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May 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-26-6165
Christine Ruth PiloyaCorresponding author
Background Women’s participation in environmental conservation within patriarchal societies is a critical factor for achieving sustainable development and improved community outcomes. Despite this importance, limited research has examined women’s perceptions of their roles and contributions to environmental conservation. The current study aimed to (1) explore women’s perceptions of their roles in environmental conservation within patriarchal structures, and (2) to document the effectiveness of strategies enhancing their participation. Methods This study followed a phenomenological design, using thematic data analysis. Information was gathered through semistructured interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews with technocrats, civil servants, local leaders, and NGO staff. The sample size of the study was 30 participants, obtained using the point of saturation principle. The focus group consisted of 24 participants and 06 Key Informants. The study tools were pretested with a small group before the main fieldwork. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. The size of the sample was guided by data saturation. Results The findings show that although women’s representation in local councils and environmental committees has grown due to the 30% quota requirement, their influence remains constrained by systemic barriers. Political interference undermines technical teams’ conservation efforts, while widespread community ignorance of environmental laws limits compliance. Weak enforcement and corruption, with leaders themselves implicated in destructive practices, further erode progress. Critically, inadequate financing such as subcounties allocating only 600,000 shillings for sensitization, leaves many activities unimplemented, forcing reliance on development partners. Conclusion The study concludes that sustainable environmental stewardship requires not only legal reforms and institutional accountability but also adequate financing and communitydriven strategies that amplify women’s voices and foster collective responsibility.
Feb 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-25-5735
Ruth Piloya ChristineCorresponding author
Background In Northern Uganda’s patriarchal communities, women play vital yet underrecognized roles in environmental conservation. There is limited research examining the socio-cultural roles women play in society in northern Uganda. This study, conducted in Gulu District, examined the socio-cultural functions performed by women in safeguarding natural resources. Methods This study employed an analytical cross-sectional design involving 395 women aged 18–49 in Gulu District, selected for its patriarchal context. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS, applying descriptive and inferential statistics. Key variables included women’s roles in environmental conservation and barriers to participation. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained to ensure research integrity. Results The study found that women in Gulu District play vital socio-cultural roles in environmental conservation, particularly as custodians of indigenous knowledge (Mean = 4.42), active participants in tree planting (Mean = 4.11), and conservers of ecosystems (Mean = 4.04). However, their involvement in advocacy (Mean = 3.46) and decision-making (Mean = 3.20) was perceived as limited, reflecting the constraints of a patriarchal society. Additionally, evolving gender roles have negatively impacted women’s engagement, with 47.6% citing excessive domestic workload and 44.1% reporting reduced participation in conservation activities. These findings highlight both the significance of women’s contributions and the structural barriers that hinder their full involvement in environmental governance. Conclusion Despite these challenges, women’s contributions remain central to sustainable environmental stewardship. The study recommends targeted sensitization and training programs to promote gender equality and community acceptance of women’s leadership in environmental governance.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-3146.jec-24-4935
Yakubu SufyanCorresponding author
Promoting responsible energy usage in student hostels and residential buildings plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable development. By implementing cost-efficient strategies for managing and conserving energy, both students and homeowners can not only reap economic and social benefits but also mitigate the adverse environmental effects associated with energy consumption. Unfortunately, student hostels and residential buildings in developing countries like Ghana are falling behind in the adoption of energy efficiency and management practices, thereby missing out on valuable implementation opportunities. This study investigates the potential for energy efficiency and conservation measures in student hostels, specifically the GETFUND hostel of the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Ghana. The hostel's monthly energy consumption is approximately 64,929.458kWh, which translates to $5,667.20. The objectives of the study include analysing the current electricity consumption pattern, identifying energy misuse, and recommending measures to save energy, as well as calculating the financial benefits of implementing energy management practices. The methodology employed is an energy audit approach. The results of this study can contribute to overall energy conservation efforts in Ghana and may be applied to other university residence halls in sub-Saharan African countries with similar climatic and energy-use characteristics. In a broader sense, the primary objective of this study is to enhance the energy efficiency of the GETFUND hostel and minimize energy wastage, resulting in substantial financial savings.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-4602.jes-24-4982
