Vol. 21 Issue 2

A. M. Hassan, Q. A. Mandeel and H. A. Nabi
Concentration of some heavy and essential metals were assayed in seventeen commonly consumed spices in Bahrain using spectroscopy atomic absorption Samples were collected from different retail outlets in the local spice market (bazaar). The data showed wide variation in metal contents among the various spice samples. The maximum mean level of elements among all spices based on plant parts fall in the magnitude of the order: iron> zinc > copper > nickel > lead > cadmium, in leaves, rhizomes, seeds, buds, fruits and barks, respectively. For heavy metals, caraway contained the highest level of lead (2.2 nano g/g) and green cardamom exhibited the highest cadmium level (0.9 nano g/g). With essential metals, concentration of iron, zinc, copper and nickel were highest in cumin (13.6 nano g/g), black cumin (52.2 nano g/g), black pepper (17.3 nano g/g) and black cumin (4.9 nano g/g), in that order. The reliability of the findings and approach was confirmed by analyzing data from the literature.

A.M. Al-Dughaym and A.A. Al-Sultan
Physiochemical analysis of drinking water obtained from poultry farms in Al-Ahsa province, Saudi Arabia revealed that levels of pH, chlorine and total hardness were in a higher range or exceeded the international accepted limits. These levels varied according to the source of water within the farm or location of the farm in the province. It is suggested that necessary steps should be taken to bring the levels to the accepted limits.

J.M. Jaam and A.M. Hasnah
In this paper we discuss the deterministic Brelaz's DSATUR algorithm for graph coloring. We propose a simple modification that improves the performance of the algorithm. This modification consists of assigning the color that saturates the least number of uncolored vertices, to the selected vertex. Thus, we obtain valid k-colorings better than those obtained with DSATUR without modification. We show also that the DSATUR algorithm is optimal for a given example, and for the bipartite graphs.

I. M. Alhazza and S.A. Bashandy
This study examined the reproductive toxicity of lead in male rats exposed to 2% lead acetate in drinking water for six weeks and the protective activity of vitamin E. In lead-treated males, the weights of the body, vas deferens, seminal vesicle and prostate gland decreased significantly by 45%, 33%, 35% and 42% respectively, while the weight of the testes did not change significantly. Moreover, the levels of plasma LH and testosterone were significantly decreased in the rats given lead. Decreased sperm motility and sperm count with increased sperm abnormalities were found in rats exposed to lead. Some histological changes were observed in the testes of treated rats. Vitamin E administration at dose level of 10mg/100g resulted in a reduction of the deleterious effects of lead.

Basil A. Ali, Abdullah O. Bamosa and Zubaida A. Al-Hawsawi
We have studied the effect of Nigella Sativa seeds on the blood levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL in white albino rats. A total of 200 rats, 150 experimental and 50 controls, were included in the study. Six doses of N. Sativa were used (50, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/day/200g rat). Each dose was given for five durations: 1, 4, 7. 10, and 14 days. Generally all doses of N. Sativa produced significant reduction in the blood level of all parameters studied. There was no linear dose or time dependent effect of N. Sativa on these parameters. The effect of N Sativa started after 4 days and continued, with some swings, for the rest , of the duration. The effective dose of N Sativa seemed to lie between 100-400mg. It is concluded that N. Saliva has a hypocholesterolemic effect. Therefore, we recommend further research on the effect of N. Sativa in related diseases in humans and animals.

K.H. Al-Assaf, A.A. Al-Gadi, M.A. Abdalla and H.M. Al-Swaidan
The concentration levels of Pb, As, Cd, Se, and Cr in sewage sludge of the Riyadh second industrial city environment were monitored using ICP-MS. Samples were collected from five different reservoirs three times a day for a period of four weeks during the summer season. The microwave acid digestion method was developed for sample preparation. Sample reference material was analysed ten times to determine the precision and accuracy of the method. Better results were obtained using external standard calibration with the addition of Yttrium (Y) as an internal standard. Relative standard deviation ranged between 1- 10% for all elements, with percentage recovery values ranging between 99% - 106%. The concentrations of the elements obtained with the proposed method were in good agreement with the given certified values

B.E. Abu-Irmaileh and F.U. Afifi
About 87 powdered herbal mixtures have been collected from the local market Amman Jordan. Some mixtures were sold as readily packed tea bags or finely ground preparations in the herbalist shops. Mixtures with uncrushed plant parts were examined for their constituents. Upon examination, most mixtures were found unhygienic, contaminated with debris, or attacked by insects. Not all the mixtures contained all the items claimed on the label, and some contained additional plant constituents. Common local names were only provided, but few readily packed preparations mentioned the scientific names. Mixtures contained at least three plant constituents. Around 150 plant species and other constituents in all mixtures were identified. The mixtures were grouped according to their claimed indications for the treatment of the ailments of different body systems. More than one different mixture is sold to treat the same ailment. Constituents in some mixtures have no recorded role for treating the claimed ailment. The evaluation of the mixture contents for the claimed ailments on the label will be discussed.

M.A. Ahmed and T.A. Alshomary
Chia Gara Formation (Upper Jurassic- Lower Cretaceous) in the well Qara Chuq 1 Northern of Iraq is composed of two main lithologic components, the limestone and shale. The limestone suite which is the most abundant is characterized by its dark color and is composed of two sub facies, lime mudstone and packstone. The lime is composed of three sub facies mudstone facies radiolarian lime mudstone, silty lime mudstone and dolomitic lime mudstone. Lime packstone facies is composed of two sub facies: radiolarian packstone and bioclastic packstone. The shale suite that is rich with hydrocarbons was seen interbedded with radiolarian lime mudstone sub facies in some horizons. Litho and microfacies of Chia Gara Formation indicate that the sediments of this formation were deposited in a deep water formation, quiet and reducing depositional environment.