Hyperuricemia (elevated serum levels of uric acid) is a key risk factor for the development of gout, and has been linked to renal dysfunction, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Hyperuricemia was induced by oxonic acid (uricase inhibitor) in experimental rats to evaluate the protective effect of alcoholic extracts from parsley shoots, celery seeds and fig leaves. The rats were divided into 6 groups, and the first one served as a normal control group. Three groups of rats were given various plant extracts (celery, parsley and fig) by oral administration using a stomach tube at a dose of 250 mg/kg. A positive control group of rats was administered orally the hypouricemic drug, allopurinol (xanthine oxidase inhibitor) at a dose of 100 mg/kg. A negative control group did not receive any plant extracts or drugs. The various plant extracts and the drug were administered for the rats every day for 9 days. On the 10th day, all groups except the normal control received a single dose of oxonic acid (250 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection to induce hyperuricemia. After two hours of hyperuricemia induction by oxonic acid injection, blood samples were collected from all rat groups. The protective effects of various plant extracts were monitored through measurement of uric acid and other blood biochemical analyses for the rats as well as assay of xanthine oxidase enzyme in liver tissues. The data indicated a significant (P<0.05) increase in the levels of uric acid, urea, creatinine and potassium, and a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the levels of total calcium in serum of hyperuricemic rats (negative control) compared to the normal control group. These results indicated that oxonic acid caused hyperuricemia and renal dysfunction in the nega tive control group. The protective effects of various plant extracts were established by appearance the levels of uric acid and other kidney function tests near to their normal values which appeared in the normal control group. The different plant extracts exhibited protective effects against hyperuricemia in variant efficacies compared to allopurinol. These efficacies were in the following order: fig > allopurinol > celery ≈ parsley. Comparatively, the different plant extracts exhibited inhibitory effects on the activity of liver xanthine oxidase enzyme in variant efficacies compared to allopurinol. These efficacies were in the following order: allopurinol > fig > celery ≈ parsley. It can be noticed that fig extract was the most effective treatment against hyperuricemia while allopurinol was the strongest inhibitor against xanthine oxidase activity.

The impact of climate on crop production has vital importance. Climate variables affect the different crops during different stages of the growth and the development. This research aims to study the environmental factors affecting the growth and production of barley (Hordeum Sp., Gramineae) in a hydroponic system, to provide information to farmers and decision makers by using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Model for production prediction. Multilayer feed-forward ANN (fully connected) was used in supervised manner and the training method was the back-propagation algorithm by using MATLAB program. The inputs in the ANN model of barley were: seeds density (kg/m2), lighting duration (h/day), light intensity (Lux), temperature (cº), relative humidity (%) and growing period (days). The outputs were: plant length (cm), yield (kg/m2), protein (%), dry matter (%), and conversion factor. Results revealed that the optimal configuration for the ANN model consisted of four layers (6-25-30-5). The hidden layers had 25 and 30 nodes in the first and second hidden layers respectively for the ANN model. Hyperbolic tangent transfer function was employed in hidden and output layers of the ANN model. The learning rate and the momentum parameter were 0.005 and 0.9 respectively for the ANN model. Iterations were 10000 epochs during training process for the ANN model. The results showed that the variation between target and predicted outputs was small while the correlation coefficient (R) was 0.99. Also, the results revealed that the major parameters affecting on all the outputs were seeds density and the duration of the lighting followed by the other factors i.e. temperature (cº), relative humidity (%), growing period (days) and light intensity (Lux). Seeds density has a higher percent relative importance, on yield, plant length, protein (%), DM (%) and conversion factor equal to 22.8%, 24%, 25%, 24% and 22.8% respectively. The developed ANN model was beneficial tool for barley production prediction. The barley yield prediction could be helpful for farmers, decision makers and planning to manage their crop better by providing a series of recommendations about crops planting and clarifying its impact on changes to these factors under the study in order to avoid losses and reach the best benefit (maximization of yield).