O. Henderson JeffreyCorresponding author
Mammalian Rbm45 is predominately expressed in neuronal tissue and is integral in brain development and neuronal differentiation under physiological conditions. Dysregulation of Rbm45 has been strongly associated with neurodegenerative disorders in humans and can drive hepatocellular carcinoma through reprogramming lipid metabolism. Intriguingly, Rbm45 is an ancient protein, evolutionarily conserved throughout metazoans, including in sponges which lack a nervous system. Curiously, the evolution of Rbm45 gene structure and protein domain conservation across kingdom Animalia is largely unknown. We performed phylogenetic analysis of Rbm45 nucleotide and amino acid sequences from 36 species representing 9 phyla: Porifera, Cnidaria, Priapulida, Mollusca, Brachiopoda, Arthropoda, Echinodermata, Hemichordata, and Chordata. While the tree from Rbm45 nucleotide sequence data resulted in clades Protostomia and Deuterostomia showing paraphyly, the phylogeny derived from Rbm45 amino acid sequence largely recapitulated known monophyletic relationships among metazoans. Human RBM45 protein structure includes three RNA-binding domains (RBD), a homo-oligomerization association (HOA) domain, a nuclear localization sequence (NLS), and a nuclear export sequence (NES). Multiple sequence alignment across the same 36 taxa used for phylogenetic analysis revealed conservation of all three RBDs, the HOA, and NLS; in contrast the NES was only detected in clade Craniata and not in clades Ambulacraria and Protostomia. Rbm45 gene structure analysis revealed increasing gene complexity concomitant with increasing evolutionary complexity. Rbm45 from non-bilaterian taxa had from 2 to 4 large exons, while bilaterian taxa had between 6 to17 small exons. These findings demonstrate that Rbm45 is an ancient, highly conserved gene among metazoans suggesting a function in a breadth of neural/sensory systems.
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-2248.jwl-23-4791
Sahile AtinafaCorresponding author
The Trans boundary protection of migratory species is a common argument for international cooperation. Ecotourism supports these activities through long-term commitment from international conservation organizations, all interest groups and various political entities. However, due to anthropogenic influences and inadequate understanding of species ecology, sustainable conservation of migratory species is often challenging. Therefore, this review article evaluates the migration status, potential anthropogenic threats, and conservation directives from the perspective of ecotourism of the white-eared kob (Kobuskobleucotis, Lichtenstein and Peters, 1854). Ethiopia. Kobus kobleucotis migrate through the Boma-Gambella border ecosystems of Ethiopia and South Sudan at certain times of the year. This migration is anonymous and requires an understanding of the overall ecology of the species. Currently, the white-eared Kob population exceeds half a million, making it the second largest migration in Africa, after the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, Tanzania. Kobs occur in groups of five to forty depending on sex and age and are nocturnal but inactive on the hottest days. Rich grasslands and permanent water sources are the preferred habitats for the species. However, the decline in grassland potential, frequent hunting, expanding settlements, changes in land use and land cover are potential threats to the white-eared kob in Gambella National Parks. Therefore, understanding the total ecological, anthropogenic and behavioral variables that influence the movement and status of the species is the ultimate parameter for conservation activity. Furthermore, entire migration corridors require sustainable management by balancing stakeholder interests and rural community development through nature-based tourism. It is also noted that solid economic and environmental incentives through nature-based tourism require adequate protection in Gambella and the surrounding regions.
Oct 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-2248.jwl-23-4539
Ketema Bahiru TekalignCorresponding author
Wildlife management is a crucial issue to maintain the sustainability of an ecosystem whereas habitat suitability analysis is very important for better conservation and management of species like the African Buffalo. Therefore, the effort of this study was to analyze habitat suitability for African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) by employing GIS at Dhati Welel National Park, Ethiopia. The study employed five datasets include: land use land cover (LULC), elevation, slope, settlements, and rivers. In this study, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and weight overlay analysis methods were applied using IDRISI 17 and ArcGIS 10.5 software. Each dataset was integrated using GIS and AHP to rate the individual classes of each factor and weigh the influence of one factor against the other, to determine the weighted contribution of importance to the habitat suitability. As result, the consistency ratio was 0.03 and found with acceptable limits. Then, the weighted overlay tool was applied to calculate the final habitat suitability map of the African Buffalo based on the influence value. The result indicates, 35.3 % (362.7 km2) of the study area was optimal for the African Buffalo habitat. Therefore, according to the results of the finding more areas of Dhati Welel National Park are suitable for the African Buffalo habitat based on the factors employed in this study. So that, this indicates the area is important for conservation from habitat loss and fragmentation.
