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Potential Of Lignocellulosic Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites For Automobile Parts Production: Current Knowledge, Research Needs, And Future Direction, Abdulrahman Adeiza Musa, Azikiwe Peter Onwualu

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In recent years, there has been a notable surge in research focusing on the use of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs) in the automobile industry. These materials offer several advantages over their synthetic counterparts, including lightweight properties, renewability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. This increasing research interest in NFRPCs within the automotive sector is primarily aimed at overcoming the challenges that have thus far limited their industrial applications when compared to conventional synthetic composites. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the potential applications and sustainability of lignocellulosic-based NFRPCs in the automobile industry. It examines the current state of knowledge, identifies …

Understanding The Factors Influencing The Properties Of Biomass‐Derived Porous Carbon And Their Impacts On Electrical Double‐Layer Capacitor Electrodes: A Comprehensive Review, Colette Abimana

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The use of biomass as carbon precursors has been extensively investigated, with a particular emphasis on examining the properties of derived porous carbon and its application in electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). Biomass-derived porous carbon-based electrodes have shown promising properties that can improve the efficiency of EDLCs. However, despite the extensive research in this field, no definitive solution has been proposed. This review investigates in depth three main factors that impact the electrochemical performance of derived porous carbon-based electrodes: (1) the initial properties of raw biomass as carbon precursors, (2) operating conditions, and (3) physicochemical properties of biomass-derived porous carbon materials. …

Phase Structure Transformation And Growth Mechanism For Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized By Mechanochemical Method: A Mini-Review, Joseph Ekhebume Ogbezode, Nkechi Elizabeth Offia-Kalu, Bello A. Abdulhakeem, Vitalis Chioh Anye, Peter Azikiwe Onwalu

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The various methods of synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been extensively studied in several works of literature. These methods include physical, chemical, and biological nanosynthesis methods with applications in water filtration, environmental remediation, plant improvements, biomedicines, etc. These nanosynthesis approaches revolve around their mode of application, nanomaterial properties, and characterization mechanisms, while little effort has been made to investigate the effect of nanosynthesis parameters based on phase transformation and growth mechanisms of such IONPs. The parameters, which are physical, chemical, mechanical, mineralogical, and morphological, have proven to have tremendous implications on the magnetic behaviors, crystalline size, degree of …

Effects Of Raw And Different Calcined Bentonite On Durability And Mechanical Properties Of Cement Composite Material, Tsion Amsalu Fode, Yusufu Abeid Chande Jande, Thomas Thomas Kivevele

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Bentonite is a natural pozzolanic material mostly composed of SiO2 and employed in cementing materials for the reduction of cement consumption and CO2 emission besides improving performance of cement composite material by consuming portlandite to form extra C-S-H gel. So, many researchers studied on partial replacement of bentonite to improve concrete performance. However, bentonite mostly exists as a consolidated form that needs treatment for activation of pozzolanic reactivity to improve performance of cement composite materials. However, it is not well known how different replacement of raw and calcined bentonite affects performance of cementing materials in different hazardous environment. Hence, the …

Modeling And Optimization Of Calcined Bentonite Replacement In The Mechanical And Durability Properties Of Mortar, Tsion Amsalu Fode, Yusufu Abeid Chande Chande Jande, Thomas Kivevele, Nima Rahbar

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Currently, pozzolanic materials are mostly recommended to improve the properties of cement composite materials and reduce environmental pollution, challenging the world owing to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) production. Bentonite is mostly available natural pozzolana, however, extensive studies conducted on other clays like kaolin and some studies reported that bentonite exists in a consolidated form which requires heating activation methods. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the properties of bentonite in detail for its sustainable use, and it is novel to model and optimize the optimum bentonite calcination temperature and time for the best performance replacement in mortar. Hence, the present …

Activated Bentonite For Physical, Mechanical, And Durability Properties Of Concrete—A Review, Tsion Amsalu Fode, Yusufu Abeid Chande Chande Jande, Thomas Kivevele

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Bentonite mostly exists in many counties and studies reported employment of activated bentonite in the concrete improves concrete performance more than using raw bentonite. However, it is not well-known which range of bentonite activation temperature and employment dose gives the best concrete performance for the sustainability of activated bentonite in construction materials. Therefore, the present study detail reviewed the effect of activated bentonite at different heating temperatures and replacement doses of bentonite on the durability, physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of concrete. Also, environmental and economic beneficiary of employing activated bentonite in concrete is evaluated. As the review of various …

