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Assessing the impact of agricultural practices on environmental sustainability in Nigeria
Get PDFThis study investigates environmental sustainability and growth trends in Nigeria over a 30-year period (1991–2020), focusing on key indicators such as agriculture value added, forest area, employment in agriculture, employment in industry, and renewable energy consumption. Time series analysis reveals a linear increase in deforested land and agricultural expansion, alongside a decline in agricultural employment, which stabilised around 2013. Employment in the industry showed a dip until 2011, then increased steadily. Gender-disaggregated data highlights a notable disparity in agricultural employment, with significantly more males engaged compared to females. Using regression analysis with leaps, autoregressive distributed lag models, and Granger causality tests, the study identifies strong associations between deforested land and predictor variables such as agricultural land percentage, employment in industry, and renewable energy consumption. The results show that these variables significantly predict deforestation. Interestingly, a significant negative association was found between employment in agriculture and deforestation, although causality tests indicated no significant causation, suggesting a nuanced relationship influenced by factors like land-use conflicts and climate change. These findings highlight the nexus between socio-economic factors and environmental outcomes, emphasising the need for targeted policies to address deforestation, promote sustainable land management, and reduce gender disparities in agriculture. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to foster sustainable development and inclusive economic growth in Nigeria and across Africa
From Waste to Value in Circular Economy: Valorizing Grape Pomace Waste through Vermicomposting
Get PDFFrom the vineyard to the bottle, the winemaking process generates a variety of by-products, such as vinasses, spent filter cakes, grape pomace, grape lees, and vine shoots. To avoid damaging the environment and to reduce economic impacts, the by-products and wastes must be handled, disposed of, or recycled properly. This review focuses on an environmentally friendly approach to the management and added value of winemaking by-products, such as grape pomace or grape marc, by using vermicomposting. Vermicompost is a well-known organic fertilizer with potential uses in soil bioremediation and the conservation of soil health. To achieve environmental neutral agriculture practices, vermicomposting is a promising tool for resilient and sustainable viticulture and winemaking. Vermicomposting is a simple, highly beneficial, and waste-free method of converting organic waste into compost with high agronomic value and a sustainable strategy in line with the principles of the circular economy
First report of the amino acid and fatty acid composition of jellyfish (Lobonemoides Robustus Stiasny, 1920) collected during jellyfish bloom along the Cox’s Bazar Coast, Bangladesh
Get PDFJellyfish (JF) are essential to
marine ecosystems. However, JF that
increases rapidly can have negative effects.
On 3-4 August 2022, a significant JF
(Lobonemoides robustus Stiasny, 1920)
bloom was observed along Cox’s Bazar coast
(from Najdirartek to Sabrang) in Bangladesh.
The goal of the current investigation was to
identify the fatty acids (FAs) and amino acids
(AAs) of L. robustus. The AAs were
determined using liquid chromatography–
tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
analysis, while the FAs were determined
using a gas chromatographic system with a
flame ionisation detector. The most prevalent
AA was glycine. The most common FA was
linoleic acid (C18:3) (0.43%), followed by
myristic acid (0.12%), cis-9-oleic acid
(0.18%), gamma-linolenic acid (0.24%), and
heptadecanoic acid (0.29%). Based on its AA
and FA contents, L. robustus can be a great
candidate for the potentially sustainable
manufacture of nutraceutical, cosmeceutical,
and biomedical natural products to improve
health and well-being. In addition, the edible
L. robustus could be exported to other
countries, thus way it can play a major role in
achieving a blue economy
Carapace Morphology Variations in Captive Tortoises: Insights from Three-Dimensional Analysis
