Search Results (365)

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) pose a significant threat to canine health in Nigeria. Despite this, there is little data on the molecular identification of ticks and TBPs of dogs in Nigeria. This study assessed the prevalence of ticks and TBPs in Nigerian dogs, along with associated risk factors. A total of 259 dogs were enrolled in the study, from which 112 adult ticks were collected. Of these, 40 were characterized by molecular barcoding confirming Rhipicephalus sanguineus (R. sanguineus, 35/40) and Haemphysalis leachi (H. leachi, 5/40) infestations. Nucleotide sequences showed high percentage similarity to R. sanguineus tropical lineage and H. leachi sequences from Chad. Point-of-care (POC) testing of 259 dogs detected antibodies to TBPs in 40.9% of blood samples, with Ehrlichia (29.7%), Anaplasma (10.8%), and Dirofilaria (0.4%) species identified. PCR assays revealed a prevalence of 58.7% for TBPs, including Ehrlichia (40.5%) and Babesia (17.4%), with 7.3% co-infected. Risk factor analysis showed that adult dogs and those infested with ticks had a higher likelihood of TBP seropositivity. Exotic breeds and dogs examined during the rainy season were more likely to test positive for TBPs via PCR. Overall, this study demonstrates the high prevalence of diverse TBPs in Nigerian dogs and suggests that dog breed may play a role in susceptibility to diseases. Full article

The principal goal of precision fish farming (PFF) is to use data and new technologies such as sensors, cameras, and internet connections to optimise fish-aquaculture operations. PFF improves fish farming operations, making them data-driven, accurate, and repeatable, reducing the effects of subjective choices by farmers. Thus, the daily management of operators based on manual practices and experience is shifted to knowledge-based automated processes. Modern sensors and animal biomarkers can be used to monitor environmental conditions, fish behaviour, growth performance, and key health indicators in real time, generating large datasets at low cost. The use of artificial intelligence provides useful insights from big data. Machine learning and modelling algorithms predict future outcomes such as fish growth, food requirements, or disease risk. The Internet of Things set up networks between connected devices on the farm for communication. Smart management systems can automatically adjust instruments such as aerators or feeders in response to sensor inputs. This integration between sensors, internet connectivity, and the use of automated controls enables real-time precision management. Full article

Background: Trifocal and extended depth-of-focus (EDoF) multifocal intraocular lenses (MIOLs) are currently widely used after cataract surgery to restore vision at multiple distances. In vitro studies of MIOLs are necessary to evaluate their optical behavior providing surgeons with evidence to support the appropriate selection of the best lens for each patient. Methods: The FineVision POD F, Acriva Trinova Pro C, AT LARA 829MP, and AcrySof IQ Vivity lenses were assessed using a dedicated optical bench. Optical quality was quantified using the through-focus modulation transfer function (TF-MTF) and the area under the modulation transfer function (MTFa), both calculated from the point spread function (PSF). Halo formation was qualitatively analyzed. Results: The FineVision POD F and Acriva Trinova Pro C lenses exhibited trifocal behavior, with optical performance varying according to pupil size and wavelength. The AT LARA 829MP lens functioned as a low-addition bifocal under monochromatic green light but demonstrated EDoF characteristics under polychromatic illumination. The AcrySof IQ Vivity lens displayed an EDoF profile derived from the superposition of multiple closely spaced foci under polychromatic evaluation. Halo assessment revealed lens-dependent differences, with the AcrySof IQ Vivity showing the smallest halo extent. Conclusions: This in vitro study demonstrates differences in the optical and chromatic performance of trifocal and EDoF IOLa. Trifocal designs showed variable behavior related to diffraction orders the use but generally favored far vision under mesopic conditions, with similar trends observed in EDoF lenses. EDoF designs produced fewer halos than trifocals. These quantitative findings may translate into clinically relevant effects, supporting MIOL selection tailored to patient needs and improving the predictability and personalization of surgical outcomes toward greater spectacle independence. Full article

