This study evaluated gamma radiation levels and associated radiological health risks at municipal dumpsites in Cross River State, Nigeria, during the wet and dry seasons. In-situ exposure measurements were taken using a RADEX RD1212-BT Geiger counter, GPS device, measuring tape, and field notebooks. Four dumpsites were assessed, with twenty sampling points at each site. Exposure rates were converted to absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), effective dose, and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) using standard conversion factors. Mean absorbed dose rates were 56 ± 5.02 nGy/h in the dry season and 41 ± 1.80 nGy/h in the wet season, both within UNSCEAR’s global outdoor background range of 20–59 nGy/h. AEDE values ranged from 0.05 to 0.08 mSv/y, though some effective dose values exceeded the ICRP public exposure limit of 1.0 mSv/y. ELCR values in both seasons were above the internationally accepted safety threshold, indicating a potentially elevated long-term cancer risk for individuals living or working near these dumpsites. Overall, radiation levels were within international limits, suggesting no immediate radiological hazard. Nonetheless, improved waste management, routine radiation monitoring, community sensitization, and possible site remediation are recommended to reduce long-term risks.
It is reported that experimental set-ups have been created and experiments have been conducted by which an “Aether wind” has been discovered. Based on the experimental results obtained, it can be stated with a high degree of certainty that the Special Theory of Relativity is invalid. It is noted that the experiments conducted were successful because the Fresnel formula (Fresnel's drag hypotheses) was used as a basis for sizing the experimental set-ups. The question of the physical meaning of this formula is discussed. Formulas for sizing experimental set-ups by which an Aether wind can be searched for are given.
This study assessed the concentrations of heavy metals and micronutrients in Milo and selected sachet milk brands consumed in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria, using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry. The objective was to evaluate both the nutritional quality and potential health risks associated with these widely consumed beverages. Four samples comprising three milk brands and one Milo sample were collected from Gombe Main Market and analyzed for elemental composition. The results revealed the presence of essential micronutrients such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and copper at significantly elevated concentrations. Notably, calcium (281,500–320,140 ppm) and potassium (193,440–220,000 ppm) were found in extremely high amounts, suggesting possible fortification or concentration beyond standard dietary levels. Iron concentration was exceptionally high in the Milo sample (13,079 ppm), indicating heavy fortification. Conversely, toxic heavy metals such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr) were not detected in any of the samples, indicating minimal contamination from these hazardous elements. However, the concentrations of some trace elements, particularly copper and zinc, exceeded permissible limits recommended by international standards (WHO/FAO), raising concerns about potential health risks associated with excessive intake. The findings suggest that while the products are rich in essential nutrients, their unusually high elemental concentrations may pose risks of mineral toxicity if consumed regularly. In conclusion, Milo and sachet milk sold in Gombe are significant sources of micronutrients but require continuous monitoring and regulatory control to ensure consumer safety
Glass sample of Yttrium Zinc Lithium Sodalime Cadmium Borogerminate Glasses (25-x) GeO2:10ZnO:10Li2O:10Na2O:10CaO:10CdO:10Y2O3:15B2O3:xTb2O3.(where x=1,1.5,2 mol%) have been prepared by melt-quenching technique. The amorphous nature of the prepared glass samples was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. DTA curve was analysed to evaluate the glass transition temperature, crystallization temperature and melting temperature. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of three Tb3+ doped yttrium zinc lithium sodalime cadmium borogerminate glasses have been recorded at room temperature. The various interaction parameters like Slater-Condon parameter F2,Lande′ parameter (ξ4f), nephelauexetic ratio (β') and bonding parameter (b 1/2) have been computed. Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters and laser parameters have also been calculated.
Glass of the system: (40-x)SiO2: 10ZnO: 10Li2O: 10PbO: 10Al2O3: 10Y2O3: 10Sb2O3:xDy2O3. (where x=1, 1.5,2 mol %) have been prepared by melt-quenching technique. The amorphous nature of the prepared glass samples was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. DTA curve was analysed to evaluate the glass transition temperature, crystallization temperature and melting temperature .Optical absorption and fluorescence spectra were recorded at room temperature for all glass samples. Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters Ωλ (λ=2, 4 and 6) are evaluated from the intensities of various absorption bands of optical absorption spectra. The radiative properties like spontaneous emission probability (A), branching ratio (β), radiative life time (τR),stimulated emission cross–section(σp)and thermal properties have been evaluated.
Metal oxide nanowires have desirable properties suited to nano-electronic and spintronic devices, but are significantly affected by intrinsic defects. In this research, the electronic effect of point defects in ZnO nanowires is explored using “Density Functional Theory (DFT”) and experimental characterization. Nanowires were prepared through mechanical milling, and the defects, like oxygen vacancies and interstitials, were characterized with Raman, XPS, and EPR methods. DFT calculations revealed bandgap reduction from 3.30 eV (pristine) to 2.36 eV (defective) with mid-gap states that are localized at the Fermi level. Increased ferromagnetism, which was maximized at 40 hours of milling, was explained due to higher defect concentration. The results emphasize the importance of defect engineering in controlling nanowire properties for future devices.