Jun 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-2275.jzr-23-4483
Tamirat HaileCorresponding author
An ecological study on diurnal mammals was carried out in Bayo Community Managed Forest located in Salamago Woreda, South Omo Zone. The objective of the study was to investigate the distribution and conservation challenges of diurnal large mammals in the study area. Based on the habitat type and topography of the study area, total of 11 transect, i.e 7 in forestland, and 4 in Wooded Grassland were laid to collect the data. Besides direct methods, indirect methods such as faecal droppings, fresh tracks, carcass or shell count, den (burrow), hair, and digging were used. Questionnaire and focus group discussions were also used to assess anthropogenic threats in the study area. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, SPSS and QGIS software. A total of 20 species of diurnal large mammals belonging to six orders and eight families were identified. The species identified were Cercopithecus pygerythrus, Cercopithecus aethiops, Papio anubis, Erytherocebus patas, Cercopitheus neglectus, Colobus guereza, Equus quagga, Traglaphus strepsiceros, Traglaphus imberbis, Traglaphus scriptus, Medagua guentheri, Sylvicapra grimma, Kobus ellipsiprymnus defessa, Syncerrus caffer, Potamochoerus larvatus, Phacochoerus africanus, Hylochoerus meinertzhageni, Hystrix cristata, Orycteropus afer, and Phataginus temminckii smutus. Seasonal variation in the between habitat types (χ2 = 4.849, df= 1, p<0.05). Totally, 685 and 600 mammals were counted during wet and dry seasons, respectively. On habitat basis, 683 and 602 animals were recorded in forestland and wooded grassland habitats, respectively. Major threats in the study area include poaching, fire, grazing, fuelwood extraction, population growth, habitat modification, overharvesting of resources and invasive species. About 98.44% of respondents had a positive attitude towards Bayo Community Managed Forest. The interference of local community has had the impact on mammal’s species. Habitat based mammals’ management involving participation of Woreda and Zonal Government is recommended for sustainable. The local government should promote the study area and provide appropriate support for its conservation.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-4602.jes-21-3868
O. Henderson JeffreyCorresponding author
Department of Science and Mathematics, Judson University, Elgin, IL 60123, USA
Hox genes, their conserved derivatives, and the pathways responsible for their expression have been extensively studied in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster;the experimentation done in the Drosophila model system has given developmental biologists tools to better understand the role and significance of Hox genes and their derivatives in anterior-posterior axis determination in the Drosophila embryo. Along with this, Drosophila research opened up the door to investigation on the conservation of Hox genes between vertebrates and invertebrates. Comparative embryology in mice, chickens, pufferfish, and zebrafish have shown conserved Hox gene expression patterns specifically along the anterior-posterior axis. Recently, comparative analysis performed on dorsal-ventral axis formation showed that patterning and segmentation of the spinal cord is influenced by the action of Hox genes as well. This review will briefly consider the evolution of the vertebrate brain and the evolution and conservation of Hox genes in regulating hindbrain patterning and spinal cord development.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-3146.jec-20-3389
Tageldin Hago Ahmed SuhailCorresponding author
Faculty of Engineering, University of Khartoum, Sudan
Since the independence of South Sudan, Sudan lost 75% of its oil reserves, this led to major fuel shortages country wide, the fuel shortage raised the fuel prices and the overall transport prices. Scarcity led to black market trade of fuel specially in states away from the Capital City (Khartoum). Managing the available stock comes first before increasing the supply amount in order to solve the problem, one of the major fuel consumers to be managed is the transport sector specially the long haulage freight transport. Moving freight in Sudan is constrained by inadequate infrastructure and high costs. This paper covers specifically the long haulage freight transport between Khartoum State and Western side of the country (Darfur Region), Contributing to manage fuel consumption for trucks, taking into account trucks types used, roads, environmental impacts and mitigation measures applicable to save fuel . The results showed that the primary reason for the excessive fuel consumption is the usage of the rigid trucks (lorries) for transport specially the Hino700 series, this truck type, overload and absence of weight stations and control policies contributed significantly to deterioration of roads and transport efficiency decreasing. First step towards the solution would be in upgrading roads infrastructure assuring high quality along with enforced weight regulations and weight stations to protect roads from damages. High quality roads shall ease the usage of different truck types with different configurations. Then stablish a policy to force replacement of the low efficiency lorry truck types with high quality tractor semi-trailer combinations.
