Open Access Research Paper

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The colorimetric determination of damaged starch in flour is a widely used method for assessing the quality and functionality of flour. Damaged starch refers to starch molecules that have undergone physical or chemical changes, resulting in a loss of their original structure and properties. The objective of the study was to assess the quality of flour by determining the extent of starch damaged for both processed and milled flour. The study was conducted in Chemistry Laboratory at University of Juba, Juba, South Sudan. Samples were collected from Munuki market. analyzed using Farrand Colorimeter Determination method. The results showed that the processed flour had 42% damaged starch and milled flour had 26.5% damaged starch which indicated that processed flour had higher damaged starch while the milled flour had lower damaged starch. The colorimetric determination of starch damaged in flour using a colorimeter in this study was a reliable and efficient method for assessing the quality of flour. By measuring the absorbance of a starch-iodine complex at a specific wavelength, this technique allowed for the quantification of starch damage in the flour samples.

#Starch #Damaged #Flour #Juba #South Sudan

The present study attempts to evaluate the mutagenic effect of gamma rays on okra cultivars of Arka anamika and Arka abhay. The seeds of two traditional cultivars of okra Arka anamika and Arka abhay were treated with different doses of gamma rays like 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600Gy. The gamma irradiation influenced the growth, yield parameters, protein content and banding pattern in M1 generation. The M1 growth parameters like germination percentage, survival percentage, plant height and number of leaves per plant and yield parameters such as number of fruits per plant, fruits length, fruit weight, number of seeds per fruit and 100 seeds weight were measured. When compared to control, all the growth and yield parameters were decreased with increasing doses of gamma rays in M1 generation. The SDS-PAGE analysis of M1 generation leaf samples of treated population and control showed the appearance and disappearance of some protein bands and the Arka anamika was responded well than Arka abhay in all the terms studied between the two respectively.

#Abelmoschus esculentus #Gamma rays #M1 generation #SDS-PAGE analysis

Development of new cultivars with high yield potential is one of the main objectives of most of the wheat improvement programs. In the current study a set of eight bread wheat genotypes were evaluated to determine phenotypic association and heritability analysis for some quantitative traits. Eight bread wheat genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Southern Wheat Research Station, Tandojam. The mean squares from analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all the studied traits. Based on mean performance, the varieties TD-1 showed outstanding performance for most of the traits, thus can extensively be used as parental materials in upcoming breeding programs. High heritability estimates (h2b.s.) were detected for plant height tillers plant-1, spike length, spikelets spike-1, grains spike-1, seed index and grain yield plant-1.The results showed significant positive correlation among various traits. Tillers plant-1 manifested significant positive associations with grains spike-1 and grain yield plant-1; spike length with seed index and grain yield plant-1. The trait spikelets spike-1 established positive and significant association with seed index; while seed index showed positive and significant correlation with grain yield plant-1. High heritability in broad sense coupled with positive correlation among most the yield related traits indicated that selection in early generation could be effective and progress for desired traits from selection would be high. The identified superior line (TD-1) could be used in future improvement program to improve yield related attributes.

#Genetic potential #correlation #heritability #variance #yield

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly lethal transboundary disease that endangers swine production and food security. This study conducted active molecular surveillance to detect ASF virus (ASFV) in raw pork and whole-blood samples collected from local government–sanctioned wet markets in Tuguegarao City. From August to October 2025, a total of 180 specimens (30 meat and 30 whole-blood samples per month) were collected, pooled by stall owner and market, and transported cold for laboratory processing. Nucleic acids were extracted and screened using real-time PCR assays targeting the VP72 (B646L) gene, with appropriate extraction, weak and strong positive, and no-template controls to ensure run validity. Results showed that all specimens produced undetermined cycle threshold (Ct) values and lacked characteristic amplification curves, yielding 0/180 PCR positives. Quality control amplification of positive controls and flat negative controls confirmed assay performance. Exact Clopper–Pearson binomial analysis generated a two-sided 95% confidence interval of 0.00 to 0.02029 for true prevalence, placing an upper bound of 2.03%. These findings indicate ASFV was not detected from any of the samples analyzed, while acknowledging potential limitations such as pooling, sample size, viral loads below the assay limit of detection, or nucleic acid degradation. The study recommends sustained surveillance with increased sample numbers and duration, biosecurity assessments at market and farm levels, and data linkage with live-swine surveillance to strengthen early detection and protect local pork value chains.

