Development of a potential distribution model for the Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)

This study aimed to model the potential distribution of the Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) across its vast range in central and eastern South America, addressing the urgent problem of habitat loss and insufficient protected areas that threaten the species' survival. By employing advanced species distribution models that integrate multi-temporal occurrence records and land use/cover data, it is possible to assess changes in suitable habitat over the past 25 years and identified key environmental predictors influencing macaw distribution. The results revealed that while the overall modelled range of the Hyacinth Macaw expanded by approximately 75,000 km², only 8–10 % of this habitat currently falls within protected areas, and more than 20,500 km² of protected land has been degazetted in recent decades. The most influential factors explaining habitat suitability were the distribution of key palm and tree species, forest cover, and recent changes in land use, particularly the expansion of agriculture and pasture. These findings highlight the dynamic and regionally variable response of the species to land cover change, with expansion in the Amazon, stability in the Pantanal, and fragmentation in the Cerrado. The distinctive feature of this research is the use of multi-temporal modelling, which allowed to capture spatiotemporal patterns and identify priority areas for conservation and restoration, even in data-poor and remote regions. The models developed here can be practically applied to guide conservation planning, inform protected area designation, and support community-based monitoring initiatives across the Hyacinth Macaw’s rang

Extraction and characterization of chitosan from the fish scale (Labeo Rohita) application on preserving nutritional quality, shelf life and sensory quality of apple samples (Malus Domestica)

Chitosan is a unique natural alkaline polysaccharide known for its excellent biological compatibility and biodegradability. This study emphasizes the value of post-harvest treatments for strawberries using chitosan as a method of preservation. Chitosan was extracted from fish scales (Labeo rohita) through a chemical process that involved both demineralization and deproteinization, resulting in a 1.5 % solution in its natural state. Various assessments, including physiochemical (weight loss, pH, total soluble solid, acidity, vitamin C, reducing sugar,) microbial (mesophilic bacteria, yeast and mold), sensory, and data analyses, were performed on chitosan-treated apple samples over 25 days, with comparisons made against uncoated apple samples. The total yield of chitosan from fish scale was 13.33 %. The moisture, ash and pH of the extracted chitosan was found to be 2.3 %, 2.0 % and 7.0. The chitosan was then coated to apple samples, and the sample’s physical and chemical composition was retained when compared to the uncoated samples. After the 25th day of storage, the weight loss of the coated and uncoated samples was 7.98 % and 11.86 %, from 0.87 %. Microbial growth was also noticeably lower in the treated apples compared to the control samples. After the 25th day of storage, the mesophilic bacteria in coated and uncoated samples were 3 CFU/g and 149 CFU/g. Similarly, after the 25th day of storage, the yeast and mold in coated and uncoated samples was 3 CFU/g and 170 CFU/g respectively. In terms of sensory attributes, the coated apples did not deliver any distinct flavors or aromas, and they were accepted for storage up to 25 days, while uncoated apples were not accepted before 10 days. Chitosan-coated apples received a strong level of acceptance. Therefore, chitosan extracts can serve as effective natural additives for extending the shelf-life of apple

Comparative analysis of serum troponin i, CK-MB, Myoglobin, and NT-proBNP levels among technical and non-technical staff in a paint factory in Enugu State, Nigeria