Sep 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-4602.jes-19-2990
Shkliarevsky GennadyCorresponding author
Bard College
There is hardly anything more central to our universe than conservation. Many scientific fields and disciplines view the law of conservation as one of the most fundamental universal laws. The Darwinian model pivots the process of evolution on variability, reproduction, and natural selection. Conservation plays a marginal role in this model and is not really universal, as the model allows exceptions to conservation, i.e. non-conservation, to play an equally important role in evolution. This anomalous role of conservation in the Darwinian model raises questions: What is the reason for this anomaly? Is conservation really universal, as we tend to believe or is it not, as the Darwinian model suggests? This contribution proposes a new model of evolution that focuses on levels of organization, rather than of species, organisms, or populations. It argues that conservation is central to evolution. Not only does this new model restores the universal status of conservation but it also makes possible to resolve some outstanding problems and controversies that continue to plague the Darwinian model. The article tries to advance the broad Darwinian project that seeks to explain the process of evolution as a product of the spontaneous processes in nature.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2998-1506.jpa-18-1972
A. Hossain M.Corresponding author
Farm Machinery and Postharvest Process Engineering Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh.
The study was conducted at Mundopasha, Wazirpur, Barisal during Rabi season of 2017 for testing, adoption and popularization of different conservation machinery (CA) such as zero till planter (ZT), strip till planter (ST), bed planter (BP) and power tiller operated seeder (PTOS) along with conventional tilling and of sowing method for planting of mungbean (BARI Mung-6). The soil type was loamy-sand with bulk density 1.41 g/cc. The effective field capacities of ZT, ST, BP, PTOS and power tiller were found to be 0.104, 0.109, 0.084, 0.109, and 0.074 ha/h, respectively. The field efficiency of ZT, ST, BP, PTOS and power tiller were estimated as 74.68, 76.47, 75.84, 78.16 and 71.52%, respectively. Significantly the highest mungbean grain yields were found from ZT and ST planted plots than those of other plots. Significantly the lowest grain yield was obtained from conventional tillage and broadcasting method. The highest benefit cost ratio (BCR) was obtained from ST planted (2.60) and zero till planted (2.40) mungbean followed by PTOS (2.20), conventional tillage cum broadcasting (1.88) and bed planting (1.82) methods. The lowest BCR was found from traditional tillage and manual line sowing method (1.61) of mungbean. CA planting system saved about 50% planting cost and reduced about 76% carbon dioxide emission. Based on the fuel consumption, grain yield and BCR, ZT planter and the strip till planter may be recommended in Barisal region for cultivation of mungbean.
