Given the significant climatic role of sulfuric acid (SA) and methanesulfonic acid (MSA), this work examines the hydration-driven formation of ternary MSA(SA)(W)n=1–10 clusters via DFT (M06-2X, X3LYP, APF-D, PW6B95 combined with Def2-TZVP). We report structures, Boltzmann populations, binding energies and binding free energies (ΔE, ΔG), and binding energies per-water moleculs (ΔE/W, ΔG/W). While clusters of size n = 7–10 are inherently stable, their atmospheric equilibrium concentrations are low. The MSA(SA)(W)4 cluster is an exception, with a concentration of 10³ molecules/cm³ and a low evaporation rate. Clusters of size n = 4,7,8 exhibit slow evaporation ( < 10⁵ s⁻¹), suggesting extended atmospheric lifetimes. All DFT methods yield consistent trends, with M06-2X closest to PW91/6-311 + + G(3df,3pd) reference values. Cluster concentrations are sensitive to relative humidity (20, 50, and 100
This paper investigates the propagation of dromion-like waves in systems composed of self-propelled entities. Starting from the continuity and hydrodynamic equations governing particle dynamics, we derive a system of Davey–Stewartson type I equations with complex coefficients using the multi-scale expansion method. A modulational instability analysis reveals parameter regimes conducive to the emergence of localized wave structures, notably dromions. These regimes are intricately linked to physical effects such as inter-particle collisions, diffusive transport, and directional changes during particle motion. By applying a separation-of-variables approach to the derived equations, we construct dromion-type excitations comprising both short- and long-wave components. Numerical simulations of these components illustrate the system’s dynamical response to variations in key parameters, providing insight into the behavior of active matter under nonlinear wave modulation.
Echinococcosis remains a major neglected zoonosis with limited therapeutic options. Thymol and carvacrol have emerged as experimental anti-echinococcal candidates, yet their mechanistic basis, translational relevance, and major limitations including the absence of clinical evidence remain incompletely defined. This review critically evaluates available evidence on their anti-echinococcal activity, examines proposed mechanisms of action, and identifies key barriers that must be addressed for therapeutic development. A substantial body of experimental research has been conducted to evaluate their efficacy, and this narrative review synthesizes and critically examines available evidence regarding their anti-echinococcal activity and proposed mechanisms of action. Available experimental evidence indicates that both isomers exhibit anti-echinococcal activity in in vitro and in vivo models involving Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and Echinococcus multilocularis. Their effects are mainly associated with tegumental membrane disruption, accompanied by ultrastructural alterations, while evidence supporting apoptosis-like pathways remains preliminary and incompletely validated. Experimental studies indicate synergistic or additive interactions with albendazole, suggesting possible mechanistic complementarity, although the basis of these interactions remains incompletely defined. Although experimental evidence supports membrane-disruptive and anti-echinococcal activity of thymol and carvacrol, current evidence remains largely preclinical and insufficient for therapeutic translation, particularly in the absence of clinical research data. Major uncertainties including poor aqueous solubility, limited bioavailability, lack of intracystic pharmacokinetic data, methodological heterogeneity, and incompletely validated mechanistic pathways remain unresolved. These monoterpenoid phenols should therefore be regarded as promising experimental candidates rather than clinically translatable agents, pending rigorous preclinical validation.
P-type CuInS2 (CIS) thin films are promising candidates for use as absorber layers in thin film photovoltaics. They have attracted considerable interest due to their high photovoltaic conversion efficiency and ease of synthesis using simple and low-cost techniques. In this study, CIS was synthesized and deposited on glass substrates by sol–gel spin-coating method. Thin films were annealed at 350 °C for 10, 15, and 20 min without sulfurization. The synthesized films were characterized using various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–visible spectrophotometry (UV–Vis), and four-point probe TECHNIQUE (FPP) to investigate the effect of annealing time on their structural, morphological, linear, and nonlinear optical properties. XRD spectra showed that the intensity of the (112) peak increased with annealing time, revealing good crystallinity of the films. Raman analysis revealed a unique peak located at the 298.12 position, thus confirming good formation of CIS. SEM micrographs revealed densely packed grains uniformly distributed over the entire surface of the substrate for the film annealed for 20 min. Various optical parameters including static refractive index (n0), oscillation energy (E0), dispersion energy (Ed), and band gap energy (Eg) were calculated. The bandgap energy of CIS decreased from 1.53 to 1.47 eV as the annealing time increased. In addition, we analyzed the third-order nonlinear susceptibilities (χ(3)) and the nonlinear refractive index (n2). Finally, the FPP technique confirmed the other results by revealing that the best annealing time for a suitable electrical conductivity was 20 min.
Stream sediment geochemistry is a key tool for mineral exploration in deeply weathered tropical environments. This study investigates the Abiete-Toko Gold District (Nyong Complex, southern Cameroon) to constrain sediment provenance, weathering intensity, and gold dispersion patterns. Thirteen stream sediment samples from the Kienké and Tchangué watersheds were analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ICP-AES/ICP-MS. The sediments are dominated by quartz and phyllosilicates, with accessory garnet and ilmenite indicating contributions from high-grade metamorphic and mixed felsic to mafic–ultramafic sources. High Chemical Index of Alteration values (CIA = 94.64–99.34