Urban Climate Resilience In Africa: A Review Of Nature-Based Solution In African Cities’ Adaptation Plans, Issaka Abdou Razakou Kiribou, Sintayehu Djene, Bobe Bedadi, Elie Ntirenganya, Julius Ndemere, Kangbéni Dimobe

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Cities are globally exposed to climate change effects, which revealed that 55% of the world's population is at risk. Despite their low contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, African cities are paying the highest cost of the threats caused by climate change due to their rapid urban community growth, high population density, and inadequate urban planning. This review has explored and demonstrated the benefit of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) implementation for urban climate crisis resilience that have been implemented globally for sharing information on sustainable city planning in Africa. The analysis is based on the African countries’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) …

Response Of Species To The Impact Of Climate Change In The Gum Arabic Belt, Sudan: A Case Study In Acacia Senegal, Fatima Awadalla Abass Elhassan, Edouard Konan Kouassi, Haftu Abrha, Ahmed Laamarni, Ahmed Ali Hassabelkareem Siddig

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Sustainable management strategies of trees are important for indigenous agroforestry plant species, such as Acacia. Senegal (A. Senegal), due to the impacts of rapid population growth, land use and climate change. The objective of this investigation was to predict the spatio-temporal distribution of A.senegal in the Gum Arabic belt in Sudan in current (1985–2000) and future climate scenarios (2021–2100). Bioclimatic data was used for modeling purposes utilizing Maxent, with the assessment of model precision conducted through the utilization of the Area Under the Curve (AUC) and shown a high goodness-of-it (AUC=0.905±0.003 ). Significant differences were shown in species distribution between …

Response Of Plant Species To Impact Of Climate Change In Hugumbrda Grat-Kahsu Forest, Tigray, Ethiopia: Implications For Domestication And Climate Change Mitigation, Haftu Abrha Mengesha, Soro Dodiomon, Victor Ongoma, Haftom Hagos, Emiru Birhane, Girmay Gebresamuel, Ashenafi Manaye

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This study aimed to predict distribution and Total Carbon Stock (TCS) dynamics of Acacia abyssinica, Carissa edulis, and Juniperus procera in the Hugumbrda Grat-Kahsu National Forest in current (1970–2000) and future climate scenarios (2021–2100). Bioclimatic, soil, and elevation data were used for modeling using Maxent, with model accuracy evaluated using Area Under the Curve (AUC), Kappa test and True Skill Statistic (TSS). Significant differences were observed in distribution of species between current and future periods under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) of SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. The main contributing predictors of the species distribution were temperature seasonality, altitude, and precipitation …

Two Decades Of Land Cover Change And Anthropogenic Pressure Around Bontioli Nature Reserve In Burkina Faso, Issaka Abdou Razakou Kiribou, Kangbéni Dimobe, Lassane Yameogo, Huiyi Yang, Truly Santika, Sintayehu W. Dejene

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Protected areas (PAs) are critical for ecosystem maintenance and providing services that benefit both wildlife and people. Nevertheless, climate change and anthropogenic pressures are posing an increasing challenge. Surrounded by high human population densities, there is still a paucity of information on how the land cover in Burkina Faso's PAs is changing, and what kinds of human activities are the main drivers. In this study, we examined the change in land use and land cover (LULC) in the Bontioli Nature Reserve (NR), one of Burkina Faso's most important protected areas, and assessed anthropogenic pressure within and around. Landsat imagery (ETM+ …

Exposure Of African Ape Sites To Climate Change Impacts, Issaka Abdou Razakou Kiribou, Paul Tehoda, Onyekachi Chukwu, Godfred Bempah, Hjalmar S. Ku ̈Hl, Julie Ferreira, Tenekwetche Sop, Joana Carvalho, Matthias Mengel, Lars Kulik, Jeanpierre Samedi Mucyo, Yntzevander Hoek, Stefanie Heinicke