Cardiovascular biomarkers (Troponin I, CK-MB, Myoglobin, and NT-proBNP) indicate myocardial injury and cardiac dysfunction. Occupational exposure to physical and chemical stressors in paint factories may elevate these biomarkers, increasing cardiovascular risk among workers. This study assessed the impact of occupational exposure by comparing serum biomarker levels between technical and non-technical staff in a paint factory. One hundred (100) subjects participated. Health indices were collected via a structured questionnaire, and blood samples were analyzed for Troponin I, CK-MB, Myoglobin, and NT-proBNP. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential tests (independent t-tests, Levene’s test, Pearson’s chi-square, and Pearson’s correlation) were performed, with significance set at p<0.05. Results showed significantly higher mean serum levels of Troponin I (0.669±0.604 ng/mL vs. 0.355±0.523 ng/mL, p=0.015), CK-MB (8.533±5.788 ng/mL vs. 4.458±0.393 ng/mL, p<0.001), Myoglobin (65.978±13.648 ng/mL vs. 51.064±5.916 ng/mL, p<0.001), and NT-proBNP (358.697±99.169 pg/mL vs. 233.903±56.459 pg/mL, p<0.001) in technical staff compared to non-technical staff. These elevations suggest an increased risk of myocardial stress and cardiac dysfunction due to prolonged occupational exposure to hazardous substances. This study highlights occupational health risks in paint factories, linking exposure to elevated cardiovascular biomarkers. Findings suggest the need for workplace safety measures, exposure mitigation, and routine biomonitoring. Regular health assessments, early detection programs, and targeted interventions are crucial for protecting workers' cardiovascular healt

Potentials of genomics in combating neglected tropical diseases (NDTs) in Africa: a brief review

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) represent a significant global health challenge, affecting over one billion individuals, predominantly in impoverished tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. These diseases contribute to a cycle of poverty, ill-health, and social exclusion. In recent years, the emergence and integration of genomic technologies into public health research has offered new opportunities for understanding the dynamics of NTDs in terms of transmission, infection, and resistance mechanisms, which in turn pave ways for monitoring the pathogens evolution, diagnostics and control strategies that are precise and cost-effective. This review examines the genomic studies, epidemiology, burden, and socio-economic impacts of NTDs, particularly within the African context. It underscores the historical neglect of these diseases in public health agendas and highlights the pressing need for enhanced funding, innovative research, and collaborative policies to combat their prevalence. It emphasizes the pivotal role of genomics in advancing disease surveillance, outbreak management, and the development of novel diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventive strategies. By leveraging advancements in genomic technologies, including whole-genome sequencing and CRISPR-based diagnostics. The review aims to inform targeted interventions and foster a one health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health. Furthermore, this analysis explores the potential of genomics in addressing the unique challenges posed by NTDs, ultimately contributing to the global targets set by the WHO for the elimination of these diseases by 2030. The findings underscore the urgent need for a multidisciplinary approach to effectively tackle NTDs and pave the way for substantial improvements in public health outcomes across Africa and beyon

Effect of initial colony strength on productivity and pollination services of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.)

Honey bees are one of the important pollinators of crops. That is why beekeeping is considered as one of the essential inputs in agriculture. Beekeeping also provides many hive products, including honey. Therefore, the main purpose of beekeeping is honey production and pollination of crops. But it is not known what the initial colony strength should be for starting a profitable beekeeping venture. To accomplish this objective, the present study was conducted. Three types of colonies were selected for this study. These included 5-Frame, 7-Frame and 9-Frame colonies. Seven colony parameters were studied at an interval of 21 days on five observation days. These include the number of nectar and pollen foragers, the amount of unsealed and sealed brood, the amount of pollen and honey stored, and the size of the colonies. The results reveal that during the study period, nectar foragers increased about 2.8 times in 5-frame colonies, 3 times in 7-frame colonies, and 3.2 times in 9-frame colonies. Likewise, pollen foragers increased about 2.8 times in 5-frame colonies, 3 times in 7-frame colonies, and 3.2 times in 9-frame colonies. But, the increase in unsealed as well as sealed broods of three colony types was marginal. The gain in honey storage was also similar in all the three types of colonies, but pollen storage was less in the larger colonies. However, the size of the colonies increased about 2.9 times in 5-Frame colonies, 3.1 times in 7-Frame colonies, and 3.3 times in 9-Frame colonies. Therefore, based on the net gains in colony parameters, a 9-Frame colony proved better than a 7-Frame and 5-Frame colony. It is recommended that a potential beekeeper starting a beekeeping venture should have at least 9-Frame colonies at the initial stage to make it a successful and profitable ventur