Get PDFThe carapace morphology of tortoises is a crucial characteristic used for species identification, with features such as shell shape, roughness, and color patterns varying among species. Understanding this morphological diversity is valuable not only for taxonomic classification but also for more specialized clinical approaches. This study investigated the morphological differences in the shells of Leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis), African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata), and Greek tortoises (spur-thighed tortoises; Testudo graeca) raised in captivity. Using 3D scanners, the carapaces were modeled, and a 3D geometric morphometric method was employed to analyze shape variations and dimensional features, with landmarks applied automatically. Among the species studied, African spurred tortoises had the largest carapace size. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified PC1 and PC3 as critical factors in distinguishing between species based on morphological characteristics. Positive PC1 values, associated with a shorter carapace height, indicated a flatter or more compact shell shape. A higher PC3 value corresponded to a raised shape at the back of the shell, while a lower PC3 value indicated a raised shape at the front. Specifically, Leopard tortoises exhibited a higher carapace shape than the other species, while African spurred tortoises had shorter carapaces. An allometric effect was observed in the carapaces, where smaller specimens tended to be proportionately higher-domed, whereas larger shells displayed a lower height in shape. These findings highlight the significance of shape variations in tortoise shells, which emerge during adaptation and have important implications for taxonomy and clinical practice. Such differences should be carefully considered in veterinary care and species identification
Selenium and Heavy Metals in Soil–Plant System in a Hydrogeochemical Province with High Selenium Content in Groundwater: A Case Study of the Lower Dniester Valley
Get PDFThe bioaccumulation of selenium (Se) and heavy metals (HMs) in plants is important because it can affect plant health and human nutrition. Recognizing the factors affecting Se accumulation in plants may have important implications for agricultural practices and human health in selenium-rich regions. The study primarily focused on the interactions between Se and HMs in the soil–plant system of the Lower Dniester Valley. Total concentrations of HMs (Cu, Mn, Zn) were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, while Se concentrations were determined by a sensitive single-test-tube fluorometric method in solutions and extracts. Water-soluble Se (0.09 ± 0.03 mg·kg−1) in soils was 32.1% of the total Se (0.33 ± 0.13 mg·kg−1) and increased with the total rising Se content (r = 0.845). The results indicated that plants had a greater Zn accumulation capacity than that of the other HMs, suggesting its importance as a trace element for plant requirements. Se also had a high bioaccumulation rate. Se and Zn accumulation varied in different soil types, reflecting differences in bioavailability. In contrast, Mn and Cu showed low bioaccumulation, which varied with soil conditions and anthropogenic Cu pollution. Despite the Cu contamination of the soils in the investigated region, it can be inferred that the hydrogeochemical province with high Se content in groundwater has favorable conditions for Se mobilization in soils. The absence of antagonistic interactions with HMs in the soil–plant system contributes to the enhanced Se accumulation in plants in the Lower Dniester Valley. These results emphasize the complexity of the interactions between Se and HMs in the soil–plant system and their potential impact on agricultural practices
The effect of diversified crop rotations on soil organic carbon dynamics in a clayey tropical soil
Get PDFThis study assessed the impact
of crop diversification within no-till crop
rotations on soil organic carbon and total
nitrogen stocks, as well as on labile (Carbon
and Nitrogen in the particulate organic
matter) and persistent (Carbon and Nitrogen
in the mineral-associated organic matter)
Organic matter fractions. The objective was
to identify practical indicators for monitoring
public policies promoting low carbon
emission agriculture. Field experiment was
conducted in 2014/2015 cropping season
using a complete random block design. Seven
treatments were evaluated: soybean/cotton
(CONTROL); maize/soybean (M/Sb);
soybean/maize+brachiaria (Sb/M+Br);
soybean/millet+brachiaria/crotalaria
spectabiliscotton (Sb/Mt+Br/CrsCt);
soybean/cotton/common beans/millet+
brachiaria (Sb/Ct/Cb/Mt+Br); millet-cotton/
soybean/maize/crotalaria spectabilis (Mt-
Ct/Sb/M/Crs); crotalaria-cotton/soybean/
sorghum+brachiaria/crotalaria ochroleuca+
brachiaria (Cr-Ct/Sb/Sg+Br/Cro+Br).
