Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Evaluation of okra (cv. A5) and spinach beet (cv. Pusa Bharati) or enhancing shelf life using different storage conditions for the benefit of marginal farmers
Get PDFVegetables sustain huge post-harvest losses owing to their highly perishable nature. Due to complex management challenges, marginal farmers face issues during post-harvest management and cannot get desirable remuneration. The present study assessed the effect of storage conditions on the commonly consumed vegetables, okra (cv. A5) and spinach beet (cv. Pusa Bharati) for prolonging the shelf life and analyzing the cost-benefit ratio. The vegetables were stored at ambient temperature (T0), Zero Energy Cool Chamber (ZECC) (T1), and Cold Chamber (T2), and their physiochemical parameters, overall acceptability and cost-benefit ratio were recorded at regular intervals for two consecutive years. An upward trend in physiological loss in weight (PLW) and spoilage was observed under all settings. However, the rate of PLW and spoilage was rapid in T0. Among the three conditions, minimum physiological loss in weight of 8.48% and 7.88% was recorded in okra and spinach beet, respectively, in the T1 during the storage period. Similarly, maximum firmness was observed in T1 with spoilage of 12.9% and 6% on day 3 in okra and spinach beet, respectively. The recorded ascorbic acid content on day 3 in T1 and T2 had no notable difference in okra whereas maximum retention of ascorbic acid content was observed in T1 with values of 76.93 mg/100g on day 3 in spinach beet. The benefit-cost ratio was calculated as >1 in ZECC storage, showing positive results for both vegetables. It was concluded that okra and spinach beet can be stored in ZECC for 5 and 3 days, considering the quality and the PLW.
Analysis of climate adaptability in four tropical fruit trees: Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.), Lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.), Pulasan (Nephelium ramboutan-ake (Labill.) Leenh.) and Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) through leaf anatomy evaluation
Get PDFThe tropical fruit species Dimocarpus longan (Longan), Litchi chinensis (Lychee), Nephelium lappaceum (Rambutan), and Nephelium ramboutan-ake (Pulasan) demonstrate significant ecological adaptability, enabling their cultivation under diverse tropical conditions. This study uses light and scanning electron microscopy to investigate the adaptive significance of leaf micromorphological, anatomical, and histochemical traits in these species. Fresh leaf samples were collected from cultivated habitats in Kerala, India, a tropical monsoon zone. Microscopic evaluations revealed a unique combination of evergreen and xerophytic traits. Evergreen features, including robust internal anatomy, extensive photosynthetic area, and well-developed vein vasculature, support adaptation to high light intensity and fluctuating humidity. Xerophytic characteristics, such as thick abaxial and adaxial cuticles, stomatal index of less than three, and compartmentalised photosynthetic areas, enhance drought resilience. Defensive adaptations like papillated cuticles, trichomes, crystals, phenolic compounds, mucilage, and domatia mitigate herbivory, UV stress, and thermal load. These traits collectively ensure survival in challenging tropical environments. The findings underline the critical role of leaf anatomy in the ecological adaptability and economic viability of these species, providing valuable insights for crop selection and cultivation strategies. Promoting such adaptive traits in tropical horticulture can enhance productivity while minimising environmental impact, contributing to sustainable agriculture and ecosystem stability.
