were equally assigned into nine dietary groups (control and 8 treatments), each group of three even replicates. Two levels of each of the four byproducts partially replaced 5% or 10% of YC in the 8 treatments diets. Body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed consumption (FC), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and relative economic efficiency (REE) were estimated for the whole experimental period (6 weeks). At the end of the experiment, 6 birds from each group were sacrificed for evaluating different carcass traits. The results revealed that BW and BWG at 6 wks of age of the groups received 5% CCW or 10% PCS in place of YC were not significantly different from the control group; however, the lowest BW and BWG were detected for the groups received PSW or SBP. There were no significant differences in FC and FCR between all groups, except those received SBP which were worse. In regard to carcass traits, no significant differences were detected between treatments in breast % and legs % (thigh and drumstick); but eviscerated carcass weight, breast weight and legs weight were significantly lower for the groups received SBP. The best net revenue was detected for the group received CCW instead of 5% YC, while the worst net revenue and REE were detected for SBP groups. In conclusion, corn crunches waste or potato chips scraps could replace 5% or 10% YC; respectively, in broiler diets till 6 weeks of age without any adverse effect.

ABSTRACT The main objective of this paper is to detect spatial and socio-economic changes in Shoeshai village, Ashmoon district, Menoufiah governorate, Egypt through the period 1930 – 2012. GIS Arc Map 10 was applied using the village maps obtained from Google Earth and other secondary sources. 2120 buildings of the village were identified and surveyed. Data concerning different aspects of change were gathered using pre-constructed questionnaires. SPSS was used for data processing and analysis. Results showed that great changes have occurred in different spatial and socio-economic aspects. Some of these changes may reflect improvements occurred in standard of living of Shoeshi inhabitants. Some other changes may have negative effect on agricultural sustainability of the village. Great efforts are needed to be devoted by the government and the extension organization to encourage people to conserve agricultural lands in order to achieve agricultural sustainability in Egypt.

Abstract The main objectives of this study were to: (1) investigate various dimensions of the encroachment problem on agricultural lands, (2) present formal estimates of losses in agricultural lands in Egypt resulting from encroachment, (3) present a case study on encroachment on agricultural lands in an Egyptian village to assess losses in agricultural lands, identify actual cases and areas of clearance of encroachment, identify cases and types of sanctions implemented against individual encroachments, and identify reasons for encroachment by individuals. The study depended on different types of data concerning encroachment on agricultural lands in Egypt at different levels. A case study was conducted in the village of Shoeshai in Menoufiah governorate in the Delta. Data concerning the research problem in this village were gathered through personal visits to the encroachment locations, interviews with different individuals and key informants among people, and agricultural engineers at the agricultural cooperative of the village. Regression analysis was applied to predict losses in agricultural land in the coming ten years. Results showed that there has been great increase in encroachment on agricultural land in Egypt since the 25th of January 2011 revolution. The case study showed that a great increase in encroachment on agricultural land has occurred during the last three years. Great differences were found between formal estimates and actual losses in agricultural land. Greater number of cases and greater losses in agricultural land were predicted. Several reasons for encroachment were identified. Roles of the government and the agricultural extension organization in the country were emphasized.

Abstract This paper reviews quantitative methods for educational and training needs assessment. The paper introduces a new simple approach for this purpose. The approach does not resort to the probability theory. Collected data as two bivariate distributions are tabulated using a five point Likert type scale. A proposed linear cell-weight is applied to each cell. A distribution index is proposed for measuring educational and training needs. The introduced scale is simple, positive, and finite (runs from 0 - 1). The technique is applied on data gathered locally. It contributes in education/ training needs assessment methods in the field of education and extension education.

Abstract This paper reviews quantitative methods for educational and training needs assessment. The paper introduces a new simple approach for this purpose. The approach does not resort to the probability theory. Collected data as two bivariate distributions are tabulated using a five point Likert type scale. A proposed linear cell-weight is applied to each cell. A distribution index is proposed for measuring educational and training needs. The introduced scale is simple, positive, and finite (runs from 0 - 1). The technique is applied on data gathered locally. It contributes in education/ training needs assessment methods in the field of education and extension education.

Three durum and three bread wheat genotypes were crossed to produce three tetraploid, three hexaploid and nine interspecific (pentaploid) F1 hybrids. All genotypes were evaluated for heat tolerance in the field and for drought using polyethylene glycol in vitro. Chromosome numbers and meiotic behavior in pentaploid F1 hybrids (2n=5x=35, genomes AABBD) were confirmed. Heat stress significantly reduced grain yield/plant and 1000-kernel weight (1000-KW), while grain protein content (GPC) was increased. Drought caused a significant reduction in root length, shoot length and seedling fresh weight, whereas root/shoot ratio was increased. P3 (durum), P4 (bread) and their pentaploid F1 hybrid could be considered as the most heat-tolerant genotypes. However, P2 (durum), P6 (bread) and their F1 were most tolerant to drought. The addition of a D genome single dose into pentaploid F1 hybrids obviously reduced grain yield/plant, 1000-KW and seedling traits, however GPC was increased. Moderate to high broad-sense heritability and genetic advance were obtained for the most investigated traits. Grain yield/plant was strongly positively correlated with stress tolerance index (STI), yield index (YI), mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP) and harmonic mean (HM) under heat stress and with root length under drought condition, suggesting that STI, YI, MP, GMP and HM are powerful indices for heat tolerance, while root length is most effective for drought. Successful interspecific hybridization obtained in the study is only an initial step for desired genes introgression. Successive progenies are going to be evaluated for further genetic studies aiming at improving abiotic stress tolerance in wheat.

Three durum and three bread wheat genotypes were crossed to produce three tetraploid, three hexaploid and nine interspecific (pentaploid) F1 hybrids. All genotypes were evaluated for heat tolerance in the field and for drought using polyethylene glycol in vitro. Chromosome numbers and meiotic behavior in pentaploid F1 hybrids (2n=5x=35, genomes AABBD) were confirmed. Heat stress significantly reduced grain yield/plant and 1000-kernel weight (1000-KW), while grain protein content (GPC) was increased. Drought caused a significant reduction in root length, shoot length and seedling fresh weight, whereas root/shoot ratio was increased. P3 (durum), P4 (bread) and their pentaploid F1 hybrid could be considered as the most heat-tolerant genotypes. However, P2 (durum), P6 (bread) and their F1 were most tolerant to drought. The addition of a D genome single dose into pentaploid F1 hybrids obviously reduced grain yield/plant, 1000-KW and seedling traits, however GPC was increased. Moderate to high broad-sense heritability and genetic advance were obtained for the most investigated traits. Grain yield/plant was strongly positively correlated with stress tolerance index (STI), yield index (YI), mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP) and harmonic mean (HM) under heat stress and with root length under drought condition, suggesting that STI, YI, MP, GMP and HM are powerful indices for heat tolerance, while root length is most effective for drought. Successful interspecific hybridization obtained in the study is only an initial step for desired genes introgression. Successive progenies are going to be evaluated for further genetic studies aiming at improving abiotic stress tolerance in wheat.