Impact of Energy Supplements on Sports Performance: Contemporary Evidence and Future Perspectives | Chapter 04 | Food Science and Agriculture: Research Highlights Vol. 5

 

In sports nutrition, energy supplements refer to dietary products such as gels, drinks, bars, or powders developed to deliver rapid or sustained energy, maintain electrolyte balance, and promote recovery, thereby enhancing athletic output and overall performance efficiency. Ongoing research in sports nutrition continues to expand the understanding of exercise physiology and provides the evidence base for current best practice recommendations. This review discusses the current role of energy supplements in sports performance and highlights future directions for their effective and safe use. A literature search was carried out using secondary sources, with keywords like energy supplements, electrolytes, athletic performance, and others. Energy supplements fall under the ergogenic and macronutrient-based category of sports nutrition. They primarily supply carbohydrates, proteins, and fats as energy sources, along with micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and bioactive compounds such as caffeine, taurine, carnitine, and ginseng that enhance energy metabolism, endurance, and recovery. They provide rapid energy, maintain hydration, delay fatigue, and support metabolic, neuromuscular, and cognitive functions. Findings indicate that carbohydrate gels enhance endurance by providing energy, preserving glycogen, and stimulating the central nervous system, while energy bars offer a balanced source of natural sugars and proteins to support athletic performance. Effective use depends on timing, individual tolerance, sport type, intensity, and environmental conditions, helping to sustain performance, reduce fatigue, and accelerate recovery. When used appropriately, alongside a balanced diet and individualised nutrition strategies, they can improve endurance, reduce fatigue, and optimise training adaptations. Despite their benefits, challenges such as inconsistent nutrient content, variable individual responses, and safety concerns highlight the need for quality control and evidence-based use. Supplement combinations such as carbohydrate–protein or carbohydrate–electrolyte mixtures have shown notable benefits in improving power and recovery, particularly in team sports. However, significant research gaps remain, especially regarding female athletes and sport-specific responses. Additionally, some studies report safety concerns and adverse effects, emphasising the need for careful evaluation and evidence-based use of supplements. Future strategies should focus on personalised supplementation, innovative delivery systems, micronutrient monitoring, and athlete education to optimise performance, reduce fatigue, and ensure long-term health.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Supriya D. Kamble
Department of Food Science and Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.

 

Akshaya K. Sahoo
ICT, Indian Oil Odisha Campus Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751013, India.

 

Harshvardhan A. Kamble
Department of Food Science and Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.

 

Ajay K. Sharma
National Research Centre for Grape, Pune, India.

 

Abhijeet A. Gatade
Department of Food Science and Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.

 

Pravinkumar D. Patil
Department of Food Science and Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/fsarh/v5/6682

Assessing the Existence of Food Security Projects in Limpopo Province of South Africa | Chapter 03 | Food Science and Agriculture: Research Highlights Vol. 5

 

As the world continues to face widespread food insecurity, achieving food security for all at all times remains a growing global challenge. Food Security Projects initiated by the government of South Africa in order to help alleviate poverty within Limpopo Province have proven unsustainable and have struggled to provide for what they were mandated to provide, to the satisfaction of the government, which is to create jobs and alleviate poverty. The purpose of this study is to verify the existence of food security projects in Limpopo province of South Africa. The study was conducted in all five districts of Limpopo Province, namely, Mopani, Vhembe, Capricorn, Sekhukhune, and Waterberg. A mixed-method approach was used in this study. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which were administered to one official from the Provincial Department of Health and Social Development, one official from the Department of Agriculture and five tribal council representatives who represented all the tribal authorities at the district level and are knowledgeable about developmental issues. Document analysis was also conducted at the two provincial departments. The coded data were then analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 22). The findings indicate that food security initiatives are widely distributed across Limpopo Province, with notable concentrations of vegetable and broiler projects in the Mopani, Vhembe, and Waterberg districts. This study also revealed that there are 347 food security projects in Limpopo Province, with 338 declared functional. Mopani district has more functional projects than other districts. This study will provide policymakers with policy directives on how a database of food security projects can be kept so that they can be made known. The study recommends that careful monitoring and evaluation are crucial for proper utilisation of funds and assessing the efficiency of food security projects in Limpopo Province.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Nesengani, T. J.
University of Limpopo, Centre for Rural Community Empowerment, P/Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/fsarh/v5/6599

Productivity Dynamics in India’s Food Processing Industry: A TFP Analysis | Chapter 02 | Food Science and Agriculture: Research Highlights Vol. 5

 

The Indian food processing industry, despite its substantial contribution to value addition, employment generation, and international trade, remains at a nascent stage, processing only about 10 per cent of the total agricultural output. The juxtaposition of strong growth indicators with persistent structural constraints presents a question of whether the expansion of Indian FPI has been propelled primarily by input expansion or by genuine efficiency and productivity improvements. To address this, the present study attempted to assess the Total Factor Productivity of the Indian food processing industry by employing the data collected from the Annual Survey of Industries for its various sub-sectors from 2008-09 to 2019-20. The widely used technological framework of the Cobb-Douglas production function was utilised to analyse the data. The major stake of Indian FPI was held by grain processing units that accounted for more than half of the total registered units, followed by the “others” category, which constitutes seed and nut processing units along with the units involved in the preparation of sambar powder, papads, appalam, etc, and the oil sub-sector. The results revealed that India’s organised food processing sector continued to be dominated by traditional sectors, with blooming non-traditional sectors. Analysis of output elasticities revealed that most of the sub-sectors were largely driven by capital expansion, and further, results on TFP growth unveiled a heterogeneity pattern of productivity gains, with macaroni processing units registering the highest productivity improvement. The dairy sub-sector showed negative TFP growth and, coupled with decreasing returns to scale, indicated efficiency gaps, while the meat and bakery sub-sectors with positive TFP growth and increasing returns to scale exhibited untapped scale potential. This mixed productivity pattern highlighted the need for targeted policy interventions focused on technological diffusion, strengthening supply chain efficiency, skill development, and sustainability rather than merely on augmenting production. Although this study analyses productivity in the organised food processing sector, future work could examine the unorganised segment, which offers considerable scope for rural employment and income diversification. Further exploration on policy impact, supply-chain constraints, technology adoption and resource use efficiency can provide deeper insights into the sector-wide productivity.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Cheela Soumya
Division of Agricultural Economics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India.

 

Rajat Kumar Nath
Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India.

 

Pavithra V
Department of Agricultural Statistics, Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Pundibari, West Bengal, India.