#African Swine Fever #ASF virus #qPCR #VP72 gene #Ct values

This study aims to map and analyze the habitat suitability of orangutan species based on remote sensing image technology, in the forest area of Hulu Sungai Utara Regency, South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The total area suitable for orangutan habitat in the forest area of Hulu Sungai Utara Regency is 4,950 hectares. Based on the results of the field survey and analysis of Citra Sentinel-2, the location of suitable habitat for orangutans is visually located within peatswamp forests or peatswamp shrub and bushes. The use of the thresholding method for quantitative parameters of habitat, from the results of this study, can be seen to be quite efficient in mapping areas suitable for orangutan habitat. However, to improve the accuracy of the mapping, in the future it is necessary to consider conducting a prior statistical analysis before thresholding. For example data normality test, data homogeneity test, and data correlation test.

#Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)#Habitat suitability mapping #Remote sensing #South kalimantan

Diel patterns of epifaunal macroinvertebrates associated with sea-grass beds are poorly investigated. This pattern indicated misconception in population and community dynamics, diel cycle, and overall functional activities in an ecosystem. A three-day diel sampling period was permanently established in four stations in Eastern Samar, Philippines, patterned of the same sites in an unpublished study by Pacoma, 2016. Collecting samples was done at 7:00-9:00 am and 7:00-9:00 pm, using a transect-quadrat method laid on seagrass beds perpendicular to the coastlines. Results show that there are 60 species identified throughout the collection period, composed of 9 species of echinoderms, 32 species molluscs, 5 species poriferans, 10 species arthropods, 3 species annelids, and; 1 species reptile. Dominated by mollusks Canarium sp., Pinna muricata, Nassarius margaritifer and Trochus sp. in all the sampling sites, some commercially important mollusks were also sampled, such as Gafrarium aequivocum, Callista erycina, and Fragum sp. Other notable species such as Clypeaster sp., Holothuria sp. and Euapta sp. were present in both nocturnal and diurnal sampling. Species richness compared to daytime collection of Pacoma, 2016 showed higher richness in the diel sampling. This shows that seagrass-associated epifaunal macroinvertebrate communities are more diverse at nocturnal than diurnal times. Diel diversity demonstrated a distinct community structure which indicates higher richness and abundance. Seagrass beds dispense several ecosystem functions, which makes them a preferred habitat in shallow waters. This suggests that patterns of the dynamics in seagrass beds, diurnal-diel cycle community structures shifts, and activities within this ecosystem are complex; thus, conservation mechanisms should be accorded within this pattern.

#Diel shift #Community structure #Population dynamics #Seagrass-associated epifaunal macroinvertebrates

A study was conducted to evaluate the hematological, histological and anthelmintic effects of non-conventional feedstuff on ranged sasso chicken. A total of 150 sasso chicken were divided to 5 groups and fed with 4 formulated diets with 5% of betel, sword fern, oregano and tawa-tawa leaf meals and 1 control diet for 8 weeks. The study was conducted at ISU, College of Agriculture Student Instructional Unit. The study was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Results of the study show that in the hematological analysis, comparable data were seen in the WBC, RBC, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit and MCH. However, in the MCV, the birds fed with 5% tawa-tawa had the lowest result at 104.53fL but is within the normal range. Also, 5% betel leaf gave the highest result in platelet at 140.50 109/L followed by 5% swordfern 80.50 109/L. Comparable data were observed in jejunal surface area of villi. However, significant difference was observed in the crypt depth. 5% tawa-tawa had the highest result at 26603.11 µm. The non-conventional feedstuff had no effect in the elimination of intestinal parasites. Use of non-conventional feedstuff as an additive to the poultry diet is suggested. However, to have a conclusive result on the histology of the intestines, it is recommended that samples of all the segment of the small intestines should be collected. It is also recommended that a concentrated solution of the local feedstuff such as leaf extract or methanol extract be used for further studies.

