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Exploring the role of seaweed culture in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere: a nature-based solution for climate change mitigation
Full text linkTo keep the world safe from
extreme temperature occurrences, global
warming must be kept below 1.5C. Seaweed
has emerged as a holistic nature-based
solution to solve global warming by reducing
greenhouse gases (GHGs). This review
evaluated the role of seaweed in reducing
GHGs. Seaweed can minimise carbon (C)
emissions by absorbing them. Lowering
ruminant enteric methane (CH4) emissions
and producing bioenergy are two more ways
seaweed can contribute to global
decarbonisation. Atmospheric trace gases like
nitrous oxide (N2O) are a factor in global
warming. By 2050, 10 million metric tons
(MMt) of nitrogen (N) would be absorbed by a seaweed yield of 500 MMt. All macroalgae
release the volatile gas bromoform, which
contributes to ozone (O3) depletion in the
atmosphere. Bromoform is a component of
red seaweed’s chemical composition. Largescale
seaweed cultivation can transform the
way GHG emissions are managed while also
generating new businesses. Furthermore,
eutrophic, hypoxic, and acidic coasts can gain
other advantages from seaweed cultivation.
Although seaweed offsetting is a vital
emerging tool for achieving a more
sustainable future, it is not the only answer to
the problem of climate change. This study
demonstrates that seaweed cultivation and
related sectors are viable solutions for
lowering GHG emissions, achieving
monetary growth, and creating sustainable
means of subsistence
Actual crop coefficients and yield response factors of irrigated tomato in Afaka, Northwest Nigeria
Full text linkIn the face of the prevailing
challenges of limited water for irrigated
agriculture, the knowledge of crop
coefficients for use in irrigation, and the yield
response to moisture stresses become
pertinent for developing strategies to improve
agricultural water productivity. Field
experiments were conducted to evaluate the
crop coefficients and yield response factors of
UC 82B tomato subjected to soil moisture
stresses on growth-stage basis. The irrigation
treatments investigated were: a full irrigation
(application of 100% ETo), and three soil
moisture deficit levels (20%, 40%, 60% ETo)
imposed at the vegetative, flowering and
maturity growth stages, in successions. The
mean crop coefficient (Kc) was highest (0.99)
during the mid-season under full irrigation,
and lowest (0.47) during the vegetative stage
under 60% ETo soil moisture deficit, while
the mean value across the entire crop growth
stage was 0.88. The yield response factors
(Ky) were 1.26 and 1.30 for the 2017/2018
and 2018/2019 seasons, respectively. The
mean Ky of was 1.28 for the entire growth
cycle, implying high sensitivity of the tomato
cultivar to water deficits, and that yield
reduction is proportionally larger when water
used is reduced because of stress. Full irrigation
at the maturity stage is recommended
Comparative effects of cassava peel compost, Tithonia diversifolia compost and NPK fertiliser on maize performance in Ibadan
Full text linkMaize is a widely cultivated crop with significant agricultural and industrial uses. Its production depends on efficient soil fertility management, which is increasingly supported by the use of organic and inorganic amendments. The effectiveness of cassava peel compost (CPC) and Tithonia diversifolia compost (TdC) at 0 (control), 10, and 15 t ha⁻¹, as well as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) based fertiliser at 150 kg N ha⁻¹, was tested on maize in a randomised complete block design (r=3) in the field. Nutrient analysis was conducted following standard procedures. A residual trial was conducted immediately after harvest to assess the lasting impact of compost on maize yield. Data on dry matter (DM, g) and grain yield (GY, t ha⁻¹) were collected and analysed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance at α=0.05. NPK application initially enhanced maize performance more effectively than compost. However, in the second trial, compost application significantly improved maize performance compared to NPK. Maize GY and DM increased from 3.42 t ha⁻¹ and 224.53 g in the first trial to 3.95 t ha⁻¹ and 324.68 g in the second trial with the application of a higher rate (15 t ha⁻¹) of TdC. Soil Nitrogen (0.97% and 0.71%), phosphorus (34.08 mg/kg and 21.93 mg/kg), and potassium (0.69 cmol/kg and 1.09 cmol/kg) content in 15 t ha⁻¹ of TdC and CPC were higher compared to control, which contain 0.20% nitrogen, 17.17 mg/kg phosphorus and 0.31 cmol/kg potassium, respectively. Conclusively, compost alone may not replace synthetic fertilizers, but integrating TdC reduces NPK dependence, lowers environmental risks, and promotes sustainability
Investigating the potential use of plant-based compounds as environmentally friendly management strategies for controlling root knot nematodes in cabbage crops
Full text linkVegetables are infected by root
knot nematodes, especially Meloidogyne
incognita, which results in both quantitative
and qualitative losses. This study’s objective
was to assess the effectiveness of plant
extracts from Senna alata and Tamarindus
indica in controlling cabbage-infecting root
knot nematodes. The experiment was carried
out to determine the effect of aqueous and
powdered extracts of T. indica and S. alata on
