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In planta efficacy of local Trichoderma isolates and selected commercial biological agents against Ganoderma boninense in oil palm
No full textTrichoderma species are well-known biological control agents with significant antagonistic activity against various fungal phytopathogens. This study evaluated the in planta efficacy of local Trichoderma isolates (Trichoderma virens and Trichoderma asperellum) in comparison to commercial biological control agent (BCA) products in controlling Ganoderma disease in oil palm seedlings. The local Trichoderma isolates were applied either singly or as a mixture to the soils of both transplanted and Ganoderma-inoculated oil palm seedlings. Additionally, two commercial BCA products were tested as benchmarks, with a negative and a positive control. It was found that the local Trichoderma isolate, either applied singly or as a mixture, could reduce disease by 41.82%-57.73%, and be on par with the commercial BCA products. Untreated positive control showed a significant loss in physiological integrity, in terms of chlorophyll content, plant height, bole diameter, and the number of fronds, due to the G. boninense infection, meanwhile, the treated seedlings with local Trichoderma isolates and commercial BCAs were able to resist the infection significantly to a certain degree. These isolates are promising BCAs for the future management of G. boninense in oil palm
Efects of dietary vitamins C and E on growth performance, hematological and biochemical parameters, skeletal abnormalities, and disease resistance against V. harveyi of hybrid groupers (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀×Epinephelus lanceolatus♂)
No full textEnsuring a well-balanced diet is paramount for the growth and productivity of farmed fsh. The interplay of nutrients, particularly essential vitamins like C and E, is crucial for supporting growth and maintaining health. This study seeks to explore the impact of varying levels of dietary vitamins C and E on the growth performance, survival rates, hematological and biochemical parameters, skeletal abnormalities, and disease resistance of hybrid grouper juveniles against Vibrio harveyi. Six experimental diets were formulated, varying in vitamin C (0, 20, and 250 mg/kg) and vitamin E (0, 50, and 800 mg/kg) contents. After a 14-week feeding trial, results revealed that vitamin C–defcient diets signifcantly reduced growth performance compared to other treatments. Interestingly, a high level of vitamin C without vitamin E supplementation produced growth efects similar to the control diet. Vitamin C and vitamin E supplementations infuenced both hepatic vitamin C and vitamin E concentrations. Surplus supplementation of vitamin C improves immune response and disease resistance of a hybrid grouper. Skeletal abnormalities were infuenced by dietary vitamin C levels. Overall, supplementation with both vitamins C and E improved growth and disease resistance in hybrid grouper juveniles. Optimal results were achieved with two specifc combinations: 18.3 mg/kg of vitamin C paired with 814.8 mg/kg of vitamin E or 271.8 mg/kg of vitamin C paired with 13.4 mg/kg of vitamin E
Finite element-based optimization of industrial low-density polyethylene production in a tubular reactor: Addressing energy and productivity challenges
No full textOptimization at an industrial scale is a complex task requiring fne-tuning large-scale systems to enhance efciency and efectiveness. This challenge arises from increasing system complexity, high processing demands, and the need for optimal performance. In low-density polyethylene (LDPE) production, signifcant energy is required for compression, and reactant materials are costly, making process optimization essential for maximizing productivity while minimizing energy consumption. However, optimizing an LDPE tubular reactor is challenging due to the presence of both diferential equations and static constraints. The success of the optimization method depends on a well-formulated mathematical model. This study employs the discretization approach to address the nonlinear diferential equations-based optimization problem, with the orthogonal collocation (OC) technique as a solution method. OC discretizes diferential equations on fnite elements, making it highly efective for this application. This work represents the frst application of OC for simultaneous optimization and parameter estimation in LDPE production, considering productivity, proftability, and energy consumption as key objective functions. The optimized parameters include monomer fow rate (FM), initiator fow rate (FI), solvent fow rate (FS), and reactor inlet pressure (Pin). In contrast, reactor jacket temperature (TJ) is selected as the optimized control variable. Critical production aspects must be estimated before developing an industrial-scale mathematical model, including reactor confguration, operating conditions, heat transfer factors, fow dynamics, kinetic constants, and physical property variations. This study employs an OC-based approach for LDPE production that accounts for product constraints while estimating unknown kinetic constants. The LDPE model is frst validated against industrial data, and three optimization scenarios are evaluated. The optimal reactor performance is identifed based on maximum proft, yielding a maximum conversion of 32.2%, an annual proft of RM 328 million, and a moderate compression power requirement of 5719 kWh
Mapping of groundwater potential zones using fuzzy logic technique at Kadamaian Basin, Kota Belud, Sabah
