Ingredients in chewing gum help tilapia survive cold climates

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Researchers inspect blue vats containing Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings fed with varying levels of Arabic gum and lecithin to see what effect these have on the fishes' survivability in cold climates. Photo credit: Benha University / National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Egypt 

Two common ingredients in ordinary chewing gum – Arabic gum and lecithin – have been found to help improve the overall health of tilapia, helping these fish survive better even in cold climates. This discovery paves the way for raising tilapia for food outside of the tropical regions where they are commonly farmed.

Native to Africa, the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) has been raised for food since ancient times due to its fast rate of reproduction. It is now a common sight in markets across tropical countries, including the Philippines and Indonesia. However, O. niloticus is sensitive to cold and only thrives in warm water within the range of 26°C to 30°C.

A recent study by an international team of researchers from Egypt and the Philippines, including Ateneo de Manila University Department of Biology’s Dr. Janice Alano Ragaza, tracked the weight, growth, blood chemistry, and enzyme levels of Nile tilapia fingerlings fed on varying amounts of Arabic gum and lecithin. Arabic gum and lecithin are common ingredients found in chewing gum and other foodstuffs. Arabic gum is made from sap, usually from the Acacia senegal or Sengalia senegal tree. Meanwhile, lecithin is a common emulsifier derived from a variety of sources, including eggs, soy beans, and sunflower seeds. Both have a wide variety of food uses, including in off-the-shelf chewing gum.

Measured amounts of Arabic gum and lecithin are kneaded into fish food before being dropped into fish tanks containing Nile tilapia fingerlings. Photo credit: Benha University / National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Egypt

The researchers found that Nile tilapia fingerlings fed on 4 grams of Arabic gum and 10 grams of lecithin per kilogram of fish food over the course of three months led to increased levels of minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants that help the fish overcome the stresses of living in winter. This change was more than just physiological, as it was found that the diet even activated specific genes associated with surviving cold temperatures.

The study, jointly undertaken by Benha University and the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries in Egypt; and Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines; was published in Aquaculture Reports Vol. 38 in October 2024.

SOURCES:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqrep.2024.102332

MPT South to serve over 340,000 motorists in 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

MPT South forecasts more than 30% traffic growth by the end of 2025, translating to over 340,000 average daily motorists, a significant increase from the current figure of 259,815. This growth will be driven by the completion of several key segments of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) and CAVITEX C5 Link. These segments include the CALAX Governor’s Drive Interchange, Open Canal Interchange, and Kawit Interchange, as well as the C5 Link Segment 3B, which will connect the current Sucat Interchange to the C5 Link Flyover Extension, spanning from SLEX-Taguig to E. Rodriguez in C5. The CAVITEX-CALAX Link, currently under construction, will integrate these two major toll roads, creating a more seamless connection for motorists. 

These projects are slated for commercial operations before the end of 2025, bringing MPT South’s total road network to 67 km. The new segments, designed to enhance travel time and accessibility, are expected to encourage more motorists to utilize the network, further boosting traffic flow in the region. This will improve connectivity and travel efficiency between major provinces in Southern Luzon, easing travel for daily commuters and businesses alike. 

“Aside from providing an enhanced driving experience for our motorists, our projects also aim to contribute to the region’s economic development by improving accessibility and connectivity.  Once completed, our expressway network will provide a more seamless travel experience for over 340,000 motorists, a 30% increase from our existing daily traffic, and help spur economic growth in both regions,” said MPT South President and General Manager, Mr. Raul L. Ignacio. 

In line with this, MPT South is allocating Php14 billion in capital expenditures (CAPEX) in 2025 to support the construction and maintenance of its infrastructure. 

“Despite the challenges we face in construction, such as the timely delivery of right-of-way and the recent typhoons, we are working around the clock to ensure the delivery of these vital infrastructure projects for the benefit of progress by the end of 2025,” Ignacio added. 

Upon completion, MPT South’s expressway network is expected to boost regional economic growth by facilitating quicker, more efficient movement of goods and services between key industrial and commercial hubs. The shortened travel time will provide additional benefits such as reduced fuel consumption and lower vehicle emissions, contributing to nation-building and improving the quality of life for Filipinos. 

For photo information, kindly see below:

• CAVITEX_Image 1: Bird’s eye view shot of CAVITEX

• CALAX Image 2: Bird’s eye view shot of CALAX

• CAVITEX C5 Link_Image 3: Elevated shot of CAVITEX C5 Link

About MPT South

MPT South is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the infrastructure arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation. In addition to CAVITEX and CALAX, MPTC also holds concession rights for North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), NLEX Connector Road, and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu. 

Cosplay Mania 2024: Ascending Revelries into the Skies

 

Embarking on its 16th year of reaching greater heights, Cosplay Mania will bring you again to the peak, brimming with fun and marvelous adventure as a new chronicle, “Zenith in the Clouds,” opens! For the first time in its history, Cosplay Mania will fill Halls 1-4 of SMX Convention Center for 3 days, starting from October 4-6, 2024, featuring over a dozen awesome international special guests that fans of Gundam Seed, Vocaloid, Hololive, Sword Art Online, Yu Gi Oh!, Digimon, and even The Simpsons will enjoy!

