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Black soldier fly larvae meal as a sustainable fishmeal substitute for juvenile hybrid grouper: Impacts on growth, immunity, and gut health
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Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal as a Sustainable Fishmeal Substitute for Juvenile Hybrid Grouper: Impacts on Growth, Immunity, and Gut Health
by Yan Chen
1,2,3,4, Wenfeng Li
1,2,3,4, Minyi Zhong
5, Jun Ma
1,2,3,4, Bing Chen
6, Junming Cao
6, Jiun-Yan Loh
7 [ORCID] and Hai Huang
1,2,3,4,*
1
College of Fisheries and Life Science, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya 572000, China
2
Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya 572024, China
3
Hainan Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Tropical Marine Fishery Resources, Sanya 572022, China
4
Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation for Tropical Marine Bioresources (Hainan Tropical Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Sanya 572022, China
5
YuYi Habitat consultation Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510642, China
6
Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
7
Tropical Futures Institute, James Cook University Singapore, 149 Sims Drive, Singapore 387380, Singapore
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Fishes 2025, 10(7), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10070344
Submission received: 24 May 2025 / Revised: 26 June 2025 / Accepted: 27 June 2025 / Published: 11 July 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Feeding)
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Abstract
Background: Aquaculture increasingly seeks sustainable alternatives to fishmeal, a key protein source in fish diets. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) meal is a promising substitute, but its effects on fish growth, immunity, and gut health need further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of varying BSFL inclusion levels on juvenile hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂), a widely farmed species in tropical aquaculture. Methods: Juvenile hybrid grouper were fed diets with four levels of BSFL substitution (0%, 10%, 30%, and 50%) over 56 days. Key metrics such as growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and gut transcriptome were analyzed. Results: Replacing fish meal with BSFL meal had no significant effect on the survival rate of hybrid grouper (p > 0.05) but significantly affected growth performance, immune function, and antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). BSFL10 and BSFL30 groups showed good growth and elevated immune enzyme activity, with significantly higher HIS levels (p < 0.05); the Wf of the BSFL10 group was comparable to the control. However, excessive replacement (BSFL50) led to reduced growth (Wf significantly lower, p < 0.05) and increased oxidative stress, as indicated by higher CAT activity (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of immune- and metabolism-related genes with increasing BSFL levels, with immune pathways notably activated in the BSFL50 group. Conclusions: BSFL meal is a promising alternative to fishmeal in juvenile hybrid grouper diets, with moderate inclusion (10–30%) being most beneficial. Excessive BSFL substitution (50%) may impair fish health, highlighting the need for careful formulation in aquaculture diets
Toward a sustainable future: ESG as a mediator of innovation and performance under institutional contingencies
No full textThis study examines how technological innovation influences firm performance through the mediating role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) engagement, and how this relationship is conditioned by institutional quality and firm nature in China. Using panel data from 3,300 listed firms (2010–2023), we apply a moderated mediation framework with subnational institutional indicators and a binary ownership classification.
Quantitative results show that innovation enhances ESG engagement, which in turn improves firm performance when measured by ROA, but not by Tobin’s Q. Specifically, innovation increases Huazheng ESG scores by 2.80–2.90 units and Wind scores by 3.60–3.70 units. A one-unit rise in Huazheng scores raises ROA by 2.1%, and Wind scores by 1.5%. Mediation analysis confirms a significant indirect effect of innovation on ROA via ESG (0.052–0.114), though the effect is negative for Tobin’s Q (−0.122 to −0.319). The ESG-mediated pathway is further moderated by institutional conditions. The positive moderating effect of non-state sector development on the innovation–ESG link is stronger for SOEs, especially in regions with more developed private sectors. In contrast, factor market development and improvements in the legal-institutional environment strengthen the innovation–ESG relationship more for non-SOEs. Where property rights are better protected and resources more efficiently allocated, non-SOEs gain legitimacy and utilize resources more effectively.
These findings highlight ESG as a strategic channel for converting innovation into value, shaped by institutional and organizational contexts, and contribute to sustainability strategy literature by unpacking how institutional heterogeneity and ownership identity influence ESG-aligned innovation in emerging economies
The use of standardised tools to measure post-mastectomy quality of life among women in Africa: a scoping review
No full textBackground: Breast cancer survivorship is increasingly prevalent, yet quality of life (QoL) outcomes post-mastectomy remain a critical concern in Africa. Women post-mastectomy encounter significant physical, psychological, social, and sexual health challenges that are inadequately addressed in clinical settings. Using standardised tools to measure QoL post-mastectomy of women is imperative. Thus, this scoping review aims to map evidence on the use of standardised tools to measure post-mastectomy quality of life among women in Africa.
