Electroculture is defined by the use of electromagnetic stimulation (EM) to stimulate seed germination, plant growth, and/or increase yields. The study of EM has existed sporadically over nearly three hundred years. Recently, electroculture has re-emerged into mainstream discussion due to trending social media content pertaining to inexpensive “passive” EM garden devices made with copper-wrapped garden stakes. In this paper, we will provide an overview of past research on electroculture, describe the physiology-based explanations that have been proposed to account for observed effects of EM on plant growth; evaluate the evidence supporting classical studies and modern research efforts; and differentiate scientific “active” electroculture techniques from what appear to be unsupported “passive” approaches based upon limited data.
In an effort to develop biologically active molecules, a series of novel thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives tethered with 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde through an amino linkage were synthesized and characterized using appropriate spectroscopic techniques. The synthetic methodology exhibited several notable advantages, including a reduced number of reaction steps, high product yields, mild reaction conditions, and elimination of additional purification procedures. The synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against selected microbial strains. Biological evaluation revealed that several derivatives displayed moderate to good antimicrobial potency, indicating the potential of these heterocyclic scaffolds as good antimicrobial agents.
The present study evaluates the in vitro antioxidant capacity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), green silver–zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ag–ZnO NPs), and the methanolic leaf extract of Corallocarpus epigaeus. The in vitro antioxidant activity was determined by the H2O2 radical-scavenging assay, reducing power assay, and DPPH radical-scavenging assay. The methanolic leaf extract and standard ascorbic acid were prepared accordingly and used to assess antioxidant potential using the H2O2 radical-scavenging assay, reducing power assay, and DPPH radical-scavenging assay. UV-Vis spectrophotometry confirmed the biosynthesis of silver and silver–zinc oxide NPs. UV-Vis spectrophotometry confirmed the green-synthesized AgNPs and Ag-ZnO NPs by surface plasmon resonance at 460 nm and 450 nm, respectively. The fabricated Ag-ZnO NPs showed significant antioxidant activity compared with AgNPs and the leaf extract in the H2O2 radical-scavenging assay (72.33±0.21%), reducing power assay (0.325±0.12), and DPPH radical-scavenging assay (79.49±0.15%), in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, in the present investigation, the antioxidant potential of Ag-ZnO NPs can be used as an alternative antioxidant, and antioxidants can mitigate the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) productivity in Nigeria has declined in recent years, partly due to the mismatch between improved varieties and prevailing soil conditions. This study evaluated the influence of contrasting soil textures on the early vegetative performance of selected SAMNUT groundnut varieties under controlled conditions. A completely randomized design was employed in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, comprising three soil textures (sand, loam, and clay) and three varieties (SAMNUT 22, SAMNUT 24, and SAMNUT 27), with three replicates. Key growth parameters assessed included germination percentage, plant height, number of leaves, and number of nodes. Soil analyses confirmed distinct differences in textural composition among the treatments. Results revealed that varietal differences exerted a stronger influence on early growth performance than soil texture as a main factor. SAMNUT 22 and SAMNUT 27 consistently exhibited superior germination and vegetative growth across soil types. While loamy and sandy soils generally supported better overall performance, clay soil recorded the highest mean plant height at four weeks after sowing. The findings indicate significant genotype-environment interactions influencing early groundnut development. SAMNUT 22 and SAMNUT 27 are identified as promising varieties for enhanced establishment and early growth, particularly under loamy and sandy soil conditions in semi-arid Northern Nigeria. These results provide a basis for targeted variety selection and warrant further validation under field conditions.
The increase in shrimp production in Indonesia is driven by high global demand, which often leads to environmental problems, particularly the accumulation of organic waste from feed and feces, which can degrade water quality and trigger eutrophication. Polyculture systems offer a potential solution to improve efficiency and sustainability in aquaculture by utilizing the ecological niches of different organisms. This study aims to analyze the application of polyculture systems combining shrimp and seaweed, as well as their effects on water quality and production performance. The method used is a descriptive exploratory approach through the review of various scientific literature from national and international journals. The results indicate that the integration of seaweed such as Gracilaria sp. acts as a natural biofilter capable of absorbing nitrogen compounds, maintaining water quality stability, and suppressing pathogenic bacteria. In addition, this system enhances growth rate, survival rate, and feed efficiency of shrimp. Overall, polyculture not only increases productivity and economic benefits but also supports the environmental sustainability of coastal aquaculture systems.
