Science Heritage Journal | Galeri Warisan Sains (GWS)

Microbial quality and quantity in fermentation is critical to obtaining value added products. This research aimed at investigating the interactive effect of group, day and concentration in thefermentation ofleaf extracts of A. annua and V. amygdalina intomore value added products. The aqueous leaf extracts of A. annua (A.AAQ) and aqueous V. Amygdalina (VAAQ) were fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus acidophilus respectively for 35days and evaluated for Colony Forming Units (CFU). Data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance to compare and separate the means. The effect and interactive effectsof group alone, group and day, group and concentration, group, day and concentration, group and concentration on CFU of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus acidophiluswere not significantly different (p > 0.05) On the other hand, the effect of day, concentration, day and concentration on CFU of Saccharomycescerevisiae as well as effect of group on Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus acidophilusWere significantly different (p < 0.05; 0.001) The effect of day, concentration and interactive effect of day and concentration on CFU of Lactobacillus acidophiluswere significantly different (p < 0.05; 0.001) * 0.1 conclusion, the effect of day and concentration as well as the interactive effect of day and concentration may have significantly affected the CFU of both organisms used in the fermentation there by accounting for facilitating the fermentation process.

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding time on growth, morphology, and amino acid composition in juvenile African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in a concrete fish pond. Fish (6.03 ± 0.16 g) was divided into four groups at a stocking density of 10 per pond with different feeding time intervals: group (A) (control) fed 08:00, 13:00, 20:00 h), Group B (08:00 and 13:00), Group C (13:00 and 20:00), and Group D (08:00 and 20:00) in three replicate for 8 weeks. According to the result, Groups B and C obtained body mass index (BMI), and daily growth rate (DGR), lipid gain, and organ indices compared to the control. In addition, whole-body and muscle crude protein were reduced, with an opposite trend observed in nitrogen-free extract in Groups B and C, while Group D was almost similar to the control. This was also similar for the levels of the essential amino acids (threonine, lysine, methionine and phenylalanine) and non-essential amino acids related (serine, glycine) profile. Overall, the findings suggest that timing feeding with the endogenous rhythms of C. gariepinus enhances growth, nutrient utilization and health, possibly yielding an economically viable aquaculture production.

Different kinds of diseases are seen in plants throughout their lifecycle. Pathogens like fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes are found to cause these diseases, resulting in huge yield loss to farmers. Different diagnostic methods such as ELISA, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and microscopy provide effective results but are costly, time consuming and require an established laboratory. Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) can be used as an alternative tool for these diagnostic tools. RPA is an isothermal nucleic acid amplification technique that generally works at a temperature range of 25-43°C, which is also feasible to operate in field conditions. This tool provides amplification results within 15-30 minutes, which makes it a better alternative to time consuming tools. Furthermore, it is comparatively cheaper than other commercial diagnostic tools. Amplicons can be detected using different detection platforms such as colorimetric dyes, smartphone assisted fluorescence imaging, and lateral flow dipsticks. RPA can also be integrated with other molecular tools like the CRISPR-Cas system and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to provide improved specificity and accuracy. RPA stands as a mobile, cost effective and accurate diagnostic tool that can play a major role in the early diagnosis of diseases resulting reduction in economic losses and an enhancement of biosecurity.

It was studied how the components of plant extracts affect corrosion inhibition both electrochemically and gravimetrically. There are growing concerns about the toxicity of conventional organic inhibitors; This has resulted in the study of plant-based, environmental alternatives for corrosion inhibition. This study has examined the electrochemical and gravimetric properties of the components of Carica papaya leaf extracts on the corrosion of mild steel, zinc, and aluminium using acidic HCl and H2SO4 as the media. The effectiveness of the inhibition was measured with the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and gravimetric methods (response surface optimisation). The maximum efficiency of the extracts was between 75.42 and 84.56. EIS Nyquist diagrams demonstrated semicircles increasing with extract concentration which suggests an increase in Rct and decrease in capacitance that would be suitable to develop compact films whereas the gravimetric data represented that weight loss decreases in a dose-dependent fashion.Adsorption was Langmuir, Temkin, Frumkin, and Flory-Hoggins isotherms (R2 = 0.937-0.997) with relatively low Kads and delta Gads indicative of physisorptive electrostatic bonding. The study effectively verified that Carica papaya leaf is a viable, synergistic green inhibitor that is a suitable alternative for corrosion control.