This study compares the nutritional consistency and regulatory compliance of automated versus traditional zobo juice production processes, utilizing the nutritional compliant requirements specified by Nigeria’s food consumption regulatory body as benchmarks. The automated system exhibits innovation in precise ingredients measurement, PLC smart temperature regulation, two-stage in-line filtration process, enhanced stirring mechanism, and pasteurization chamber. Five production batches from each method were analyzed for key nutrients, including energy, carbohydrates, sugars, fiber, protein, sodium, vitamin C, and iron. The automated method yielded juice with energy values ranging from 55.86 to 60.12 kcal, closely aligning with the NAFDAC nutritional requirements compliance of 60.00 kcal. In contrast, the traditional method showed greater variability, with energy values ranging from 45.85 to 58.12 kcal. Similarly, the automated process demonstrated lower mean deviation from the NAFDAC carbohydrate requirement (15.00 g), with a standard deviation (SD) of 0.23, compared to 1.57 for the traditional process. ANOVA results revealed statistically significant differences between the two methods across most nutrient parameters, with the automated method consistently exhibiting greater precision. Sensory evaluations further indicated that juice produced through automation remained acceptable for up to six days, compared to only three days for traditionally prepared juice. These findings highlight the advantages of automation in enhancing nutritional accuracy, minimizing batch-to-batch variability, and improving adherence to regulatory standards. This study supports the adoption of automated methods in local beverage production to achieve higher product quality and consistency. Full article

The Chuanlao Song, composed by the Southern Song Chan monk Daochuan 道川 (1104–1163, Southern Song), represents a hybrid form of exegetical lecture text from the Diamond Sūtra (金剛經). Neither a standard commentary (zhu 註) nor a ritual manual (keyi 科儀), it fuses rhetorical features of Chan sermons with versified praise, often associated with chanting. From the twelfth century onward, the Chuanlao Song circulated across China, Korea, and Japan, yet its textual identity has long been obscured. In particular, the Zokuzōkyō (續藏經) recension misclassified it as a commentary, resulting in interpretive confusions that have persisted into modern scholarship. This study reconsiders the Chuanlao Song within broader contextual frameworks of textual form, ritual practice, and editorial strategy. While grounded in philological analysis, three regional trajectories are highlighted: the Chuanlao Song’s preservation in China as an appended text within collective annotations; its transformation in Korea through royal patronage and the multiplication of textual forms; and its reinterpretation in Edo-period Japan as an object of sectarian commentary. By tracing these transregional movements, this study argues that the Chuanlao Song offers a valuable case study of how Buddhist texts were circulated and adapted across East Asia, shedding light on the intra-Chinese domestication and, beyond China, regional vernacularization and recontextualization. Full article

The aim of this research was to characterize the genetic structure of brown trout species complex populations in nine river basins in the Aosta Valley and neighbouring regions in northern Italy. We used a combined analysis of nuclear lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-C1*), mitochondrial DNA-CR (control region) (mtDNA-CR) sequences and ddRAD-seq-generated single-nucleotide polymorphism. In this way, we estimated the degree of hybridization of wild populations with the Atlantic-derived hatchery lineage. The results of the genetic analyses showed a complex genetic structure with different levels of introgression at the respective sampling sites. The mitochondrial lineages (Atlantic (AT), Mediterranean (ME), Adriatic (AD), and Marmoratus (MA)) were present with varying percentages across the sampling sites. Data analysis using the Admixture v.1.3.0 software allowed the identification of four distinctive cluster units in the Aosta Valley. For the Vertosan River, we identified a distinct native population and a level of hybridization close to zero. In terms of conservation, this population with a distinct native lineage represents a high priority for protection and serves as a reservoir for the entire western north Italian alpine zone. Some interventions to support conservation actions within the study area can be envisaged. Full article