Sampling was done in May 2020 on an Oxisol
in a neotropical savanna of the Central West
region of Brazil (Capivara Experimental
Research Farm of Embrapa Rice and Beans,
Santo Antônio de Goiás, Goiás State, Brazil).
Treatment comparisons were made after
correction for equivalent soil mass per soil
layer. The C-POM, N-POM, C-MAOM, and
N-MAOM fractions were obtained through
granulometric physical fractionation. Total
SOC and SOC stocks were inadequate
indicators of the impact of crop rotations on
SOC. However, the distribution of C and N
among the soil organic matter (SOM)
fractions (C-POM, N-POM, C-MAOM, and
N-MAOM) was influenced by crop rotations.
Rotations with greater crop diversity,
including gramineae, had higher
concentration of C and N in the particulate
SOC (C-POM and N-POM). Differences in
rotation composition also affected the C to N
ratio, particularly in the POM fraction, which
was higher in rotations involving brachiaria
grass and maize. Most diversified rotations
contributed to maintaining higher C-POM
stocks
Relevant Skills for Employment and Entrepreneurship in the Agri-Food Sector
Get PDFIn the current social, economic, natural and geopolitical context, there is an acute need for research on professional and entrepreneurial skills in line with the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly changing global economy. The aim of this study was to determine the skills required by employees and entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector. This research study consisted of interviews, questionnaires and focus groups on a sample of 111 employers, 288 students and 139 teachers from the North-East Development Region of Romania. The most important skills needed by higher education graduates in the agri-food sector were communication, learning and social skills, with values of 90.5, 74.3 and 70.6 points, respectively. The least appreciated skills were cultural, linguistic and mathematical skills, with values of 17.5, 36.9 and 43.8 points. For developing and running an entrepreneurial activity, the subjects appreciated communication (91.0 points), as in the case of employment-related skills, followed by economic skills (81.4 points) and learning skills (75.4 points). Additional efforts are needed to increase the relevance of practical activities in correlation with the skills required by the market, and it is necessary to strengthen the current partnerships and create new partnerships between universities and the economic environment by employing public and research entities
Lead levels in milk and its products from various environments in Egypt
Get PDFMilk and its products are
considered healthy due to their content of key
nutritional elements. Despite their essential
role in the human diet, they may be
susceptible to contamination with many
chemical pollutants from the surrounding
environment, most notably heavy metals such
as lead, which is considered toxic to
consumers. This study evaluated lead
concentrations in milk and dairy product
samples collected from various Egyptian
environments. The results showed significant
differences (p < 0.05) in Pb concentrations in
the samples collected from different
environments in Egypt (industrial, traffic and
rural). The average lead content in raw cow’s
milk, sterilised milk, Domiati cheese, Ras
cheese, processed cheese and yoghurt
samples from industrial areas were 2.23, 0.33,
3.19, 5.10, 0.11 and 0.09 mg/kg, respectively.
In traffic areas, lead concentrations were
1.83, 0.30, 2.72, 4.72, 0.13 and 0.09, and in
rural areas, they were 0.61, 0.27, 1.52, 3.13,
0.13 and 0.09. The data showed that Pb levels
in dairy product samples collected from
industrial areas are very high compared with
those collected from traffic areas. By contrast,
the lowest Pb concentrations were recorded in
samples from rural areas. It is recommended
that lead levels in different foods, especially
milk and its products, be evaluated at regular
intervals
Effect of Foliar Selenate Supplementation on Biochemical Characteristics of PurslaneWeed (Portulaca oleracea L.)