No full textThis research was initiated to study the groundwater potential zones using the Fuzzy logic technique at Lembangan Kadamaian, Kota Belud, Sabah, and its surroundings. The lithological units of this study mainly focus on the sedimentary rock of Wariu Formation, Crocker Formation, and Trusmadi Formation, including the quaternary alluvium deposition unit of Kota Belud. Based on the structural geology analysis results, the deformation trends are in the northwest-southeast direction. The interpretation of groundwater potential zones was made by using the ArcGIS Pro, R-studio Global Mapper, and several other mappingrelated software. Ten thematic maps that have been produced are lithological map, lineament density map, rainfall map, distant from river map, distant from lineament map, drainage density map, landform, and land cover map, Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) map, rock porosity map, curvature map, and slope steepness map. GIS techniques were used during the spatial analysis stage. All thematic maps have their class values and are based on field data, relevant department data, and remote sensing data. Further processes were done using R-studio, Fuzzy Toolset, and Raster Calculator. This process afterward will produce the groundwater potential map of the study area. The final result has been supported by the data of tube wells from the Department of Minerals and Geosciences, Sabah, and was validated using the ROC and AUC curve validation technique
The moderating role of socio-economic status in digital marketing adoption and agribusiness sustainability among rural youth
No full textThis conceptual paper examines the socioeconomic status (SES) moderates the use of digital marketing tools in sustainable agribusiness among rural youths. By using an integrated framework based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT), the study examines key factors influencing digital marketing adoption. The three constructs which have been included in this study are perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), and social influence. TAM has focused on perceived characteristics in the adoption of technologies, while the IDT model has favoured the influence of the social context and community. The combination of these models is significant in offering an overall framework for understanding the individual, social and contextual antecedents of the adoption decision-making process. This paper contributes to the literature by arguing that SES plays a critical role in the moderation of the relationship between PU, PEOU, social influence, and agribusiness sustainability. The insights presented in the paper offer a valuable recommendation for policymakers, academics and other related stakeholders in addressing SES disparities among rural youths and promoting inclusive digital adoption in agribusiness
Braiding intensity analysis of a post-seismic debris flow event using a comprehensive indexing tool
No full textRiver braiding occurs when sediment accumulates in a river section, resulting in bar formations that divide the flow into multiple channels, a phenomenon quantified as braiding intensity. This intensity is measured using a braiding index (BI), a metric essential for understanding sediment dynamics in braided rivers. While several braiding indices have been developed, many overlook key factors, such as the area occupied by bars, and often lack defined limits or unit-free properties, limiting their flexibility across diverse river types. Furthermore, conventional indices struggle to detect variations in braiding intensity in river reach sections with differing widths. Addressing these limitations, Das and Islam introduced a comprehensive, four-part braiding index tool that accommodates bar area, defined limits, and unit-free characteristics, enhancing its adaptability across various river conditions. However, this braiding index tool has not been applied for non-regulated, post-seismic flow events. Therefore, this study applies this novel braiding index tool to the Panataran river located in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, a river significantly impacted by a 2015 post-seismic debris flow event, causing notable changes in its braiding river morphology. Using high-resolution satellite imagery, the study evaluates four distinct braiding indices— BI*, BI1, BI2 and BI3—across six sections of the river, capturing both pre- and post-seismic debris flow conditions. Results reveal that the tool effectively quantifies changes in bar formation and channel flow patterns, especially highlighting increased sediment deposition up to 42% in downstream sections. These findings hold practical implications for local stakeholders, including ecotourism operators and environmental authorities, providing essential data to identify erosion-prone areas or regions favorable for sustainable ecotourism development. By demonstrating the tool's ability to measure and monitor morphological changes in post-seismic river systems, this research underscores its broader utility in flood disaster response and vulnerability assessment, river management, and environmental planning, paving the way for future applications in other river systems affected by seismic events and similar geomorphological challenges
Protein hydrolysates as functional food ingredients: A bibliometric analysis from inception to 2023