Oct 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-16-1301
Sung KiwolCorresponding author
College of Nursing, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the mediation of depressive symptoms in the relationship between cardiovascular risk and the health conservation of community-dwelling vulnerable diabetic elderly in order to provide a basis for planning nursing interventions to improve the health conservation of vulnerable diabetic elderly. Methods: The participants were 99 vulnerable diabetic elderly who registered at the community health centers in D city. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires and analyzed with the SPSS-WIN 19.0 program. The instruments were Sung’s Health Conservation Scale, the Arizona Heart Institute Cardiovascular Risk Factor Questionnaire, and the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form-Korea version (GDSSF-K). Results: The mean score for health conservation was 100.52. Overall depressive symptoms were 11.84, cardiovascular risk was 20.35. There were significant correlations among the three variables: health conservation, depressive symptoms, and cardiovascular risk. Also, depressive symptoms had a proportional mediating effect in the relationship between cardiovascular risk and health conservation. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, health management programs focusing on cardiovascular risk management and depressive symptom improvement are highly recommended to promote health conservation in the vulnerable diabetic elderly
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-24-5295
G. Verzhuk V.Corresponding author
The present study of the reproductive ability of currant and gooseberry hybrids after long-term cryopreservation of pollen in liquid nitrogen is of enormous importance for organizing the conservation of the diversity of this crop. Four distant interspecific hybrids of currant and gooseberry served as objects of the study. The pollen fertilizing ability was studied by pollination of allotetraploid Jošta with pollen of tetraploid hybrids stored for a year at ultra-low temperatures (–196°C) and freshly collected pollen (control pollination). Berry set in 2022, when pollinated with cryopreserved pollen, averaged 56.4% and was higher than in the control pollination (38.2%). In 2023, the number of berries set on average for all cross combinations in the experiment was also quite high (59.6%), but lower than in the pollination control (81.4%), which can be explained by unfavorable weather conditions during pollen collection in the year of establishment (2022). The obtained data specify that pollen of the allotetraploids does not lose its high fertilizing ability during its long-term cryopreservation. Berry setting, average berry weight and seed production are quite high and comparable to pollination with freshly collected pollen (control pollination variant). Seed germination and values of morphometric parameters of seedlings obtained from pollination with cryopreserved and freshly collected pollen in most cases have close values. Cryopreservation of pollen of currant-gooseberry hybrids for a year and more allows to preserve pollen for successful pollination and berry formation and is a reliable way to preserve germplasm.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2768-5209.ijen-25-5732
S Isaac AnvyCorresponding author
The growing population demands and environmental concerns associated with traditional protein sources have prompted the exploration of alternative and sustainable food sources. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to highlight the nutritional benefits and sustainability of insect-based foods as a promising solution. Global population growth necessitates innovative approaches to meet the demand for nutritious and sustainable protein sources. There are numerous challenges associated with traditional livestock farming, including land use inefficiency, high water usage, and greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, edible insects have emerged as a viable alternative, providing proteins (35-77% of dry matter), healthy fats (10-50%), essential amino acids, and micronutrients such as iron (up to 31mg/100g) and zinc (up to 20mg/100g), vitamins, and minerals. In contrast to livestock, which requires 22,000-43,000 liters of water to produce 1 kg of beef, insect farming consumes significantly less water and land resources. Insects have the potential to address nutritional deficiencies and strengthen food security as they are recognized for sustainable production. The study thoroughly investigates the literature addressing environmental and sustainability concerns associated with edible insect farming, using a rigorous bibliometric and scientometric analysis via Vos viewer. With the help of Vos Viewer, it was possible to identify the geographical distribution of countries that contributed to the field of edible insects and their acceptance, as well as the top ten documents in this field with the most citations and mostly used keywords in this field of research. Future research and implementation strategies will be able to benefit global food security and environmental conservation through these alternative protein sources.
Sep 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-7881.jdrr-24-5255
O. Henderson JeffreyCorresponding author
This article surveys RBM45 from molecular function and RNA binding to cellular roles and evolutionary conservation. It summarizes emerging links to neurobiology and disease, and highlights tools and models to probe RBM45 biology.
Jul 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-24-5129
Hatton LesCorresponding author
This paper addresses broadly the impact that unprecedented levels of scientific discovery can have on the emergent global patterns that we observe in nature. An essentially ubiquitous pattern that is associated with large complex discrete systems is attributable to the Conservation of Hartley-Shannon Information (CoHSI). One of the manifestations of CoHSI in the realm of protein structure is a distinctive equilibrium distribution of protein lengths that is dominated by a power-law. Here we examine the manner in which the accelerated pace of novel protein discovery during the Covid-19 pandemic affected this distribution, showing that despite an initial disruption, nevertheless the equilibrium state was reestablished.
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-2248.jwl-23-4840
Kabir AshrafulCorresponding author
In nature both rural and urban areas are significant for avian diversity. In Bangladesh, spotted dove (Spilopelia chinensis tigrina) is very common and widely distributed (Figure 1; Plates 1-2). If a bird is available in nature, we should try to find the reasons for their ultimate conservation. In this regard, this article could initiate to establish birds that are less in nature. At the time of journey, living in rural or urban and workplace helped to write this article on the availability and breeding of spotted dove. A pair of binoculars used to identify dove species. In addition, an android mobile phone and DSLR camera was helpful for sufficient snaps. Result suggested based on the dove species especially emphasized in four districts of Bangladesh―Kushtia, Rajshahi, Nilphamari, and Dinajpur. Out of 15 pairs and from 17 squab, the survival young were 9 (52.94%) (Table 1).