Environmental contamination has evolved beyond traditional pollutants to include a growing class of emerging contaminants such as microplastics, nanoplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceutical residues, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These contaminants are increasingly detected in air, water, food systems, wildlife, and human tissues. While environmental chemistry has extensively characterized their occurrence, persistence, transport, and transformation, their pathological consequences remain fragmented across disciplines. This review integrates environmental chemistry with anatomic pathology by examining how emerging contaminants induce cellular and tissue-level lesions that culminate in organ dysfunction. Particular emphasis is placed on contaminant fate, bioaccumulation, oxidative stress induction, inflammatory signaling, endocrine disruption, immune dysregulation, and epigenetic modifications. Histopathological manifestations, including fibrosis, necrosis, cellular degeneration, chronic inflammation, hyperplasia, and neoplastic transformation, are discussed across major organ systems. Current evidence from human biomonitoring studies and experimental animal investigations is critically evaluated. The review highlights the need for pathology-informed environmental risk assessment frameworks and proposes future directions integrating toxicopathology, exposomics, and environmental surveillance.
Surface water contamination by pesticides is intertwined to surface runoff and soil erosion from agricultural farms. This study determined the presence and levels of pesticide residue in water from Themi River which is a source of irrigation water at Fire vegetable farm located in Arusha, Tanzania. Using grabbing water sampling technique, three (3) composite samples of water were collected from three strategic locations along the Themi River. Applying liquid phase extraction method, the residual of three pesticides namely trichlorfon, dimethoate, and vamidothion were detected and quantified using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometer (GC-MS) Agilent 7890A with 2-20 ppm detection limit. Results shows that the concentration of trichlorfon in the water was averaged at 0.71±0.1 µg/l, dimethoate was at 1.64±0.31 µg/l while vamidothion was at 0.78±0.38 µg/l all exceeding the 0.1 µg/l International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) recommended limits for individual pesticides residual in irrigation water. Unsustainable application of pesticide in vegetable farms not only contaminates the river but also threatens environment, life below water and human health through trophic chain.
ABSTRACT Spiders of the order Araneae, specifically the infraorder Mygalomorphae, include the diverse family Theraphosidae (tarantulas). Despite their ecological and medicinal importance—such as pest control and antibiotic silk—these spiders face extinction due to habitat loss, climate change, and the exotic pet trade. In regions like India, they are also exploited for food and traditional medicine, often before being scientifically described. This study examines Chilobrachys hardwickii (Pocock 1895), a Theraphosid species found in India. Based on specimens collected from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh between 2019 and 2021, the paper provides a taxonomic account, distribution data, and biological characteristics. The findings underscore the critical need for conservation awareness to protect these ancient spiders from anthropogenic threats, ensuring ecosystem stability and preserving their potential for future pharmaceutical and agricultural applications.
This paper investigates the relationship between natural resource dependence, institutional quality, and economic growth in Guinea over the period 1985–2022. It suggests an empirical approach based on the of ARDL, augmented by an interaction term between natural resource rents and institutional quality in order to test whether institutions can moderate the resource curse effect. The results indicate that while resource dependence negatively impacts growth, institutional quality serves as a positive driver. However, the analysis was unable to establish a specific institutional threshold required to neutralize the adverse effects of resource dependency. These results could further convince political authorities in Guinea of the importance of strengthening governance and promoting economic diversification for sustainable development, for the benefit of more stable dynamics of their economy.
Construction and project management education increasingly requires not just technical knowledge, but critical self-awareness and the ability to bridge theory with site-based realities. Traditional assessment often misses the "deep learning" required for complex problem-solving. This study investigates how reflective journaling (RJ) influences academic achievement—measured through both quantitative grades and qualitative skill acquisition—among students in project management and construction programs. A mixed-methods approach is recommended. This involves analyzing student journals for dimensions of reflective thinking and correlating these with academic performance data, such as test scores and project-based learning (PBL) outcomes. Regular journaling is expected to improve metacognitive skills, memory, and the synthesis of new knowledge with prior experience. It helps students manage "stress-time pressures" common in project-based work and increases their motivation to apply learning to real-world scenarios. Reflective journaling serves as a vital pedagogical tool that enhances academic achievement by fostering "reflection-for-action". The study provides a framework for educators to integrate structured RJ into construction curricula to better prepare students for the professional demands of the 2026 industry.