No full textProtein hydrolysates contain a mixture of amino acids, oligopeptides, and polypeptides with improved functionalities, making them valuable functional ingredients for diverse applications. Recently, hydrolysates have garnered considerable attention because of their usefulness in numerous industries. This bibliometric analysis evaluated research development in protein hydrolysate-related studies from 1933 to 2023 using the Scopus database to enhance knowledge and identify research trends. A three-phase methodology—comprising planning, data collection, and analysis—was employed. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 11,578 publications were analyzed using bibliometric tools such as Biblioshiny (R Studio), VOS viewer, and Cite Space. The most prolific author was Soottawat Benjakul from Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, with 63 publications. The South China University of Technology led institutional contributions with 430 articles. The strategic emphasis on food security both nationally and globally by the Chinese government might have contributed to China’s leading position as the top country contributing significantly to protein hydrolysate-related research, and also reflected by the high output of top contributing institutions from China. A notable shift is observed in basic hydrolysis and nutritional evaluations toward more integrated, health-focused and sustainability-driven research themes. Future studies are expected to explore underutilized protein sources, improve bioactive peptide identification through multi-omics technologies and machine learning, and strengthen clinical validation for therapeutic applications. The insights gained on this subject can guide future research and policy development
Development and characterization of carrageenan/nanocellulose/silver nanoparticles bionanocomposite film from Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed for food packaging
No full textThis study focuses on developing seaweed-based bionanocomposite films using carrageenan (Cr) as the matrix with nanocellulose (NC) as reinforcing material and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as antimicrobial agent, all sourced from Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed. The Cr/NC/AgNPs bionanocomposite films were created using a solvent casting technique and comprehensively characterized to assess their suitability for food packaging applications. The addition of NC and AgNPs significantly improved the mechanical properties, with a maximum load of 16.73 N, tensile strength of 6.81 MPa, elastic modulus of 32.18 MPa, and elongation at break of 18.73 %. The films exhibited excellent optical properties and enhanced moisture barrier performance, with a water vapor transmission rate of 5.62 g/m2d, moisture content of 11.09 %, moisture uptake of 85.98 %, and water solubility of 47.7 %. Thermal analysis showed improved stability, with decomposition temperatures up to 282 °C. The films biodegraded completely within 15 days. Storage tests on bread as a food model demonstrated the films' antimicrobial efficacy, preventing mold growth for one month. Silver ion migration (0.013 μg/g) was well below the safety limit (0.05 μg/g). These results highlight the potential of Cr/NC/AgNPs bionanocomposite films as sustainable, functional materials for food packaging
Structural and thermal properties of Alkali-treated biomass fibers and W. robusta waste reinforced PLA hybrid biocomposites
No full textThe aim of this study to develop biodegradable composites by using agricultural biowaste that well qualified to be used in various applications. They are an outstanding choice for the production of sports equipment, green building materials, and car interior components due to their transport and recycling capabilities. In this work, hybrid biocomposites are fabricated from a Poly lactic acid (PLA) matrix reinforced with alkali-treated Robusta (Rb) short biomass palm fibers and biochar (B) were characterized. Scanning electron microscopy showed a decrease in the interfacial spaces of the treated reinforcement materials compared to the untreated ones, becoming less frequent and smaller. The Rb-reinforced biocomposite treated with 3 % NaOH (PLA-BRb3) showed better viscoelastic behavior, with high energy storage and loss moduli and minimal damping factor (tan δ), showing high elasticity and low glass transition temperature. The loss and storage moduli reached 516 MPa and 2463.64 MPa, respectively, suggesting excellent energy dissipation and enhanced damping capacity, ideal for shock and vibration resistance applications. Tan δ decreased to 0.97, making it the most elastic material in the study. The qualities of these green biocomposites could be improved and their uses could be extended to various sustainable production sectors through further research and development
Spatial occurrence records and distributions of tropical Asian butterflies
No full textInsect biogeography is poorly documented globally, particularly in the tropics. Recent intensive research in tropical Asia, combined with increasingly available records from citizen science, provides an opportunity to map the distributions of tropical Asian butterflies. We compiled a dataset of 730,190 occurrences of 3,752 tropical Asian butterfly species by aggregating records from GBIF (651,285 records), published literature (27,217), published databases (37,695), and unpublished data (13,993). Here, we present this dataset and single-species distribution maps of 1,576 species. Using these maps, along with records of the 2,176 remaining species, we identified areas of limited sampling (e.g., Myanmar and New Guinea) and predicted areas of high diversity (Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo). This dataset can be leveraged for a range of studies on Asian and tropical butterflies, including 1) species biogeography, 2) sampling prioritization to fill gaps, 3) biodiversity hotspot mapping, and 4) conservation evaluation and planning. We encourage the continued development of this dataset and the associated code as a tool for the conservation of tropical Asian insects