Jul 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-6622.ijar-23-4578
Fleurette Moumegni Monthe LilianeCorresponding author
The growth characteristics of Conraua goliath (Boulenger, 1906), an endemic and endangered species in Cameroon, were evaluated in its natural habitat between October 2021 and November 2022 in order to contribute to its domestication and conservation. For this purpose, 139 specimens (55 males, 55 females, and 29 individuals of undifferentiated sex) were collected by fishermen from 3 sites (Loum, Penja, and Nlonako) in the Department of Moungo, Coastal Region of Cameroon. The frogs were measured, and their growth parameters were determined after dissection and macroscopic and microscopic observations. The maximum size observed is 33.5 cm (SVL) and 2529 g body weight (BW), and the minimum size is 5.3 cm (SVL) and 12 g body weight (BW). This species is more abundant in the rainy season, in frogs between 18 and 24 cm, and has a Caucasian and uni-modal size structure. Independent of sex and season, this species has a significant and high regression coefficient between length, weight, and isometric growth pattern. However, this growth varies according to sex. It ranges from isometric in males (b = 2.82) and undifferentiated sexes (b = 2.85) to negative allometry in females (b = 2.21). The condition factor K ranges from 3.28 to 14.24 (mean: 7.80 ± 1.95) and fluctuates according to the sex and size of the frog. According to our results, this species has a large size and a high growth rate and could therefore be an excellent candidate for domestication to ensure its conservation. However, studies on reproductive characteristics are needed to complete this work.
Oct 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-19-3015
Gupta RajCorresponding author
Centre for Advancement of Sustainable Agriculture, National Agriculture Science Centre Complex, Todapur Road, New Delhi, 110012, India
Monsoon rains provide relief from the sweltering summer heat conditions, replenish depleted profile moisture to breathe new life in soils. With appropriate management of rain water, Indian summer monsoons boost the level of ‘reservoir of life’. Our inability to manage spatial and temporal rainfall variation features of deficit and excess rainfall episodes and their interactions with soil variability is a major cause of uncertainty in agricultural production. In the past, entire focus of national efforts was on rainwater harvesting, storage and distribution through canal networks and greater reliance on ground water pumping to meet immediate crop water demands. These approaches have resulted in wide spread problems of natural resource fatigue and unsustainable water supplies. This paper analyses the complexities of climate change-land degradation-food security nexus and suggests the need for adopting alternate approaches emphasising on in situ conservation of rain water and its efficient use such as to reverse the processes that contribute to land degradation in specific landscapes.
Jun 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-19-2858
Haroun Mohamed Adam AbubakerCorresponding author
Department of Crop Science, College of Agriculture, University of Bahri.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of endophagous Encyrtid parasitic wasp Aenasiusarizonensis (Girault) (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea), as a natural enemy for controlling the Mealybug, Phenacoccussolenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Where a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was adopted. Both, field survey and Laboratory experiments were conducted to study some biological characteristics of the parasitoid A. arizonensis. The results of field study revealed that, the parasitioid was available most of the year, and was highly effective on adults and last larval instar of the mealy bug, P. Solenopsis, with a total percentage of parasitism of 31.26%. While the laboratory results showed that, the duration from oviposition to adult emergence were similar for both male and female. Longevity of male was 23± 2.33 days and female 23.37±1.89 days. Mean daily fecundity in terms of number of Parasitized hosts /female / day ranged from 20 to 24. The sex ratio was 1:1.6 for the male and female in the progeny. Generally, a mass rearing of this parasitoid, with a conservation and augmentation releases could help in the application of an effective management strategy for the control of the cotton mealy bug in the field.
