Temperature and rainfall are critical variables influencing crop production in tropical regions such as Ile-Ife. Understanding recent trends in these variables is essential for helping farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change. This study analyzed 12 years (2011–2022) of daily air temperature and rainfall data from the automatic weather stations (AWS) at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, to identify trends and potential evidence of climate change. Summary and inferential statistical methods, including bar and line charts, mean, standard error of the mean, range, and regression analysis, were used for data analysis. Results showed rainfall pattern that has become more erratic with higher interannual variability, delayed onset, increased concentration in fewer months, and frequent extreme events, all of which indicate the intensifying impacts of climate change on local agriculture. The mean annual rainfall and range were 1505 mm and 675 mm to 2829 mm, respectively, with a declining trend (b = -45.62 mm) and a significant R² value of 0.48. Mean air temperature ranged from 25.2°C to 28.2°C with a declining trend over the past decade, and reduction in maximum annual temperature in contrast with earlier reports and global warming projections. Findings suggest that climate change at this location is characterized more by concentrated high rainfall events between June and August rather than a reduction in total annual rainfall or a significant temperature increase.

This study investigated the effects of lactose-free and regular kefir on Drosophila melanogaster lifespan, by applying four doses (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%) to assess their impact on aging through mathematical modeling. We hypothesized that kefir's probiotic content could extend lifespan through its bioactive compounds, with the observed differences potentially attributable to lactose content and dosage. Wild-type flies were divided into groups: a control group fed with a standard diet (SDB), and groups fed regular or lactose-free kefir at varying concentrations. Each group comprised 100 male and 100 female flies, with three replicates, maintained at 25°C and 60% humidity. Daily survival data were collected and analyzed using the Gompertz model to evaluate lifespan and aging rates. Results showed that regular 15% kefir increased average lifespan from 61.2 to 68.2 days for females, and 63.5 to 70.0 days for males, while lactose-free kefir at the same dose extended it to 72.4 and 73.9 days, respectively. Aging rates decreased most significantly at 15% lactose-free kefir, indicating slower aging. However, at 20%, lifespan gains diminished, indicating a complex dose-response relationship that warrants further investigation. These findings suggest kefir's anti-aging potential, with lactose-free kefir showing greater efficacy (18.3% increase in females and 16.4% increase in males), and highlight the importance of dose optimization in aging research.

Extruded foods are shaped, cooked products made by forcing ingredients through a high-temperature, high-pressure extruder. This study optimized extrusion conditions for snacks made from acha-peanut blends enriched with carrot and orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) flours. Using material balancing, four formulations were developed to meet a 19 g/day target: A (100% acha), AP (81.08% acha + 18.92% peanut), APC (64.21% acha + 20.64% peanut + 15.15% carrot), and APO (64.55% acha + 20.74% peanut + 14.71% OFSP). A two-level factorial Central Composite Design was employed to study the influence of moisture (14–22%) and temperature (100–120 °C) on the physical characteristics and acceptability of the snacks. Results indicated that 100% acha (A) snacks had the largest diameters (13.3–14.9 mm) and lowest densities (apparent: 0.41–0.54 g/ml; bulk: 0.13–0.17 g/ml), leading to high porosity (0.68–0.80), expansion ratios (4.43–4.97), and overall acceptability (6.85–8.25). AP snacks exhibited slightly smaller diameters (12.7–13.9 mm), higher densities (apparent: 0.46–0.60 g/ml; bulk: 0.13–0.21 g/ml), moderate expansion ratios (4.23–4.67), and acceptability scores (7.50–8.00). APC snacks had increased densities (apparent: 0.54–0.60 g/ml; bulk: 0.16–0.28 g/ml), smaller diameters (9.5–11.7 mm), lower porosity (0.53–0.71), and reduced expansion ratios (3.17–3.90), with acceptability scores (6.55–8.15). APO snacks yielded the densest snacks (apparent: 0.60–0.71 g/ml; bulk: 0.29–0.41 g/ml) with the smallest diameters (7.9–9.0 mm), lowest expansion ratios (2.63–3.00), and the least acceptability (6.50–8.10). Regression analysis indicated that higher moisture content decreased density and acceptability, while increased temperature enhanced porosity and expansion especially in AP and APO snacks. Optimal extrusion conditions were identified as: A (14.57% moisture, 113.33 °C), AP (19.90%, 120 °C), APC (18.93%, 118.79 °C), and APO (17.72%, 113.94 °C). Further studies are suggested to evaluate the quality and shelf-life stability of the optimized products.