Organic waste valorisation into biochar for the adsorptive removal of Malachite Green dye from its aqueous solution
Get PDFThis study illustrated the biochar utilization as an adsorbent to remove the Malachite Green (MG) dye which is known to cause toxic and hazardous effects. The present research aimed to determine how well biochar adsorbs malachite green dye and comprehend the fundamental principles driving adsorption. The iron-impregnated biochar was synthesized using waste biomass of Teak (Tectona speciose), which is a timber tree, by pyrolysis process at 500 °C. The synthesized biochar was used to remove MG dye from a synthetically prepared MG solution to evaluate its adsorption efficiency. The bioadsorbent was characterized using Particle Size Analysis (PSA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), point of zero charges (pHZPC), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). A batch adsorption experiment for the MG adsorption onto the MB-t surface was also conducted and it was found that the adsorption rate of MG was highly affected by the dose of biochar, temperature, working solution pH, time of contact and primary dye concentration. Isotherm study showed that the Temkin was the best-fit isotherm model to the adsorption process and the Qmax value was discovered to be 73.539 mg/g. Pseudo-second-order kinetics was best suited to the process of adsorption, indicating that the chemisorption was the rate-limiting factor. In contrast, the adsorption process was exothermic, which was determined through a thermodynamic study. The effective removal (89.05 %) of MG dye onto biochar (synthesized from Teak biomass the first time applied for dye removal) within 1 hr proved the bioadsorbent as a promising material for treating contaminated water.
Correlation of (IL-10) gene rs 1800896 polymorphism and tuberculosis risk in Iraq\u27s Nineveh city
Get PDFThe equilibrium between host immune factors and bacterial evasion methods is critical for tuberculosis (TB) control. One immunomodulatory factor that has been suggested to affect a person\u27s vulnerability to tuberculosis is interleukin-10 (IL-10).The study aimed to Identify: (1) Association of (IL-10) gene rs 1800896 polymorphism and the hazard of TB infection, (2) a novel variation of this gene that may be influencing its activity, (3) Association of some haematology tests and tuberculosis. The study included 334 patients with tuberculosis and control. DNA was extracted from blood samples, (IL-10) gene rs 180096 polymorphism was detected by Tetra ARMS PCR and gene sequencing method. (IL-10) levels were detected by Elisa test. Sequencing results for amplifying of the (IL-10) gene in tuberculosis patients revealed the existence of several nucleotide sequence variations that have not been reported before. Both a new phenotype of the (IL-10) protein and a new genotype for the (IL-10) gene were discovered in Nineveh, Iraq, at the National Center for Biotechnology Information. The ARMS PCR reaction results indicated a correlation between the genomic variation of the (IL-10) gene at the site (rs 180096) and tuberculosis patients. The genetic variation was observed in three different genotypes with varying proportions. The native allele C had a higher allelic frequency (65%) than the mutant allele T (35%). The study concluded that individuals with the (IL-10) gene rs180096 TT genotype under the dominant model were more likely to be at risk of TB infection.
Bioactivity of the amikacin: Selenium nanoparticles stabilized by chitosan (AK: CS-SeNPs) on Proteus mirabilis biofilm
Get PDFBiofilm-associated diseases have become a challenging issue for the healthcare system due to the aggregation of bacteria within the biofilm, which exhibits increased resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotics at standard or elevated concentrations. Consequently, adopting Chitosan-stabilized selenium nanoparticles (CS-SeNPs) is an efficient way to regulate biofilm creation. Multiple analyses were applied to characterize CS-SeNPs, including ultraviolet-visible absorption, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Zeta potential analysis, Dynamic Light Scattering analysis, Field emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Energy Dispersive x-ray. The antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of CS-SeNPs, AK: Cs-SeNPs, and amikacin (AK) were tested using 96-microtiter plates. The resulting data have revealed that CS-SeNPs at a wavelength of 244 nm were stabilized and rounded in shape with an average size of 68±23nm. The minimum inhibitory doses of AK and CS-SeNPs required to prevent the growth of P. mirabilis were 1000±398 and 50±0 µg/mL, respectively. The combination of AK:CS-SeNPs inhibited P. mirabilis strains at MIC of 160±0:12.5±0 µg/mL, which is lower than the MIC of AK and CS-SeNPs applied alone. The lowest concentrations of AK:CS-SeNPs, ranging between 66±23:5±1 μg /mL and 93±23:8±3 μg /Ml, successfully impeded the initial creation of P.mirabilis biofilm .The results demonstrate that The conjugation of AK:CS-SeNPs improves the amikacin\u27s bactericidal efficiency, significantly hinders biofilm\u27s initial development and reduces the viability of established biofilm created by multidrug-resistant P.mirabilis. This therapeutic approach has the potential to serve as a promising strategy for addressing Biofilm-associated diseases caused by resistant strains of P.mirabilis, conferring confidence in the battle against persistent infections.
