Date Palm Wastes as Growth Substrate in Hydroponics to Grow Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa L.)

Recently, many countries are practicing a variety of modern farming techniques like hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics vertical farming etc., to enhance production and quality of the production. Among such techniques, hydroponic system of production is growing plants in an appropriate substrate, which provides both physical and nutrient support with a suitable root environment. Substrate media can be either inorganic or organic. In this study, date palm leaf waste has been used, rock wool slab and cocopeat slab. The main objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using palm leaf wastes as a growing substrate extensively in the hydroponics system and its impact on germination and growth characteristics with lettuce as a test crops. This experiment was performed in a greenhouse condition in Alfoah farm at about 26.5°C. The experiment was conducted with 4 treatments and 20 replications. Treatments included two particle sizes, 50 mesh (0.0117) inch and 20 mesh (0.0469) inch mixture of a date palm waste between the two sizes with different ratios (1:1), (1:2), rockwool and cocopeat. The water holding capacity, acidity or alkalinity (pH), salinity (EC), and C/N ratio of the substrate was measured and compared with other substrates to assess the quality. The germination, plant growth, and the root system were studied. The results gathered from the study propose to recycle the date palm leaf waste as a new substrate in the hydroponics production system. Results showed that date palm leaf waste as a substrate in a hydroponic system can successfully enhance the growth and production of the lettuce crops and is comparable to any other substrate currently used in a hydroponic system commercially. This system adds more value by successfully utilizing the enormous waste generated from the cultivation of date palm in this country and will make hydroponic culture more sustainable and ecofriendly

The Environmental Impact of Urbanization within Abu Dhabi on the Microbial Profile of Man-Made Beaches

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is witnessing a significant development in several areas. Many new construction projects are currently underway. One of the main project aims at establishing new beaches around the coastal areas of the UAE. Particularly, in Abu Dhabi the capital of UAE, a new man-made beach has been recently developed in the north coast of the city. The urbanization of this newly developed beach might have a significant impact on the environment. This study aims to investigate the effects of urban development of beaches within Abu Dhabi on the microbial profile of the soil. It is hypothesized that microbial growth would be higher in man-made beaches as compared to natural beaches. Methodology involved collection of 16 soil samples from two different beaches with emphasis on two elements: water content in soil and depth of soil. Subsequently, samples were processed and used for microbial cultivation using selective and differential growth media for the identification of some commonly encountered microorganisms namely yeast, faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and electrophoresis were also used for further analysis. Results of the study revealed the existence of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia. coli and coliforms in the soil samples isolated from the man-made beach. Moreover, the hypothesis was supported by the results which showed higher microbial growth (CFU/g) for both factors: (depth of the soil and water content) for man-made beaches as compared to natural beaches

Prevalence, Characteristics and Correlates of Prediabetes in Al Ain and Dubai, the UAE: Cross Sectional Study

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has one of the highest rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the world. Prior to the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus, a period of moderate hyperglycemia is often present, referred to as prediabetes. This is associated with a significant loss of pancreatic beta cells, an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other serious health issues. There are gaps in the literature concerning the prevalence of prediabetes and its associated correlates, as well as correlations between the conversion rates from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes mellitus. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of prediabetes and its correlates in adults. The secondary objective was to identify the proportion of conversions of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes mellitus and the major correlates. This research was based on secondary data collected during prediabetes interventions in Al Ain and Dubai, two cities in the UAE. In Al Ain, a random sample (n=605) of parents participated in type 2 diabetes mellitus screening in a family-based study. In Dubai, 700 Emirati adults diagnosed with prediabetes, at five primary health care centers, were invited to take part in the intervention study. After ethical approval and gaining informed consent, socio-demographic, anthropometric, lifestyle and clinical data were then collected. Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus were defined in accordance with the American Diabetes Association’s guidelines: based on fasting plasma glucose (FPG ≥126 mg/dl (≥7 mmol/l) for type 2 diabetes, 110-125 mg/dl (6.1- 7 mmol/l) for prediabetes, (HbA1c ≥6.5%) for type 2 diabetes and (HbA1c 5.7-6.4%) for prediabetes. We used a multivariable multinomial logistic regression analysis to identify the independent correlates for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus in comparison to people with normal glucose levels in Al Ain. In Dubai we used logistic regression analysis to identify the correlates of the transition from prediabetes to DM in the data from the various health centers. The overall prevalence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus was 37.7% and 18.7%, respectively, in Al Ain. Ageing, being overweight and obesity were positive correlates for prediabetes. A secondary school, or higher, level of education correlated \negatively for prediabetes. Ageing, obesity, central obesity, a lack of vigorous physical activity and a family history of diabetes were positively correlated for diabetes, while a secondary school, or higher, level of education, were negative correlates for diabetes. In Dubai, a significant proportion (23%) of participants with prediabetes suffered from DM within a two-year period. Low HDL-cholesterol was significantly