Cosplay Mania continues to tread with a steadfast direction of delivering a one-of-a-kind experience that fans will truly enjoy. With a size of 9000+ square meters, the expansive convention halls transcend into an ultimate paradise for anime and cosplay enthusiasts, featuring over 200 incredible exhibits complete with various merchandise, apparel, artworks, and other trending collections, including exclusive Hololive, Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail merch, and more items that will send wallets flying! The stage will also witness the heart-pounding competition between the best of the best champions for top prizes in the grand finale of the Cosplay Mania Cup and Cosplay Karaoke Cup!

As one of the most-awaited conventions every year, Cosplay Mania never ceases to pull a surprising line-up of guests that can charm the crowd. Known for their stellar talent and dedication in portraying notable characters from different games and shows, this year’s cosplay sensations Taryn from Italy, Byoru from Vietnam, and Lea from Malaysia grace the event with their special appearance on stage and Meet-and-Greet sessions. Japan’s famous Ikémen Series producer and resident cosplayer Hiroto Kuramasu is back for a surprise appearance from Japan to introduce and share otome culture worldwide.

Vtuber enthusiasts will also rejoice as Hololive Indonesia’s “Secret Agent,” Vestia Zeta, and the “Ancient “‘Keris,’” Anya Melfissa, as well as the members of Holostars EN –ARMIS – the enigmatic puppeteer Octavio and the ferocious Jurard T Rexford, captivate the hearts of their fans during their appearance and Meet and Greet in the event.

Known for her exceptional voice, Malaysian American voice actor Su Ling Chan will take us to the skies as she showcases her unique voice acting skills and versatility featured in various video games like Honkai: Star Rail as the “Healer Lady” Bailu, Cabernet in Path to Nowhere, and as Mayday in No Straight Roads. She can also be heard in popular animated series like The Simpsons, Disney Channel’s “BoBoiBoy”, Netflix’s Bread Barbershop, and animated films like New Gods: Yang Jian, and the anime Kageki Shoujo.

A long way since the lineup’s first announcement, this year’s JAM Concert absolutely left everyone astonished, raising the excitement bar to the highest level! So don’t miss the chance to witness the most phenomenal performances coming from your favorite J-music artists, starting with the famous Vocaloid composer and producer packed with electrifying beats behind Project Diva’s Tell Your World and other popular Hatsune Miku hits, kz(livetune)!

Japanese singer-songwriter with a tremendous and extensive genre of ending themes and soundtracks for prominent animes like Kimi no Namae from The Rising of The Shield Hero and Digimon Adventure, Chiai Fujikawa!

Japanese rock, disco, and soul band internationally recognized for their vibrant and funky opening themes like Flyers from Death Parade, Yu Gi Oh Rush!, Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon, and Duel Masters. Enjoy the Dancehall Music all night with BRADIO!

Pumping up the JAM level to 99%, the world-renowned Japanese 3-piece band known for their intense and dynamic discography featured in Mob Psycho 100 II, Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon, and Sirius the Jaeger, sajou no hana will rock the stage with their enthralling sound!

With her major debut in 2017, no one can topple the rising Japanese artist incredibly known for her emotionally invoking performance in her infamous theme songs featured in Sword Art Online: Alicization and The Irregular at Magic High School. Bask in the Vivid World brought to you by the artist behind Resister, ASCA!

On top of it all, with her captivating songs and energetic performance celebrated worldwide since her debut track “Believe” for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, her immense and powerful discography became a blockbuster in the anime and J-music scene. For the first time, JAM Concert will welcome on stage the one and only J-pop Princess and actress Nami Tamaki in the grandest, groundbreaking 3-day party!

This year, a special 3-Day Portal Pass will also be available for only P9,999*, with the BEST and CLOSEST RESERVED SEATING for the JAM Concert, Ultra Rare JAMverse merchandise, and more! With these endless wonders, Cosplay Mania has a long way to go to pull in more surprises for everyone’s delight. Don’t miss a chance to be a part of this vivid,out-of-this-world experience! Buy your tickets now starting at only P599 at https://cosplayph.ticketmax.ph/ to enjoy a full, cloud nine event!

Visit https://cosplaymania.cosplay.ph for more info.

About Cosplay.ph

Cosplay.ph is one of the leading cosplay and J-culture events organizers in the Philippines. Founded in 2008, it comprises veteran cosplayers and convention-goers, as well as experienced figures in the local production industry.

Cosplay.ph has evolved from its humble beginnings as an online forum for cosplayers into a premier pop-culture events organizer in the country.

Cosplay.ph has extensive experience from small cosplay competitions to multi-day international convention tilts and has partnered with the best venues and corporations here and in Asia to bring the best experience possible to the Filipino con-goer.

Website: https://cosplay.ph

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