Single photon emitters (SPEs) based on semiconductor quantum dots have emerged as promising candidates for applications in quantum communication, quantum cryptography, and photonic quantum information processing. Among various material systems, Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) quantum dots exhibit superior optical quality, high emission efficiency, and compatibility with established semiconductor fabrication technologies. In electrically pumped quantum dot devices, excitons are generated through carrier injection, and their interaction with the surrounding lattice vibrations, particularly acoustic phonons, plays a critical role in determining emission linewidth, coherence, and photon indistinguishability. This study presents a detailed investigation of exciton– phonon coupling in electrically driven GaAs quantum dot single photon emitters. The interaction between confined excitons and acoustic phonons is analyzed to understand its influence on radiative recombination dynamics and spectral stability. Special emphasis is placed on deformation potential coupling and its temperature-dependent effects on excitonic coherence. The study highlights how phonon- induced scattering mechanisms limit the performance of single photon sources and discusses strategies for minimizing decoherence through optimized device design. The results contribute to improving electrically driven solid-state single photon emitters suitable for scalable quantum photonic applications.
Accurate prediction of electromagnetic fields in the vicinity of radiating antennas is a fundamental requirement in modern communication, radar, and sensing systems. The near- field region of an antenna is characterized by strong reactive fields, rapid spatial variations, and complex coupling mechanisms that cannot be accurately described using far-field approximations. Analytical modeling of antenna near-field characteristics therefore plays a crucial role in understanding electromagnetic behavior in complex environments, especially when obstacles and diffracting structures are present. The Uniform Theory of Diffraction (UTD) provides a powerful high-frequency asymptotic framework for modeling wave propagation and diffraction around objects with edges, wedges, and curved surfaces. However, conventional UTD formulations primarily rely on far-field assumptions of the incident wave. Integrating accurate antenna near-field models into the UTD framework significantly enhances prediction accuracy in realistic scenarios such as urban propagation, antenna placement near structures, and electromagnetic compatibility analysis. This study presents an analytical study of antenna near-field characteristics and their application within the UTD framework. The formulation of near-field electromagnetic components is discussed, followed by their coupling with UTD diffraction mechanisms. The study highlights the advantages of near-field-based UTD modeling for precise field prediction in complex electromagnetic environments.
Topological entanglement entropy (TEE) provides a universal measure of long-range quantum correlations in topologically ordered systems, offering critical insights into exotic phases of matter. While theoretical frameworks, including exactly solvable lattice models, tensor networks, and field-theoretic approaches, enable precise computation of TEE in idealized settings, practical implementation faces multiple challenges. Finite-size and geometry effects, including boundary corners and lattice discretization, introduce significant corrections that can obscure the small topological contribution. Gapless edges in chiral topological phases further complicate the isolation of bulk entanglement, requiring careful separation of edge and bulk contributions. Symmetry-protected and symmetry-enriched phases necessitate additional diagnostics, such as symmetry-resolved entanglement and entanglement negativity, to fully characterize topological properties. Experimental measurement remains challenging, with current approaches limited to small systems using Rényi entropies via swap operations and interferometric methods. This work synthesizes these practical considerations, outlines mitigation strategies, and highlights ongoing directions for bridging theoretical, numerical, and experimental approaches to robustly quantify TEE. Understanding these limitations is essential for accurate characterization of topological order and for guiding the development of quantum technologies leveraging topological protection.
The quantum three body problem generally has its own complexities and is difficult to solve. It requires rigorous steps and iterations to find the solution. We often encounter three body system in various branches of physics including Nuclear Physics, Particle, Atomic, Molecular physics, and condensed matter. The underlying physics involved is quite complicated. Faddeev in 1961 made a successful attempt and formulated theory of three particle scattering in a rather rigorous mathematical way. Efimov developed a method that enabled one to obtain the universal properties of three particle system and is quite independent of the two body potentials. This article attempts to introduce Efimov effect. The formalism and the salient features are also discussed.
The study of specific heat in solids provides fundamental insights into lattice vibrations and electronic behavior, especially at low temperatures. The Debye model offers a theoretical framework to understand the lattice contribution to specific heat, introducing the Debye characteristic temperature () as a key parameter reflecting phonon dynamics and bonding strength. This work reviews the theoretical foundations of the Debye model, the temperature dependence of specific heat in metals, and methods to experimentally determine . By analyzing the low-temperature behavior of specific heat, both the lattice () and electronic () contributions can be separated, allowing for the evaluation of material properties such as sound velocity, thermal conductivity, and electron density of states. The Debye temperature emerges as a crucial indicator of a material’s elastic and thermal characteristics, with significant implications for solid-state physics, materials science, and thermoelectric applications
The point spread function (PSF) of an optical system apodized with a Hanning amplitude filter, featuring a central circular obscuration (ε = 0.4 & 0.5), is analyzed in the presence of primary spherical aberration and defocus. The primary objective is to enhance the intensity in the central lobe, suppress the side lobes, and reduce the radius of the first dark ring. It is observed that when the apodization parameter is set to β=1, the central maximum intensity increases, and the radius of the first dark ring is minimized, even under significant spherical aberration and defocus
The formation of straight-edge images by an optical system with a circular aperture apodized using Bartlett filters has been studied. One of the most common problems in coherent imaging systems is edge ringing. As the apodization parameter increases from 0 to 1, the severity of edge ringing reduces, and the edge gradient becomes smoother, but this comes at the cost of increased edge shift. Notably, when the Bartlett amplitude filter is applied with an apodization value of β = 1, and the system is affected by primary spherical aberration and defocus, edge ringing is almost completely eliminated.