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Largegapsremainin ourunderstandingof thevulnerabilityof specificanimaltaxaandregionsto climatechange,especiallyregardingextremeclimateimpactevents.Here,weassessAfricanapes,flagshipandhighlyimportantumbrellaspeciesforsympatricbiodiver-sity.Weestimatedpast(1981–2010)andfutureexposureto climatechangeimpactsacross363sitesin AfricaforRCP2.6andRCP6.0fornearterm(2021–2050)andlongterm(2071–2099).WeusedfullyharmonizedclimatedataanddataonextremeclimateimpacteventsfromtheInter-SectoralImpactModelIntercomparisonProject(ISIMIP).Historicdatashowthat171siteshadpositivetemperatureanomaliesforat leastnineof thepasttenyearswiththestrongestanomalies(upto 0.56 ̊C)estimatedforeasternchimpanzees.Climateprojec-tionssuggestthattemperatureswillincreaseacrossallsites,whileprecipitationchangesaremoreheterogeneous.Weestimateda futureincreasein heavyprecipitationeventsfor288sites,andanincreasein thenumberof consecutivedrydaysbyupto 20daysperyear(maxi-mumincreaseestimatedforeasterngorillas).Allsiteswillbefrequentlyexposedto wildfiresandcropfailuresin thefuture,andthelattercouldimpactapesindirectlythroughincreaseddeforestation.84%of sitesareprojectedto beexposedto heatwavesand78%of itestoriverfloods.Tropicalcyclonesanddroughtswereonlyprojectedforindividualsitesin westernandcentralAfrica.Wefurthercompiledavailableevidenceonhowclimatechangeimpactscouldaffectapes,forexample,throughheatstressanddehydration,a reductionin tersourcesandfruittrees,andreducedphysiologicalperformance,bodycondition,fertility,andsurvival.Tosupportnecessaryresearchonthesensitivityandadaptabilityof Africanapestoclimatechangeimpacts,andtheplanningandimplementationof conservationmeasures,weprovidedetailedresultsforeachapesiteontheopen-accessplatformA.P.E.S.Wiki

Urban Farming System And Food Security In Sub-Saharan Africa: Analysis Of The Current Status And Challenges, Issaka Abdou Razakou Kiribou, Bobe Bedadi, Kangbéni Dimobe, Julius Ndemere, Tiga Neya, Valentin Ouedraogo, Sintayehu W. Dejene

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By 2022, 42.39% of the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) population was living in urbanareas.  This  urbanization  correlates  with  increasing  poverty,  unemployment,  foodinsecurity,  environmental  pollution,  and  the  prevalence  of  informal  settlements.These challenges worsened urban food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemicin SSA cities. This review analyzed the role of urban farming system as a pivotalmeans to enhance urban food security, incorporating socioeconomic integration andenvironmental sustainability. The analysis is grounded in a systematic review usingspecific keywords, evaluating 46 articles and institutional reports related to the sub-ject. The results revealed that 3.62% of SSA countries have implemented nationalurban governance and policies with minimal focus on …

Three Decades Of Research Efforts On The Uses, Conservation, And Management Of Cola Nitida (Vent.): State Of Knowledge And Prospects In Africa, Isabelle Erhudice Tachégnon Tokannou, Souleymane Sanogo, Juliano S.H Houndonougbo, Kolawolé Valère Salako, Adandé Belarmain Fandohan

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Cola nitida is a key multipurpose fruit tree species widely distributed across African countries. Several studies have investigated different aspects of the species, but there is a lack of synthesis on the current state of available literature and prospects for sustainable conservation and management of the species. Using the PRISMA approach for systematic review over the last three decades (1990–2022) in Africa, this study gathered key existing research findings on C. nitida. A total of 280 scientific publications were finally retained for this review. Several studies were focused on the socio-economic importance of the species (n = 139 …

A Review On Solar Water Heating Technology: Impacts Of Parameters And Techno-Economic Studies, Fabian Chidubem Eze, Munonyedi Egbo, Udochukwu John Anuta, Ossei-Bremang Rejoice Ntiriwaa, Julius Ogola

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Background

Solar water heating is a highly sustainable method of extracting thermal energy from the sun for domestic and industrial use. In residential buildings, thermal energy from a Solar Water Heater (SWH) can be used to heat spaces, shower, clean, or cook, either alone or in combination with conventional heating systems such as electricity- and fossil-fuel-based heaters. In the industrial sector, SWHs can be used in various high-temperature fluid processes, including chemical processing, manufacturing, power generation, and construction. Despite the technological advancements in water heating systems, there are still some significant technical and economic challenges that limit their widespread adoption …