 

Vaishnavi Sakaray
Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/fsarh/v5/6594

Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies on Yield and Economic Returns of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.) Production under South Gujarat Conditions, India | Chapter 01 | Food Science and Agriculture: Research Highlights Vol. 5

 

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), which involves the combined use of inorganic fertilisers with organic sources such as farmyard manure, vermicompost, castor cake, and bio-fertilisers, has been recognised as a sustainable approach for enhancing soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency, and crop productivity. Baby corn productivity is often constrained by improper nutrient management and overreliance on chemical fertilisers, which have led to declining soil health, reduced microbial activity, and long-term fertility issues. Therefore, A field experiment was conducted during the summer seasons of 2022 and 2023 at the Horticulture Polytechnic Farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat, to assess the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the yield and economics of baby corn (Zea mays L.). The study evaluated twelve treatment combinations involving three nitrogen levels (80, 100, and 120 kg N ha⁻¹), two organic nutrient sources (vermicompost and castor cake at 25 kg N ha⁻¹), and two levels of Novel Organic Liquid Nutrients (No spray and 1.5% spray). The experiment followed a Factorial Randomised Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. Results indicated that the highest cob yields, both with and without husk, were consistently recorded under the integrated treatment of 120 kg N ha⁻¹ + castor cake + 1.5% Novel Organic Liquid Nutrients (N₃O₂L₂). This combination significantly enhanced yield components and physiological efficiency compared to other treatments. Economically, treatments with 120 kg N ha⁻¹ + vermicompost (with and without NOVEL) resulted in the highest net income and benefit-cost ratios. The integration of vermicompost with inorganic nitrogen improved soil health, nutrient efficiency, and crop yields, while Novel Organic Liquid Nutrients enhanced plant growth and profitability. The findings suggest that integrating higher nitrogen levels with castor cake and liquid organic nutrients can improve the yield, profitability, and sustainability of baby corn cultivation under South Gujarat conditions. Long-term field trials should be conducted in the future to further evaluate the influence of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on the yield and economics of baby corn.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Priyanka Patel
Horticulture Polytechnic, ASPEE College of Horticulture, N.A.U., Navsari, Gujarat, 396 450, India.

 

D. R. Bhanderi
Department of Vegetable Science, ASPEE College of Horticulture, N.A.U., Navsari, Gujarat, 396 450, India.

 

R. V. Tank
Department of Fruit Science, ASPEE College of Horticulture, N.A.U., Navsari, Gujarat-396 450, India.

 

Ankit Gadhiya
Agricultural Research Station, N.A.U., Tanchha, Gujarat, 392 025, India.

 

Bhakti Panchal
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Surat, Navsari Agricultural University, Surat Campus, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/fsarh/v5/6284

Guidelines for Developing Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Variety to Enhance Food Security and Resilience to Climate Change | Chapter 06 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 6

 

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is an underutilised annual crop mainly valued for its edible calyces, leaves and fibre. It is a tetraploid species belonging to the Malvaceae family with significant economic and medicinal importance. It is a self-pollinated crop which has cleistogamous flowers. It is mainly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, including India, China, Thailand and various African and Caribbean countries. In India, it is widely grown in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra and the North-Eastern states. Geo-climatic conditions of Roselle are favourable for the production of Roselle as it requires a warm and humid climate for its growth. The crop is known for its climate resilience and ability to grow in marginal soils, making it ideal for sustainable agriculture. Calyces of Roselle are rich in vitamins, antioxidants and widely used in postharvest processing industries to prepare food products like juices, teas and jams, while its stem provides coarse fibre used for rope and sack production. Calyces of Roselle have huge medicinal importance. Despite having immense potential, Roselle breeding has received very limited attention. Important breeding objectives include improving calyx and fibre yield, quality and resistance to pests, diseases, and abiotic stresses. Methods like pure line selection, hybridisation, and biotechnological tools are being used to develop improved varieties. Promising cultivars like HS-4288, Ujjal and JOR RS lines have shown good performance. Given its diverse applications and adaptability, focused research and development efforts are essential to unlock the full potential of Roselle in the food and fibre industries.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Homikhya Phukon
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat -785013, India.

 

G.C. Bora
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat -785013, India.

 

Jahnabi Devi
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat -785013, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v6/6680

Assessment of Agroecological Transition and Polyculture Systems: Case Study of the Djirataoua Irrigated Perimeter | Chapter 05 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 6

 

The rural sector of Niger faces insufficient rainfall, agricultural and forage deficits, degradation of natural resources and negative externalities related to climate change. These constraints are the main factors driving down agricultural productivity, resulting in food shortages. The Djirataoua irrigated perimeter was created in the 1980s. However, its exploitation follows several production models, mainly conventional and the adoption of a few agroecological practices. Polyculture systems play an important role in the production of food, both in quantity and quality. It is practised by adopting various cropping systems and using conventional and agroecological agricultural practices. This study aims to evaluate the agroecological transition of polyculture farming practices in the irrigated perimeter of Djirataoua. The methodology consisted of collecting qualitative data by 14 focus groups with committees of the cooperative societies and of the associations of irrigation water users, 14 individual interviews with producers and resource persons in the perimeter and field observations. The data were collected, synthesised and analysed on the basis of the thirteen (13) qualitative agroecological principles. The study revealed that several agroecological practices have been adopted as part of polyculture on the Djirataoua irrigated perimeter. Producers have a good understanding of the production cycles for most crops. Most of the seeds used are locally produced. The results mainly show that several agroecological practices are adopted in the development of the irrigated perimeter of Djirataoua. More than 69% of the agroecological principles defined by the High Level Panel Experts are already well applied. Mixed farming is an ongoing source of wealth creation. It has enabled women and young people to become financially independent. Recycling and soil health are not priority issues, but require improvements to ensure a dynamic and sustainable agroecosystem. Reducing synthetic inputs is the priority issue that requires immediate intervention. In this case, the transition will consist, initially, in the exclusive use and application of approved chemical inputs at doses recommended by research institutions. In a second phase, it will be based on a process of progressive substitution of conventional inputs and practices with agroecological alternatives.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

ADAM Mamadou
Département d’Economie, Sociologie Rurales et Transfert de Technologies (DESR/TT), Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique du Niger (INRAN), Corniche Yantala, BP: 429, Niamey, Niger.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v6/6631

Reforms and Management Challenges of Public Irrigated Perimeter Resources in Niger | Chapter 04 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 6

 

The primary constraint to the development of Niger is the low availability of water resources. Niger's public irrigated perimeter faces several resource management constraints. Two successive reforms were initiated to address the challenges of resource management. First, the adoption of the Uniform Act required the conversion of agricultural cooperatives into cooperative societies. Second, the responsibility of the cooperative societies was limited to production management, and that of Water User Associations was to ensure better water governance. This study offers a qualitative analysis of the impact of two reforms on the development of public irrigated areas in Niger. Forty-five (45) focus groups were conducted to collect information from farmers (23) and their representatives (22). Data were collected in two stages, first between May and June 2022 and later in October 2022 for a period of 15 days, supported by other field activities. The results show that these reforms are accepted by all cooperators. However, they struggle to comply with the rules and principles related to the current legislation and democratic governance. Cooperative management has enabled control over irrigation schedules, cropping calendars, crop production cycles, etc. Nonetheless, significant shortcomings have been observed in the efficiency of water mobilisation and distribution, the use of agricultural inputs, and dedicated funds for royalty collection. These shortcomings persist as irrigation water user associations struggle to establish themselves. The causes of these dysfunctions are related to negative apprehensions among cooperative members, insufficient capacity building, poor awareness due to lack of sensitisation, and insufficiency of financial resources dedicated to the reforms. In future, studies should be developed upon this qualitative synthesis by conducting quantitative analyses, which will help to assess and validate the observed trends and provide deeper insights into the effectiveness of the reforms, the performance of the new management structures, and the factors influencing their successful operationalisation.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