Jun 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-19-2590
Gupta RajCorresponding author
Centre for Advancement of Sustainable Agriculture, National Agriculture Science Centre Complex, Todapur Road, New Delhi, 110012, India
Over last few decades, acreage of total fallow lands (Kharif and Rabi seasons) in India has remained almost unchanged around 25Mha. The acreage of Kharif (summer) and Rabi (winter) Fallows in Madhya Pradesh (MP) are 1.98Mha and 5.51Mha, respectively. In the semi-arid agroclimatic zones of the states, Fallow-Wheat/Gram/Indian-Mustard cropping systems are practiced. After harvest of Kharif rice, kodo-kutki, maize or sorghum, farmers generally practice post-rainy season Rabi fallows in the sub-humid regions, south of Narmada River. Kharif fallowing is largely the result of the inability of the farmers to make planting dates independent of monsoon forecasts, and make efficient use of rain water. It appears that factors responsible for Kharif and Rabi fallows are distinctly different and a general consequence of distinctly different soil moisture regimes prevailing in the two crop seasons. Kharif and Rabi fallows have two distinct resource management domains. Whereas, Kharif fallows can be tackled with “PMP-dry seeding” agronomy, production constraints of Rabi fallows can be substantively tackled by shifting from tilled to zero-till agriculture with residue management to make efficient use of the conserved rain water. Some irrigation support will prove useful to tackle mid-season droughts in both situations. Conservation agricultural practices can significantly improve and stabilize crop yields in black soils and other associated soils of in the semi-arid tropics region of the Central India.
Jun 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-19-2747
M. S. López-CortezCorresponding author
Numerous studies have reported the health benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidant properties. Within the group of fruits considered exotic, some are accessible and only consumed in their place of origin, such as soursop, noni, kiwi, pitahaya, and others. Anacardiumoccidentale, cashew, is a crop native to the Brazilian northeast that has excellent medicinal and nutritional properties. Because few studies have characterized cashew produced in Mexico, in the present work, the physicochemical properties and antioxidant capacity of cashew apple (red and yellow varieties) and its nut were studied. The content of total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity were higher in the nut (174.19±20.98 GAE mg/100 g db) while cashew red pulp showed a superior value of the phenol content (159.75±12.91 GAE mg/100 g db) to that of yellow cashew pulp (151.9±5.23 GAE mg/100 g db). A high value was obtained for the TPC of the husk of cashew nut (74.30 mg GAE/g) compared with those of the kernel and false fruit. Red cashew presented a higher antioxidant capacity at 77.65 μmol Trolox/g and was superior to that of the kernel (38.52±2.9 μmol Trolox/g). Because cashew apple is usually discarded, a marmalade based on the pulp is proposed as an alternative for its conservation because it has a high content of phenolic compounds that is conserved for six weeks of shelf life.
Feb 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-9467.jgrc-19-2619
Sørensen MartenCorresponding author
Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 3., 1870 Frederiksberg C.
The Andean region is the centre of origin and domestication of at least 9 species of native root and tuber crops in addition to several species of native potatoes. Within this group, Mauka – also known as Miso or Taso ‒ (Mirabilis expansa Ruíz & Pav.) Standl. ‒ Nyctaginaceae) is one of the least well known, despite having much potential. It is cultivated at high altitudes (2300 to 3500 m a.s.l.) in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia and is thought to be of pre-Inca origin. Mauka is characterized by its high nutritional value due to substantial levels of protein, calcium and phosphorus, as well as secondary metabolites with nutraceutical properties of varied application. It also has good potential as a forage plant. Based on ethnobotanical knowledge and scientific investigations, this review presents advances in the agronomic understanding of Mauka since its discovery five decades ago in several isolated rural Bolivian communities. The information presented covers both Andean and non-Andean countries. It includes results from journals on natural resources, botany, agronomy, and the congress minutes from botanical, agronomic and phytogenetic resources conferences. Theses on Mauka specifically and on phytogenetic resources in general were also reviewed. Books and manuals were reviewed in the libraries of the International Potato Center, INIAP-Ecuador, INIA-Peru and universities. The plant is described with emphasis on its agronomic traits and according to its propagation forms (seed or vegetative); in terms of its agroecology, phenology, growth dynamics and their indices, crop management, harvest and post-harvest processes. It is concluded that important advances in the understanding of the agronomy of Mauka have been accomplished. Furthermore, the review highlights aspects requiring further research, in order to develop improved production technologies to ensure its future use and conservation.