Microbial Diversity and Community Dynamics in the Intestines of Broiler Chicken Raised in an Open-Sided House

The intestinal microbiota of the chicken plays a central role in enhancing nutrient absorption and affecting both host performance, health and immunity. This study was conducted to assess the relative abundance of bacteria microflora in different segments of the gastrointestinal tract (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum) of broiler chicken raised in an open-sided house. One hundred fifty-one-day-old chicks of Cobb 500 broiler chickens were raised in an open-sided house fed a standard non-medicated corn-soybean meal diet from day 0–35 days of age. The study showed a distinctive difference in the bacterial community between each region of intestinal segments and the diversity of the bacterial community changed as the chicken aged. In addition, Lactobacillales were the dominant 16S rDNA sequences in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum libraries, whereas Clostridiales were the dominant 16S rDNA sequences in the cecum libraries. The bacterial microbiota relative abundance differed significantly (p < 0.05) across different intestinal segments. In conclusion, each region developed its own bacterial community and the relative abundances of the bacterial community were quite different. Based on the composition of the microbial community, future gut modulation with beneficial bacteria, such as probiotics, may benefit the host

MATERIALISM AND UAE NATIONALS

Amongst examined populations, research has found materialistic values to be empirically associated with lower levels of life satisfaction. While the causes of materialistic values are plentiful, extant research suggests that a primary driver is the rapid urbanization and commercialization of a society, with youth being more susceptible. The dramatic transformation of the UAE over the past four decades, coupled with the relatively young population, increases the likelihood that materialistic values have been cultivated among the population. This study sheds light on the interesting but under researched case of materialism in the UAE. A self-report survey measured the materialism and life satisfaction levels of 210 UAE residents (80 nationals and 130 non-nationals). Materialistic values were found to be negatively correlated with life satisfaction amongst our sample. In addition, UAE nationals reported significantly higher levels of materialism than non-national residents. To uncover the causes and consequences of high levels of materialism amongst UAE nationals, four focus groups and 25 in-depth interviews were conducted. Five major consequences of materialistic values were revealed: 1) the development of an increasingly competitive and narcissistic society, 2) the development of a more judgmental and less accepting society, 3) the use of consumption as a tool to boost confidence and self-esteem, 4) an increase in family conflicts and the delaying of marriage, and 5) a lack of savings and an increase in debt. The primary causes of materialistic values were: 1) the rapid development and commercialization of the UAE, 2) the consequences of materialism propagating the values in a self-perpetuating cycle, 3) narcissism and competition on social media, 4) Emirati values of generosity, hospitality, perfection and pride, and 5) parenting and youths lack of financial responsibilities. To advance life satisfaction levels within the UAE population, we propose that policy makers implement awareness campaigns, educational programs, and legislation to reduce the current levels of materialism

Psychologically derived non-epileptic attack disorder (PNEAD) : psychosocial influences and psychosocial effects.