ADAM Mamadou
Département d’Economie, Sociologie Rurales et Transfert de Technologies (DESR/TT), Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique du Niger (INRAN), Corniche Yantala, BP: 429, Niamey, Niger.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v6/6632

Agronomic Traits Evaluation of Selected Oil Palm Genotypes for Yield Enhancement on Njala Upland Soil | Chapter 03 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 6

 

This study was primarily undertaken to evaluate the fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yield performance among selected oil palm genotypes on Njala upland soil.  An Independent Complete Randomised Design (ICRD) was used to carry out this field research. This study was conducted at the Njala University oil palm clonal seed garden, and the experiment was undertaken from 2021 to 2024. To determine the FFB yield, field research was carried out using four oil palm genotypes in an independent complete randomised design in four replications on 160 experimental sample palms. Three years of data were collected on yield and fruit bunch components, and vegetative traits. In the current study, 23 quantitative variables were used to evaluate the performance of four genotypes of oil palm. Through the analysis of variance, the morphological features of the different variants showed a wide range of variation. The traits were found to be influenced by the environment. Genotype Y26666B had the highest FFB yield at 188.31 (kg/palm/year), followed by genotype Y26515A at 171.58 (kg/palm/year). It was further examined that the FFB yield gap exists among the genotypes and all of them [Y26515A, Y26456A, Y26666B and Y26520C (13.16, 17.86, 11.90 and 17.86 t/genotype/year)], respectively, proved to have a high FFB yield gap. This showed that among the elite genotypes (Y26666B and Y26515A), there is a significant opportunity to increase their FFB yield. Correlation (r) validated that fruit bunch number had a more positive impact on FFB yield than average bunch weight. Heritability result revealed that the average bunch weight had the highest heritability percentage value of 82.50%. The findings suggested an alternative method for future studies; hence, genotype Y26666B could be selected as a parent for future breeding programs. However, the results could have been more informative if additional genotypes were selected and the conventional method was concurrently done with molecular studies.

 

 

Author(s)details:-

 

SENESIE SWARAY
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Development Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone (ETU-SL), Kenema, Sierra Leone.

 

ANSUMANA JOSEPH MUSA
Department of Agribusiness and Economics, Faculty of Engineering and Innovation, Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone (ETU-SL), Kenema City, Sierra Leone.

 

SHEKU ALHAJI KOROMA
Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Faculty of Development Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone (ETU-SL), Kenema City, Sierra Leone.

 

MOHAMED SESAY
Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Innovation, Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone (ETU-SL), Kenema, Sierra Leone.

 

MOHAMED MUSA
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Development Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone (ETU-SL), Kenema, Sierra Leone and National Fertilizer Regulatory Agency (NaFRA), 55 Wilkington Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

 

JOSEPH MUSA SAMAI
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Development Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone (ETU-SL), Kenema, Sierra Leone.

 

ALFRED FATORMA
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Development Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone (ETU-SL), Kenema, Sierra Leone.

 

MOMODU JALLOH
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Development Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone (ETU-SL), Kenema, Sierra Leone and Tree Crops Unit, Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), P.M.B 1313 Freetown, Sierra Leone.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v6/6627

Field-Based Evaluation of IPM Strategies for Insect-Transmitted Viral Diseases in Rice-Fallow Blackgram in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh, India | Chapter 02 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 6

 

Black gram (Vigna mungo) is an important pulse crop of India. In coastal Andhra Pradesh, it fits well under the rice fallow-pulse ecosystem with residual moisture after the harvest of paddy. However, rice fallow blackgram is mainly attacked by certain pests and diseases leading to great loss to the farmers. In response to these challenges, a potential solution for adoption is Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. This study was conducted in ten locations of the farmers’ fields during 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23 by the KVK and explored the impact of IPM on the Management of Sucking pests in Rice fallow Blackgram with the emphasis on the use of resistant varieties, seed treatment and other cultural practices. Data were recorded from ten randomly selected plants from each field. The observations were recorded to assess the percentage of virus-affected plants. The seed yield, cost of cultivation, net benefit and cost-benefit ratios were also calculated. By adoption of IPM practices in all three years, the incidence of the leaf crinkle, leaf curl and YMV was reduced in comparison with farmers’ practice; while bud necrosis was not noticed in all these years. This has resulted in a reduction in the average cost of cultivation by Rs. 2690.00 per hectare, and the average net income was improved by Rs. 13596 per hectare compared to the farmers' practice. The average yield levels (1659 kg/ha) improved by 10.91 per cent compared to farmers' practice (1496 kg/ha), giving a clear indication that adoption of IPM practices helped in improving the net income levels to the resource-poor farmers. This study concluded that IPM practices are substantially more effective than indiscriminate pesticide use for managing sucking pests like Aphids, Jassids, Thrips and Whiteflies and associated viral diseases in rice fallow blackgram. To minimize early vector infestation and prevent yield losses, integrated approaches involving seed treatment, elimination of alternative weed hosts, and cultivation of resistant varieties should be prioritised.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

P. Srilatha
Open and Distance Learning Center (ODLC), A.N.G.R. Agricultural University, Lam, Guntur, India.

 

Ch. Srilatha Vani
Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), A.N.G.R. Agricultural University, Lam, Guntur, India.

 

M. Ganga Devi
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, S.V. Veterinary University, Lam, Guntur, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v6/6597

Evaluation of Taro Germplasm for Resistance to Taro Leaf Blight disease caused by Phytophthora colocasiae and Corm Rot Disease caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in Ghana | Chapter 01 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 6

 

Studies to identify resistant varieties to the taro leaf blight disease caused by Phytophthora colocasiae and the corm rot disease caused by Sclerotium rofsii were conducted in the Eastern Region of Ghana in 2015. The studies comprised a laboratory leaf-disc bioassay and a field screening experiment. A total of 539 local accessions were collected from five regions in Ghana and established at Asuansi in the central region. Four local taro accessions (AS0060, CSRI0004, WR0005, and ER0063) that showed some level of tolerance to the taro leaf blight disease were selected after screening with the leaf disc assay and added to 17 other exotic varieties obtained from the Plant Genetics Resources Institute and screened in the field at Bososo in the Eastern Region of Ghana to confirm their resistance. A laboratory leaf disc bioassay was used to confirm the reactions of these accessions in the laboratory. Data was also collected on the reaction of these accessions to the corm rot disease. The data were subjected to analysis of variance using GenStat Discovery version 12. Amongst the 21 taro accessions evaluated, 4 exotic ones were identified to be Resistant (GA/TLBD/0003, GA/TLBD/0010, GA/TLBD/0007 and GA/TLBD/0002) to the TLBD and only one local accession (WR0005) was identified to be Tolerant (R). Most of the Resistant exotic accessions were also identified to be Susceptible to Sclerotium rot, whilst the local accessions were Resistant.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Frank Kwekucher Ackah
Department of Crop Science, School of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Science, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