Sep 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-18-2283
D.V. GavryuchenkovCorresponding author
First Moscow State Medical University Named after I.M. Sechenov, Department of Life Safety and Emergency Disasters Medicine, Moscow, Russia.
The current research shows the possibility of long-term conservation of the erythrocytes an-tioxidant activity in the process of donor packed red blood cells while introducing mexidol to the hemoconservant glugicir composition.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-18-2212
T NkrumahCorresponding author
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
Fish meat is a common and broadly used food due to its high nutritional values yet the bones and flavour of fresh fish can be unpleasant. The unpleasant fishy flavour makes it difficult to handle and process. The fishy flavour is as a result of microbial presence and growth. Studies associated with microbial contaminations have concentrated more on the carcass. Such contaminations which affect the microbiological status of processed products can emanate from spices and other non-meat ingredients, environment, equipment and handlers. The successful application of processing/preservation technology results in the conservation of desirable qualities in stabilized and varietal fish products. This study sought to use fish in the manufacture of frankfurter-type sausages, which could have improved preservation characteristics without any adverse effects on sensory properties. The nutritional composition and microbiological safety of fresh fish and sausages were determined using the methods described by AOAC and ICMSF respectively. The study showed that, catfish sausages were higher in protein (15.69 %) and were lower in fat (10.66%) compared to the other sausages. Total Viable Counts (TVC) were within the accepted limits (106 and 107cfu/g) for fish and pork respectively. E. coli was not detected in any of the treatments during frozen storage for 6 weeks. It was concluded that catfish frankfurter has high nutritive value because it contained less fat but with higher crude protein. Like pork frankfurters, both catfish and mackerel sausages could be stored for six weeks without any negative effects on microbial quality.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2638-4469.japb-17-1563
Wanke DierkCorresponding author
Universität des Saarlandes, Molekulare Pflanzenbiologie, Campus A2.4, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
GAGA-binding proteins in plants are encoded by the BARLEY B-RECOMBINANT / BASIC PENTACYSTEINE (BBR/BPC) family, which can be spilt into several groups on the basis of sequence divergence. The proteins of the different groups share an evolutionary conserved BASIC PENTACYSTEINE (BPC) domain at their very C-terminus that is important for DNA binding. Hallmark of this domain are five Cysteines at defined positions and spacing, which are considered to form a zinc-finger like structure that is involved in GAGA-motif recognition. Here, we report the formation of stabile homodimers between Arabidopsis thaliana group I member BPC1 or between group II member BPC6 in SDS-PAGE. Serial mutations of the highly conserved five Cysteines in the BPC domain of Arabidopsis thaliana BPC1 were tested for their capacity to bind to GAGA-motifs by DPI-ELISA. Our results do not support the idea of a direct involvement of these residues in making physical contact with the DNA, e.g. by formation of a zinc-finger structure. Instead, the data implies an indispensable function for the five Cysteines in homodimerization and stabilization of the protein structure by disulfide bonds. Accordingly, protein folding and structure prediction suggests the formation of a scaffold for dimerization that is supported by three intermolecular and one intramolecular S-S bond. The high degree of conservation between the BPC domains from the different groups and from different species denotes that this role for the five Cysteines might be evolutionary retained.
Dec 2012 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-12-101
Han JianCorresponding author
Institute of Molecular BioSciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Eukaryotic Signature Proteins (ESPs) are proteins that delineate the eukaryotes from the archaea and bacteria. They have no recognisable homologues in any prokaryotic genome, but their homologues are present in all main branches of eukaryotes. ESPs are thus likely to have descended from ancient proteins that have existed since the first eukaryotic cell. The last dataset of ESPs was calculated more than a decade ago, thus with advances in technology and the rapid completion of many evolutionary important genomes, this dataset required recalculating. This study recalculated the Giardia lamblia ESP dataset and provides a procedure to calculate signature proteins beginning with any species. The G. lamblia ESP dataset contained a range of proteins including many associated with the membrane, cytoskeleton, nucleus and protein synthesis. ESP datasets have implications on current models of eukaryotic evolution, having high importance in phylogenetic analysis due to ESPs’ consistency and conservation in all eukaryotic species.