Anemia remains a major global health challenge, with iron deficiency and megaloblastic anemia among the most prevalent forms. While these conditions have been extensively studied individually, there is a lack of integrative research exploring their shared biochemical and chemical pathways. In particular, the potential for phytochemicals to modulate the erythropoietic environment, through redox stabilization of iron-dependent processes and support of one-carbon metabolism, remains largely unexplored. This review synthesizes recent literature (2024–2026) to provide a chemistry-driven framework linking iron redox biology, vitamin-dependent DNA synthesis, and phytochemical intervention in erythropoiesis. We discuss iron coordination and redox cycling in hemoglobin synthesis, folate- and vitamin B12-dependent methylation chemistry in DNA replication, and the mechanistic potential of phytochemicals to influence these pathways. By highlighting the chemical convergence of iron metabolism and one-carbon pathways, this review identifies knowledge gaps and opportunities for future in silico, in vitro, and translational research. Our integrative perspective provides a roadmap for understanding mixed anemia states and exploring natural-product–based modulation of erythropoiesis, with implications for both clinical and nutritional interventions.
A new homologues series of azo-ester containing tert-butyl terminal group has been synthesised and investigated for its mesomorphic properties. The series consists of total eleven homologues (A1-A14) in which lower homologues (A1-A3) are non-mesomorphic in nature due to lack of molecular flexibility. The higher homologues (specifically A4–A14) demonstrate consistent enantiotropic nematic phases. The liquid crystal phase remains stable at broad range of temperatures. The phase transition temperatures and characteristic textures of homologues were identified via polarised optical microscopy (POM) using heating stage and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The observed texture of nematic phase is schlieren or threaded. Thermal, analytical and spectral (IR, 1H NMR, Mass analysis) data confirmed the molecular structure.
This study is conducted on three different organic wastes namely, poultry droppings (PD), water hyacinth (WH), and orange mesocarp (OM) to systematically analyze their properties and behaviors to investigate their suitability for anaerobic co-digestion for effective biogas production. Proximate and ultimate investigation methods were employed to analyze the organic wastes, and certain biological and elemental properties were found in differing fractions. The ultimate analytical method was used to investigate the percentage of hydrogen to be 5.28, 4.13 and 4.89, nitrogen as 3.78, 3.52 and 1.36, carbon to be 48.13, 42.93 and 44.19, sulphur to be 0.58, 0.76 and 0.18, and finally, oxygen as 42.23, 48.66, and 49.38 each for poultry droppings, water hyacinth, and orange mesocarp, respectively, as shown in Table 1 below. In the same vein, proximate analysis was used to check the percentage ash content to be 10.73, 9.26 and 6.83, moisture as 7.18, 64.22 and 9.76, volatile solid to be 70.46, 64.89 and 58.14 and finally, fixed carbon to be 15.77, 13.38 and 11.94 each for poultry droppings, water hyacinth and orange mesocarp, respectively. With respect to the elemental properties, carbon/nitrogen ratios for the three organic wastes were as well determined to be 12.7:1, 12.2:1 and 32.5:1 for poultry droppings, water hyacinth, and orange mesocarp, respectively. This study necessarily precedes the anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) of the three organic wastes mentioned above in order to check the substrate’s suitability for the production of biogas.