 

Grace Caselina van der Puije
Department of Crop Science, School of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Science, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

 

Elvis Asare-Bediako
Department of Crop Science, School of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Science, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

 

KingsleyTaah
Department of Crop Science, School of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Science, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v6/6558

The Paradigm of Quaternionic Probability: Transcending Chaos | Book Publisher International

 

This manuscript introduces a clear and easy-to-follow approach to probability that uses quaternions, a kind of number with four parts: one real part and three imaginary parts. Ordinary probability uses single numbers and works well for many problems. But since ordinary probability often misses important features, Quaternionic Probability gives each event more structure. The heart of the paradigm is simple; instead of assigning a single number to how likely an event is, we assign a quaternion that carries four linked pieces of information on probability. This makes chaotic-looking behaviour easier to explain because some apparent randomness comes from hidden directions and interactions. I will show in this book how basic probability concepts translate to this new setting. Notions like outcome, expectation, and independence are given quaternionic forms that keep the intuitive meaning while adding expressive power. The book gives a simple example and diagrams to show how quaternionic probabilities work in practice. In fact, my paradigm is applied here to the famous Two Boxes Problem. The paradigm also offers practical benefits; it suggests new tools for modelling in physics, engineering, and data science. For instance, filters and estimators can use quaternionic inputs to track orientation-dependent noise. Machine learning models can include quaternionic features to capture multi-directional patterns. These tools can make predictions more stable when systems exhibit layered or directional uncertainty. Accordingly, quaternionic probability increases expressiveness but requires careful interpretation. I will outline simple diagnostics and visualisations to help researchers adopt the paradigm. Hence, the goal is not to replace classical probability but to extend it where direction and influence matter. This extension helps us move past surface chaos to see clearer structure underneath. The work closes by discussing the next steps to apply my novel and innovative probability paradigm.

 

Author(s) Details

Abdo Abou Jaoudé
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University-Louaize, Lebanon.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-47485-42-8

Three Chinese Contemporary Artists: Plural Dimensions, Plural Revelations | Book Publisher International

 

In the context of contemporary art, visual expression has long transcended the realm of formal language, becoming a critical practice that deconstructs, reconstructs, and challenges historical experiences, social structures, and the politics of perception. Especially within the Chinese context—where global capitalist logic intersects with the tensions of local culture—artists continuously expand our understanding of “vision”, “the body”, “nature” and even “being” itself through diverse media and complex semiotics. Against this backdrop, this book focuses on three representative Chinese contemporary artists—Li Xinmo (b. 1976), Ai Weiwei (b. 1957), and Zheng Bo (1974)—seeking, through interdisciplinary theoretical perspectives, to reveal the political sensibilities, ethical dialectics, and ecological reflections embedded in their works, as well as their manifold revelations for contemporary society.

Author(s) Details

Huang Xiao
International College of Art at Krirk University, Thailand.

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-47485-59-6

Susceptibility to Antimalarial Drugs of Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from Keffi Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria | Chapter 04 | Chemistry and Biochemistry: Research Progress Vol. 8

Background: Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, with Plasmodium falciparum being one of the five species infecting humans. Despite the use of antimalarial drugs in the treatment of malaria, there is an emergence and spread of Artemisinin-resistant parasites, which have raised serious concerns. The increasing resistance of Plasmodium species to antimalarial drugs necessitates periodic susceptibility testing to monitor and detect resistant strains.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the Susceptibility to Antimalarial Drugs of Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from Keffi Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

Methodology: This hospital-based descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, between December 2024 and April 2025. A total of 385 blood samples were collected and screened for malaria parasites by microscopy. Species-specific screening was done using a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT). Stock and working solutions of selected antimalarial drugs were prepared using standard protocols. The parasite cultivation and its susceptibility to selected antimalarial drugs were determined using the WHO protocol. Matured schizonts were quantified. The degree of antimalarial drug inhibition of scizont maturation was determined and the drug's 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) required to prevent parasite schizont maturation, indicating resistance, was determined. Using microscopy as the gold standard, the performance of the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) was compared to it using MedCalc version 22.009 statistical package (MedCalc Software Ltd. Diagnostic test evaluation calculator).

Results: Malaria prevalence by microscopy was 29.9% (95% CI = 25.34 to 34.71%) and 26.7% by RDT. The RDT had a sensitivity of 89.6% (95% CI = 82.48% to 94.49%), specificity of 100.00% (95% CI = 98.64% to 100.00%), Positive Predictive Value of 100.00% (95% CI = 96.48% to 100.00%); and Negative Predictive Value of 95.8% (95% CI = 92.94% to 97.46%). The accuracy of the RDT was 96.88% (95% CI = 94.62 to 98.38%). Six out of the 35 isolates showed 17.1% resistance to Artemether + Lumafantrine.

Conclusion: Malaria is present in the study population and is resistant to some of the antimalarial drugs in use. The need to also explore the reintroduction of Chloroquine in the treatment of malaria may also be considered since it is cheap, effective, readily available and a quick parasite clearance antimalarial drug. The need for periodic antimalarial drug surveillance to determine the efficacy of drugs in use is highly recommended.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Igbawua IN
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

 

Ngwai YB
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

 

Nkene IH
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

 

Yahaya I
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

 

Timshana E
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

 

IbrahimT
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

 

Please see the book here :-https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/cbrp/v8/6664 

Comparative Study of the Structural, Optical and Antibacterial Properties of CaO/ rGO- CaO Nanocomposites | Chapter 03 | Chemistry and Biochemistry: Research Progress Vol. 8

 

Recently, graphene-based materials decorated with metal/metal oxide nanoparticles have gained great interest among researchers owing to their wide range of technological applications. Herein, we have synthesised reduced graphene oxide-calcium oxide nanocomposites (rGO-CaO) by a wet chemical route using a simple one-pot synthesis technique. Graphene oxide was synthesised via modified Hummer’s method and CaO nanoparticles were synthesised using a wet chemical method. Multi-characterisation techniques like X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy were employed to compare the structural and optical properties of CaO and rGO-CaO nanocomposites. Morphological examination revealed the growth of CaO nanoparticles onto the surface of rGO sheets. PL emission intensity of rGO-CaO nanocomposites was found to be greater than that of pure CaO nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity of the prepared samples was compared using Gram-negative E. coli bacteria.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Rekha S
Department of Physics, Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam, Kerala, 68011, India and Women’s Polytechnic College, Ernakulam, Kerala, 683104, India.