Cucurbita moschata is a nutritionally and medicinally important crop grown across various agroecological zones. This study aimed to evaluate genotypic variation in morphological traits, pollen viability and germination, and mineral composition of fruits and seeds under uniform field conditions. The experiment was conducted during the 2022 growing season in Adana, Türkiye, using four genotypes, including the commercial cultivar Arıcan-97. Morphological assessments covered vegetative, floral, and fruit characteristics. Pollen viability (dark red + pink colour) ranged from 80% to 85%, while in vitro germination rates were between 9% and 12%, showed significant genotypic differences. Elemental analysis indicated that macroelements such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium were more concentrated in the fruit flesh, whereas seeds showed higher levels of microelements including iron and zinc. Although conducted at a single location and season, the findings underscore the role of genotypic selection in improving yield potential and nutritional quality in C. moschata. In particular, the observed variation in fruit morphology, pollen traits, and mineral composition highlights the potential of local genetic resources to inform targeted breeding strategies. These results also support the conservation and sustainable use of C. moschata germplasm in future cultivar development programs.

The increasing cost of conventional poultry feed in Nigeria has prompted interest in sustainable alternatives such as agro-industrial by-products. This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of dried Citrus sinensis peel (DCSP) on the hematological and serum biochemical indices of broiler starter chicks. A total of 192-day-old Cobb 500 broilers were randomly allotted to four diets with DCSP replacing wheat offal at 0% (control), 2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5% inclusion levels. Over a 4-week trial, birds were fed ad libitum and assessed for hematological and biochemical changes. Phytochemical analysis revealed high levels of saponins (20.60%), phenols (10.63%), and flavonoids (5.63%). Hematological indices such as packed cell volume, red blood cell count, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration remained statistically unaffected (P>0.05), while significant reductions (P<0.05) were observed at 7.5% DCSP for hemoglobin (7.67 g/dL), mean corpuscular volume (82.40 fL), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (33.40 pg) compared to the control group (10.50 g/dL, 115.63 fL, and 38.53 pg, respectively), suggesting potential anemia. Serum biochemical analysis showed significant increases (P<0.05) in total cholesterol (5.87 mg/dL), HDL (2.20 mg/dL), LDL (3.61 mg/dL), total protein (5.00 g/dL), alkaline phosphatase (61.77 IU/L), and creatinine (35.40 mg/dL) at 7.5% DCSP compared to control values. No significant effects were recorded for triglycerides or ALT activity. While moderate DCSP inclusion (≤5.0%) supported immune and liver function without adverse effects, higher levels impaired erythropoiesis and indicated possible hepatic and renal stress. The findings support the valorization of Citrus sinensis peel as a functional feed additive at optimal inclusion levels not exceeding 5%, offering a sustainable alternative in poultry nutrition.

Bu çalışmanın amacı, TR90 Bölgesi’nde hane halklarının gıda tüketiminde sıfır atık farkındalığını çok boyutlu bir yaklaşımla incelemek ve modellemektir. Araştırmada, Trabzon, Ordu, Artvin ve Gümüşhane illerinde yaşayan 450 hane halkından 2025 yılında yüz yüze anket yoluyla elde edilen birincil veriler kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde Keşfedici Faktör Analizi (EFA) ve k-ortalamalar Kümeleme Analizi yöntemlerinden yararlanılmıştır. Araştırma bulguları; sıfır atık farkındalığının yalnızca bilgi edinmeyle sınırlı kalmadığını, bilişsel farkındalık, ekosistem ve ekonomik duyarlılık ile sürdürülebilir sosyal sorumluluk olmak üzere üç temel boyutta şekillendiğini ortaya koymuştur. Kümeleme analizi sonuçları, hane halklarının düşük, orta ve yüksek harcama düzeylerine göre üç faktör boyutuna atfettikleri önemin değiştiğini göstermiştir. Düşük harcama grubundaki tüketiciler, sosyal sorumluluk temelli yaklaşımları ön plana çıkarırken; orta harcama grubundakilerin ekonomik ve çevresel faydalara odaklandığı görülmüştür. Yüksek harcama grubunun ise bilişsel farkındalık ve teknolojik gelişmeleri takip etme eğiliminde olduğu, ancak diğer gruplara kıyasla ekonomik ve çevresel maliyetlere daha az duyarlılık gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. Mevcut araştırma bulguları, gıda tüketiminde sıfır atık farkındalığını artırmaya yönelik politikaların tek tip değil, farklı ekonomik ve sosyal dinamiklere göre çeşitlendirilmesi gerektiğini vurgulamaktadır. Politika yapıcıların düşük harcama gruplarında kolektif bilinç ve sosyal dayanışmayı, orta gruplarda ekonomik ve ekolojik faydaları, yüksek harcama gruplarında ise bilgiye dayalı ve teknolojik çözümleri öne çıkaran stratejiler geliştirmesi önerilebilir.