#Sasso chicken #Free range #Non-conventional feedstuff #Hematology and histology of chicken

High dietary levels of lipid consumption cause ectopic fat accumulation and trigger non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which leads to liver injury. This study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Fucus vesiculosus L. (Fv) seaweed on the high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity in mice. Forty adult male C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 (control) and group 2 (HFD); animals fed on standard and HFD respectively. Group 3 (Fv) and group 4 (HFD + Fv); animals supplemented with Fv (575 mg/kg body weight/day) orally by gavage along with standard and high fat diet respectively for 6 consecutive weeks. Body weights, liver enzymes, lipid profile, oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. Liver histopathological fatty changes were investigated. The mRNA expression levels of sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) genes were quantitated. The transcriptional activity of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (N2rf) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) were assessed by DNA-binding-based ELISA. Results revealed that Fv supplementation along with HFD regulated body weight gain, improved all biochemical parameters, alleviated liver steatosis, reduced fatty vacuoles and downregulated the SREBP-1c, FAS, TNF-α and IL-6 genes expression. Conversely, Nrf2-inducing Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was activated with concomitant increase in HO-1mRNA expression and enzymatic activity levels in liver tissue. Furthermore, Fv relieves inflammation by reducing the transcriptional activity of the NF-κB. In conclusion, Fv seaweed may be a promising candidate for liver injury induced by high-fat consumption.

#Fucus vesiculosus l #Obesity #Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease #Inflammation #Oxidative stress #High fat diet

Tomato powdery mildew, caused by Oidium neolycopersici, significantly reduces yields in humid tropical regions such as Tanzania. Overreliance on synthetic fungicides raises environmental and health concerns, creating a need for safer alternatives. This study evaluated the efficacy of ethanolic extracts from garlic (Allium sativum), custard apple (Annona squamosa), and fish bean (Tephrosia vogelii), applied individually and in combination with the adjuvant limonene, through two consecutive screen house experiments. The first experiment assessed individual extracts at different concentrations, identifying A. sativum at 0.4% as the most effective, reducing disease severity to 39.17%. In the second experiment, this optimal concentration was combined with limonene, which significantly improved efficacy, lowering disease severity to 21.33% – a 45.6% increase in disease suppression. The combined application of all three botanical extracts with limonene provided the highest level of control, reducing disease severity to 14.00%, closely matching the performance of the synthetic fungicide hexaconazole (3.50%). This ternary combination also produced the highest fruit yield among botanical treatments (1579 g per plant), comparable to hexaconazole-treated plants (1694 g per plant). The findings demonstrate that combining botanical extracts with limonene enhances disease control and yield, offering an effective, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides. Such locally available solutions present a sustainable approach to managing tomato powdery mildew in Tanzania and similar agro-ecological zones.

#Botanical fungicide #Powdery mildew #Allium sativum #Annona squamosal #Tephrosia vogelii #Limonene

At the Cagayan State University Gonzaga Campus, the study was carried out between July 2021 and October 2021 in a bamboo nursery-protected setting. Three species of bamboo (Giant Bamboo- Dendrocalamus giganteus, Machiku – Dendrocalamus latiflorus, and Spiny Bamboo– Bambusa blumeana) were the subject of the investigation to ascertain their survival rates as influenced by different soil media. It aimed to determine the following parameters after three months: average number of shoots, average length (cm) of shoots, average number of roots, average length (cm) of roots, and the percentage (%) of survival. The study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a single factor experiment. There are three treatments in the study which are T1– control, soil media composed of one-part vermicompost, one-part alluvial soil and one-part Raw Rice Hull (RRH); T2-soil media composed of one-part vermicompost, one-part alluvial soil and one-part carbonized rice hull (CRH); T3- soil media composed of one-part vermicompost, one-part alluvial soil and two parts carbonized rice hull (CRH). On the percentage of survival, giant bamboo is the only species significantly affected by the soil media composed of one-part vermicompost, one-part alluvial soil and one-part carbonized rice hull (CRH). It is concluded that the combination of alluvial soil, vermicompost and Carbonized Rice Hull (1:1:1) was the best combination of media results on all variables measured. This treatment leads in all the parameters gathered followed by Treatment 3, the combination of alluvial soil, vermicompost and Carbonized Rice Hull (1:1:2). As a result of the research’s findings and conclusions, it is advised that using carbonized rice hull as part of the media will greatly improve the soil’s ability to support the growth of the three kinds of bamboo propagules.