Microplastic pollution is increasingly found in seafood, but there is a lack of baseline data for many Malaysian commercial fish. This preliminary study sought to (i) characterize stomach content composition and (ii) carry out a preliminary visual search for possible microplastics in four popular commercial species of fish sold in Johor, Peninsular Malaysia: Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta), herring scad (Alepes vari), donkey croaker (Pennahia anea), and Indian threadfin (Leptomelanosoma indicum). Fresh and unblemished fish were measured (total and standard length), dissected, and stomach contents analyzed under a light microscope (100×-400×) after gentle agitation with distilled water. In general, natural prey consisted mainly of planktonic fractions (e.g., copepods and phytoplankton fragments) with supplementary benthic cues such as polychaetes, crustacean parts, eggs, detritus, and shell fragments, suggesting pelagic-demersal linkages in coastal food webs. Fibrous and other non-cellular particles without overt biological detail were sporadically encountered and recorded as possible microplastics based on morphology (shape, uniformity, and color), but polymer identification was not attempted. In any case, the findings offer a preliminary descriptive baseline for these market fishes and demonstrate the utility of gut content ecological studies in conjunction with preliminary microplastic analysis to inform future quantitative surveys with contamination control, density fractionation, and spectroscopic analysis. These observations are timely because all four species are popular in Malaysian cuisine. Future research should extend coverage, sample size, procedural blanks, particles per fish and per gram, and polymer identification by FTIR spectroscopy.

An investigation into the magnetic properties of zig-zag single-walled (8,0) carbon nanotube is done. The Nikiforov-Uvarov method (NU) is used to solve the Schrödinger wave equation containing the quantum Hamiltonian of a charged particle confined in Deng-Fan Hulthen potential in the presence of applied external fields in perpendicular direction. The energy eigen value equation and the wave function are obtained. The partition function is calculated from the energy equation obtained. With the partition function, the magnetic properties; magnetization and susceptibility as a function of temperature, tube’s diameter and Aharonov￾Bohm flux are evaluated. The results of the analysis showed that the zig-zag single-walled (8,0) carbon nanotube has a negative magnetic susceptibility.

Across Nigeria’s diverse cultural landscape, an age-old ritual persists, one that sees the earth not only as home but as nourishment. Geophagy, the intentional consumption of soil, particularly specific clays known locally as “Nzu”, “Eko”, or Calabar chalk, is more than a dietary quirk. It is an inherited act, a quiet tradition whispered across generations. Found in bustling markets or dug from the earth itself, these clays are often laced with kaolinite, bentonite and a cocktail of other minerals shaped by Nigeria’s regional geology. For many, especially expectant mothers and rural dwellers, this earthy fare is sought not just for physical relief, such as easing pregnancy related nausea, but also as a link to spiritual safeguarding and ancestral wisdom. However, beneath its cultural charm lies a chemical complexity. Scientific scrutiny has unmasked a darker layer: elevated concentrations of toxic elements like lead, cadmium, and arsenic, breaching safety norms by global standards. These substances, invisible to the eye yet potent in their harm, quietly challenge the health of those who partake. Still, geophagy endures, shielded by tradition and the gaps in health education. Any attempt to address its risks must step gently, as science must not only analyze but empathize. Solutions must be woven from both data and dialogue, balancing biomedical insight with cultural reverence. Only through a blend of public health efforts, environmental science, and respectful community engagement can Nigeria confront the paradox of geophagy: a practice both rooted in care and laced with danger.

