Published: 2025-03-20
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Allelopathic potential of yellow cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus) and royal poinciana (Delonix regia) on weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea WR20)
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This study evaluates environmentally friendly methods for controlling weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) to reduce reliance on chemical herbicides. Extracts from Cosmos sulphureus (yellow cosmos - YCL) and Delonix regia (royal poinciana - RPL) leaves were tested at concentrations of 0.015, 0.075, 0.15, and 0.3 g fresh weight/mL for 48 hours. Pre-soaked weedy rice (WR20) seeds were treated, and stem and root lengths were measured 7 days post-treatment. At 0.3 g fresh weight/mL, YCL extract completely inhibited WR20 growth, while RPL extract inhibited root and stem by 71% and 75%, respectively. WR20 seeds soaked for 96 hours before YCL treatment showed the highest inhibition. For RPL, 48-hour soaking yielded the highest root inhibition, and 96-hour soaking the highest stem inhibition. Evaluating effects on OM18 cultivated rice revealed YCL extract at 0.3 g fresh weight/mL inhibited roots (45.41%) and stems (1.72%) at 2 days post-treatment, with full recovery by 7 days. However, RPL extraction proportionally impacted OM18's roots (33.35–100%) and stems (33.10–80.10%). These findings suggest that using YCL and RPL extracts for weedy rice management is promising, particularly when combined with strategic timing of rice planting to minimize damage.
Effects of chive (Allium schoenoprasum) bulb extract on semen quality and blood biochemical profiles of roosters under heat stress conditions
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Heat stress (HT) is a factor seriously affecting the semen quality and antioxidant status of roosters. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of chive bulb extract (CBE), as a natural antioxidant, on roosters exposed to heat stress (HT). Twenty-four 3F-Viet roosters were randomly divided into 3 treatments (CBE was added to drinking water at 3 doses: 0, 1 or 2 ml/l) with 4 replicates to determine the effect of CBE on semen characteristics and some blood biochemical parameters of roosters in the hot season. Treatments with CBE at concentrations of 1% or higher significantly improved semen characteristics, including semen volume, sperm concentration, and motility (p > 0.05), while significantly reducing sperm mortality and abnormalities (p < 0.05) compared to the control. In addition, the antioxidant malondialdehyde was significantly reduced (p
NPY/DraI polymorphism and their association with some reproductive traits of ac chickens from 16–67 weeks old
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The study was conducted at a chicken farm in Phong Dien District, Can Tho City, from May 2022 to July 2023, to assess the association between the NPY/DraI polymorphism and key reproductive parameters in Ac hens. A total of 400 hens were raised in cages according to the individual method at the age of 16–67 weeks. The results showed that NPY/DraI had a high association with average age of first egg laying, laying rate, the total number of eggs, feed intake/10 eggs and FCR (P
The role of sodium bicarbonate in improving cold storage preservation of indigenous black rabbit spermatozoa
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The population of indigenous black rabbits in Viet Nam has been steadily declining, primarily due to the increasing preference for commercial meat rabbit varieties. Consequently, the conservation and systematic breeding of indigenous black rabbits in the Mekong Delta are critical for preserving genetic diversity and sustaining local biodiversity. Sperm conservation is essential for the artificial reproduction of this species. This study aimed to find the optimal concentration of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) buffer added to Tris Citrate Glucose (TCG) storage medium. Samples after collection were diluted with a storage medium containing sodium bicarbonate at concentrations of 0 mM, 15 mM, 25 mM and 35 mM, then refrigerated at 15ᵒC. The results showed that rabbit sperm achieved the best quality when supplemented with 25 mM NaHCO3 after 72 hours of storage. Specifically, the sperms had 59.25% overall motility, 22.34% progressive motility, 62.19% viability and 46.77% membrane integrity, the differences were statistically significant when compared with the remaining treatments (p
Research trends in environmental information disclosure: A bibliometric analysis
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This study aimed to investigate the development of environmental information disclosure (EID) research publications from 1992 to 2024 to identify trends and provide valuable insights to researchers in related fields. This study employed performance analysis and science mapping strategies, utilizing VOSviewer software and the Biblioshiny function within the R package software, to achieve its research objectives. The results reveal a gradual growth in the number of citations and published publications related to EID topics, and this trend is projected to continue in the upcoming years. The journal "Sustainability" has the most papers, but "Journal of Cleaner Production" has the most citations. Li, Y., Yang, Y.L. and Yao, S. are the most productive authors in terms of number of publications, however, Zeng, S.X., Garcia-Sanchez, I.M. and Gallego-Alvarez, I. are recognized as having papers ranked in the H-index and G-index, respectively. In addition, thematic map analysis indicates terms in two groups, including Niche and Motor themes should be the focus key terms of future research. Additionally, the results indicate that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, digital transformation, EID, and green innovation are among the top topics in terms of research trends for recent three years (2022-2024). This study suggests several potential future research directions by examining the relationship between these terms in different countries and industries.