Storage and shelf-life evaluation of Indian spinach beet (Beta vulgaris cv. Pusa Bharati) employing various packaging materials
Get PDFLeafy vegetables are a common source of vitamins and minerals in the human diet; however, they have a short shelf life due to their high metabolic activity and poor storage conditions. Considering this point, the storage and shelf-life studies of Indian spinach beet (Beta vulgaris cv. Pusa Bharati) were executed under three storage conditions, i.e. ambient temperature (S0), Zero Energy Cool Chamber (ZECC) (S1) and Cold Room (S3) in combination with packaging material [Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) perforated (P1) and non-perforated (P2); Biodegradable perforated (P3) and non-perforated (P4); banana leaf (P5)]. The interaction between storage and packaging was studied by examining the effect on physicochemical characteristics, such as physiological loss in weight (PLW), ascorbic acid content (AA), spoilage, and overall acceptability, to evaluate quality and shelf life. It was observed that PLW% increased rapidly and AA decreased rapidly in ambient conditions across all treatments. In Cold room conditions, a minimum increase in PLW% and a minimum decrease in AA were recorded, with the highest mean coupled with LDPE. S2P2 obtained the highest overall acceptability score, extending the shelf life of produce up to 8 days. S1P0 recorded the minimum increase in PLW and the minimum decrease in firmness, and AA extended shelf life by up to 4 days. However, in terms of overall profit in storing vegetables in different systems, S1P0 showed a higher Benefit-Cost (B-C) ratio than the other conditions. Furthermore, S1P5 and S2P5 showed similar results to S1P2 and S2P2, acting as a barrier to minimize metabolic activity for a shorter duration.
Effect of adding different concentrations of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L) extract to preserve the quality of chilled Awassi ram semen
Get PDFChamomile extract has numerous compounds that act as antioxidants, enhancing semen characteristics during cooling for 72 h. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L) extract to sperm extenders during cooling storage on semen quality parameters. Three rams were taken, semen was pooled and distributed into four parts and diluted with a Tris-based extender. Therefore, the control group was C0, without chamomile extract; the second group was C1 (0.30 mg chamomile extract); the third group was C2 (0.60 mg chamomile extract); and the fourth group was C3 (0.90 mg chamomile extract). Samples were stored at 4 °C for 72 h. The individual motility, live sperm, membrane integrity, total, and types of abnormalities (head, middle, and tail) of sperm were evaluated. Results showed that individual motility, live sperm, and sperm membrane integrity in the C1 group were significantly increased (P<0.05) throughout storage. The C2 group showed significant improvements (P<0.05) in individual motility and sperm membrane integrity for 72 h. Sperm abnormalities decreased significantly (P<0.05) in groups C1 and C2 at 48 and 72 h compared to the C0 and C3 groups. Abnormal tail sperm decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the C1, C2, and C3 groups compared to the C0 group at 72 h. The study indicated that adding 0.30 mg and then 0.60 mg of chamomile extract to semen extender enhances sperm motility, sperm membrane integrity, and live sperm, while also reducing total abnormal sperm and abnormal sperm (head, middle, and tail) compared to 0.90 mg.