the control of root knot nematodes in two
cabbage varieties. The test plants underwent
phytochemical screening. Data were gathered
on plant height, shoot weight, root weight,
yield and soil nematode populations. All
numerical data were subjected to analysis of
variance using the GENSTAT statistical
programme. Treating F1 Majesty and F1
Minotaur with powdered T. indica extract
resulted in a significantly better (p>0.05)
growth and yield (62.77 cm and 53.77 cm)
than the other treatments. Significant
variations were found between the shoot, root
and yield weights of treated plants and their
control counterparts. The positive control had
the highest number of galled roots in both
varieties (6.25 and 8.27). The treated plants
performed much better than the control
plants. The experiment also revealed some
compounds, such as hexadecanoic, butyric
and octadecadienoic acid. Based on this
study’s findings, it is advisable to make use of
these botanicals (T. indica and S. alata) on
root knot-infested farms, as they are cheap,
available and eco-friendly alternatives to
chemical nematicides, which are expensive
and not environmentally friendly
Massive ovarian cyst in a guinea pig: surgical insights
Full text linkOvarian cystic disease is a
common condition in guinea pigs (Cavia
porcellus). Surgical intervention is
considered the definitive treatment,
effectively preventing disease recurrence,
progression, and complications. A 5-year-old
female guinea pig was referred to our clinic
with nonspecific signs of lethargy and
gastrointestinal disturbances that had
emerged over the previous week. Diagnostic
imaging identified a large abdominal mass,
consistent with a cyst, extending throughout
the right hemiabdomen, warranting
immediate surgical intervention. Safe
removal of the cyst via an ovariectomy
procedure was performed with particular
attention to the species-specific anatomical
and physiological challenges. Managing the
adhesions that had formed with the intestinal
mass proved to be a complex step, requiring
precise dissection to ensure secure and
complete removal. Histopathological analysis
of the mass revealed a ciliated cuboidal to
columnar epithelium lining the cyst cavity,
originating from the rete ovarii, indicative of
a serous cystadenoma. This study highlights
the importance of early detection and
emphasises the role of elective spaying in
preventing severe complications. It also
provides valuable surgical insights for
veterinary practitioners by documenting the
largest ovarian cyst reported in a guinea pig.
The case presents a detailed approach to
managing species-specific challenges, with
the aim of improving clinical outcomes for
these patients
Influence of paclobutrazol concentrations, soil types and production seasons on physicochemical attributes of Keitt mangoes
Full text linkMango is an important fruit
with nutritional and economic benefits.
However, the impact of varying paclobutrazol
(PBZ) concentrations, soil types, and
production seasons on its quality is less
known in the literature. This study
investigated the effects of varying PBZ
concentrations, soil types, and production
seasons on the quality of Keitt mangoes,
aiming to optimise fruit attributes for both
domestic and export markets. Conducted over
three years in the Eastern Region of Ghana,
this study had a 5×3×3 factorial design, with
5 PBZ concentrations (0, 10, 12.5, 20, and 25
mL), 3 soil types (Agawtaw, Akuse, and
Baraku), and 3 production seasons (major,
minor, and off-season). PBZ application had
a concentration-dependent influence on the
physical attributes of Keitt mango fruit,
particularly fruit size, density, and firmness.
Lower PBZ concentrations (0–12.5 mL)
improved fruit size and total soluble solids
(TSS) content, while higher concentrations
(20–25 mL) reduced these parameters. Soil
fertility played a key role, with fertile soils,
such as Agawtaw, producing larger, heavier
fruit with higher TSS and moisture contents.
Seasonal variations also influenced the
outcomes, with the major season favouring
optimal fruit development due to favourable
climatic conditions. Non-treated trees (0 mL
PBZ) produced the largest and heaviest fruit,
while the 25 mL PBZ treatment increased
fruit firmness and extended the shelf life by
reducing the total titratable acidity. The study
emphasises the need to tailor PBZ
applications to soil fertility and seasonal
factors to achieve the desired fruit quality.
These findings offer valuable insights for
mango growers, promoting sustainable
practices that enhance yield, quality, and
economic viability in Keitt mango production
to meet the growing global demand
Growth and seed yield responses of two soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) varieties to coconut water priming
Full text linkSoybean is an essential legume
that is increasingly valued for its nutritious oil
and protein contents. Despite the benefits
derived from soybean, low seed viability and
inconsistent germination are major
production setbacks. The objective of this
study was to determine the effect of seed
priming agents on the growth and yield of two
soybean varieties (Favour and Afayak). The
research used a 2 × 5 factorial randomised
complete block design with three replications.
The soybean variety at 2 levels was the first
factor (Favour and Afayak), and the second
factor involved 5 priming treatments: 4 h of
water (20°C), 6 h of water, 4 h of coconut
water, 6 h of coconut water, and no priming.