Choice Modelling Of Ecooking Adoption By Households In Ghana, Rejoice Ntiriwaa Ossei-Bremang, Fabian Chidubem Eze, Kwame Anane-Fenin, Francis Kemausuor

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The use of electric cooking appliances, also referred to as eCooking devices, presents a practical and
sustainable solution for achieving universal access to clean cooking facilities by 2030. A choice modelling
analysis on the factors that influence the selection of an eCooker in Ghana has been conducted to facilitate
market expansion for organisations seeking to offer clean cooking services. The study utilised Analytical
Hierarchy Process (AHP), Fuzzy-TOPSIS, and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodologies to assess and
rank electric cookers based on crucial factors such as kWh consumption rate, cooking efficiency, affordability,
time-saving features, ergonomics, space utilisation capabilities, compatibility with cookware …

Development And Simulated Evaluation Of Inter-Seasonal Power-To-Heat And Power-To-Cool With Underground Thermal Storage For Self-Consumption Of Surplus Solar Energy In Buildings, Fabian Chidubem Eze, Wang-Je Lee, Young Sub An, Hongjin Joo, Kyoung-Ho Lee, Julius Mwabora

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The adoption of renewable energy, such as solar, to meet the energy demand in buildings has become one of the keys to achieving the global target for net-zero emissions. As a result, solar photovoltaic installations have increased tremendously, giving rise to an enormous surplus of electricity generation, which has become an issue requiring alternative ways to be addressed. Underground thermal energy storage for power-to-heat operations has gained interest in this area due to its reliability, cost-effectiveness, and carbon-free nature. This study presents a novel system configuration with an operational strategy guided by a simple control method that uses surplus photovoltaic …

First Principle Study Of Atio3 (A=Ti,Sr) Materials For Photovoltaic Applications, Lynet Allan, Winfred Mulwa, R.E. Mapasha, Julius M. Mwabora, Robinson J. Musembi

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Context

The study investigates the impact of Hubbard U correction and spin-orbit coupling (SOC) on the structural, mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of Ti₂O₃ and SiTiO₃ compounds. The research is motivated by the potential applications of these materials in photovoltaics, with a focus on understanding their properties for such use. The ductility, ionicity, and mechanical stability of both compounds at zero pressure are assessed, indicating their potential as resilient materials. Also, the compounds display high refractive indices and absorption coefficients, indicating their suitability for solar harvesting applications. The predicted bandgaps align primarily with the UV–Vis areas …

First-Principles Calculations To Investigate The Elastic, Electronic, Dynamical, And Optical Properties Of Cubic Zrcoas Half-Heusler Semiconductor For Photovoltaic Applications, Lynet Allan, R.E. Mapasha, Winfred M. Mulwa, Julius M. Mwabora, Robinson J. Musembi

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The electronic, mechanical, elastic, dynamical, and optical properties of the ZrCoAs half-Heusler compound have been systematically investigated using the plane wave self-consistent field approach with the Perdew-Burke-Erzerhof generalized gradient approximation (GGA-PBE) exchange-correlation functional. The study includes examinations with and without spin orbit coupling (SOC) effects. Results indicate a decrease in the Kohn-Sham band gap with the inclusion of SOC effects. Electronic bandgap formation was attributed to Co 3d, Zr 3d, and As 2p for the conduction band, and Co 3d and As 2p for the valence band without SOC effects. With SOC, Co 5d, Zr 8d, and As 3p …

Experimental Investigation And Comparative Environmental Impact Analysis Of Conventional And Naturally Occurring Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitors In Offshore Environments Using Toxicity And Bioconcentration Tools, Okon Okon, Joseph Atubokiki Ajienka, Sunday Sunday Ikiensikimama, Onyewuchi Emmanuel Akaranta, Virtue Urunwo Wachikwu-Elechi

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In this present study, an in vivo experiment was carried out to determine the tendencies of a naturally occurring high-phenolic compound red-onion skin extract (HPC-ROSE) and conventional N-Vinylcaprolactam (N-VCAP) kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHIs) to bio-accumulate in offshore environment through the analysis of their uptake and depuration kinetics by a Fish-Chemical Model using Cyprinus carpio marine invertebrate. This test was performed in the laboratory in a flow through experimental set up according to the guidelines by [49] (Fish-chemical exposure test). The uptake duration was 10 days with a depuration period of twenty days. The inhibitor toxicity test was evaluated by …