Jerusalem artichoke (JA) family (Asterceae) is a perennial species known for its tubers rich in inulin, a valuable source of fructose for diabetics.This study aimed to establish an applicable protocol for calli induction and production from different explants of Jerusalem artichoke (Balady, Fuza and Alba) cultivars. For this purpose; leaf, stem and root explants derived from in vitro growing plantlets were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS medium) augmented with different combinations of benzyl adenine (BA) and naphthalenacetic acid (NAA).The highest percentage of calli induction (100%) was recorded with all tested media except MS free growth regulators medium and MS fortified with 1mg L-1 BA. On the other hand, the maximum value of calli fresh weight was obtained by culturing stem explants on MS supplemented with 1 mg L-1 BA + 2 mg L-1 NAA for all cultivars. NAA for all cultivars. Moreover and concerning calli growth dynamic for each cultivar, the recorded data clearly showed that gradually increase in calli fresh weights by week reaching the maximum value at eighth week for all used explants cultured on the best medium for calli initiation. The results proved that Balady cultivar recorded the best results for calli induction and production compared with Fuza and Alba cultivars. In the same context, stem explant was the superior explant when it compared with root and leaf explants for all examined cultivars. Moreover and concerning calli growth dynamic for each cultivar, the recorded data clearly showed that gradually increase in calli fresh weights by week reaching the maximum value at eighth week for all used explants cultured on the best medium for calli initiation. The results proved that Balady cultivar recorded the best results for calli induction and production compared with Fuza and Alba cultivars. In the same context, stem explant was the superior explant when it compared with root and leaf explants for all examined cultivars. MS medium fortified with 1 mg L-1 BA + 2 mg L-1 NAA was the most suitable medium compared to the other tested media for inducing calli and to enhance calli production from stem explant for all cultivars.

In this experiment, a total number of 165 birds (150 female + 15 male) from each developed laying hens Silver Montaza and Matrouh 20 weeks old up to 40 weeks of age. All bids were weighted and randomly distributed into five treatments with three replicates per treatment (10 females and 1 male / replicate) with almost similar initial average body weight. Feed and fresh water were ad libitum during the experimental period. Each experimental group was exposed to natural day light and supplemented with Ultraviolet light as in its program light, the first group (control group) exposed to no UV light, the second, third, fourth and fifth groups were exposed to 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours/day respectively to UV light from UV lamps after sunset, and controlled by a timer as following : 1- Hens in the first treatment were exposed to sun light and yellow lamps to 17h/day without exposed to UV lamps (Control). 2- Hens in the second treatment were exposed to sun light to sunset, UV lamps for 1h/day and supplemented with yellow lamps to the end of light period. 3- Hens in the third treatment were exposed to sun light to sunset, UV lamps for 2h/day and supplemented with yellow lamps to the end of light period. 4- Hens in the fourth treatment were exposed to sun light to sunset, UV lamps for 3h/day and supplemented with yellow lamps to the end of light period. 5- Hens in the fifth treatment were exposed to sun light to sunset and UV lamps for 4h/day without exposed to yellow lamps. Birds were reared under similar condition. The results indicated that live body weight (LBW), feed intake (FI), egg mass, some blood components, immune responses to sheep red blood cells and New castle were significantly improved (P≤0.05) by exposed birds to UV lamps after sunset supplemented in its program light. It could be concluded that the efficient exposed time to UV lamps was (2-3 hours/day) for silver Montaza and Matrouh developed laying hens.

This study focuses on the evolution of urban encroachment on arable land in Egypt. There are three forms of encroachment on arable land. The first type is the removal of the fertile topsoil of agricultural land for the main purpose of bricks manufacturing. The second type is the setting aside of arable land and letting the land go unproductive for long time periods. The third type is the permanent conversion of arable land to buildings. The total acreage lost to encroachment from January 25, 2011 revolution till November 18, 2018 is about 85 thousands feddans of fertile land.  The first type of topsoil removal constitutes 7.7 percent of the total lost acreage .While setting aside of arable land constitutes 35.5 percent and the conversion of arable land to buildings constitutes 57.8 percent of total land lost to encroachment . Rapid population growth is the main driver for accelerating encroachment on arable land in Egypt. This is especially evident in the governorates that are not endowed with desert backyard. Gharbeya governorate is a good example of densely populated regions with no desert backyard that could be used for urban expansion. The study  reveals that population in Gharbeya grew during the period 2006-2017 with an annually rate of 2.1 percent.  While cultivated area and cropped area declined with an annual rate of 1006 feddans and 2992 feddans respectively during the same time period. The continued encroachment on agricultural land is a major threat to Egypt’s food security due to the limited base of arable land in Egypt. In fact per capita share of arable land is declining very rapidly over the years. For example, the ratio of population to arable land increased from 10.4 in 2006 to 15.4 in 2017. The country is attempting to make up for the lost land through reclamation of desert land. Unfortunately, reclamation of desert land is very expensive endeavor and requires major investment in basic infrastructure such as roads, irrigation networks, power grids, and social infrastructure. Therefore it is of utmost importance for the government to pay due attention to the problem of urban encroachment on old arable land and devise policies and legislations that would put a brake on this phenomena .