Small landholder farmers rely on various information sources to obtain information for agricultural production. In the context of Innovation diffusion theory and Learning model, this study examines the extent to which information sources contribute to enhancing technology adoption in Bono region of Ghana, with a focus on small landholders (farmers cultivating on less than two hectares of farm size). Using a pre-tested questionnaire, we obtained information from 180 randomly selected small landholder rice farmers. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance. The results indicate that respondents tended to trust information from fellow farmers (86.7%), extension agents (84.4%), local information centers (82.8%), and agro-dealers (79.4%). They mostly obtained information on input availability (82.2%), modern farming techniques (78.9%), marketing options (72.8%), and farm management practices (70.6%). Regarding technology adoption, the results showed a higher rate of adoption of improved rice varieties (81.1%), herbicides (74.4%), and fertilizers (69.4%). The chi-square analysis revealed that extension agents, television, agro-dealers, posters, and local information centers significantly (p<.05) correlated with respondents’ adoption of multiple improved technologies. The respondents indicated a timely supply of information was difficult to obtain as a major constraint affecting their technology adoption. Our findings suggest that to enhance the adoption of agricultural technologies among small landholders, government agricultural interventions should be directed toward strengthening the various information sources available to farmers at both the district and community levels.

The issue of seafood sustainability has come to the fore as a critical concern within the domain of food systems. This issue is of pertinence to culinary professionals, who wield a significant influence on consumer habits and the composition of menus. However, there is a paucity of research that has examined how future chefs, as gastronomy students, perceive farmed versus wild fish in terms of health, ethics, and sustainability. The present study investigates the attitudes of gastronomy and culinary arts students (N=399) toward fish sourcing practices for the purpose of identifying perception structures and preference patterns. A structured questionnaire was administered, and the resulting data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. The EFA identified three primary components: sustainability and ethics, subjective knowledge, and students' involvement, with 71.5% of the total explained variance. The factors exhibited substantial internal consistency, as evidenced by Cronbach's alpha (>0.83), composite reliability (>0.88), and its average variance extracted (AVE) (>0.65). While students demonstrated a high level of concern for environmental practices and fish welfare, their subjective knowledge regarding the evaluation and purchase of fish remained limited. Paired comparison using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed statistically significant preferences for wild fish across multiple attributes, including healthiness, nutritional value, ethical production, availability, and safety (p <0.001), with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large (r = 0.254–0.534). These findings suggest the presence of a value–knowledge gap, wherein students are ethically engaged yet informationally underprepared to evaluate aquaculture products. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted educational innovations within culinary programs to enhance students' aquaculture literacy, critical evaluation skills, and sustainable sourcing competence. As future professionals who influence consumer preferences and industry practices, culinary students require a more balanced understanding of seafood systems.

In this study, the aim was to determine the effect of combination of marbofloxacin and ceftiofur on serum biochemical parameters in lambs with clinical respiratory system infection. The study included 10 Merino lambs showing symptoms of respiratory system infection in a commercial farm. Blood samples were taken from the animals before drug administration (hour 0) and 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours after the first simultaneous combined drug administration (marbofloxacin 2 mg/kg, IM, once a day + ceftiofur 1 mg/kg, IM, once a day; 5 days). Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels were measured in the autoanalyzer from the serum obtained from the samples taken, and the clinical symptoms of the animals were monitored daily. At the final sampling time (120 hours), AST, ALT, and BUN levels were found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to those at the initial sampling time (hour 0). On the second day of treatment, clinical signs (runny nose, fever, cough, etc.) and feed consumption began to improve. The combined use of ceftiofur and marbofloxacin is highly effective in the treatment of severe respiratory system infection in lambs.

Moringa oleifera is widely cultivated in many parts of the world for its nutritional and medicinal benefits, gaining an important place in the global market as a powerful food supplement. Another product in demand in the global market is ketchup, consumed with pleasure by all age groups. Various synthetic preservatives such as antioxidants and antimicrobials are added to ensure that ketchup can stay on the shelves for a long time and reach the consumer without spoiling. However, due to the potential harmful effects of synthetic preservatives, there is a growing tendency to use natural alternatives. In this study, the Moringa plant, considered a pharmaceutical plant, were used as natural preservatives in the production of ketchup in four different forms: powder, extract, and their starch-encapsulated counterparts. Phenolic content and radical scavenging activity were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of the powders in ketchup production. Encapsulated Moringa extract powder exhibited the highest phenolic content (53.74 mg GAE g⁻¹ powder) and antioxidant activity (72.49% ABTS). Some physicochemical and color properties of ketchup samples were examined and the results were found to be compatible with the values reported for ketchups in the literature. In addition, microbiological analysis of Moringa-enriched ketchup samples revealed that Moringa significantly inhibited the growth of total yeast and mold compared to the control. In conclusion, the use of encapsulated Moringa extract as a natural preservative in ketchup highlights the product as a functional food. This finding was further supported by sensory analysis, which revealed that ketchup enriched with encapsulated Moringa extract was the most preferred sample.