 

Sreeja V G
Department of Physics, St. Teresa’s College (Autonomous), Ernakulam, Kerala, 68011, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/cbrp/v8/6587

Simulation and Economic Evaluation of an Industrial Plant Producing Formalin | Chapter 02 | Simulation and Economic Evaluation of an Industrial Plant Producing Formalin

 

The chemical industry has the goal of generating profits, but the expenses involved in its construction and operation are high. Making bad decisions leads to big losses. In this context, computer simulation becomes fundamental in the development of any project in the chemical industry, from the attempt to optimise equipment to the implementation of a new industrial plant. Simulation allows a consistent and detailed approach to reality. In this work, the economic evaluation of a formalin plant was made. Formalin is the aqueous formaldehyde solution, marketed at 25 to 56% wt. UniSim®Design Suite R390.1 software was used to perform the computer simulation of the plant. The capital and operational costs were estimated using concepts based on reference literature. Economic feasibility was analysed by calculating net present value and internal rate of return, considering two distinct values for the interest rate, 10% and 15%. For the first, the venture was proved feasible and attractive. For the second, the feasibility was not achieved.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Igor Silva Guimarães
Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 

Luiz Antônio Corrêa Dias
Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 

Fernando B. Mainier
Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/cbrp/v8/6575

In silico Docking Analysis of a Hydrazone Derivative of 2-Amino-4-Thiazoleacetic Acid Hydrazide as a Potential Antimalarial and Anticancer Agent | Chapter 01 | Chemistry and Biochemistry: Research Progress Vol. 8

 

Hydrazide-hydrazones have recently gained great importance due to their diverse biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antituberculosis, antimalarial and anticonvulsant activities. This study aimed to synthesise and characterise a hydrazone compound (ATAPH) and to evaluate its in silico potential as an antimalarial and anticancer agent by investigating its interactions with selected protein targets. 2-amino-4-thiazoleacetic acid hydrazide (ATAH) was prepared from the reaction of ethyl-2-amino-4-thiazoleacetate with hydrazine hydrate. The hydrazone derivative, 2-(2-amino-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-N'-[(E)-(4-methoxyphenyl)methylidene]acetohydrazide (ATAPH) was synthesised by the condensation reaction of 2-amino-4-thiazoleacetic acid hydrazide (ATAH) with 4-methoxybenzaldehyde. The synthesised compounds were characterised using spectro-analytical methods. The in silico docking studies of the synthesized compounds were performed against some antimalarial targets; P. falciparum lactase dehydrogenase (PfLDH) (PDB ID: 1U5A), P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (PfDHFR-TS) (PDB ID: 3UM8), P. falciparum dihydrorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHODH) (PDB ID: 6I55) and some anticancer targets; Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) (PDB ID: 3POZ), and Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM) (PDB ID: 3V49). The oral bioavailability and drug-like properties of the compounds were determined using the Lipinski rule of 5 (RO5). ATAH has a molecular weight of 172.21, 3 hydrogen bond donors (HBD), 3 hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA) and log P of –0.58. ATAPH has a molecular weight of 290.34, 2 hydrogen bond donors (HBD), 4 hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA) and log P of 1.61, indicating favourable drug-like characteristics. The in silico docking studies revealed that the antimalarial activity was higher than the anticancer activity. ATAPH exhibited better binding affinity compared to ATAH, indicating its potential as a promising antimalarial and anticancer agent. The physicochemical properties revealed the drug-likeness ability of the compounds. Further in vitro and in vivo analysis of these compounds should be carried out to validate these findings.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Ngozi Patricia Ebosie
Department of Chemistry, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.

 

Beniah Obinna Isiuku
Department of Chemistry, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.

 

Pauline Amaka Nnagbo
Department of Microbiology, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/cbrp/v8/6281

Impacts of Land Tenure Access and Use on Agricultural and Non-agricultural Resources in Rural and Peri-urban Areas in South-East Sierra Leone | Chapter 4 | Current Research on Geography, Earth Science and Environment Vol. 4

 

Examining the dynamics of land tenure and agricultural and non-agricultural resources in rural and peri-urban areas remains a grey area in the scientific discourse. To fill this knowledge gap using a case study in south-east Sierra Leone, qualitative data were acquired through key informant interviews and focus group discussions, whilst quantitative data were acquired through administering semi-structured questionnaires to 342 household heads who had resided in the study areas over the past three decades. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 26) was used for data analysis, and logistic regression and chi-square statistics were used to answer some key research questions.  The findings revealed that land is mainly acquired by inheritance in rural areas, whilst in peri-urban areas, it is mainly by purchase. Family members can have access to land with the concurrence of the household head. Rice cultivated area is decreasing alongside an increase in cocoa and oil palm cultivated area, and this is attributable to the increase in access to land for cash crop production by native and non-native investors. With changes in land use, households now travel longer distances to access non-agricultural resources. There is a significant relationship between access to land, control over land, and the location of land, with crop production. An increase in access and control over land, and the location of land in a rural area, increases crop production. However, other variables like the size of land and the use of land demonstrated no significant relationship with crop production. Our findings provide insights that would benefit land use planning in an era of increasing population and land demand.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Morrison K. Lahai
Institute of Geography and Development Studies, Njala University, Sierra Leone.

 

Lamin R. Mansaray
Institute of Geography and Development Studies, Njala University, Sierra Leone.

 

Victor T.S. Kabba
Institute of Geography and Development Studies, Njala University, Sierra Leone.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crgese/v4/6569

 

Urban Development Dynamics and Flood Risk Assessment in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria | Chapter 3| Current Research on Geography, Earth Science and Environment Vol. 4

 

The worldwide population is fast urbanising, with towns undergoing extraordinary growth. Gombe Metropolis, one of Nigeria’s major urban centres, has been meaningly affected by the adverse impacts of persistent annual flooding, leading to prevalent environmental issues and damage to urban societies. Rapid urban development in the city, motivated by the conversion of vegetated areas, open spaces, farmlands, and bare lands into built-up environments, has increased the city’s annual flood risk. Notwithstanding numerous interventions by the government, communities and private efforts to control and mitigate the urban flooding have not been effective. Hence, this study examines the urban development variables contributing to the growing flood risk and frequency in Gombe Metropolis. Data were basically collected through field surveys, including questionnaire administration, and analysed using correlation and regression techniques. Spearman’s Correlation and Multiple Linear Regression models were used to establish statistical relationships between flood risk and independent variables of the urban development, and these include social vulnerability, geographical characteristics, and urban development factors. The findings expose that rapid and unplanned urban development dynamics are the prime drivers of cyclical flooding and the heightened flood risk in Gombe Metropolis. Significant factors prompting flood occurrence include inadequate flood control measures, insufficient and poor drainage systems, failure to obtain building plan approvals, substandard housing structures, and poor solid waste management practices.

 

 

Author(s) Details

 

Saidu Idris
Department of Geography, Federal University Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria.