Interplay of climatic factors and forest biodiversity crafting adaptive strategies for Northern Thailand ecosystems
Get PDFThis study presents a comprehensive investigation into how key climatic parameters—namely, temperature, precipitation, and wind speed—influence the biodiversity of community forests in Northern Thailand. A total of 27 systematic plots (40 m × 40 m) were established across nine forest sites, representing three different community forest governance models. Quantitative data on vegetation (trees, shrubs, herbs) were collected alongside climatic parameters obtained from nearby meteorological stations. Statistical techniques, including Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis, were employed to explore relationships between environmental variables and forest attributes. The results reveal a significant positive correlation between wind speed and tree density (r = 0.336), as well as between tree density and basal area, indicating that forest structural complexity responds predictably to climatic variation. The species–area relationship (SAR) analysis further revealed a pronounced increase in species richness with area expansion, with a SAR exponent (z) of 0.68—substantially higher than typical for mainland ecosystems—suggesting exceptional biodiversity response patterns in the study areas. These findings underscore the heightened vulnerability of Northern Thailand’s community forests to ongoing climate change. Moreover, the study demonstrates the critical role of integrating indigenous knowledge systems with empirical science to enhance local conservation strategies. Such adaptive measures are crucial for mitigating anthropogenic impacts and enhancing ecosystem resilience. This research supports the promotion of collaborative governance, involving local communities, academic institutions, and policymakers in the formulation of sustainable forest management practices. Ultimately, the study contributes valuable evidence to inform biodiversity conservation under rapidly changing environmental conditions.
Recent advances in insect pest management strategies emphasizing on Artificial intelligence: A overview
Get PDFInsect pests pose a serious threat to agricultural production and food security, accounting for 30–40% of yearly crop losses worldwide. Conventional pest control techniques are often labour-intensive, ineffective, and unable to adapt to the changing habits of pests. By enhancing pest identification, classification, and management through the application of sophisticated algorithms, sensor technologies, and predictive modelling, Artificial intelligence (AI) provides a game-changing solution. AI-powered methods minimize financial losses and promote sustainable agriculture by enabling early pest detection, reducing pesticide overuse, and facilitating data-driven decision-making. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of AI and smart sensor applications in pest management, highlighting their contributions to crop monitoring, environmental assessment, and resource efficiency. Weather monitoring systems, crop health sensors, automatic irrigation controllers, and soil sensors are some of the key technologies covered. Furthermore, the potential of innovations such as sensor fusion, hyperspectral imaging, and drone-based sensing to enhance real-time agricultural data collection and decision-making is investigated. It also examines how the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI-driven analytics might be integrated into precision agriculture to maximize pest control, fertilization, and irrigation. AI and smart sensors support sustainable pest management and robust agricultural ecosystems by facilitating effective resource use and reducing environmental impact. This review emphasizes how important AI and smart sensor technologies are to improving precision farming and bolstering global food security.
Nutritional and antioxidant profile of black rice-based (Poireiton Chak-hao and Chak-hao Amubi) traditional foods of Manipur
Get PDFBlack rice becomes a potential source of phytonutrients among the grains. Traditional food is crucial for food and nutrition security in the present food system. It is necessary to have scientific information on the nutritional profile of black rice-based traditional foods to promote the consumption of black rice. Hence, the present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and antioxidant content of black rice-based traditional foods. In Manipur’s Andro Village, black rice is consumed in traditional foods such as kheer, thaotan, tanphut, kabok matum, etc. Two black rice cultivars Poireiton Chak-hao (PC) and Chak-hao Amubi (CA) were used to prepare black rice-based traditional foods such as PC-Kheer, CA-Kheer, PC-Thaotan, CA-Thaotan, PC-Tanphut, CA-Tanphut, PC-Kabok matum. The foods were analyzed for proximate, mineral, polyphenol content and antioxidant activity using the standard procedure. Results showed significant differences (p<0.05) in moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrate, iron, zinc, polyphenol content and antioxidant activity among the black rice-based traditional foods. The values are presented on dry weight basis. PC-kheer had the highest antioxidant activity (51.21 % DPPH), protein (13.49 %), fat (5.08%) and polyphenol content (55.56 mg GAE/100 g) among the traditional foods. PC-Kabok matum recorded the highest iron (4.53 mg/100g) and carbohydrate content (84.82%), whereas PC-Tanphut had the highest zinc content (2.7 mg/100 g). Thus, black rice-based traditional foods have a promising role in providing food and nutrition security to black rice consumers.