Get PDFThe high biological activity of cultivated and wild purslane offers broad possibilities for utilizing this plant in medicine and human nutrition. To assess the prospects of obtaining new functional food products based on the wild form of P. oleracea L., foliar biofortification of this species with sodium selenate (VI) was carried out, and the changes in leaf and seed biochemical characteristics were investigated. Selenium significantly enhanced plant yield, photosynthetic pigments and the ascorbic acid content, and showed a tendency to seed productivity increase. The application of selenium augmented quinic acid content in leaves by 1.7 times but did not affect the oxalic acid content. Oxalic acid prevailed in wild purslane and quinic acid in cultivated purslane (cv. Makovey). Seed oil in Se-enriched purslane was characterized by a two-fold decrease in saturated fatty acids and squalene and 2.3-fold decrease in malonic dialdehyde content, along with a 1.4-fold increase in ascorbic acid. Selenium supplementation resulted in an increase in total lipids and mono- and di-unsaturated fatty acids and did not affect the concentration of ω-3 fatty acids and sterol accumulation. Among the identified sterols, only the minor ones (fucosterol, 7-stigmasterol and ∆7-avenosterol) showed a slight decrease upon Se supply. Compared to seeds of cv. Makovey, wild purslane seeds had higher levels of antioxidant activity by a factor of 2 and of polyphenols by a factor of 3.2 but did not differ significantly in oil fatty acid composition. The results indicate the importance of wild purslane leaves/seeds both fortified and not fortified with Se in human nutrition and medicine
Aspects of the contribution of the LEADER approach to rural development in Romania case study: North-East development region
Get PDFRural development is the
second pillar of the Common Agricultural
Policy of the European Union (EU), with the
role of helping the rural areas of the EU and
implicitly Romania to address the economic,
environmental, and social challenges they
face. The purpose of the research included in
this paper is to demonstrate the contribution
of the LEADER approach to rural
development in Romania, with an emphasis
on the North-East Development Region. At
the same time, the aim was to highlight the
innovative nature of this approach: what it
means, how it can be applied, and how it was
applied. The data studied through the analysis
carried out show that the Romanian territory
and, implicitly, the North-East Development
Region is poor, fragmented, depopulated, or
in the process of depopulating, with few
opportunities for young people. The
innovative character of the LEADER
Programme in Romania and implicitly the
North-East Development Region results from
the degree of novelty that an investment
financed through it brings to the targeted
territory, without being limiting and without
necessarily presupposing a technological
innovation, because the innovation must be evaluated relative to the local situation. The
main instrument through which the principles
of the LEADER approach can be
implemented is the Local Action Group. It is
the main driving force behind the activities to
be carried out in the territory and which will
lead to their implementation. The Local
Action Groups set up in the North-East
Region provide a common communication
framework for local communities to develop
and implement Local Development Strategies
by initiating, developing and financing
projects at local level. They contribute to the
unity of local communities and their
participation in local development. LEADER
approach has brought and how its innovative
character is highlighted. The questions that
informed its development were: Is this
concept considered as a model for sustainable
rural development in Romania and the N-E
Region? Is LEADER a truly innovative
approach. In order to achieve the proposed
goal, a multi-step working procedure was
developed to allow the collection of target
data and additional data derived from the
initial target data. Thus, the working
procedure was structured in the following
steps: problem identification and
conceptualization, literature review,
document structuring, strategy selection,
operational planning, data calculation, and
interpretation. Both qualitative and
quantitative methods were used in this work.
Thus, from a quantitative point of view, the
following research methods were considered
relevant for obtaining data: administrative
data analysis. As a qualitative method, a
bibliometric analysis was carried out, i.e., the
literature on sustainable rural development
through the use of support measures was
analysed by means of the VOSviewer
programme, using the Web of Science
collections database. Without the
implementation of the LEADER Programme
in Romania and implicitly in the North-East
Development Region, rural areas may be
deprived of funding that determines the
improvement of conditions in that area, but
efforts in the field of implementing
sustainable rural development measures must
be continued so that the effect of this funding
is really visible. Thus, the results of the
research carried out in the North-East
Development Region of Romania add
additional value to the information published
in previous studies through proposals for rural
reform and concrete examples of innovative
projects implemented there