Phytochemical Characterization Of Selected Agro-Waste Extracts As Kinetic Inhibitors In Methane Hydrates Formation, Okon Okon, Joseph Atubokiki Ajienka, Sunday Sunday Ikiensikimama, Onyewuchi Emmanuel Akaranta

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n this study of gas hydrate inhibition, the bio-active components (phytochemicals) and the influence of func- tional moieties and chemical structures on selected bio-inhibitors’ performance were investigated by advanced analytical techniques. The agro-waste materials of interest are: orange mesocarp (Citrus sinensis (L)) extract (OME), red onion skin (Allium cepa) extract (ROSE), kolanut tesla (Cola acuminata) extract (KTE), coconut coir dusk (Cocos nucifera) extract (CCDE) and peanut skin (Arachis hypogea) extract (PSE). A CO2-enhanced supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) technique was used to extract the bioactive components from their parent materials. After the extraction, advanced analytical techniques including FTIR, NMR and HP-TLC …

Solar Photovoltaic Power Output Forecasting Using Deep Learning Models: A Case Study Of Zagtouli Pv Power Plant, Sami Florent Palm, Sianou Ezéckiel Houénafa, Zourkalaïni Boubakar, Sebastian Waita, Thomas Nyachoti Nyangonda, Ahmed Chebak

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Forecasting solar PV power output holds significant importance in the realm of energy management, particularly due to the intermittent nature of solar irradiation. Currently, most forecasting studies employ statistical methods. However, deep learning models have the potential for better forecasting. This study utilises Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Gate Recurrent Unit (GRU) and hybrid LSTM-GRU deep learning techniques to analyse, train, validate, and test data from the Zagtouli Solar Photovoltaic (PV) plant located in Ouagadougou (longitude:12.30702 o and latitude:1.63548 o), Burkina Faso. The study involved three evaluation metrics: Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and coefficient of determination …

Multi-Criteria Optimal Sizing And Analysis Of Pv/Wind/Fuel Cell/Battery/Diesel Generator For Rural Electrification: A Case Study In Chad, Mahamat Adoum Abdoulaye, Sebastian Waita, Cyrus Wabuge Wekesa, Julius Mwakondo Mwabora

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Access to sustainable, clean, affordable, and reliable electricity is crucial for social and economic development, yet Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) struggles significantly in this context. In CHAD, only 11.3% of the population is able to access electricity, making it one of the least electrified countries in SSA with the lowest clean energy access. In rural areas, electricity access falls to just 1.3%. This research applies and executes a Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) algorithm using MATLAB R2023b to assess the techno-economic, environmental, and social impacts of a hybrid system based on optimal PV/Wind/Battery/Fuel Cell (FC)/Diesel generator (DG) sizing for rural electrification …

Microbiological Contamination Of Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa) Reared With Tilapia In Aquaponic Systems And Use Of Bacillus Strains As Probiotics To Prevent Diseases: A Systematic Review, Angelica Adiacao Jossefa, Leonildo Dos Anjo Viagem, Brunno Da Silva Cerozi, Sebastian Wilson

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Aquaponic systems are food production systems that combine aquaculture and hydroponic in a closed recirculation system where water provides nutrients to plants while plants purify water for fish. In this system, tilapia is the most commonly cultured fish and can be easily integrated with vegetable cultivation. However, tilapia host a diverse microbiota some of which are pathogenic and can infect humans. Previous studies have reported contamination of lettuce by pathogenic bacteria which can cause human diseases. Thus, there is an urgent need to employ effective methods to control those bacteria, and Bacillus strains have been successfully used in this context. …

Spatial Analysis Of Livestock Disease Data In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review, Alfred Ngwira, Samuel Manda, Esron Daniel Karimuribo, Sharadhuli Iddi Kimera, Christopher Stanley

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Background

Methods

Determinants Of An Extended Metric Of Agricultural Commercialization In Ghana, Benjamin Musah Abu, Daniel Bruce Sarpong, Yaw Bonsu Osei-Asare, Charles Yaw Okyere, Taeyoon Kim