#Giant bamboo #Spiny bamboo #Machiku bamboo #Soil media #Survival of bamboo

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Cagayan Province were at the forefront of health delivery, contact tracing, and prevention efforts. Despite their critical role, there is a paucity of studies exploring their first-hand experiences. This phenomenological study aims to fill that gap by delving into the lived experiences of CHWs in Cagayan Province during the pandemic. Five (5) Focus Group discussions were conducted in five municipalities with total of forty-six (46) purposively selected CHWs. Their narratives were analyzed using Moustakas’ phenomenological approach. Five major themes emerged from the analysis: perception regarding health, facing the challenges, responding to the challenges, sympathy towards the community, and working for the community. The fundamental essence of their experiences is rooted in the concept of Kapwa, which represents their shared identity with the community. This sense of shared identity motivated them to transcend personal interests and engage in service, action, and altruism. The study findings aim to affirm, validate, and empower CHWs, recognizing their integral role in the success of the pandemic response in Cagayan Province.

#Community health workers #COVID-19 pandemic response #Phenomenological study #Lived experiences #Cagayan Province

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) is a legume crop with high nutritional and economic potential but remains underutilized in Burkina Faso. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the agromorphological variability of six Bambara groundnut genotypes in comparison with two released varieties in order to identify discriminant traits for possible varietal registration. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Collected parameters were subjected to descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) to explore variability patterns. Results revealed significant phenotypic variability among the genotypes, particularly for seed width, growth cycle, 100-seed weight, and grain yield. Three distinct genotype clusters were identified based on maturity cycle and productivity. A clear differentiation was observed between the six genotypes and the released varieties, mainly according to maturity duration and yield potential. Genotypes KVS246C and KVS17C, characterized by short cycles and high productivity, appear promising candidates for varietal release and for production in short-rainfall zones, whereas KVS235C, KVS105bC, and KVS62C displayed moderate yields suitable for more favorable environments. These findings highlight exploitable diversity for selecting high-performing genotypes adapted to local agroecological conditions.

#Bambara groundnut #Agromorphological variability #Selection

The study was conducted under the protective environment of bamboo nurseries at Cagayan State University Gonzaga Campus from August 2021 until December 2021. The study was conducted to determine the percentage of survival of three species of bamboo (Giant bamboo- Dendrocalamus giganteus, Machiku bamboo- Dendrocalamus latiflorus, and Spiny bamboo– Bambusa blumeana) as influenced by the number of nodes. It aimed to determine the following parameters after three (3) months: average number of shoots, average length (cm) of shoots, the average number of roots, average length (cm) of roots, and the percentage (%) of survival. The study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a single-factor experiment. There are three treatments in the study which are: T1– one-node branch cutting; T2- two-node branch cutting; and T3- three-node branch cutting. All species observed were significantly affected by T3, three-node branch cutting in the average number of shoots. It is concluded that three-node cutting leads in all the parameters gathered in giant bamboo while one-node and three-node cutting leads in machiku bamboo. It can be concluded that any of the treatments can be used as planting material. The result may be because node cuttings have a very nil effect in propagating bamboo. Based upon the findings and conclusion of the study, T3-three node cutting is recommended to use in propagating the spiny bamboo while T2-two node cutting is recommended in propagating because of its capability to improve survival rate.