This article concerns nōsatsu, also known in Japanese as senjafuda and generally known as “votive slips” in English. Nōsatsu emerged in the 18th century out of popular practices related to pilgrimage in the city of Edo. Nōsatsu practitioners who visited Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines would paste votive slips on walls or other surfaces in the belief that the pasted slip would function as a proxy for the pilgrim, continuing in prayer vigil after the pilgrim had left. Practitioners persisted in their pasting activities in the face of opposition from temples and shrines. Later, nōsatsu evolved into full-color pictorial woodblock prints meant for exchanging and collecting, rather than pasting, but the early history of pilgrimage, proxy devotion, and institutional resistance remained in both the memories of the practitioners and the iconography of the slips themselves. Through close visual analysis of several slips depicting Buddhist themes, this article will describe the attitude of transgressive devotion that characterizes nōsatsu culture. Full article

Attraction–Repulsion Optimisation Algorithm (AROA) is a newly proposed metaheuristic algorithm for solving global optimisation problems, which simulates the equilibrium relating to the attraction and repulsion phenomenon that occurs in the natural world, and aims to achieve a good balance between the development exploration phases. Although AROA has a more significant performance compared to other classical algorithms on complex realistic constrained issues, it still has drawbacks in terms of diversity of solutions, convergence precision, and susceptibility to local stagnation. To further improve the global optimisation search and application ability of the AROA algorithm, this work puts forward an Improved Attraction–Repulsion Optimisation Algorithm based on multiple strategies, denoted as IAROA. Firstly, the elite dynamic opposite (EDO) learning strategy is used in the initialisation phase to enrich the information of the initial solution and obtain high-quality candidate solutions. Secondly, the dimension learning-based hunting (DLH) exploration tactics is imported to increase the candidate solution diversity and enhance the trade-off between local and global exploration. Next, the pheromone adjustment strategy (PAS) is used for some of the solutions according to the threshold value, which extends the search range of the algorithm and also accelerates the convergence process of the algorithm. Finally, the introduction of the Cauchy distribution inverse cumulative perturbation strategy (CDICP) improves the local search ability of the algorithm, avoids falling into the local optimum, and improves the convergence and accuracy of the algorithm. To validate the performance of IAROA, algorithms are solved by optimisation with the original AROA and 13 classical highly cited algorithms on the CEC2017 test functions, among six engineering design problems of varying complexity. The experimental results indicate that the proposed IAROA algorithm is superior in terms of optimisation precision, solution stability, convergence, and applicability and effectiveness on different problems, and is highly competitive in solving complex engineering design problems with constraints. Full article