Rumen fermentation parameters and microbial population of West African Dwarf rams fed basal diet supplemented with graded energy levels of concentrate mix

The quality constraints of the basal diet (Megathyrus maximus) and the increasing demand for animal products necessitated the supplementation with concentrates that possess sufficient energy levels. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the rumen fermentation parameters and microbial populations in West African Dwarf rams that were given a basal diet supplemented with concentrate mixes of varying energy levels: 2600 k cal/kg, 2400 k cal/kg, 2200 k cal/kg, 2000 k cal/kg, and 1800 k cal/kg, designated as treatments 1 through 5, respectively. A total of twenty-five (25) West African Dwarf rams were randomly assigned to the five treatment groups following a completely randomized design. Rumen fluid samples were collected via a suction tube technique. The results indicated that the pH of the rumen fluid ranged from 6.42 to 7.16, with significant variations (p<0.05) attributed to the different energy levels. Rams fed a diet containing 2600 k cal/kg exhibited the highest recorded levels of acetic acid at 11.51 nmol/100 ml, while the lowest acetic acid concentration, measured at 4.87 nmol/100 ml, was observed in the diet with 1800 k cal/kg. The total volatile fatty acids were significantly higher at the 2600 k cal/kg energy level, recorded at 33.42 nmol/100 ml, indicating a considerable impact compared to the other treatments. Additionally, the highest ammonia nitrogen level of 0.68 mg/dl was noted in the group receiving the 2600 k cal/kg diet compared to those on other energy levels. The total bacterial count peaked at 6.56x107 cfu/ml in the 2000 k cal/kg treatment when compared with the lowest value 4.82x107 cfu/ml in the 1800 k cal/kg treatment. The results of this study suggest that incorporating a basal diet with an energy level of 2600 k cal/kg provides optimal rumen fermentation, thereby enhancing nutrient supply to West African dwarf ram

Immunogenomics for disease resistance in farm animals: a review

Despite advances in traditional disease management strategies like vaccination and biosecurity, infectious diseases continue to cause economic losses in animal agriculture. This study examines how genomic technologies can be used to better understand the genetic basis of immune responses, which will help select disease-resistant breeds. The review highlights findings from a number of studies that show the identification of important immune-related genes, genomic markers, and pathways linked to disease resistance in farm animals. This information serves as the foundation for more effective breeding programs aimed at enhancing health and productivity. The results were explained by demonstrating how genomic techniques, including transcriptomics, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and CRISPR gene editing, can identify genetic changes that improve disease resistance. It was also underlined that using bioinformatics techniques into data analysis is essential to obtaining useful insights. The accuracy of the results in identifying particular genetic markers and their capacity to support marker-assisted selection (MAS) are what define them. Because of these characteristics, the outcomes are reliable and flexible for real-world breeding plans. The range of practical applications includes improving animal comfort, lowering the need for antibiotics, and creating disease-resistant cattle through educated breeding strategie

Production, characterization, and anti-biofilm activity of dextranase from Penicillium citrinum against Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans is widely recognized as a major contributor to dental plaque formation and continues to pose significant oral health challenges across the globe. Its ability to thrive within complex biofilm structures renders it highly resistant to conventional treatment approaches, thereby playing a critical role in the onset and progression of dental caries and periodontal diseases. Despite the availability of various plaque control strategies, many suffer from limitations related to efficacy, safety, and long-term use—emphasizing the urgent need for more effective and sustainable alternatives. This study investigated the biochemical properties and anti-biofilm efficacy of dextranase from Penicillium citrinum, with the goal of evaluating its potential as a promising agent for disrupting biofilms formed by S. mutans. Dextranase was successfully purified using Sephadex G-100 gel filtration chromatography, resulting in a 3.35-fold increase in specific activity and a final enzyme yield of 73.99 %. The enzyme demonstrated optimal catalytic activity at 40 °C in its crude form and at 50 °C after purification. Additionally, it exhibited peak functionality at pH 6 and pH 4 for the crude and purified forms, respectively. Metal ion studies showed that Cu2+, Mg2+, and Fe2+ enhanced enzyme activity, whereas Zn2+, Ca2+, and EDTA had strong inhibitory effects. The purified dextranase completely prevented and eradicated S. mutans biofilm adherence (100 % inhibition), while the crude extract achieved a 44 % reduction. These findings underscore the enzyme's potential as a safe, natural, and effective anti-biofilm agent for use in biopharmaceuticals and oral hygiene solutions aimed at preventing plaque accumulation and related disease