Sacred Natural Sites (SNSs) have been traditionally associated with health benefits across cultures. This study investigated the physiological effects of SNSs visits using biofield analysis.The Gas Discharge Visualization (GDV) technique was used to do 40 measurements on 13 sites in Burgundy, France. Pre- and post-visit measurements assessed physiological stress, autonomic nervous system balance and homeostasis. Control measurements were taken at ordinary natural sites.Significant improvements were observed in three key parameters: physiological stress reduction (-12%, p=0.002), improved autonomic nervous system balance (- 26% of organs out of balance, p<0.001), and enhanced homeostasis (-20% of organs out of norm, p=0.009). Gender differences were noted, with men showing more pronounced responses. Sacred Natural Sites demonstrate measurable harmonizing effects on human physiology, distinct from ordinary natural
environments. These findings support traditional knowledge about SNSs health benefits and suggest potential applications in preventive healthcare and site conservation strategies.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of commonly used herbicides on soil physicochemical properties and microbial load in three different communities (locations) in Makurdi LGA (Local Government Area) of Benue State, Nigeria. Three commercial herbicides were applied at two levels of treatments each (350ml and 450ml) in replicated trials. Consequently, soil at Beetseh community showed a little decrease in the Electrical Conductivity (EC) and an increase in clay after treatment. The control EC was 485mS and it decreased to the lowest form (224mS) in force-up herbicide at 450ml dose. Control clay value was 6.48% and it increased to 13.20% in Sunphotex herbicide at 450 ml dose. Soil properties at Ucha location community showed a steady decrease in temperature from 26oC (control) to 26oC (450ml Sunphotex). The EC reduced from 457mS (control) to 305 (350ml ForceUp). Clay content increased from the control (4.13%) to 13.41% (Sunphotex at 450ml) with reduced silt level. Soil properties at Ujam location showed a decreased pH from 6.21 in control to 5.64 in Sunphotex at 450ml. Clay content increased from the control (3.2%) to 8.4% in ForceUp and Sunphotex at 450ml each with reduced silt level. Herbicide application affected the soil properties depending on the brand and location. In summary, clay content increased while electrical conductivity, temperature and pH reduced. Alteration was not herbicide specific. The total viable microbial load from the three locations showed an increase microbial load in all the samples after herbicide treatment. Sunphotex yielded the highest average bacterial count of 6 x10-6 at 450ml. The highest average fungal count was 5 x10-4 in ForceUp and Uproot at 350ml applications. Although soil parameters were found within the FEPA permissible range, there is need for control and monitoring of rate of herbicide application to maintain the structure and function of the soil for sustainable use.

This study investigated the bacteriological quality of Archachatina papyracea (land snail) sold in Benin Metropolis, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 50 snail samples were purchased from vendors across five different markets within Benin metropolis and analyzed using standard microbiological procedures. Bacterial isolates were identified using cultural and PCR based techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility was done by disk diffusion method. Plasmid detection was carried out by PCR method while plasmid curing was achieved using acridine orange. Results revealed high microbial loads, with total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranging from 18.10 × 10³ to 21.30 × 10³ cfu/g, coliform counts of 11.50 × 10³ to 16.80 × 10³ cfu/g, Salmonella/Shigella counts of 9.60 × 10³ to 11.50 × 10³ cfu/g, and Vibrio counts of 3.70 × 10³ to 10.20 × 10³ cfu/g. Fifteen bacterial species were identified, including Escherichia coli (15.8%), Staphylococcus aureus (10.4%), Klebsiella oxytoca (7.3%), and Salmonella enterica (2.8%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that while some isolates were sensitive to septrin, ciprofloxacin, and streptomycin, others exhibited resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as augmentin, erythromycin, and ampicillin. Plasmid profiling revealed that resistance in some isolates was plasmid-mediated. The presence of enteric and opportunistic pathogens in A. papyracea suggests significant public health risks if the snails are not properly handled and thoroughly cooked before consumption.