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For smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, increasing productivity and agricultural commercialization are mooted as one of the pillars for agricultural development. However, the measurement of agricultural commercialization has been restricted to the household crop commercialization index (HCCI) that focuses on crops neglecting livestock. This study develops an extended metric of agricultural commercialization named household crop-livestock commercialization index (HCLCI), which combines crop and livestock commercialization with the argument that it is superior to the overly used HCCI. Fractional regression is used to estimate the determinants of the extended metric using secondary and primary data from Ghana. Results indicate that agricultural commercialization …

Genomic Diversity And Geographic Distribution Of Newcastle Disease Virus Genotypes In Africa: Implications For Diagnosis, Vaccination, And Regional Collaboration, Charlie Frank Arthur N'Guessan Amoia, Jean N. Hakizimana, Augustino A. Chengula, Muhammad Munir, Gerald Misinzo, James Weger-Lucarelli

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The emergence of new virulent genotypes and the continued genetic drift of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) implies that distinct genotypes of NDV are simultaneously evolving in different geographic locations across the globe, including throughout Africa, where NDV is an important veterinary pathogen. Expanding the genomic diversity of NDV increases the possibility of diagnostic and vaccine failures. In this review, we systematically analyzed the genetic diversity of NDV genotypes in Africa using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Information published between 1999 and 2022 were used to obtain the genetic background of different genotypes of NDV …

Phylogenetic Analysis Of Virulent Strains Of The Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated From Deceased Chickens In Tanzania’S Morogoro And Iringa Regions, Charlie Frank Arthur N'Guessan Amoia, Jean N. Hakizimana, Augustino A. Chengula, Mariam R. Makange, James Weger-Lucarelli, Gerald Misinzo

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Background

Newcastle disease (ND) is a viral disease affecting a wide range of bird species and has a considerable financial impact on the world's poultry market. The ND virus (NDV) strains currently circulating in poultry throughout Africa, and especially in East Africa, exhibit significant genetic variation.

Objectives

The primary objective of the present investigation was to investigate the NDV genotypes in chickens raised in backyards in Tanzania's Morogoro and Iringa districts, which were associated with ND outbreaks.

Methods

Two tissue samples from chickens taken during a suspected ND outbreak in Tanzania's Morogoro (Eastern zone) and Iringa (Southern highlands zone) were …

Seroprevalence And Risk Factors Of Brucellosis In Pastoralists And Their Livestock In Central Equatoria State, South Sudan, Emmanuel Philip Lasuba Lita, Erneo B. Ochi, Gerald Misinzo, Henriette Van Heerden, Robab Katani, Jacques Godfroid,, Coletha Mathew

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Brucellosis poses serious public health implications and substantial economic losses in pastoral rural settings in South Sudan. In humans, brucellosis is almost always originating from animals. Current literature provides scant data regarding the seroprevalence of brucellosis in South Sudan. This cross-sectional study investigates the seroprevalence of brucellosis among the pastoral community and livestock and identifies risk factors for the disease from two Counties, Terekeka and Juba in Central Equatoria State (CES), South Sudan.

Development Of Nanobodies Against The Coat Protein Of Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus, Faith Njeri Njeru, Olivier Zwaenepoel, Geert Haesaert, Kris De Jonghe, Jan Gettemans

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Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) is a maize disease caused by the maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV), a potyvirus which causes yield losses of 30–100%. The present study aimed to isolate nanobodies against the MCMV coat protein (CP) for the diagnosis of MLN. MCMV CP expressed in Escherichia coli was used for llama immunization. VHH (i.e. variable heavy domain of heavy chain) gene fragments were prepared from blood drawn from the immunized llama and used to generate a library in E. coli TG1 cells. MCMV specific nanobodies were selected by three rounds of phage display and panning against MCMV CP. The …

Can High-Value Markets Ensure Households Food Security? Evidence From Avocado Producers In Sidama Region Of Ethiopia, Zerhun Zerhun Zerhun, Kehabtimer Kebede, Aneteneh Ashebir, Zerhun Ganewo, Abera Alemu, Andachew Samuel

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Linking farmers to high-value markets continue to be a viable option for breaking the food insecurity. Many studies have emphasized on factors determining smallholders’ participation in high-value markets. Previous studies have methodological limitations since they neglected the associated effects on food security. Therefore, the purpose this study was to fill a knowledge gap by investigating the factors influencing smallholder avocado farmers’ participation in high-value markets and how it impacts households’ food security in the Aleta chuko district, Ethiopia. The primary data was collected from randomly selected 389 avocado producers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and propensity score …