Zoonotic Campylobacter species (ZCS), particularly C. jejuni and C. coli, cause major foodborne gastroenteritis and poultry is the principal reservoirs. However, there is limited data on Campylobacter transmission risk practices and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Nigeria. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence, AMR, and risk practices aiding Campylobacter transmission in two major slaughterhouses processing poultry carcasses in Enugu State, Nigeria. Four hundred poultry faecal samples were analysed for zoonotic Campylobacter organisms using standard protocols. Antimicrobial resistance was profiled via Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion technique, against eight antimicrobial agents. Risk practices were assessed through slaughterhouse observations and interviews with 56 workers. The overall prevalence of Campylobacter infections was 14.5% (58/400), while the species-specific prevalence were 13% (52/400) and 1.5% (6/400) for C. coli and C. jejuni, respectively. Campylobacter colonisation was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in broilers, and during the wet season. The AMR profile of the isolates against the eight antibiotics tested was: Amoxicillin/clauvlanic acid (100%), vancomycin (100%), tetracycline (96.6%), ciprofloxacin (55.2%), chloramphenicol (44.8%), ceftazidime (10.3%), azithromycin (3.4%) and streptomycin (3.4%). All the 58 Campylobacter isolates were multidrug-resistant. The multiple antibiotic resistance indices ranged from 0.4 to 0.9, with a mean of 0.7. Major risk practice associated with ZCS transmission include non-use of personal protective equipment (100%), slaughtering on unsanitary surfaces (100%), using visibly unclean water for meat processing (100%), improper manual evisceration (75%), eating or drinking during processing (64.4%), slaughtering sick animals (37.5%), inadequate cleaning of surfaces and equipment after use (21.4%) and consuming raw meat during carcass processing (19.6%). The findings reflect critical gaps in food safety, occupational health, prudent antimicrobial use in poultry farming and zoonotic disease control, emphasizing the need for antibiotic regulation, training on hygienic meat processing, public education, infrastructural development of slaughterhouse facilities, and inter-sectorial collaboration to curb Campylobacter contamination and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet, providing vital nutrients and contributing to global food security. Fungal pathogens that interact with fruits and vegetables reduce their quality and shelf life and lead to economic losses and risks to human health through the production of mycotoxins. Chemical fungicides, used to control postharvest pathogens, are posing serious environmental and health risks, driving interest in safer alternative strategies. Biocontrol methods using antagonistic microbes, such as yeasts, are eco-friendly, sustainable, and the most promising, but they often have limited efficacy and specificity in diverse produce. There is growing interest in the innovative enhancement of biocontrol strategies. The present review shows that inducing, enhancing, co-application, encapsulation, and post-application treatments are common enhancement techniques, while environmental, host, and pathogen characteristics, antagonistic microbial traits, and chemical inputs are the major gearing factors for the best application methods. These methods do not involve genetic modification, which is adequate to reduce the proliferation of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) while optimizing antagonistic microbial performance by promoting growth, inducing host resistance, enhancing antifungal properties, improving adhesion, and boosting stress tolerance. Most enhancers fall under groups of nutritional additives, protective carriers, growth stimulants, and encapsulants. Integrating these enhancers and best methods promises reduced postharvest losses, supports sustainable agriculture, and addresses economic losses and food security challenges. This study highlights the role of organic and natural elicitors, their application methods, their mechanisms in improving BCAs (Biological Control Agents), and their overall efficiency. This review concisely compiles recent strategies, calling for further research to revolutionize fungal pathogen management, reduce food waste, and promote responsible farming practices. Full article

Background: Left ventricular (LV) summit is an important origin for ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). However, the complex electroanatomic structure of LV summit and the surrounding anatomic sites makes ablation of this arrhythmia challenging. Aim: In this paper, we review the main strategies to mapping and ablation of LV summit VAs and summarize our experience in this challenging ablation. Methods: To summarize our experience, we included all consecutive patients with outflow VAs referred to our institute for ablation between 2019 and 2024 who were eventually diagnosed with LV summit origin based on electroanatomical mapping and ablation result using stepwise and sequential ablation approach. Results: A total of 38 patients were found to have VAs from LV summit origin. Overall five patients had history of at least one failed ablation. V1 transition was seen in 15 patients, V2 transition in 12 patients, and V3 transition in 11 patients. Four patients had R wave pattern break in lead V2. Ablation was performed from the earliest activation or from one of the adjacent sites using stepwise and sequential approach. Acute suppression of VAs occurred in 35 patients without complications, except one case of pseudoaneurysm of femoral artery. Conclusions: Stepwise and sequential ablation approach can suppress VAs originating from LV summit in most patients. Full article