In this article, the physical significance of the 1st order coherence in respect of the classical and quantum world is discussed with due example of Young’s double slit experiment. Mathematical equations governing these phenomenon are established. The corresponding correlation functions in the classical and quantum analogue are discussed
While coherence is an intrinsic characteristic of quantum systems, de-coherence describes the environmental intrusion during the measurement process, leading to transition from quantum to classical reality, hence playing a pivotal role in quantum information processing. The authors emphasize the need to understand physical aspect of various elements of the density matrix of a quantum state and how these elements control the coherence/decoherence behaviour of quantum physics and the transition to classical domain
In this article, the authors start with a discussion of various quantum states and their associated density matrices. The evaluation of the density matrices for pure, mixed, and entangled states is done elaborately. The concept of the trace of the density matrices is then explored and its relation with the purity of any state is discussed. The mathematical process of diagonalization of a matrix is studied for pure, mixed, and entangled states.
Glaucoma is an irreversible eye problem that leads to vision loss. It is divided into two main different types, which are open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and angle-closure glaucoma (ACG). This study aims to evaluate selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) for treating OAG. The investigation took place in the COMSOL Multiphysics simulation environment. The eye’s anterior chamber was modeled, and the two LASERs were exposed through Schlemm’s canal and trabecular meshwork, which are part of the eye’s anterior chamber. The thermal responses of the eye due to the absorption of the electromagnetic energy carried by the two LASERs were measured. The results indicated that a lower thermal intensity of 310K from 532nm SLT with a pulse duration of 2 ms and a heat flux of 1000 W/m² was more effective and safer for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) with minimal risk of trabecular meshwork damage compared to the higher thermal response of 330K induced by 514nm ALT with the same pulse duration and a heat flux. The finding improves clinical practice in the ophthalmology field.
The integration of plasma-polymerized coatings into drug delivery systems (DDS) represents a cutting-edge advancement in biomedical engineering, offering significant improvements in precision, efficiency, and therapeutic outcomes. Plasma-based coating techniques enable the deposition of ultrathin, conformal, and chemically tailored polymer films onto a variety of substrates, including drug-loaded nanoparticles, implants, and microcapsules. These coatings serve not only as physical barriers but also as functional interfaces that can modulate drug release profiles based on site-specific conditions such as pH, temperature, or enzymatic activity. This paper delves into the underlying physicochemical mechanisms of plasma polymerization, the influence of coating parameters on drug diffusion kinetics, and the role of surface energy and chemistry in biocompatibility and drug stability. Further, it reviews the latest experimental and clinical advancements, highlighting key challenges such as scalability, reproducibility, and regulatory considerations. Through this comprehensive study, we aim to establish a robust scientific framework to guide future innovations in plasma-assisted drug delivery technologies.
This study investigates the thermal properties of four common ceiling materials; PVC, POP, asbestos and cardboard used in buildings in Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The aim was to determine the thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity and thermal resistance of these materials to assess their effectiveness in insulating against heat in tropical climates. The experimental results revealed that asbestos exhibited the lowest thermal conductivity (0.09 W/m·K) and the highest thermal resistance (11.11 m²·K/W), making it the best thermal insulator. However, due to its associated health risks, asbestos is no longer suitable for use. Cardboard, with the highest specific heat capacity (1800 J/kg·°C), proved to be a viable alternative despite its lower thermal conductivity. PVC and POP demonstrated inferior thermal performance, with PVC slightly outperforming POP. The study concludes that while asbestos remains the most effective material, safer alternatives like cardboard, with proper treatment, should be considered in future building designs. Recommendations were made for further research into sustainable, non-toxic materials to enhance energy efficiency in building construction
Heavy metal contamination in surface waters is a significant global concern, particularly because people often settle near accessible water sources like lakes. This study examined the concentrations of heavy metals in water from selected locations along the shores of Lake Turkana and Turkwel River using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MPAES). In Lake Turkana, arsenic had the highest overall average concentration (0.756 mg/l) while Cd had the lowest (0.013mg/l) while in River Turkwel Zn had the highest average concentration (0.847 mg/l) with Cr being lowest (0.012mg/l). The Metal Contamination Index (MCI) in both the Lake and the River water was 0.001, while the corresponding Heavy metal Evaluation Indices (HEI) were 94.171 and 93.626 respectively. Concentrations of Cd, Ni, As, Pb and Cr were higher in the current study compared to the WHO recommended levels for drinking water
