Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important nutrients required for high productivity of the maize plant. In most farmers’ fields in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there is low availability of N in the soil mainly due to continuous cultivation of the land, crop residues removal, little or no application of fertilizers and rapid leaching. There is a need to develop low N tolerant and adapted maize genotypes. Evaluation of maize genotypes under different nitrogen conditions would therefore be useful in identifying genotypes that combine stability with high yield potential for both stress and non-stress environment. Eighty maize hybrids were evaluated at Mbalmayo and Nkolbisson in Cameroon, during 2012 and 2013 minor and major cropping seasons across 11 environments under low and high N conditions. The objectives of the study were: (i) to determine the effect of genotype x environment interaction (G × E) on grain yield and yield stability of single cross maize hybrids across low N and optimum N environments and (ii) to identify genotypes to recommend for further use in the breeding program. Yield data of 80 hybrids were analyzed initially and the analysis of 20 best performing genotypes was further performed for a better visualization and interpretation of the results. Combined analysis of variance showed highly significant G × E effects for grain yield. The GGE biplot analysis divided the study area into three mega environments: one related to the major cropping season while the two others were related to the minor cropping season. The grain yield of the 20 highest yielding hybrids ranged from 4484.7 to 5198.3 kg ha⁻¹. Hybrid 1368 × 87036 was the highest yielding in the minor season while the most outstanding hybrid, TL-11-A-1642-5 × 87036 was the best for the major season. The latter hybrid showed the potential for production across environments and should therefore be further tested in multiple environments to confirm consistency of its high yield performance and stability, and to facilitate its release as a commercial hybrid. High yielding but not stable hybrids across environments could be recommended for the specific environments where they performed well.

Diospyros lotus, also known as date‐plum, belongs to the Ebenaceae family and is mostly recognized as a rootstock for D. kaki. Similar classes of naphthoquinones in D. lotus are investigated against cancer and inflammation and have antimicrobial, sedative, and analgesic properties. Six chemical constituents (1‐6) were isolated from Diospyros lotus and tested for anti‐inflammatory effects at the dose of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, i.p., using carrageenan (1%, 0.05 ml)‐induced paw edema. The maximum protection against carrageenan‐induced edema was observed for compounds 1 and 2. Both studied compounds demonstrated significant anti‐inflammatory effect after the 3^rd hour of posttreatment. The maximum anti‐inflammatory effect of compound 1 was 85.96%, while that of compound 2 was 81.44%, followed by compounds 5 and 6, which exhibited 80.11% and 82.45% effect, respectively. Similarly, histamine‐induced inflammation was significantly antagonized by 1, 2, 5, and 6 with 87.99%, 82.18 ± 1.8, 80.40 ± 1.59, and 77.44% effects, respectively, at 5 mg/kg after the 2^nd hour of posttreatment. The rest of the tested compounds did not show any significant effect as compared to the negative control. Interestingly, no toxicity was observed at higher doses. Moreover, the extracted compounds showed remarkable antibacterial activity against the Gram‐positive bacteria and no effect against the Gram‐negative bacteria. Docking studies on target cyclooxygenases showed that all the compounds established interactions with the key amino acid residues present in the additional pocket of COX‐2. Hence, these compounds may act as selective COX‐2 inhibitors. In conclusion, the findings of the current study suggest that the roots of Diospyros lotus may contain some anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial agents with minimal toxicological effects and accordingly this plant product is recommended for further investigations.

Seaweed-based films have emerged as a promising solution for sustainable food packaging due to their renewable sourcing, biodegradability, and functional properties. This review provides an in-depth analysis of seaweed-based films, focusing on their properties, incorporation of essential oils, applications in food packaging, and future directions. The advantages of seaweed-based films include their renewable and abundant source, biodegradability, and favorable barrier properties. The review explores the physical and mechanical properties, barrier properties, and safety considerations of seaweed-based films. Additionally, it discusses the incorporation of essential oils into seaweed-based films and their potential benefits. Current and potential applications of seaweed-based films in food packaging, ranging from fresh produce to dairy products, are examined, along with the advantages and challenges associated with their use. A comparison with other sustainable packaging options is provided. Furthermore, the review highlights future research directions in developing seaweed-based films, such as improving mechanical properties, extending shelf life, scaling up production, reducing costs, and innovation in formulation. Overall, seaweed-based films offer a promising and sustainable alternative for food packaging, with ongoing research and development driving their advancement and potential for a more environmentally friendly packaging industry.

Nano-biosensors are rising as a promising technology for ensuring the protection and high-quality of meals merchandise. They offer excessive sensitivity, selectivity, and speedy reaction, making them ideal for detecting contaminants, pathogens, and first-rate signs in meals samples. This up to date evaluate affords a complete evaluation of recent improvements in nano-biosensor technology for meals great and safety warranty. The evaluate covers the essential standards and kinds of nano-biosensors typically utilized in meals evaluation, exploring various nanomaterials and their unique homes and sensing talents. It also discusses mixing nanomaterials with biological reputation elements, antibodies, enzymes, and DNA aptamers to enhance sensor performance. The software of nano-biosensors in detecting chemical contaminants, which includes pesticides, heavy metals, and mycotoxins, is drastically protected. Nanomaterials allow ultrasensitive detection of these contaminants, even at trace stages, ensuring the protection and compliance of meal products. The review also explores the usage of nano-biosensors for rapid identification and quantification of foodborne pathogens, such as microorganisms, viruses, and parasites, allowing on-web page pathogen detection and timely interventions to prevent outbreaks. Additionally, the review highlights the tracking of meals satisfactory signs of using nano-biosensors, including freshness, spoilage, and dietary composition. Accurate assessment of those parameters offers treasured information to manage and predict shelf-life. Overall, the advancements in nano-biosensor generation maintain high-quality promise for ensuring the integrity of meals products, defensive public fitness, and assembly regulatory standards.