Selective recovery of Co(II) over Ni(II), Al(III), and Li(I) from ethylene glycol solution by solvent extraction and precipitation
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Using “green solvents” like ethylene glycol (EG) to replace water in hydrometallurgical processes is increasingly popular because of its feasibility and environmental friendliness advantages. In this study, the selective recovery behavior of Co(II) over Ni(II), Al(III), and Li(I) from mixed EG and H2O of HCl solution was studied by a combination of solvent extraction and stripping precipitation. The results showed that Co(II) from the EG-H2O solutions was selectively extracted over other metals by ionic liquids, in which ALi-SCN was more efficient than Aliquat 336. The presence of EG offered significant advantages in selectivity and efficiency for Co(II), whereas the effect of HCl concentration in the EG-H2O system was negligible. The selective extraction behavior of ALi-SCN for Co(II) is due to differences in the stability and speciation of metal complexes in the EG-H2O solution. Co(II) from the loaded ALi-SCN was directly precipitated to cobalt oxalate with above 99.9% purity under conditions: 60 min, O/A ratio of 1, and 1:2 of mole ratio of Co(II) to H2C2O4. ALi-SCN solutions after the Co(II) precipitation can be reused several times with selective Co(II) extraction capacity at high performance. Thus, Co(II) recovery from an EG-H2O system through continuous two steps of ALi-SCN extraction and precipitation is feasible.
Synthesis of cellulose nanofiber from Nypa fruticans shell collected from Can Tho City, Viet Nam
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In this study, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) was synthesized from Nypa fruticans shells as raw material in Can Tho City. CNF was successfully produced via several steps. Firstly, raw material was treated with a mixture of Peroxyformic acid solution, then with an alkaline solution and bleached. Finally, it was hydrolyzed with 5% oxalic acid combined with hydrothermal and used ultrasonic waves with a high number of 40 kHz. The obtained materials after each step were surveyed and evaluated through advanced analysis methods, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that the CNF material had high purity, high crystallinity, and an average size of about 15.74 nm. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of Nypa fruticans shells as a low-cost and environmentally friendly raw material for CNF synthesis.