#Giant bamboo #Spiny bamboo #Machiku bamboo #Nodes #Survival of bamboo

Typhoid fever, caused due to Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi), is considered as one of the deadliest diseases, and a serious public health problem around the world. The prevalence of typhoid fever in city of Saidu Sharif Sawat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan was investigated in this study from October 26, 2017 to February 25, 2018. The blood samples of 400 patients of age group 1- 50 years old were used for clinical diagnosis applying widal test and their results were compared for analysis. A total of 76 patients were found positive of S. Typhi. The ratio of typhoid occurrence in males (66%) was found higher as compared to typhoid positive cases of females (34%). The ratio of typhoid patients was greater in young people having ages between 11-30 years. This study provides significant statistics regarding net incidence of typhoid in the city of Saidu Sharif Sawat that would help in proposed future health policies. Preventive strategies such as immunization programs, improved sanitary standards, clean water supply and proper sewerage system should be the focus of typhoid control in cities like Saidu Sharif Sawat.

#Salmonella Typhi #Diseases #prevalence #Typhoid fever #incidence #immunization

This study evaluated the effects of corn silage-based diets on the carcass characteristics, meat quality and consumer acceptability of Philippine native swamp buffaloes or carabao. Two corn silage-based diets were separately offered at 60% corn silage + 40% concentrate and 100% corn silage to six (6) young male carabaos aged 18–24 months for 150 days finishing period in which the parameters measured included carcass traits, meat quality, and consumer acceptability. The growth performance observed that carabaos fed with corn silage with concentrate had heaviest final body weight, higher ADG and more efficient FCR compared to those fed with 100% corn silage. After 5 months of the finishing phase, carabaos were slaughtered and samples of longissimus dorsi muscle were collected. The result showed carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters, including pH, color, and water holding capacity, were not significantly affected by corn silage-based diets (p > 0.05). The Carabeef of T2 received higher juiciness, tenderness, taste and overall acceptability scores. In conclusion, integrating concentrate with corn silages improves ADG and FCR without compromising carcass and meat quality for practical feeding strategy for enhancing carabao productivity. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate these findings.

#Carabeef #Corn silage #Carcass #Consumer acceptability #Longissimus dorsi

Spodoptera frugiperda is one of the most important pests of maize, which can cause significant economic losses, up to 4.8 billion dollars. This study aims to evaluate the bioinsecticidal activity of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki HD-1 on this caterpillar. For this purpose, two formulations based on Btk HD -1 were tested in vitro against L2 and L3 stage larvae of S. frugiperda at different concentrations for seven days. After one to five days of treatments the local formulation induced reduced mobility, cessation of feeding, color change, desiccation and mortality of larvae. However, the commercial formulation was more effective with the 6.5% concentration. It induced 100% mortality in three days of testing on L2 larvae versus five days for the local formulation and four days on L3 larvae. The LC50 obtained with L2 and L3 were 2.14 and 2.29% for the commercial formulation against 5.3 and 5.5% for the local formulation. This local formulation could be an interesting alternative in an integrated strategy for the control of Spodoptera frugiperda in Côte d’Ivoire in maize crops.

#Bacillus thuringiensis var. krustaki HD-1 #Spodoptera frugiperda #Biological control #Crop maize #Ivory Coast

Microplastic pollution threatens marine ecosystems and human health through seafood consumption in the Philippines. This study assessed the prevalence, abundance, and morphology of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of Indian squid (Uroteuthis duvaucelii) from two major Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – National Stock Assessment Program (BFAR-NSAP) landing sites in Region 1: Tubod, Sto. Tomas, La Union, and Port Sual, Pangasinan. Six specimens (n=3/site) underwent gastrointestinal tract dissection, 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) digestion at 80°C for 48 hours, density separation, vacuum filtration, Nile red staining, and fluorescence. Prevalence reached 66.67% at Tubod (2/3 samples positive; up to 7 fragments and 6 fibers per specimen) versus 33.33% at Sual (1/3 positive; 3 mixed particles), with non-significant spatial differences (Fisher’s exact test, p=0.52) attributable to limited sample size (n=6). Fragments (50% or total particles; irregular, jagged shapes) and fibers (50% of total particles; linear morphology) dominated, all exhibiting

#Microplastics #Indian squid #Nile red staining #Uroteuthis duvaucelii #Marine pollution #Northern Philippines

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