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea), a vital yet underutilized African legume, significantly boosts food security due to its nutritional value and adaptability to harsh climates and soils. However, its processing yields substantial waste like husks, shells, and haulms, which are often carelessly discarded, causing environmental damage. This paper highlights the urgent need to valorize these waste streams to unlock sustainable growth and economic development. Given their lignocellulosic composition, Bambara groundnut residues are ideal for generating biogas and bioethanol. Beyond energy, these wastes can be transformed into various bio-based products, including adsorbents for heavy metal removal, activated carbon for water purification, and bioplastics. Their inherent nutritional content also allows for the extraction of valuable components like dietary fiber, protein concentrates, and phenolic compounds for food products or animal feed. The nutrient-rich organic matter can also be composted into fertilizer, improving soil fertility. These valorization strategies offer multiple benefits, such as reduced waste, less environmental contamination, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, alongside new revenue streams for agricultural producers. This integrated approach aligns perfectly with circular economy principles, promoting resource efficiency and maximizing agricultural utility. Despite challenges like anti-nutritional factors and processing costs, strategic investments in technology, infrastructure, and supportive policies can unlock Bambara groundnut’s potential for sustainable innovation, job creation, and enhanced food system resilience across Africa and globally. Ultimately, valorizing Bambara groundnut waste presents a transformative opportunity for sustainable growth and improved food systems, particularly within African agriculture. Full article

This paper proposes a comprehensive mathematical optimization framework for techno-economic demand side management (DSM) in hybrid energy systems (HESs), with a focus on standalone configurations. The framework incorporates load growth projections and the probabilistic uncertainties of renewable energy sources to enhance planning robustness. To identify high-quality near-optimal solutions, several advanced metaheuristic algorithms were employed, including the Exponential Distribution Optimizer (EDO), Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO), Circle Search Algorithm (CSA), and Wild Horse Optimizer (WHO). The results highlight substantial economic and environmental improvements, with battery integration yielding a 69.7% reduction in total system cost and an 84.3% decrease in emissions. Additionally, this study evaluated the influence of future load growth on fuel expenditure, offering realistic insights into the techno-economic viability of HES deployment. Full article

This study investigates the effect of copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) additions on the electrochemical behavior of the Fe40Al intermetallic alloy in artificial saliva, aiming to evaluate its potential for biomedical applications such as dental implants. Alloys with varying concentrations of Ag (0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 wt%) and Cu (1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 wt%) were synthesized and exposed to a biomimetic electrolyte simulating oral conditions. Electrochemical techniques, including open circuit potential (OCP), linear polarization resistance (LPR), potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), were employed to assess corrosion performance. Results show that unmodified Fe40Al exhibits good corrosion resistance, attributed to the formation of a stable passive oxide layer. The addition of Cu, particularly at 3.0 wt%, significantly improved corrosion resistance, yielding lower corrosion current densities and higher polarization resistance and charge transfer resistance values, surpassing even 316L stainless steel in some metrics. Conversely, Ag additions led to a degradation of corrosion resistance, especially at 3.0 wt%, due to microstructural changes and the formation of metallic Ag precipitates, AgSCN, and galvanic cells, which promoted localized corrosion. EIS results revealed that Cu- and Ag-modified alloys developed less homogeneous and less protective passive layers over time, as indicated by increased double-layer capacitance (C_dl) and reduced constant phase element exponent (n_dl) values. Overall, the Fe40Al alloy shows intrinsic corrosion resistance in simulated physiological environments, and Cu additions can enhance this performance under controlled conditions. However, Ag additions negatively affect the protective behavior of the passive layer. These findings offer critical insight into the design of Fe-Al-based biomaterials for dental or biomedical applications where corrosion resistance and electrochemical stability are paramount. Full article

Postharvest losses in fruits and vegetables, estimated at 20–50% globally, undermine food security and economic stability. Biological control agents (BCAs), including bacteria, yeasts, and fungi, are emerging as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides. This review comprehensively analyzes advances in BCAs for postharvest disease control and highlights their mechanisms, impacts on produce quality, and integration into sustainable systems. Additionally, this review delves into the innovative role of nanotechnology-enhanced BCAs (Nano-BCAs), emphasizing nanoencapsulation, improved biofilm formation, targeted delivery, and antimicrobial synergy. While promising, Nano-BCA application requires risk assessment, regulatory clarity, and cost-effective scalability. This synthesis aims to guide future research and application toward sustainable, safe, and efficient postharvest disease management. Full article