 

Ahmad Abdullahi
Department of Geography, Federal University Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria.

 

Yahaya Bako Sade
Department of Geography, Federal University Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria.

 

Faiza Mahdi Doho
Department of Geography, Federal University Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria.

 

Dantata Danlami
Department of Geography, Federal University Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria.

 

Ali Abd
Department of Geography, Federal University Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crgese/v4/6539

Gasification of Raw, Roasted and Carbonized Cashew Shells in a Fixed-Bed Co-current Gasifier | Chapter 2 | Current Research on Geography, Earth Science and Environment Vol. 4

 

The utilization of agricultural residues for power generation is an opportunity to reduce fossil fuel usage and foster a sustainable circular economy. The gasification of agricultural residues in some localities in Burkina Faso has made it possible to access electricity. However, the majority of gasifiers in operation in Burkina Faso are shut down, for technical reasons and because of the lack of mastery of the technology. The utilization of agricultural residues for power generation is an opportunity to reduce fossil fuel use and foster a promotion of renewable energy.  The present study focuses on the improvement of gas quality by gasification of raw and cashew shells, heat treatment by roasting and carbonization. The gasifier is a fixed-bed, co-current batch mode, with a throat. It has a thermal power of around 30 kW. It meets the need for low electrical power of the order of 10kWe. It has a double wall with a height of 153 cm and a diameter of 50 cm, and a double air injection. Improving the quality of the gas, consisting of reducing the balsam content contained in the raw shells. As well as the improvement of the physico-chemical characteristics of the shells. And this is done through the roasting and carbonization process. The tests carried out aim to evaluate the energy performance of the gasifier and analyse the gas composition resulting from the gasification of raw, roasted and carbonized cashew shells. Four Types K thermocouples, with a measuring range of -50°C to 400°C and class 2 accuracy in accordance. The parameters studied are the energy efficiency of the gasifier and the energy capacity of the gas. Four type K thermocouples, with a measuring range of −50˚C to +400˚C and class 2 accuracy in accordance with standard EN 60584-2, are connected to a data logger to monitor the temperature inside the reactor. The study showed that the energy yields of the gasifier by gasification of raw, roasted and carbonized hulls are respectively 47.5, 28.32 and 31.48%. The specific production rate of the gas is 28.3, 132.76 and 155.32 kg/m2.h respectively for raw, roasted and charred hulls. The gasification times of raw, roasted and charred bulls are 224.33 respectively 201 and 211 minutes. The composition of syngas shows that the gas produced from cashew shells is low in energy. Indeed, the LHV of gas from the raw, roasted and carbonized hulls are 3.1, respectively; 2.1 and 2.87 MJ/N.m3. The study of the gasification of raw and heat-treated hulls shows that the quality of the gas is improved, as is the energy performance of hull gasification. However, the Lower Heating Value of the gas from pre-treated hulls is not improved by torrefaction and carbonization of the hulls. The study concluded that gasifying cashew nut shells—especially those discarded by processing units—can be valuable for heat and electricity production.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Bénéwindé Edwige 2ème Jumelle Ouédraogo
Institut de Recherche en Sciences Appliquées et Technologies (IRSAT), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique (CNRST), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and Laboratoire de Physique et de Chimie de l’Environnement (LPCE), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

 

Gado Harouna Ibrahim
Faculté des Sciences et Technique, Université Dan Dankoulodo de Maradi, Maradi, Niger.

 

Wend-Kuni Gisele Bilgo
Laboratoire de Physique et de Chimie de l’Environnement (LPCE), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

 

Tizane Daho
Laboratoire de Physique et de Chimie de l’Environnement (LPCE), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

 

Oumar Sanogo
Institut de Recherche en Sciences Appliquées et Technologies (IRSAT), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique (CNRST), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

 

Antoine Bere
Laboratoire de Physique et de Chimie de l’Environnement (LPCE), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crgese/v4/6493

GeoAI-enabled Transformation of Urban Environmental Aesthetics in Nigerian Cities: Challenges, Opportunities, and Implementation Strategies | Chapter 1 | Current Research on Geography, Earth Science and Environment Vol. 4

 

Urban aesthetics encompasses the visual and spatial quality of a city, significantly affecting residents' well-being and economic growth. Theories of urban design emphasise the importance of spatial organisation, green spaces, and architectural coherence in fostering aesthetically appealing cities. Nigeria’s economic diversification hinges on transforming its urban centres into aesthetically vibrant, sustainable hubs, moving beyond reliance on crude oil. Geospatial technology has been shown to be affordable and efficient in understanding the varying forms of cities, their continuous expansion, and the processes responsible for their growth pattern. Cities like Lagos, once celebrated for their cultural and architectural heritage, now grapple with aesthetic decline driven by rapid urbanisation, inadequate planning, environmental degradation, and socio-economic disparities.

 

This study critically examines the challenges undermining urban environmental quality in Nigeria, focusing on hotspot cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Kano, among others, as a case study, and identifies gaps in knowledge, infrastructure, and institutional support that exacerbate these issues. Key obstacles include limited geospatial data, high costs of GeoAI adoption, technical expertise deficits, and socio-cultural resistance to technology-driven urban interventions.

 

Employing a multidisciplinary approach, such as a systematic literature review, the study proposes novel contributions to innovative solutions, integrating sustainable urban planning, inclusive governance, public participation, and advanced geospatial technologies to restore and enhance urban beauty. The systematic literature review involves an extensive examination of 80 published academic sources, policy documents, and case studies relevant to urban aesthetics, GeoAI, governance, and sustainable city planning.

 

The study highlights the role of GeoAI in enabling precise urban design, green space optimisation, and infrastructure monitoring, drawing on best practices from cities like Singapore and Kigali that have successfully revitalised their urban aesthetics.

 

Advanced GeoAI technologies— encompassing satellite imagery, predictive analytics, and real-time urban monitoring—offer transformative potential to redeem the environmental aesthetics of Nigerian cities, fostering tourism, employment, and foreign exchange. However, incomplete data remains a critical barrier, undermining the reliability of spatial predictive models and their applications in urban planning and social sensing. Challenges such as missing features, sparse observations, temporal snapshot limitations, and mismatched spatial scales hinder GeoAI’s ability to capture the complex interplay of human–environment interactions in cities like Lagos.

 

This study argues that successful implementation in Nigeria demands robust policy frameworks, capacity building, and equitable technology access to bridge systemic inequalities. Through addressing these challenges, this study provides a new roadmap for policymakers, city planners, and stakeholders to leverage GeoAI for urban renewal, ensuring Nigerian cities reclaim their aesthetic allure while fostering economic and environmental resilience. This study's recommendations underscore that structuring Nigeria’s urban environmental aesthetics requires not only technological innovation but also a commitment to social equity and community-driven urban transformation.

 

Author(s) Details

 

Ugochukwu Udonna Okonkwo
Department of Geography and GIS / Department of Computer Management and Information Systems, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, U.S.A.