Evaluating municipal incinerated bottom ash as a sand replacement in foamed mortar: Effects of air foam and silica fume modification
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This study presents an investigation into the feasibility of utilizing municipal incinerated bottom ash (MIBA) as a substitute for sand in foamed flowable mortar, with a specific focus on its applicability as flowable fill materials. Employing a mix design strategy with a fixed cement content of 180 kg/m³, the research systematically varies air foam (AF) percentages (15-20% by volume), MIBA replacement levels (0-40%), and introduces silica fume (SF) at a fixed rate of 12% by weight of fine aggregate. The study assesses flowability, setting times, and compressive strength under diverse curing conditions, including normal and H2SO4 (3%) curing. H2SO4 was employed to simulate harsh curing conditions in an acidic environment, providing insights into the mortar's behavior under more aggressive circumstances. Remarkably, at 40% bottom ash and 20% air foam, flowability experiences a significant 29.3% reduction, reaching 163.4 mm. Setting times prolong with increasing MIBA percentages, showing a substantial 64.7% increase at 40% replacement. Silica fume demonstrates its positive impact, revealing approximately 16% enhanced compressive strength in mixtures with air foam under normal curing conditions. Under H2S04 curing, the mixture with 15% air foam and 12% silica fume experiences a slight reduction in compressive strength, showing a 13.7% decrease from 0.73 MPa under normal curing to 0.63 MPa. This research unveils the intricate interplay of variables, providing valuable insights for optimizing sustainable mortar formulations. Consequently, it contributes to environmentally conscious construction practices by bolstering the mechanical properties of the mortar.
Development of electrospun chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol membranes with antibacterial properties for enhanced open wound healing
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This work focuses on using the electrospinning process to fabricate a microfiber membrane for wound healing by combination of chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The impacts of several parameters on fiber morphology and antibacterial capabilities, such as PVA concentration, CS/PVA ratio, applied voltage, injection distance, and solution injection speed, were investigated. The ideal parameters for the electrospinning process were identified as follows: PVA concentration of 15%, CS/PVA ratio of 3/7, collecting distance of 10 cm, voltage of 11 kV, and flow rate of 0.085 mL/h. Scanning electron microscopy verified the fiber structure was homogeneous and particle-free, with an average diameter of 457 ± 111 nm. The CS/PVA microfiber membrane demonstrated strong antibacterial action against E. coli and L. monocytogenes strains. After 12 days, in-vivo tests demonstrated that the wound-healing capacity of the CS/PVA microfiber membrane was quicker than that of a self-healed wound sample. These results demonstrate the effective creation of CS/PVA microfibers for wound healing applications.
Synthesis of Fe₃O₄@Zeolite NaA from rice husk ash for efficient methylene blue adsorption
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This study synthesized Fe3O4@zeolite NaA with SiO2 from rice husk ash and evaluated its adsorption of methylene blue from water. As-synthesized adsorbent was characterized by advanced analytical methods. The results showed that the adsorbent was in the size of 0.981±0.235 μm with a cubic and spherical shape and its specific surface area, pore diameter, and pore volume of 82.41 m2/g, 1.019 nm, and 0.224 cm3/g, respectively. The Fe3O4@zeolite NaA magnetization was 17.65 emu/g, and its point of zero charge was at 7.48. The adsorption achieved the highest efficiency of 86.5% at room temperature, pH 9 within 25 min with an initial concentration of 20 mg/L. This adsorption was a physical interaction and fitted to pseudo-second-order kinetics and Freundlich isotherm. Fe3O4@zeolite NaA was magnetically separated from the solution using a magnet and could be reused for two to three cycles. These findings suggested that Fe3O4@zeolite NaA can be a potential adsorbent for dye removal in industry.
Understanding the training needs of faculty members in producing research outputs: Input to faculty development program
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To enhance the institution’s performance in research and extension paper presentations and publications, it was essential to address the various challenges hindering faculty and researchers from meeting the institution’s annual research targets. Hence, a study was conducted via an online survey administered to 198 (64% retrieval rate) faculty members of a lone agricultural state college in Bulacan, Philippines to determine their training needs in these areas. The results indicated that more than half (52%) had already undergone relevant training on research, yet could not present or publish their papers because of limited time and funding. Only age and length of service significantly correlated with the faculty's training needs. To address these needs, the faculty development program should prioritize training in research conference identification, journal selection, presentation slide preparation, peer review process understanding, and transforming community extension reports into publishable formats. More technical and financial support is recommended to be provided to capacitate the respondents and improve their performance in paper presentation and publication.