Coconut water priming significantly
enhanced germination, with the Favour
variety achieving the highest rate (75.5%)
after 4 h of priming. Water priming for 4 h
was most effective in enhancing plant height,
stem girth and leaf development in the Afayak
variety. Yield was maximised in Afayak
primed with coconut water for 6 h (2520
kg/ha), while Favour primed for 4 h produced
the highest number of pods (135.5).
Regression analysis revealed that the growth
parameters and germination percentage
accounted for 95% of seed yield variation.
The study concludes that coconut water is an
effective priming agent, enhancing
germination, growth and yield and
recommends 4-h coconut water priming for
Favour and 6-h priming for Afayak to
optimise production
Health risk assessment of lead in dairy products from various environments in Egypt
Full text linkMilk and dairy products are
nutritious foods that are beneficial to human
health at all life stages and provide essential
nutrients required by the body. However,
despite their importance, these products are
susceptible to contamination by toxic
environmental pollutants, such as lead (Pb),
originating from surrounding environmental
sources. This study aimed to evaluate the
potential health risks associated with Pb
exposure in adults and children through the
consumption of contaminated milk and dairy
products from various locations in Egypt
using estimated daily intake, target hazard
quotient, and excess cancer risk metrics. The
data indicated that the daily intake (DI) of Pb
in the raw milk samples ranged from 131.6 to
557.9 μg in industrial areas, 107.7 to 456.6 μg
in traffic areas, and 35.8 to 151.7 μg in rural
areas. In contrast, the DI of Pb in sterilised
milk ranged from 19.3 to 82.0 μg in industrial
areas, 17.9 to 75.7 μg in traffic areas, and 16.0
to 67.8 μg in rural areas. For processed
cheese, values ranging from 2.0 to 2.4, 2.5 to
2.9, and 2.4 to 2.8 μg were found across these
areas, respectively. The mean DI values of Pb
were 70.1, 59.7, and 11.5 μg for Domiati
cheese samples and 112.2, 103.7, and 481.6
μg for Ras cheese from industrial, traffic, and
rural areas, respectively. The measured health
risk indices showed no significant risks
associated with the consumption of the dairy
products examined, except for raw milk,
particularly when consumed in large
quantities from industrial and traffic areas.
Purchasing raw milk from contaminated
industrial or traffic zones should be avoided
to limit its consumption, particularly for
children
Morpho-functional adaptations of the tiger skull (Panthera tigris) in relation to forceful biting
Full text linkThe anatomical peculiarities of
the tiger’s skull reflect the ecological and
behavioural needs of this predator. The study
aims to observe the morphological
adaptations that grant it exceptional hunting
and survival abilities. The anatomical study
was conducted on the skulls of two adult male
tigers. The tiger’s skull is wide and rounded,
providing a robust base for the attachment of
masticatory muscles, which is essential for
powerful bites. The sagittal crest, a bony
prominence located on the upper part of the
skull, serves as an attachment point for the
temporal muscles. A distinct process is
present on the maxillary tubercle, from which
a strong tendon of the masseter muscle
originates. The nasal bones are elongated,
extending beyond the frontal processes of the
maxillae, while the frontal area is elevated in
the region of the postorbital processes. The
anterior nasal opening is narrow, and the
lower margin of the mandible is typically
concave, with a prominent mental process.
The front part of the mandibular symphysis is
concave. Compared to other large felines,
tigers have a more rounded skull and a
downward-sloping dorsal surface. The tiger’s
skull exhibits remarkable morpho-functional
adaptations, such as a robust bony head, a
prominent sagittal crest, a strong mandible,
and well-developed insertions for masticatory
muscles. These features are essential for their
predatory lifestyle, allowing them to capture
and control large prey efficiently
Listeria monocytogenes in dairy products occurrence, monitoring and surveillance
Full text linkCross-contamination with
foodborne microorganisms is a challenge at
every stage of food preparation. Listeria
monocytogenes poses serious and persistent
problems for the food industry because of its
ability to withstand a broad range of
temperatures and pH levels and thrive under
high salt concentrations. These factors
significantly increase the risks to consumers.
Although Listeria is uncommon in the general
population, the bacterium is frequently
isolated from food and environmental
sources. The prevalence of systemic
listeriosis is notably higher among vulnerable
groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women,
and individuals with weakened immune
systems. Among the species within the
Listeria genus, L. monocytogenes is the most
significant in food contexts because of its
capacity for proliferation and its adaptability
to changing environments. Advancements in
detection technologies have enabled the
identification of more outbreaks with fewer
cases per incident. To monitor and validate
the efficacy of control measures, robust
environmental monitoring programmes are
essential. These programmes include
establishing protocols for sampling and
detection, determining sampling frequency,
selecting sampling zones, and implementing
corrective actions. This study aims to review
the specialist literature on the management,
surveillance, and prevalence of L.
monocytogenes in dairy products