Inductive role of the brown alga Sargassum polycystum on growth and biosynthesis of imperative metabolites and antioxidants of two crop plants.

The potential of macroalgae as biostimulants in agriculture was proved worthy. Vicia faba and Helianthus annuus are socioeconomic crops owing to their increasing demand worldwide. In this work, we investigated the energetic role of seed presoaking and irrigation by the brown seaweed, Sargassum polycystum aqueous extract (SAE) on certain germination and growth traits, photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrates, phenolics, flavonoids, and the total antioxidant activity. Compared to the control plants, our consequences revealed that seeds that received the SAE improved all the germination and growth criteria for both crop plants. Furthermore, the SAE significantly increased the carotenoids, total photosynthetic pigments, and total carbohydrates by (14%, 7%, and 41%) for V. faba and (17%, 17%, and 38%) for H. annuus, respectively. Phenolics and flavonoids were significantly induced in Vicia but slightly promoted in Helianthu plants, whereas the total antioxidant activity in both crops non significantly elevated. Even though The NPK contents were significantly stimulated by the SAE in Vicia plants, the effect was different in Helianthus, where only nitrogen content was significantly enhanced, whereas phosphorus and potassium showed little enhancement. Thus, the SAE treatment is one of the superlative sustainable strategies for food, feed, and as excellent plant conditioner.

Development of an optode for detection of trace amounts of Hg2+ in different real samples based on immobilization of novel tetradentate Schiff bases bearing two thiol groups in PVC membrane.

A very sensitive and reversible optical chemical sensor based on a novel tetradentate Schiff base namely N.N(/)bis(2-aminothiophenol)benzene-1,2-dicarboxaldehyde (ATBD) immobilized within a plasticized PVC film for Hg(2+) determination is described. At optimum conditions (i.e. pH 6.0), the proposed sensor displayed a linear response to Hg(2+) over 1.0 × 10(-10) - 1.0 × 10(-2) mol L(-1) with a limit of detection of 7.23 × 10(-11) mol L(-1) (0.0145 µgL(-1)). Moreover, the results revealed that, under batch condition, the sensor is fully reversible within a response time ~ 35 s. In addition to its high stability and reproducibility, the sensor showed good selectivity towards Hg(2+) ion with respect to common metal cations. The sensor was successfully applied for determination of Hg(2+) ion in some real samples, including hair, urine and well water samples. The results were in good correlation with the data obtained using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry.

Health care providers' views on supervisory visits in family health centers and units in alexandria, egypt.

BACKGROUND: Clinical supervision is considered one of the vital support systems for effective high-quality health services. The quality of the relationship between supervisor and provider is the single most important factor for effective supervision. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to identify the health care providers' views in family health centers (FHC) and units (FHU) regarding the supervisory visits in terms of supervisor roles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 20% of FHC and FHU of four randomly selected districts (out of seven administrative districts) affiliated to MOH in Alexandria governorate, Egypt. The study population included all family physicians, pharmacists, and dentists, who were present in the study settings at the time of the study (40 physicians, 23 dentists and 19 pharmacists). A self-administered questionnaire was used and included 11 categories of key supervision practices to be assessed. RESULTS: High rating had the highest percentage for giving feedback to supervisees and facility (57.3%), seeking client input (56.1%), discussing data (53.7%), making suggestions (47.6%), promoting participation of supervisees (46.3%), discussing previous visit (43.9%) and roles of developing rapport with supervisees (36.6%). The highest percentage of moderate rating was accounted for the role of problem identification with supervisees (50.0%). Low rating had the highest percentage for the roles of giving education or on-the-job training (40.2%), problem solving with supervisees (43.9%), and discussing the next visit (44.9%). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: All newly appointed clinic supervisors should have access to a formal induction program which introduces them to particular aspects of management, leadership and communication skills as well as technical aspects of their job. Training sessions for both supervisors and providers on problem solving, problem identification, and team building are also required.

Vibrational and thermal studies of the complexes (NH4)[VO(O2)2(phen)].2H2O and (NH4)[V(O2)3(phen)].2H2O.

The infrared spectra of the oxodiperoxo and triperoxo complexes, (NH4)[VO(O2)2(phen)].2H2O and (NH4)[V(O2)3(phen)].2H2O have been recorded and the observed bands are assigned on the basis of Cs symmetry. Thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) measurements on these two complexes were also carried out. A detailed mechanism for the mode of thermal decomposition of the two complexes has been given and supported by infrared spectral measurements on the thermal decomposition products. The data obtained agree quite well with the expected structure and indicate that the final thermal decomposition product of these two complexes is V2O5.