 

Ezekiel Tosin Babatunde
Department of Environmental Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, U.S.A.

 

Philip Ugbede-Ojo Onuche
Department of Chemistry / Department of Management and Marketing, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, U.S.A.

 

Enoh Martha Francis
Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences, Oregon State University, U.S.A.

 

Paul Osazuwa
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S.A.

 

Olumide S. Ogungbemi
Department of Geography and Geospatial Sciences, Oregon State University, U.S.A.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crgese/v4/6261

Comparative Analysis of Deforestation Using NDVI and SAVI | Chapter 5 | New Horizons of Science, Technology and Culture Vol. 6

 

Deforestation is seen as the conversion of forest land into farms, ranches, or urban use; described as an illegal way of cutting down forest trees for human utilisation. Developing alternatives to deforestation by adopting sustainable farming practices can restore the lost forest, through replanting trees in cleared areas or by simply allowing the ecosystem to regenerate forest over time. The major aim of forest restoration is to return it to its original state before it was cleared. The surface reflectance indicated by vegetation obtained through remote sensing is distinct compared to other surface bodies over a given scene. Utilising this distinct capability allows the detection of the presence of vegetation. Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) compares the total amount of visible red light absorbed with the amount of reflected near-infrared light by a surface. Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) is somewhat similar to NDVI but adjusted by a factor ‘L’ to correct for soil noise effects, which impact the results. Therefore, this study aimed to compare deforestation using NDVI and SAVI. The study was conducted at Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria. Satellite imageries from Landsat data were used to determine the deforestation areas, and the results were compared to ascertain the discrepancies produced by the two methods. Spectral information contained in each of the bands defined by a band in the electromagnetic energy of interest was used for the energy level required in the combination. Forest changes show effectively that there exists similarity in their patterns of change measured with both techniques, but when the need to obtain actual areas of change arises, one has to select the most appropriate technique. The result of the comparison of forested area by the two methods shows similar pattern and behavior, the net vegetation difference ranges from +9.906% to +18.705%, and the forested area from +14.466% to 0.000% while the open land, built-up and bare soil index cover shows a decrease over the years ranging from -13.343% in 1990 to - 2.321% in 2013 respectively. However, NDVI shows a lower area covered by vegetation and forest compared to SAVI, meaning that the total area affected by forest changes by the two methods is not in any way the same. The study recommended that good policies, along with alternative energy sources to bio-fuel consumption, replacement of felled trees, and improved agricultural practices, can help in the recovery of lost forested areas.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Ayuba Abubakar Fusami
Department of Surveying & Geo-informatics, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria.

 

Olivia Chidimma Nweze
Department of Surveying & Geo-informatics, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria.

 

Rekiya Hassan
Department of Surveying & Geo-informatics, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nhstc/v6/6654

Drying Kinetics and Fungal Infection in Red and Yellow Onions (Allium cepa): A Simulation Approach | Chapter 4 | New Horizons of Science, Technology and Culture Vol. 6

 

In the Philippines, red and yellow onions are frequently cultivated. The country’s advantageous climate and soil traits create an optimal setting for growing these onion types. The elevated moisture levels in onions render them vulnerable to fungal growth, especially Aspergillus niger, leading to spoilage and economic losses in agriculture. Drying is a method used to prolong the shelf life of onions by decreasing moisture content and water activity. Dehydrating onions to a moisture content (MC) of 5% prevents the proliferation of microorganisms and ultimately extends their shelf life. This study aims to determine the ideal drying temperature and minimum duration for onions to reach 5% moisture content by assessing the least energy usage. Three mathematical models—Laplace Transform Model, Page Model, and Non-linear Decomposition Model—were analysed to characterise the drying behaviour of thinly cut red and yellow onions at temperatures of 50, 60, and 70°C, utilising a tray dryer with 20% relative humidity and an air velocity of 2 m/s. The Page model provided the optimal fit for red and yellow onions with the smallest overall error. The optimum drying temperature was observed at 70°C for both red and yellow onions, which was efficient in producing quality onions without any fungal growth at the shortest drying time of 25.6 and 24.74 minutes, respectively. The power requirement calculated at 70°C was 154.18 W for red onions and 148.07 W for yellow onions.  These results may serve as a basis for developing efficient drying protocols in red and yellow onion processing industries.

 

 

Author(s) Details

 

Lola Domnina Pestaño
Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines and Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines.

 

Megan Krisanta E. Gaspar
Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines and Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines.

 

Aereous Francesca D. Quizon
Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines and Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines.

 

Rhodelie Anne L. Sandoval
Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines and Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nhstc/v6/6622

Development of a Predictive Model Using Response Surface Methodology for the Parametric Standardisation of Methanol Recovery from Transesterified Oil | Chapter 3 | New Horizons of Science, Technology and Culture Vol. 6

 

The biodiesel production process is carried out worldwide by using methanol and a suitable catalyst. Methanol is highly toxic and hazardous to nature; hence, it is beneficial if methanol is removed from Biodiesel before its use. The traditional method of removing the excess methanol from biodiesel is through the use of wash water, which is not only economically beneficial. The present study on the Development of a Predictive Model for Parametric standardisation of Methanol Recovery from Transesterified Oil was carried out with major emphasis on maximum recovery of methanol from biodiesel before separation of glycerol. A predictive model using response surface methodology (RSM) was developed to optimise the operating conditions for distillation. Confirmatory experiments on standardised parametric conditions were also carried out to validate the model for the condition of maximising methanol recovery by comparing the predicted value with the actual amount of methanol recovered. The standardised parametric conditions for the highest recovery of methanol as predicted by the model are a temperature of distillation of 90 0C, a vacuum pressure of 121.5 mm of Hg, time of distillation of 27.8 min. and circulating water temperature through the condenser as 10 0C. The model predicted 28.7 g methanol recovery at the above condition. The predicted value of methanol recovery was found close to the actual amount of methanol recovered (28.8 g) at the optimised parametric conditions, indicating high accuracy of the developed model. The recovery of methanol has been found to be significantly affected by distillation temperature, vacuum pressure and time of distillation.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Sanjay K. Choudhary
Department of Farm Machinery & Power Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering, Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Bihar), India.

 

T. K. Bhattacharya
Department of Farm Machinery & Power Engineering, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, India.

 

V. B. Shambhu
National Institute of Research on Jute & Allied Fibres Technology, 12, Regent Park, Kolkata - 700 040, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nhstc/v6/6584

 

Neurosecurity and Brain-Computer Interfaces | Chapter 2 | New Horizons of Science, Technology and Culture Vol. 6

 

The paper has thoroughly discussed the threats that affect brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Some of the threats include denial-of-service attacks, neural spoofing, and eavesdropping. The paper used a systematic review to identify scholarly articles that discuss the BCI treatment, defence mechanisms, and implications. The research has used the CIA (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability) triad framework to classify BCI threats. Firms that utilise BCI components can enhance their network security by integrating biometric systems and data encryption techniques. They should also integrate machine learning models that will regularly analyse BCI networks to identify and mitigate threats. Medical personnel should ensure that patients have given them informed consent before implanting BCI components into their brains; this protects a patient’s cognitive liberty. This strategy reduces the lawsuits that medical personnel and hospitals face when using BCI tools to treat patients.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Alex Mathew
Department of Cybersecurity, Bethany College, USA.