The usages of medicinal plants as therapeutic agents have been practiced in a large scale of applications that make studies of their mutagenicity and/or anti-mutagenic /anti-carcinogenic effects very essential. The current investigation is focused on the anti-mutagenic effects of the Tamarix nilotica (Ehrenb) crude extract using chromosomal aberrations analysis in mice bone marrow. In fact, a single plant may have diversity of phytochemicals ranging from bitter compounds that stimulate digestive system, phenolic compounds for antioxidants and many other pharmacological properties, antibacterial, and antifungal, tannins that work as natural antibiotics, diuretic substances and alkaloids, etc. Tamarix is represented in Egypt with two indigenous species which are Tamarix aphylla (L.) (H.Karst) and T. nilotica (Ehrenb.) Bunge (T. nilotica (Ehrenb.). In addition, it was used in Egyptian traditional medicine as an antiseptic agent. Extracts of Tamarix species have been widely used in traditional medicine in Asia and Africa mainly for their antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic and diuretic properties. The current investigation is focused on the anti-mutagenic effects of the Tamarix nilotica crude extract using chromosomal aberrations analysis in mice bone marrow. Mitomycin C (MMC) was administered to mice as a positive control alone before and after treatment with 5 or 0.5 mg/ kg b.wt Tamarix crude extract as acute (24 and 48 h) and sub-acute (15 consecutive days) doses respectively. Results indicated that the Mitomycin C (MMC) exposure induced statistically significant increase in chromosomal aberrations compared to the control, however T. nilotica revealed slight insignificant effect on aberrant mitosis rate. Chromosomal aberration domain structural and numerical aberrations. The frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CA) and mitotic index (MI) decreased with increasing the dose and time of T. nilotica treatment, especially pre-treatment (plant + MMC). This effect was found to be dose-dependent. In conclusion, the results showed that T. nilotica could be considered as a good anti-mutagenic agent.

This study was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of mixed algal cultures for wastewater treatment. Free and alginate-immobilized forms of mixed algal culture were used. The highest removal percentages of biological oxygen demand (BOD) were 86.4% and 71.2 % after 32hrs and 48 hrs. in case of free and immobilized cells, respectively. Moreover, the highest values of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal were 83.74% and 59.71% after 32hrs and 48 hrs for free and immobilized cells, respectively. Treatment with free cells showed removal values for total dissolved salts (TDS), phosphorus and NH3-N were 20.5%, 34.6% and 43.8% respectively after 32 hours. While in case of immobilized cells the highest removal values 18.4%, 34% and 58.5%, for TDS, Phosphorus and NH3-N, respectively were recorded after 48 hrs. Generally, concentration of heavy metals decreased due to treatment with algal free and immobilized cells. As a result of treatment with algal free and immobilized cells, 100% and 95.9% of Cu wastewater content was removed after 8 hrs and 48 hrs, respectively. Moreover, 96.2% and 98.1% of Fe was removed after 32 and 48 hours due to application of free and immobilized cells, respectively. As a result of inoculation with the mixed algal cultures in free cells 99.4% of Mn and 84.2% of Zn content were removed after 32 hours. Whereas, 98.6% of Pb content was removed after only 8 hrs. In case of using the immobilized cells the highest removal percentages of the three heavy metals recorded after 48 hours as follow 97.8% of Mn, 89.0% of Pb and 97.37% of Zn. Accordingly, treatment of wastewater with mixed algal free or immobilized cells is a fruitful method to produce an effluent of high quality to be used for irrigation. Whereas, the algal free cells were found to be more efficient than the immobilized ones.

ABSTRACT   The date industry in Egypt in general and in Siwa Oasis in particular has an important economic position in the food industries sector, where the value of manufactured products amounted to about 41.5 billion pounds, representing about 15.7% of the total value of production of food industries to about 263.8 billion pounds during 2017.   The research aims to   In general, the research aims to identify the feasibility of investing in the activities of the units and drying and filling dates in Siwa Oasis by studying the criteria of financial and economic evaluation of these projects to identify the financial and economic feasibility.   The results showed drying units and packing date is the small capacity, and the large capacity in Siwa Oasis is as follows   - The possibility of expanding the establishment of drying units and packing dates in the small and large capacity for Siwa Oasis, where 160 workers on average, while the average wage per day for the worker about 345 pounds, 295.5 pounds respectively during the season 2018/ 2019. - The average value of Net Present Value worth was 12.99 million pound, 29.94 million pound respectively, accordinat to the Internal Rate of Return, it reached about 55.5% and 73.5% respectively, which is intended to be higher than the opportunity cost available in the community, for capital investment of about 16.25%. - The Pay Back Period rate for these units was about 1.6 years, and the rate of Benfit to the cost indicated a value greater than the correct one for all date drying units and packing in Siwa Oasis.   Which indicates the possibility of expanding the development and establishment of date drying units and packing in Siwa Oasis according to the criteria used in the study, which emphasizes the safety of investment and efficiency of customization in the date drying units and packing to provide new employment opportunities and promote the employment of women and increase the value of agricultural production and income in the oasis, The negative effects of the research are increasing the monopoly of owners of these units and work to reduce the prices of dates and oasis and reduce the incomes of agricultural producers.    The recommendations of the research can be summarized as follows   - Training and raising the skills of those involved in the anufacturing process. - Control the export of dates, which indicates the maintenance of the reputation of the dates of the Siwa in particular, and dates in Egypt in general. - Provide financial support by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, which indicates the purchase of sorting machines. - Provide financial support by the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation to provide the bags necessary for the process of curving, which indicates to improve the qualities of the product, which encourages the increase of exports. - Preparation of a database and information for agricultural statistics and data on drying units and packing dates and complementary industries.

