Authors:Solomon Ayele Abstract: Increasing agricultural productivity and improving the sustainable livelihoods of rural farmers are among the government of Ethiopia policy priorities. In this effort, adoption of improved agricultural technologies is expected to play a vital role. However, the uses of improved maize varieties are constrained by various factors. Hence, in this study, an attempt was made to examine factors affecting adoption of improved maize varieties. A multi-stage random sampling technique was employed to select 218 sample households from both Babile and Fedis Districts using cross-sectional data. Probit econometric model was used to identify factors affecting households’ adoption decision to improved maize varieties. The model results indicated that age of household head, level of education of household head, farm experience in maize production, total farm size owned, access to extension services, access to improved maize seed, the distance nearest market and districts dummy were significantly affect the adoption of improved maize varieties in the study districts. The empirical results of this study suggests that strengthening the extension services, improvements in improved seed delivery systems for further promotion. The study also suggests that policy intervention should be made on improving the educational level of farming households is also important. Keywords: Adoption, Improved maize varieties, Probit model, East Hararghe DOI : 10.7176/FSQM/122-01 Publication date:July 31st 2023
Authors:Gemechu Warkina Lencho Abstract: The consumption of fruits and vegetables has increased in because of their attractive sensorial properties, nutritional and health benefits. However, they are susceptible to deterioration because of postharvest physiology and metabolic activities during processing, packaging and storage. Thus, postharvest treatments are crucially important in order to preserve the quality and extend the shelf life of fresh produce. Postharvest technology strategies like application of edible coatings (alginate, chitosan, cellulose derivate, beeswax, and protein-based coating) and active packaging are required to maintain quality and shelf life of fruit and vegetable. Edible coatings affect physicochemical characteristics and deterioration of bioactive compounds of fruits and vegetables during ripening and storage. Furthermore, application of various postharvest coatings to perishable fruit is used to increase shelf life, delay ripening, reduce weight loss, slows rate of deterioration, improving postharvest quality and reduce losses in firmness and appearance, and prevent microbial growth specifically in fresh fruits and vegetables. Keywords: fruit and vegetable, edible coating, shelf life, postharvest handling, physicochemical property DOI : 10.7176/FSQM/122-02 Publication date:July 31st 2023
Authors:Wala Mohammed; Asmaa AL-Muhannadi, Ghazi Daradkeh Abstract: Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often complain of taste dysfunction. The prevalent taste dysfunction among patients with CKD predisposes them to malnutrition, poor quality of life, and worsening disease prognoses. To appropriately treat the taste dysfunction in this group of patients, it’s imperative that factors that predict taste dysfunction and its severity are identified for prompt treatment. Aim: To assess patient satisfaction with their renal diet and to identify factors associated with taste dysfunction and its impact on food intake among patients with CKD receiving renal diet.Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based quality improvement study of adult inpatients with CKD on a renal diet at AL-Khor Hospital – Hamad medical corporation, Qatar. Results: There were 21 patients with CKD, with age ranges between 18 and 65 years (mean ± standard deviation [SD] 39.3 ± 13.9 years). Hypogeusia was found in most patients with CKD >80%. Renal diet modification improved patient satisfaction significantly P <0.05. Conclusion: Chronic kidney disease CKD patients were dissatisfied with their renal diet; special attention should be considered to modifying and improving the renal diet menus and improve patient satisfaction. Keywords: chronic kidney disease, quality of life, satisfaction, renal diet, taste DOI : 10.7176/FSQM/122-04 Publication date:July 31st 2023