 

Frank Valentin
Department of Cybersecurity, Bethany College, USA.

 

Hannah Alex
University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nhstc/v6/6528

A Bench Mark Survey for Unravelling Circumstances Facing Agricultural Extension in Three Districts of Limpopo Province, South Africa | Chapter 1 | New Horizons of Science, Technology and Culture Vol. 6

 

There is a general concern that agricultural extension in Africa is not working as well as it should. Extension services are one of the policy instruments which can be used to solve the food insecurity challenges. This understanding has led to a team of extension experts in agricultural extension to organise themselves under the name of Extension Africa. The team saw a need to conduct a benchmark study with the aim of unravelling circumstances facing agricultural extension in selected African countries such as Tanzania, Malawi, Botswana and South Africa. The members of Extension Africa were drawn from these countries. This study presents the situation of three districts in Limpopo Province of South Africa in which thirty extension officers were interviewed using a questionnaire. Collected data were captured into the SPSS Version 23 IBM programme and analysed using the cross-tabulation statistical technique. The findings suggest that there are gaps in the critical areas such as educational levels, job satisfaction, extension methods, communication, extension goal and training needs. It was further revealed that the female extension to male ratio is skewed, although they are showing a reasonable level of marital status. The level of in-service training needs was also found to be inadequate. Therefore, the following areas of extension need attention to improve extension delivery: in-service training and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). As far as job satisfaction is concerned, the main challenge is linked to salary. The study concludes with a recommendation targeting both the extension managers and policy makers, who are encouraged to develop strategies to address the gaps identified by the study.

 

The study has provided guidance in resolving the developmental challenges faced by extension practitioners, which, if resolved, will contribute to resolving challenges of small holder farmers in Limpopo.

 

 

Author(s) Details

 

E.M. Zwane
Agricultural Extension, School of Agriculture, University of Limpopo, P/Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nhstc/v6/933

Evaluation of the Effect of Local Aromatic Plant Marinades and Cooking Regimes on Colour and Quality of Borgou Beef in Benin | Chapter 8 | Microbiology and Biotechnology Research: An Overview Vol. 5

 

Meat production in Benin is primarily supplied by the national cattle herd, which comprises a genetic diversity predominated by the Borgou breed. The quality attributes of beef are directly influenced by processing techniques such as marination and cooking. Marination plays a crucial role in improving tenderness, juiciness, and flavour while also conferring antioxidant and antimicrobial effects that enhance meat safety and shelf life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of marination and cooking duration and temperature on the technological properties and sensory profile of Borgou beef. This study was conducted from April 2020 to December 2023, at the central slaughterhouse of Parakou and at the Quality Control Unit of the laboratory of Nutrition and Food Sciences of the University of Parakou, located in the Department of Borgou in Benin. To this end, 10 composite samples of Longissimus thoracis muscles of Borgou cattle were sampled and used for the analyses according to the recommended AOAC and ISO standards. The study showed that the values of the ratio L1*/L0* and a/a₀ differ significantly between meat cooked at 99°C and 66°C. The various stages of heating are visually reflected by the change in colour from red to white-gray, then brown, and finally black. At 66°C and 99°C, samples whiten and do not change colour until the end of cooking, except for some brown traces. Marination affects the technological properties of both raw and cooked meat. The luminance of marinated meat is significantly higher than that of control (non-marinated) samples (p<0.01). Conversely, the red index of marinated meat is significantly lower than that of control samples (p<0.05). Regarding the yellow index, the highest value was recorded in meat marinated with Curcuma longa (p<0.05). The most intense hue was observed in the control lot. Only the chroma of the meat was unaffected by marination. The pH of marinated meats is significantly more acidic than that of the control lot. Turmeric marination significantly reduces cooking loss, whereas bay leaves promote higher water release during cooking (p<0.001). The integration of traditional aromatic plants not only improves physicochemical stability and sensory attributes but also provides natural antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits. Future studies should investigate the antimicrobial activity of the different marinades used in the study and assess the microbiological safety of the marinated beef.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Polycarpe Ulbad TOUGAN
Department of Nutrition and Agro-Food Sciences, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Parakou, BP 123 Parakou, Benin and Laboratory of Food Security and Quality of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage des Déportés 2-5030 Gembloux, Belgium.

 

Nathalie KOUBIA
Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mbrao/v5/6669

Optimization of Antimicrobial Metabolite Production by Streptomyces cinnamonensis VLCH-1 from Mangrove Sediments | Chapter 7 | Microbiology and Biotechnology Research: An Overview Vol. 5

 

Microbial secondary metabolites are one of the immense reservoirs of natural chemical diversity with potent biological activity. Actinomycetes, specifically members of the genus Streptomyces, have the ability to produce potential secondary metabolites possessing antimicrobial properties, including beta-lactams, macrolides, aminoglycosides, etc. The production of secondary metabolites by Streptomyces can be enhanced by altering nutritional and culture parameters. The aim of the present work is to evaluate cultural parameters influencing the production of bioactive secondary metabolites by Streptomyces cinnamonensis VLCH-1 isolated from mangroves located at Machilipatnam of Andhra Pradesh, India. Employing different pretreatment techniques as well as culture media, 50 actinobacterial strains were isolated from mangrove sediments. All the strains were screened for their ability to produce bioactive metabolites. Among them, one strain exhibited broad-spectrum antagonistic activity. It was identified as Streptomyces cinnamonensis VLCH-1 based on cultural, morphological, physiological and molecular approaches. To enhance the production of bioactive metabolites by this strain, attempts are made to optimise culture conditions. High antimicrobial metabolite production was obtained from six-day-old culture grown in ISP-2 (yeast extract, malt extract, dextrose) broth. The strain productivity was improved by amending the culture medium with dextrose (1%), tryptone (1%) and K2HPO4 (0.50%) as carbon, nitrogen and mineral sources. NaCl @3% supported good growth as well as enhanced the production of bioactive metabolites. The secondary metabolites produced by the strain under optimal conditions showed strong antagonistic activity against pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus megaterium), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and Candida albicans. The study suggested that actinobacteria from unexplored mangrove habitats of the south coast of Andhra Pradesh serve as a source for antimicrobial compounds.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Ch. Chiranjeevi
Department of Botany and Microbiology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur-522510, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

K. Nagaraju
Department of Botany and Microbiology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur-522510, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

M. Vijayalakshmi
Department of Botany and Microbiology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur-522510, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mbrao/v5/6571