Comprehensive studies of greater caucasus river valleys soils

The aim of the research is to determine the vegetation index of natural vegetation in different years and seasons in wetlands formed around river valleys in selected areas, and to study the spread of erosion processes. The article provides information about soil-ecological processes in Gabala district, one of the main districts of the Sheki-Zagatala region of Azerbaijan, the level of the section of the Dеmiraparanchay river passing through the village of Laza, its impact on surrounding areas, and the ecological situation of the village of Savalan. Measurements were made in this area and certain data were collected. The research work also studied the vegetation, nature and landscape forms of the part of the Shahdag National Park, which is part of the territory of the Gabala region. Soil and plant research was of great importance for these territories and is important for improving the current ecological situation. NDVI for the vegetation of this type of swamps reaches its maximum value by approximately the 202nd day of the year (21.07.2024), the vegetation period is approximately 138 days. Similar graphs were obtained for all types of swamps studied in the work, the dates on which the NDVI maximum occurs and the corresponding maximum NDVI values were calculated. Soil erosion is an exogenous hazardous phenomenon (i.e. caused by external factors). Unfortunately, since soil protection from erosion brings additional costs, currently not every agricultural enterprise is able to carry out work to reduce or slow down erosion processes. However, it happens that even large enterprises that have the capacity to do so try to save on soil protection from erosion, performing only the minimum of protective measure

Development, comparison and nutrient evaluation of moi-moi from different varieties of beans

This research on comparative nutrient compositions of moi-moi from different varieties of beans was aimed towards improving the utilization of underutilized beans varieties in moi-moi processing. The moi-moi samples were assessed for proximate, vitamins and minerals composition using standard methods. Proximate analyzes results showed that moisture ranged from 15.75 to 19.37 %, crude protein 15.92 to 21.64 %, crude fiber 1.95 to 4.11 %, fat content 3.53 to 9.57 %, ash content 2.17 to 3.18 %, carbohydrate content 49.71 to 54.66 %, the energy value 316.30 to 341.70 kcal/100 g. Mineral composition showed calcium content ranged from 13.22 to 48.23 mg/100 g, magnesium 29.95 to 71.37 mg/100 g, phosphorus 192.23 to 388.56 mg/100 g, potassium 102.74 to 248.34 mg/100 g, iron 1.76 to 3.27 mg/100 g, and zinc ranged from 1.13 to 1.56 mg/100 g. Vitamin composition of the moi-moi ranged from 77.51 to 166.08 µg/100 g for vitamin A, 0.07 to 0.26 mg/100 g for B1, 0.06 to 0.12 mg/100 g for B2, 0.40 to 1.18 mg/100 g for B3, and vitamin E content ranged from 2.46 to 4.27 mg/100 g.  Moi-moi from these underutilized beans varieties compared favorably with moi-moi from cowpea, in terms of nutrient composition. The carbohydrate and fat component of the black turtle beans moi-moi was higher than that of cowpea, while its moisture value was the least among the samples. The red kidney beans also recorded a protein value, very close to that of cowpea. This result will encourage the utilization of these underutilized crops, while making them available for use in other forms, order than moi-mo