Beni Suef University

In this study, we propose a parity-time (PT) symmetry-based defected 1D-photonic crystal (PhC) structure operating in the THz regime (0.2-0.4THz) for the highly sensitive detection of oral cancerous cells. By introducing a complex refractive index profile that satisfies PT symmetry conditions, the proposed design exhibits non-Hermitian properties that enable sharp resonance features and tunable defect mode characteristics. Numerical simulations are carried out by employing finite element and transfer matrix methods, where the results demonstrate that the inclusion of PT-symmetric gain and loss media significantly enhances the sensitivity compared to conventional PhC sensors. We evaluated that the PT symmetry-based 1D-PhC structure bestows a sensitivity of 3.0 & times;1010%/RIU and 1.1 & times;1012%/RIU for gain/loss factor of 1.565488 and 1.613267, respectively. Besides, the design of the structure is simple and feasible to fabricate with available technology, which makes it the right candidate for the detection of early-stage oral cancer.

This study presents an innovative method for extracting sodium carboxymethyl cellulose nanoparticles (Na-CMC NPs) from the lignocellulosic biomass of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). The process consists of two major stages: cellulose extraction and Na-CMC synthesis, followed by nanoparticle precipitation. Structural analysis confirmed the success of the extraction process, with X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealing a semi-crystalline structure with a high degree of crystallinity (81 ± 1)

The persistence of water-soluble polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in aquatic environments presents a major challenge for conventional wastewater treatment. Herein, a sunlight-active TiO2/activated carbon (TiO2/AC) composite fabricated via a simple physical mixing route is reported for the synergistic adsorption and photocatalytic mineralization of PVP K30. The optimal composite (2:1 weight ratio) exhibits a high surface area (412 m(2) g(-1)) and an integrated anatase-carbon architecture. The process operates through a sequential "adsorb-and-shuttle" mechanism, whereby PVP is first concentrated on the composite in the dark (30.2% removal in 8 h) and subsequently degraded under solar irradiation. This dual function leads to 86.4% PVP removal and 72.1% total organic carbon (TOC) mineralization, demonstrating true polymer destruction rather than mere surface accumulation. The composite demonstrates robust performance in simulated wastewater, retaining over 68% PVP removal and 55% TOC mineralization in a complex matrix containing competing inorganic ions and natural organic matter. Spectroscopic and thermogravimetric analyses confirm PVP chain scission and near-complete removal of adsorbed residues. An optimized ethanol-washing protocol enables effective catalyst regeneration, with the composite retaining 85% of its initial activity after five cycles. A detailed techno-economic analysis confirms the economic viability of this regeneration strategy at industrial scales (>1000 kg/year), projecting cost savings exceeding 60% compared to fresh catalyst use. Importantly, the PVP-loaded spent TiO2-AC was successfully repurposed as an electrocatalyst for the urea oxidation reaction, achieving a high current density of 163.7 mA cm(-2), which surpasses the performance of the pristine composite. The greenness of the overall process was validated using analytical eco-scale (ESA), method volume intensity (AMVI), and white analytical chemistry (WAC) metrics. Overall, this work presents a sustainable, solar-driven platform that advances a circular economy model, integrating effective polymer wastewater remediation with subsequent energy valorization of the spent material.

To assess the effectiveness and safety of intravenous efgartigimod in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and to compare treatment responses between anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-Ab)-positive and -negative subtypes. A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases up to 15 October 2025. Clinical trials and cohort studies evaluating the effectiveness and safety of efgartigimod in patients with MG were included. A random-effects model was used to pool mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes and proportions for categorical outcomes, with corresponding 95

Coastal ecosystems are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities associated with tourism development and maritime traffic. This study evaluates the environmental quality of a coastal sector using an integrated approach combining sediment characteristics, heavy metal concentrations, and benthic foraminiferal assemblages. Nineteen surface sediments were collected and analyzed for trace metals using ICP-MS, while benthic foraminiferal assemblages were quantified, and ecological indices were calculated. Results reveal elevated concentrations of trace metals at coastal stations, closely associated with high TOM and fine-grained sediments, indicating significant anthropogenic inputs. These stations are characterized by low species richness, reduced Shannon diversity, high dominance, low living foraminiferal percentages, high malformed individuals, and markedly low FoRAM values, reflecting stressed environmental conditions. Opportunistic taxa such as Ammonia tepida dominate impacted sites, whereas sensitive carbonate-producing taxa (Quinqueloculina lamarckiana, Coscinospira hemprichii, Elphidium striatopunctatum, Elphidium crispum) prevail at less disturbed stations. Multivariate analyses clearly separate polluted coastal stations from relatively unimpacted offshore sites. The combined geochemical and biological evidence demonstrates that tourism-related activities and ship effluents exert a strong negative influence on benthic ecosystems. Benthic foraminifera, together with heavy metals, provide an effective and sensitive tool for assessing anthropogenic impacts and coral reef health for sustainable coastal management of Safaga Bay.