Evaluation of mycotoxins in grains sold in Idah, Ajaka and Ogbogbo areas of Nigeria.

Mycotoxin contamination in grains is a significant concern due to its adverse effects on human and animal health. Understanding the levels and patterns of mycotoxin contamination in different regions and storage conditions is crucial for developing effective control strategies. This study aimed to assess mycotoxin levels in stored and recently harvested grains in three regions (Idah, Ajaka, and Ogbogbo) and investigate the implications for food safety. The study involved the analysis of mycotoxin levels in maize, rice, sorghum, and millet using appropriate mycotoxin extraction method based on the mycotoxins of interest and a suitable HPLC system. The findings revealed the presence of mycotoxins such as aflatoxins (1±0.2-5±0.4 µg kg-1), deoxynivalenol (520±0.8-700±1.2 µg kg-1), zearalenone (200±0.4-370±0.6 µg kg-1), ochratoxins (2±0.2-4±0.3 µg kg-1), and fumonisin (0±0.0-4±0.3 µg kg-1) in both recently harvested and stored grains. Patulin was absent in most of the samples. Variations in mycotoxin levels were observed among different grains and regions, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The European Commission mycotoxin standards in grains for human consumption are: aflatoxins 4 µg kg-1 in maize, millet and sorghum while rice is 8 µg kg-1, deoxynivalenal 1750 µg kg-1, zearalenone 100 µg kg-1, ochratoxin A 5 µg kg-1 for maize, rice and millet, then 10 µg kg-1 for sorghum. Fumonisin is 4000 µg kg-1 but no level for rice and patulin is 50 µg kg-1 for rice and none for the other grains. This study demonstrates the persistence of mycotoxin contamination in stored grains and the importance of considering specific crop types and geographical locations when addressing mycotoxin contamination. The findings underscore the significance of implementing effective control measures to mitigate mycotoxin contamination and enhance food safety. The study provides valuable insights into mycotoxin contamination and emphasizes the need for comprehensive risk assessment studies and appropriate regulatory measures.

Meeting sustainable development goals via robotics and autonomous systems.

Robotics and autonomous systems are reshaping the world, changing healthcare, food production and biodiversity management. While they will play a fundamental role in delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals, associated opportunities and threats are yet to be considered systematically. We report on a horizon scan evaluating robotics and autonomous systems impact on all Sustainable Development Goals, involving 102 experts from around the world. Robotics and autonomous systems are likely to transform how the Sustainable Development Goals are achieved, through replacing and supporting human activities, fostering innovation, enhancing remote access and improving monitoring. Emerging threats relate to reinforcing inequalities, exacerbating environmental change, diverting resources from tried-and-tested solutions and reducing freedom and privacy through inadequate governance. Although predicting future impacts of robotics and autonomous systems on the Sustainable Development Goals is difficult, thoroughly examining technological developments early is essential to prevent unintended detrimental consequences. Additionally, robotics and autonomous systems should be considered explicitly when developing future iterations of the Sustainable Development Goals to avoid reversing progress or exacerbating inequalities.

Effect of steeping conditions on the amylolytic development of some Nigerian improved sorghum cultivars.

Nigerian improved sorghum cultivars 'L538', 'YG5760', 'L1499', 'SSH1' and 'SSH3' were investigated for the effect of steeping conditions on their amylolytic development. The grains were steeped using 3 steep regimes SR 1, SR 2 and SR 3 which involved steeping and re-steeping in cold distilled and de-ionized water for 36, 45 and 54 h respectively. Grains in each SR were divided into 4 portions and further steeped for 6 h using final warm steep temperatures (FWST) of 30, 35, 40 and 45°C. α-and ß-Amylase as well as diastatic activity were determined at different FWST. SR and FWST were correlated with enzyme development. Steeping conditions significantly (p<0.05) affected amylolytic development of the sorghum malts. Optimum moisture content (48%) was obtained at FWST of 35°C. α-Amylase was the predominant enzyme. All enzyme activities were at a peak at FWST of 30 and 35°C and at SR 2. The highest enzyme activity was recorded by cultivar 'YG5760' malt-(α-amylase 272, ß-Amylase 169 µg equivalent glucose). High relationship existed between α-amylase and moderate relationship between ß-Amylase and SR. Similar relationship existed between enzyme development and FWST.