Methods: This scoping review followed the Levac et al. framework. A systematic search—between 2015 and 2025 across Africa—yielded 473 records: 345 from five databases—CINAHL (n = 22), Emcare (n = 55), Medline (n = 65), Scopus (n = 78), and Web of Science (n = 125)—and 128 from other sources. Ultimately, 34 studies met the inclusion criteria for data extraction and thematic analysis. The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
Results: The 34 studies reviewed involved 5466 participants. Mean ages ranged from 38 to 57 years. QoL post-mastectomy was evaluated using standardised tools such as the EORTC QLQ-C30/BR23, WHOQOL-BREF, BREAST-Q, and FACT-B. Several studies translated and validated QoL assessment tools into local languages, notably Arabic and Yoruba, enhancing contextual relevance. Mastectomy negatively affected overall QoL, body image, psychological wellbeing, sexual functioning, and social relationships. Educational and psychosocial interventions enhanced QoL, particularly those integrating self-compassion training, physical rehabilitation, and group counselling.
Conclusion: QoL post-mastectomy among women in Africa is significantly compromised; however, targeted psychosocial and rehabilitation interventions show promise in improving survivorship outcomes. Future research should emphasise culturally sensitive, multidisciplinary programs and adopt longitudinal designs to assess sustained effects on QoL.
Implications for cancer survivors: This scoping review emphasises the need for comprehensive post-mastectomy care that includes physical, psychological, sexual, social and financial aspects. Culturally sensitive and accessible interventions are essential for improving the quality of life and long-term outcomes for women in Africa
Enabling telemedicine from the system level perspective – a scoping review
No full textBackground:
Telemedicine is a strategy for providing health care services remotely that improves service accessibility. Telemedicine has attracted growing research interest in the past 10 years, including systematic reviews that synthesize evidence to share experiences and enhance knowledge. However, most of the published systematic reviews have focused on synthesizing evidence from studies on telemedicine at the organizational level. A collected understanding of factors on the system level that influence the successful implementation and adoption of telemedicine needs to be developed, especially in regional and rural areas.
Objective:
This scoping review aims to explore key success factors and challenges that influence the implementation and adoption of telemedicine at the system level, particularly in regional and rural areas.
Methods:
This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the framework by Arksey and O’Malley and reported using the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews). A total of 5 databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, Medline, Ovid, and Scopus) were searched for research articles published in English between January 2010 and 2023, using the established inclusion criteria.
Results:
Of the 10,691 papers identified, 89 were included in this review, including 16 (17.98%) studies conducted in regional and rural areas and 13 (14.61%) in metropolitan areas. Another 13 (14.61%) studies were conducted in both metropolitan areas and regional and rural areas. Overall, 6 categories with more than 70 key success factors, including system-level requirements (n=13, 18.40%), economic considerations and funding (n=6, 8.70%), technological requirements (n=6, 8.70%), organizational requirements (n=19, 27.54%), understanding and supporting clinicians (n=12, 17.39%), and understanding and improving patients’ perceptions (n=13, 18.84%), were identified. Additionally, 5 categories containing over 50 challenges, including those related to system levels (n=11, 23.91%), technological requirements (n=6, 13.04%), organizational requirements (n=13, 28.26%), clinicians (n=10, 21.74%), and patients (n=6, 13.04%), were identified. Among the identified factors, 11 (9.57%) were specific to regional and rural areas.