Digital enterprises operate within increasingly complex threat, regulatory, and data ecosystems that demand unified governance across cybersecurity, data management, and compliance functions. Yet many organizations still manage these domains in silos, resulting in duplicated controls, inconsistent policies, and delayed risk response. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for an integrated architecture that aligns cybersecurity, data governance, and regulatory compliance to strengthen enterprise resilience and operational trust. The study synthesizes principles from zero trust security, privacy by design, enterprise risk management, and policy as code to establish a unified governance model embedded across the digital service lifecycle. The framework introduces layered governance domains covering identity and access control, data classification and stewardship, regulatory mapping, and automated policy enforcement. Emphasis is placed on shared control libraries, centralized telemetry, and continuous assurance workflows that enable consistent decision making. A reference architecture demonstrates integration of security analytics, compliance automation, and data lineage tracking within cloud native and hybrid environments. The model incorporates continuous monitoring, automated evidence collection, and risk scoring to support real time governance and audit readiness. Organizational alignment is addressed through defined roles, governance councils, and cross functional collaboration between security, legal, risk, and engineering teams. Evaluation metrics and maturity indicators are proposed to measure governance effectiveness, resilience, and regulatory alignment. The framework highlights how integrated governance reduces compliance costs, accelerates incident response, and improves transparency across distributed digital operations. Case inspired scenarios illustrate measurable gains in risk visibility, policy consistency, and stakeholder accountability. The study concludes that convergence of cybersecurity, data governance, and compliance capabilities is essential for sustainable digital transformation. Future directions include artificial intelligence driven policy orchestration, predictive compliance analytics, and interoperable governance standards that enable adaptive and scalable enterprise architectures. The proposed framework offers a practical roadmap for organizations seeking to transition from fragmented controls toward integrated, intelligence driven governance in rapidly evolving digital ecosystems worldwide. By embedding governance into everyday workflows, enterprises can strengthen trust, protect critical data assets, and maintain continuous regulatory confidence while preserving innovation and agility across global operations and partnerships in dynamic markets. This approach reinforces resilience and long term organizational accountability.
Nano-bio-technologies are a new interdisciplinary scientific sector, with revolutionary perspectives due to the fact that, at nano-size, the behavior and characteristics of matter radically change with respect to macroscopic dimensions. The paper provides an overview of the mathematical analytical modeling for transport (nano-)processes, through which the phenomena of charge transport (at nanometer level) are considered (also with reference to the most used numerical methods); it considers also recent advances in analytical (nano-)modeling. Plasmonics and related applications are also described. Examples of application are collected in the Appendix.
Rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles have contributed to the increasing prevalence of fast-food consumption in cities around the world. In Sri Lanka, urban residents are increasingly relying on quick-service dining options, yet the spatial and socio-economic determinants shaping this behavior remain underexplored. This study investigates the influence of income, spatial proximity, and the distribution of fast-food outlets on consumption patterns within the Wattala–Mabola Urban Council area. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to 116 randomly selected residents using a stratified sampling method across 6 Grama Niladhari divisions based on ethnic composition. In-depth interviews with 15 purposively selected participants, systematic observations, and several secondary data including fast-food outlet locations and urban infrastructure complemented the dataset. Spatial distribution patterns were analyzed using ArcGIS 10.8, while socio-economic relationships were examined using independent chi-square tests and multiple regression analysis at a 0.05 significance level, controlling external factors. Theoretical interpretations were guided by Spatial Interaction Theory, the Behavioral Geography Model, Central Place Theory, Location Theory, Tobler’s First Law of Geography, and the Distance Decay Principle. Results indicate that fast-food outlets are highly concentrated in the southern region of Wattala–Mabola Urban Council area, particularly along the main roads and densely populated neighborhoods. Which is reflecting patterns of accessibility and economic activity. Independent chi-square analysis showed no statistically significant relationship between income or proximity and the mode of consumption, whereas multiple regression revealed (R = 0.28) a weak positive association between income and consumption frequency and a negative association with the distance. These findings suggest that although income and spatial accessibility influence fast-food consumption, modern urban factors such as mobility, food accessibility modes, and digital ordering moderate these effects. This study provides empirical evidence on how spatial structures and socio-economic factors jointly shape urban fast-food consumption, offering practical insights for urban planning, public health interventions, and policy development aimed at promoting healthier dietary practices in rapidly urbanizing settings.