Some of the most pressing problems of health care involve the presentation of physical pathology in the absence of physical disease. Psychogenic non-epileptic attack disorder (PNEAD) accounts for a small but significant proportion of referrals to neurologists. Management of this condition is difficult because little is known about what factors are important in understanding its development and maintenance. Mismanagement of PNEAD can result in inappropriate use of anti-epileptic drugs and neglect of psychological needs. This thesis contains 3 studies. Study 1 examined the psychosocial factors that are important in understanding the development and maintenance of PNEAD. Assessments included childhood and adulthood abuse, anxiety and depression, somatisation, parental overprotection, hypochondriacal concerns and family dysfunction. One hundred and sixty two patients took part in this study matched for age and sex between PNEAD and epilepsy groups. PNEAD patients recalled more childhood and adulthood abuse than epilepsy patients and were more emotionally distressed. Findings from this study suggest that abuse and family of origin are involved in the development ofPNEAD. In study 2, 30 patients with PNEAD were matched by age and gender with an epilepsy control group. They completed questionnaires at the time of diagnosis and 3 months later measuring impact of condition, illness and symptom beliefs, family and psychosocial functioning, and satisfaction with consultation. This study compared PNEAD and epilepsy patients' reaction to the diagnosis of their condition.Before diagnosis there were few significant differences between PNEAD and epilepsy patients. After diagnosis significant differences emerged between the two groups. The diagnosis of PNEAD patients, compared with epilepsy patients, was associated with a greater negative psychological impact. Such findings may reflect for PNEAD patients the fact that they are not provided with an adequate explanation for their symptoms and behaviour. In study 3, 194 patients were matched between PNEAD and epilepsy groups by age and gender. They had been diagnosed 12-36 months previously. This study examined factors that may contribute to differences in impact of PNEAD vs epilepsy by measuring family and psychosocial function, beliefs regarding illness, clinical characteristics of attacks and satisfaction with the consultation process. Impact of the condition was greater for PNEAD than epilepsy patients. Factors that helped to explain such differences included the perceived psychological and physical impairment

Changing physical appearance preferences in the United Arab Emirates

Rapid economic growth in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has impacted traditional ways of life rooted in Bedouin traditions and Islamic values. Research undertaken within the UAE suggests that a thin body-image ideal is widespread, as are abnormal eating attitudes and extreme dietary behaviours. However, this regional research has been exclusively cross-sectional, precluding conclusions about the temporal dynamics or nascence of these phenomena. This study explores changes in physical appearance preferences in the UAE over the past two decades. Interviews were undertaken with five khatabaat (marriage brokers), who were asked to report the attributes typically requested by those seeking wives, both now, and in the past. Thematic analysis of these data highlighted differences between the attributes currently deemed desirable, and those deemed desirable in the recent past. These findings are discussed in the context of the nation\u27s rapid socio-economic change, and their implications for body-image and eating-related problems. © 2014 © 2014 Taylor & Francis

Phenolic Content and Antimicrobial activities of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Fruits and Leaves

This study aimed to investigate total phenolic content (TPC) and antibacterial activities of different extracts recovered from Date Palm fruit and leaves using various solvents, including methanol, ethanol and water. The results showed that the highest phenolic content was found in Leaf Methanol extract, followed by Leaf Ethanol extract, and then followed by Seed Methanol extract (74.4 mg/g, 67.3 mg/g, and 64.7 mg/g respectively). Whereas, the date methanol extract had the lowest phenolic content (5 mg/g). The study was also scrutinized to find the antibacterial inhibitory property in the leaves and fruits of date palm against four bacterial species (E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) by using the well diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Date leaves extracts showed inhibitory effect on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and resistance to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E.coli. MIC of methanol and ethanol (70%) leaves extract were 100 mg/ml and 250mg/ml for S. aureus and B. subtilis respectively, however, all the bacteria have resistance to date fruits extracts

Evaluation of the Intestinal Bacterial Community of Local Omani and Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens Raised in an Open-Sided House Using 16S rDNA-Based Analysis

Little is known about how the intestinal bacterial microbiota differs among different strains of chickens raised in an open sided house, predominantly those with lower growth rates, such as Indigenous chickens. Ninety-one-day-old chicks of each strain of chickens were raised in an open-sided house system and fed a conventional corn-soybean meal diet from Day 0–35 days of age. The objective of this study was to assess the relative abundance of bacteria microbiota identified in the intestinal tract of local Omani and Cobb 500 broiler chickens raised in an open-sided house system using 16S rDNA-based analysis. The results obtained showed the diversity of bacterial populations in different intestinal regions of two chicken strains. Bacilli were found in higher numbers and reached 98.8% of the bacteria in the duodenum on Day 5 in Cobb 500 versus 72.5% in the Omani chickens. Local Omani chickens had significantly higher numbers of Clostridia at an early age period. On Day 5 Clostridia comprised 13.1% of the bacteria in the duodenum of local Omani chickens, versus only 0.062% in the Cobb 500. The relative abundance of the bacterial microbiota differed significantly (p &lt;0.05) across different intestinal segments of the two strains of chickens, suggesting that each region generated its bacterial community with different relative abundances