Conclusions:
This scoping review confirms that the successful implementation of telemedicine requires collective efforts at both the system and organizational levels, including coordination and collaboration across different regions and organizations. It underscores the importance of establishing a national network that enhances public awareness of telemedicine and clarity in payment and benefit distribution models and strengthens data security protection measures. The review also highlights the necessity of addressing infrastructural deficiencies, including internet connectivity in regional and rural areas, and suggests the implementation of targeted incentives and support measures. The required collective efforts are detailed in the proposed framework that promotes popularizing telemedicine, enhancing the overall quality and efficiency of health care services, and achieving broader health equity
The pitfalls of “toughing it out”: mapping stoic attitudes in cancer patients. A scoping review
No full textSocial and environmental impacts of Tibetan displacement and China's minority policy in Tibet
No full textSince annexation in 1950, Tibet has been an important part of China’s geostrategic outlook and an important source for China’s energy security and hydro-hegemony. Numerous dams have been constructed across the plateau, with more planned, including the “monster” Medog Hydropower Station. There is also extensive mining across the plateau, and it is a water source for China’s expanding bottled water industry. These developments have significantly impacted the lives of Tibetans and the region’s natural environment. Tibetans have been displaced to make way for Beijing’s high-modernist development approach, which privileges modernization and industrialization over indigenous rights and environmental protection, and Beijing has adopted a heavy-handed approach towards the region. Combined, these factors have increased human insecurity across Tibet with Tibetans facing considerable social and environmental impacts stemming from Beijing’s actions
A signature pedagogy for speech-language pathology education
No full text[Extract] Signature pedagogies are unique teaching methods that define how knowledge is acquired in professional fields.1 However, there is limited research on the signature pedagogies in speech-language pathology education to inform curriculum development. A signature pedagogy helps to establish a clear identity for the course including the educational philosophies and methods. This ensures a clear, consistent and evidence-based learning, teaching and assessment framework, which supports students' transition to practice, aids development of professional ways of thinking and doing, and guides development of skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and clinical competence
Australian tropical medicinal plants and their phytochemicals with wound healing and antidiabetic properties
No full textDiabetes remains a global health challenge, with increasing numbers of patients diagnosed annually. Managing diabetes, particularly type two diabetes (T2D), requires a healthy lifestyle and medication to prevent further complications. New and effective antidiabetic drugs derived from natural products, including medicinal plants, are urgently needed because of the undesirable side effects associated with current antidiabetic drugs. Australian Aboriginal people possess rich traditional knowledge of plants used for food and therapeutic purposes. Here, we reviewed the literature on Aboriginal medicinal plants and found that a total of 126 Australian tropical plant species belonging to 47 families and 88 genera were reported as being used for treating wounds and diabetes-related conditions. We found that 28 of these 126 species were edible, of which fruits were the most consumed part. Among the 126 species, crude extracts from 29 species have been tested for their antidiabetic properties, and crude extracts of Syzygium cumini and Morinda citrifolia were the most extensively studied. Crude extracts from some species (e.g., Morinda citrifolia, Eleocharis dulcis, and Brassica rapa) have also been clinically evaluated in diabetic patients. Additionally, among 29 species, 374 pure compounds were isolated from 26 species. From the 374 isolated compounds, 51 have already been tested, out of which 16 were identified as antidiabetic drug leads. A total of 73 Aboriginal medicinal plants have not been tested for their phytochemical content or antidiabetic activity. These plants not only present potential targets for the biodiscovery of novel antidiabetic drug leads but also for the development of antidiabetic nutraceuticals based on traditional bush food knowledge
How everyday music listening can impact perceived social connection
No full textResearch conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic has shown a marked increase in loneliness and social disconnection among university students. Listening to music can create feelings of social connection during periods of isolation. However, it is unclear how contextual details of everyday listening, such as the location and presence of other people, impact music listening’s ability to foster feelings of social connection. Therefore, this study used experience sampling methodology (ESM) to investigate factors underpinning how music listening can create social connection. Participants (N = 59 to date) were asked to install a mobile-ESM application, MuPsych, on their phone. For two weeks, when an individual played music, they were prompted to complete a short survey (at 0, 5, and 20 minutes into their listening). These surveys asked participants about their listening goals, mood, well-being, to rate how much the liked the music and how much control they had over the music, and to describe the context (e.g., number of people listening, location). Data collection is underway. Findings will offer insights into the impact of music listening on emotional well-being and social connectedness with implications concerning programs, strategies, and recommendations for tackling social disconnection in the post-pandemic recovery period
Mechanical properties estimation of multi-layer friction stir plug welded aluminium plates using time-series neural network models
No full textA multi-layer friction stir plug welding can be used to fix the thick aluminium plates. Optical microscopy and tensile tests are utilized to study the microstructural and mechanical characteristics of the welded aluminium plates. However, finding the relation between the indexes of the process and the mechanical properties would be challenging. The present work aims to devise a time-series machine learning model including a recurrent neural network (RNN) and nonlinear autoregressive network with the external state (NARX) to estimate the mechanical properties of the repaired aluminium plate using the force-extension plot. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, impact energy and elongation of the repaired aluminium plate can be calculated based on a force-extension plot trained and extracted using the developed networks. In addition, the Bayesian technique is employed to recalculate the optimal hyperparameters of RNN and NARX, targeting the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) between the target and the estimated force during the testing. The investigated methods (RNN and NARX) with the addition of classical estimation methods, including decision tree and support vector regression, are modelled in MATLAB, and the outcomes prove the proposed NARX model efficiency in terms of lower RMSE in comparison with support vector regression, decision tree and RNN