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This study explores the phytochemical composition and biological effects of Ficus racemosa bark extracts using various solvents (acetone, hexane, methanol, ethanol, aqueous mixtures).  The presence of bioactive compounds, including glycosides, steroids, tannins, polyphenols, and flavonoids was analyzed. Antioxidant potential was assessed via DPPH free radical scavenging and ferric reducing power assays. In the DPPH assay, IC50 values ranged from 5.55 to 9.89 mgL-1, with the ethanol extract (S4) showing the lowest IC50 (5.55 mg.L-1), surpassing vitamin C (IC50 = 6.18 mg.L-1). The ferric reducing power assay indicated that the methanol extract (S2) exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity with an EC50 of 7.59 mg.L-1, 3.5 times lower than that of the BHA standard (26.82 mg.L-1). In vitro α-glucosidase inhibition assays revealed that all extracts effectively suppressed enzyme activity , with IC50 values from 0.049 mg.L-1 (S4) to 0.66 mg.L-1 (S1), significantly lower than  acarbose (IC50 = 156.16 mg.L-1). Additionally, the extracts markedly reduced nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, with IC50 values between 62.08 and 182.47 µg.mL-1, compared to the positive control L-NMMA (IC50 = 11.91 µg.mL-1). These findings highlight the potent antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties of F. racemosa bark extracts, supporting their potential as natural therapeutic agents.

This study explores the sustainable management of agricultural waste through the transformation of spoiled eggs into high-quality liquid fertilizers. Egg-based fertilizers (EFs) prepared from different input compositions were characterized physicochemical properties and evaluated effect on the growth, physiological performance, and yield of Malabar spinach (Basella alba). Three treatments were prepared: EF1 (spoiled eggs without chicks), EF2 (spoiled eggs with chicks), and EF3 (a 1:1 mixture of both). EF1 contained the highest concentrations of total nitrogen (6.09 g L⁻¹), total and available phosphorus (1.05 g L⁻¹ and 0.80 g L⁻¹ P₂O₅, respectively), and total calcium (3.79 g L⁻¹ CaO), with no detectable Escherichia coli or Salmonella. EF3 had the highest potassium content (1.16 g L⁻¹ total and 1.04 g L⁻¹ available K₂O). In a field trial, EF1 was applied at concentrations of 10‰, 15‰, and 20‰, and compared with a commercial organic fish fertilizer and an unfertilized control. Application of EF1 at 15‰ significantly improved shoot length, leaf dimensions, SPAD, leaf area index (LAI), and yield (6.3 and 11.9 t ha⁻¹ at 21 and 37 days after planting, respectively). Yield was strongly correlated with leaf length (r = 0.96**), leaf width (r = 0.92**), SPAD (r = 0.84**), and LAI (r = 0.90**), underscoring the importance of leaf expansion and chlorophyll content in determining productivity. Nitrate concentrations in all treatments remained below 150 mg kg⁻¹, well within safe limits for leafy vegetables. These findings highlight EF1 at 15‰ as a safe, effective, and sustainable fertilizer option for leafy vegetable production.

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) have been widely implemented worldwide; however, their adoption in Vietnam has occurred only over the past decade and remains limited due to several operational challenges. Among these, disease management is particularly difficult because chemical treatments can disrupt the microbial community within the biofilter. This study evaluated the use of low-dose formalin treatment (15–20 ppm, 10 h exposure, repeated three times over three consecutive days) to control Gyrodactylus sp. infection in rainbow trout cultured in RAS. The results indicated fluctuations in water quality parameters, including temporary increases in NH₄⁺, NO₂⁻, and COD concentrations, associated with a decline in nitrifying microbial activity. Nevertheless, these changes remained within acceptable limits and did not cause severe system disruption. After three days of treatment, fish mortality significantly decreased, while parasite infection dropped from approximately 120–150 to 4–7 Gyrodactylus per microscopic field. The findings demonstrate that low-dose formalin treatment effectively reduces mortality in infected rainbow trout without severely impairing the beneficial microbial community in RAS.

Vietnam’s favorable geographical location and climate have endowed it with a prosperous and diverse system of medicinal plants. However, illegal and unsustainable logging of these plants in natural forests has led to their depletion and endangerment. Ba Vi commune, located in the buffer zone of Ba Vi National Park, is home to the Dao people, that have long preserved and developed traditional medicine. The study utilized face-to-face interviews with 50 households, in-depth interviews with the key stakeholders, and group discussions to assess the potential for household-based conservation of medicinal plants in Ba Vi commune. The findings revealed that over 200 species of medicinal plants are exploited and used by the Dao people, including rare species such as Stephania dielsiana C. Y. Wu, Asarum glabrum Merr… Despite strict legal prohibitions against exploiting of forest resources in the core zone of Ba Vi National Park, 40 percent of the interviewed households admitted to collecting medicinal plants from these protected areas. To mitigate this, the Dao people living in the buffer zone of Ba Vi National Park have been encouraged to cultivate medicinal plants to meet the demand for traditional medicine, reduce pressure on natural forests, and improve their livelihoods. However, the medicinal plant cultivation areas were small and fragmented. The lack of arable land, suitable plant varieties, and cultivation techniques have been considered as obstacles to the expansion of medicinal plant cultivation areas in the study site. Addressing these obstacles is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of the Dao community’s traditional medicine

Digital transformation in the governance of agricultural cooperatives has emerged as a strategic solution to enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness in the era of Agriculture 4.0. This paper develops an analytical framework grounded in established theories—including the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework to identify key factors influencing digital transformation. These include technological infrastructure, enabling institutional frameworks, human resource capacity, market-driven imperatives, and organizational digital readiness. Based on this framework, the study proposes a five-stage digital transformation roadmap, ranging from basic data digitization to the integration of intelligent management systems such as ERP, DSS, and AI. The findings suggest that small-scale cooperatives should start with low-cost technologies such as Excel and basic accounting software; mid-sized cooperatives can adopt e-commerce platforms and product traceability systems; and leading cooperatives may incorporate advanced technologies such as AI and blockchain. The paper also synthesizes lessons learned from China, the European Union, Africa, and Malawi to offer policy recommendations tailored to the Vietnamese context.

Biochar has been applied in various fields due to its unique physicochemical properties. Although its application has been extensively used in other countries, research within the Philippine context remains limited. With the growing demand and popularity of biochar, understanding the trends in its application within the country could provide direction for future research on the material. The result of the bibliometric analysis showed that the trend in biochar research in the Philippines is gaining traction and popularity for various uses. Although still at a slower pace than its neighboring countries, biochar research is gaining popularity in the Philippines due to its numerous applications, primarily used in agriculture and the environment. Currently, clustered areas of biochar research in the country include identifying suitable biomass for pyrolysis, exploring the adsorptive properties of biochar, and utilizing it as a carrier for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The limited clusters imply fewer applications, indicating the potential for biochar to expand into various other utilizations. Additionally, aside from research and development funding, there is a noticeable gap in international collaborations, and the number of dedicated experts in biochar research is still insufficient. These factors must be addressed, which are vital for advancing biochar research in the Philippines.