Enhancing the community resilience knowledge and engagements in sustainability initiatives of vulnerable children through citizen science-oriented non-formal education
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The study examined the impacts of a Citizen Science Approach (CSA) on vulnerable children’s community resilience knowledge and engagement in sustainability initiatives. Thirty (30) children in conflict with the law from the two Bahay Pag-asa Rehabilitation and Transformation centers underwent a series of participatory planning sessions and research training activities as part of non-formal education program with the central emphasis on biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, water security, health system resilience, natural resources management and food security, and waste management, which are sustainability areas of concerns in the City of Dasmariñas, Cavite. Data were collected using surveys, presentations, and focus-group discussions. On the other hand, content analysis, descriptive statistics, and Kirkpatrick’s four levels of training evaluation were employed to analyze the data. Results indicated there was a significant improvement in the vulnerable children’s community resilience knowledge and planned sustainability engagements as they actively participated in determining the causes of various community problems (contributory), analyzing and interpreting data (collaborative), and proposing action plans and working policies for possible research projects (co-creation). Furthermore, training evaluation revealed that vulnerable children were very satisfied with the learning resources, training environment, acquired learning experience, methods of training execution, and mastery of trainers.
Exploring the relationship between grit and mathematical ability among pre-service teachers: A HP Model
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The main thrust of this study is to identify the grit level and its correlation to the mathematical ability of the mathematics pre-service teachers of Bohol Island State University System. This mainly used a descriptive-correlational method to assess the grit and mathematical ability. Using the total enumeration sampling method, the study purposively involved one hundred two (102) Mathematics pre-service teachers. Then, important data were gathered using questionnaires adopted from Duckworth et al. (2007), Kilic (2010) and MTAP 2017. Using the PPMC and multiple regression analysis, the researchers found out a moderate positive significant correlation as well as the indicators, perseverance of effort and time spent, from grit towards mathematical ability. The study generated an emergent model called “HP Model” that postulated that mathematical skills can be developed by hard work and passion. Thus, the researchers concluded that grit consisting of hard work and passion showed a direct impact towards their mathematical ability. It was highly recommended the need to assess the grit level of the mathematics pre-service teachers as well as incorporating programs and seminars on how to be grittier to enlighten them up to strive for success in their mathematics teaching career.
Extraction and characterization of Chitin from Lethrinus ornatus (Ornate Emperor) fish scales
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Chitin, an amino polysaccharide, is widely found in the exoskeletons of insects, crustacean shells, and fungal cell walls. However, the potential of fish scales—commonly discarded as industrial waste—as an alternative chitin source remains largely unexplored. This present study aimed to extract and characterize chitin from the scales of Lethrinus ornatus (Ornate Emperor). The yield of chitin extraction from L. ornatus scales was 34.4% (±1.5) on a dry weight basis. Structural elucidation through UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopic analyses revealed the presence of characteristic bands with spectral patterns closely aligned with the literature descriptions. Additionally, SEM studies displayed that the extracted chitin has an amorphous and granular structure. These results indicated that the L. ornatus scales could be used as a novel and alternative source of chitin.
Impact of health shocks on household welfare in Viet Nam's Mekong Delta: An exploratory study
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The Covid-19 pandemic fundamentally disrupted lives worldwide, leaving significant social and economic consequences. This study examined the extent to which the pandemic affected rural households in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta in two dimensions, encompassing health and economic welfare; and the individual’s perception of the Covid-19 seriousness, as well as their coping strategies for this health disaster. Applying the ‘One Health’ approach, a single cross-sectional sample of 461 rural households was obtained, including information on household demography, productive resources, and Covid-19-related health issues in Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, and Can Tho. The findings are that (1) the Covid-19 pandemic significantly reduced household income while the Covid-19-related health issue was less severe; (2) the state financial support for rural households to mitigate the negative impacts of Covid-19 was marginal and unequal; and (3) the One Health approach attracts considerable attention from rural households. Accordingly, improving skills and knowledge is part of a long-term strategy to promote income extension in this region for economic recovery and preparation for future inevitable health shocks.