Refractories are well-known ceramics of chemical compositions such as Al2O3, SiO2, MgO, etc. Various methods or routes are employed to fabricate refractory materials. Solid-state sintering is the most common and suitable method utilized to fabricate refractories in the laboratory and on a commercial scale. Two experiments were conducted using different raw materials and different stoichiometric quantities. In this research, silica fume (SiO2 ˃ 99%), kaolin (Al2Si2O5(OH)4 and alumina (Al2O3) were utilized. Silica and kaolin are solid waste materials used as starting materials for synthesizing mullite refractory ceramics. Aluminum fluoride trihydrate was added to the appropriate reacting mixtures to aid the ceramic or refractory formation. 10g of Al2O3 and 4g of SiO2 were measured in the first experiment, while 10.2g of Al2O3 and 12.9g of Al2Si2O5(OH)4 measured in the second experiment. Three specimens were prepared from each of the two sets of prepared mixtures and heated at 10000C. 11000C, and 12000C in the muffle furnace. The specimens were ground into powder form to make them ready for characterization. SEM, XRD, EDS, and FTIR characterizations were done on the specimens to determine the morphology, crystallinity, chemical compositions, functional groups, and absorption frequencies in the fabricated composites.
Crude oil contamination remains a major environmental concern in petroleum-producing regions, where repeated exposure to hydrocarbon mixtures may pose significant risks to human and animal health. The kidney is particularly vulnerable to petroleum-derived toxicants because of its high blood flow and central role in the filtration and excretion of xenobiotics. Despite increasing environmental exposure to crude oil pollutants, limited information exists on the renal effects of sub-acute crude oil exposure through multiple environmental pathways. This study investigated the biochemical and histopathological effects of sub-acute crude oil exposure on renal injury in Wistar rats. Twenty adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 5). The control group received normal feed and water, whereas the experimental groups were exposed to crude oil through contaminated feed, contaminated drinking water, or inhalation of crude oil vapour for 21 days. At the end of the exposure period, blood samples were collected for the analysis of renal biochemical parameters, including serum urea, creatinine, and electrolytes, while kidney tissues were processed for histopathological examination using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Crude oil exposure produced significant alterations in renal biochemical parameters compared with the control group. The highest serum urea concentration occurred in the feed-exposed group, whereas the vapour-exposed group showed the highest creatinine level. These biochemical changes were accompanied by electrolyte disturbances and histological abnormalities, including tubular degeneration, glomerular distortion, glomerular shrinkage, and expansion of urinary spaces. In conclusion, sub-acute crude oil exposure induced route-dependent biochemical and histopathological alterations indicative of renal injury in Wistar rats. Continuous environmental monitoring and effective pollution control strategies are recommended to reduce petroleum-related health risks in crude oil-contaminated environments.
Replacement resorption, a pathologic consequence of severe dental trauma, represents a formidable clinical challenge, particularly in the young adult demographic. This sequela, characterized by the progressive substitution of tooth structure with bone, leads to ankylosis and infra-position, compromising long-term periodontal health, alveolar ridge contour, and esthetic outcomes. In young adults, the transition from active skeletal growth to functional maturity creates a complex temporal window where intervention timing is critical. This narrative review synthesizes the contemporary understanding of replacement resorption, beginning with an in-depth exploration of its biological underpinnings, from the critical loss of periodontal ligament (PDL) viability to the subsequent osseous replacement. We critically evaluate the most current guidelines from the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT), delineating management paradigms based on a patient's growth potential. Furthermore, we dissect contemporary management strategies, ranging from the biologically-driven "decoronation" procedure for alveolar preservation to advanced restorative "rescue" protocols.
Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were examined by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and their structural aggregation was quantified via a MATLAB based box-counting method. TEM images were grayscale processed, binarized, and segmented to extract particle boundaries, enabling precise calculation of the fractal dimension D_f for each sample. The results reveal a wide range of aggregation states, with D_f values spanning from 1.78 to 1.936. Lower D_f values correspond to open, branched, diffusion limited aggregates, while intermediate values (1.82–1.87) indicate dense clusters with rugged surfaces characteristic of reaction limited cluster aggregation (RLCA). Higher D_f values greater than 1.92 signify near solid, coalesced morphologies with minimal porosity, reflecting advanced RLCA or particle sintering. The MATLAB based approach offers a reproducible and scalable tool for systematically evaluating nanoscale morphology, providing insights critical for optimizing CuO nanostructures for catalysis, sensing, energy storage, and electronic applications.