Projects of various sizes and types contribute to the success of the economic development plans in general. Agricultural industrial projects are the basis for agricultural development in the economies of many countries, so this research aims to identify the economic feasibility of one of the productive activities in the New Valley governorate, On the efficiency of the work in the manufacturing units and the possibility of expansion in the future establishment in addition to identify the implications of the establishment of those units. The problem of research is that the packaging industry is very important because of its ability to absorb a large proportion of the labor force by creating many direct and indirect employment opportunities, from agriculture to storage of agricultural and industrial products that are produced to distribution to complementary industries such as Packaging The focus was on date factories as the main product of the New Valley Governorate. However, the expansion of these units has led to an imbalance between the production capacities and the availability of commodity inputs on the one hand, and the extent to which the revenues and investment profits of that unit.  The research aims to identify the current status of agricultural processing in the New Valley Governorate by identifying the number of factories, their relative importance and the activities of agroindustries, focusing on the most important activities of agro-industries and the importance of agricultural processing, especially in the field of date   industry. In addition to trying to identify the most important problems and obstacles that hinder the development of the industry of processing and preserving dates in the New Valley Governorate for the development of this sector by evaluating the factories that rely on agricultural products as raw material. The questionnaire was prepared and completed by (16) establishments working in the field of packing dates, semi-automatic, The research data were collected in 2019 through a personal interview with the factory managers, The questionnaire included data on production values, raw materials, wages, commodity and service inputs, number of workers, … etc., These data were analyzed using financial and economic criteria. As it achieves an annual trading profit ranging between ( 9.6–092.61) million pounds, which represents a commercial profitability ratio ranging from (1.50 - 2.59) pounds, which is a high percentage reflecting the profitability of this productive activity, while the income of the investor invested between (0.50 - 1.59) pounds Which indicates the efficiency of this industry economically, while the value of the break-even point ranged from (6.77-104.94) million pounds, while the percentage of the margin safety of production ranged between (32.18 - 61.16)%showed the ability of these manufacturing units to cope with the potential risk conditions of lower production. Or lower product price.

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of sweet sorghum and sugarcane syrups as antioxidants on oxidative stress biomarkers and the lipid profile i.e. serum total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL-C)) in male rats. Cadmium was received orally to rats daily at a dose of 10mg/L in drinking water. Rats were divided into four groups,-eight rats for each- as follow: (I) control group, (II) cadmium treated group, (III) sweet sorghum syrup solution (500 ppm) once daily at a dose of 1 ml/kg body weight of cadmium acetate solution, (IV) sugarcane syrup solution (500 ppm) and cadmium acetate solution. Bioactive compounds of syrups under investigation were identified, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined as well. Results cleared that the effect of variation in varieties on total phenol (mg GAE/ml sample) and antioxidant activity determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assay of syrup was significant (P≤0.05) while it was not significant (P˃0.05) on total flavonoid (mg CE/ml sample).The highest total phenolic content was recorded by sweet sorghum syrup (1.87 mg GAE/ml sample) meanwhile, total flavonoid content varied between (1.09 and 1.36 mg CE/ml sample). Results also cleared that G.T.54-9 sugarcane and Rex sweet sorghum syrup samples exhibited significant (P≤0.05) scavenging activity compared to commercial sugarcane sample that gave lower scavenging activity (97.16, 96.07 and 74.22, respectively).Sweet sorghum and sugarcane syrups significantly affected (P≤0.05) absolute weight of organs and relative weight of both heart and kidney, while the effect on relative weight of liver was not significant (P>0.05). The treatment of sweet sorghum and sugarcane syrups during cadmium acetate administration in rats led to reduction in alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), antioxidant enzymes, urea, creatinine and biomarkers in rat livers, like reduced glutathione , catalase ,malondialdehyde ,serum total triglyceride, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoproteins cholesterol back near to normal when compared to control rats. In general, the treatment with sugarcane syrup reduced the cadmium acetate induced hepatotoxicity in rats.