EJAS is an international, open-access journal publishing high-quality research across applied sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary fields. The journal welcomes contributions in physics, chemistry, biological sciences, environmental studies, forestry, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, engineering and technology, architecture and design, fisheries, education, transportation, business, law, media and communication, public policy, social work, and related areas. It also encourages work exploring artificial intelligence in scientific analysis, modeling, design, and innovation. The journal aims to advance practical knowledge, interdisciplinary discovery, and science-based solutions with real-world relevance.
ScholarPublishing on behalf of Services for Science and Education, United Kingdom
A Review of Polarized Light Microscopy in Food Science
Some of the basic principles of polarized light microscopy are explained, followed by the problems involved in making automated measurements for meat samples with automated pH changes. Polarized light microscopy is then applied to meat samples on a tilting microscope stage to separate diffuse subsurface reflectance from the gloss of surface reflectance, to explain what is happening when a slice of meat is examined at the macro level in a conventional colourimeter. When meat is cooked, tough connective tissues may be gelatinized, thus increasing meat tenderness. This may be detected by a loss of birefringence using a polarizing microscope. The optical basis of starch granules in polarized light is explained as an interaction of the radial crystalline structure of starch interacting with the rectilinear orientation of a microscope polarizer and analyser.
Copyright (c) 2026 Howard J. Swatland http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil using Modified Poultry Droppings as Catalyst. Response Surface Methodology, Artificial Neural Network, and Extreme Gradient Boosting as Modeling and Optimization Tools
Poultry droppings was modified with nickel sulphate for the synthesis of biodiesel from waste cooking oil (WCO) with 6.43 % free fatty acid. The catalyst modified was characterized using Brunauer Emmet Teller (BET), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescent analysis (XRF). Response surface methodology (RSM), artificial neural network (ANN), and extreme gradient boosting (XGB) were employed in modeling and optimizing the process conditions. Box-Behken design (BBD) of four process variables was used in designing the experiment. The biodiesel produced was characterized and its properties compared with established standards. The reusability potential of the catalyst was also assessed. The catalyst characterization revealed high surface area of 355.36 m2/g. Acidic and basic oxides such as CaO, SiO2, NiO, SO3, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 in significant quantities were found present indicating its bi-functionality. Optimum biodiesel yield of 96.82 % was obtained with methanol/oil ratio of 12.98:1, catalyst loading of 3.66 wt.%, temperature of 59℃, and reaction time of 86.45 minutes. RSM, ANN and XGB model were found to be efficient in modeling biodiesel production process with XGB performing best with the highest R2 value of 0.9915. The properties of biodiesel produced were within the acceptable limits when compared with ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards.
Copyright (c) 2026 David Ohimai Ahonkhai, Kessington Obahiagbon, Eghe Amenze Oyedoh http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exhaust Gas Temperature Margin of A Jet Engine Cause Impact and Simulation
When a jet engine starts, the temperature starts to increase within a range. At various durations of the engine run, there is some temperature. Higher the thrust, higher the heat. This temperature is called Exhaust Gas Temperature. Each type of engine has a maximum allowed exhaust gas temperature and the difference between the actual gas temperature and the maximum temperature is called the Exhaust Gas Temperature Margin. Airlines struggle to know which components should be replaced to obtain desired Exhaust Gas Temperature Margin. Formula for EGT Margin is EGT Margin = EGT Red Line – EGT Take off. Every airline aims to obtain a margin as high as possible. If the margin is very low, it is unsafe to use the engine and it could lead to fire in the engine. The article explains the root cause of lower margin, factors impacting the margin, what can be done to maintain a good margin and what must be avoided at all costs for the safety of the aircraft engine. Currently, there are no directions or guidelines on what engine components can be replaced to improve EGT Margin. The article shows how the simulation data was captured and what methodology was used to obtain the data.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sandeep Prajapati http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Thermoregulatory Responses and Morphometric Characteristics of Cane Rats (Thryonomys swinderianus) Fed Graded Levels of Elephant Grass and Concentrate Diets
The experiment was carried out at the cane rat unit of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan, to evaluate the thermoregulatory responses and morphometric measurement of cane rats fed graded level of elephant grass and concentrate diet. The experiment was designed to determine the optimal grass- to -concentrate ratio that supports growth and thermal adaptability in captive cane rats. A total of thirty weaned cane rat between the ages of 5-6 months, procured from a reputable farmer with weight ranging from 1342g to 1350g were used for the experiment. The cane rats were allotted into 5 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated two times with three animals per replicate. The allotted animals were given elephant grass and formulated feeds in ratio: Treatment1 (T1) (25:75 % of mixture of elephant grass and concentrate), Treatment 2 (T2) (50:50 % of mixture of elephant grass and concentrate), Treatment 3 (T3) (75:25 % of mixture of elephant grass and concentrate), and Treatment 4 (T4) (100 % of concentrate) while Treatment 5 (T5) (100 % of elephant grass). The parameters measured were feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio, which was calculated. Thermoregulatory parameters taken weekly were the rectal and head temperature. Also, the morphometric parameters which include body, tail and head length, heart-girth, and rump were also recorded. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. It was observed that body weight gain and feed conversion ratio revealed significant (P>0.05) differences among the treatment means. The results indicated that cane rats on T1 with 75% concentrate had the highest feed conversion ratio while, highest feed intake and body weight gain was recorded in T4 (100% concentrate) followed by T3 (25% concentrate). The inclusion of 25% and 100% concentrate diets influenced morphological traits. It is, however, recommended that the optimum growth performance of cane rats was achieved at T3 (25% concentrate to 75%) elephant grass diet considering the growth response and feed conversion ratio obtained from the present study.
Copyright (c) 2026 Olorungbohunmi, T. O. , Popoola, Y. A., Oladele-Bukola, M. O., Olalere, M. O., Adedotun, A. O., Olatundun, B. E., Ajayi, S. R., Ajayi, O. T., Owosibo, A. O., Oludolapo, A. B., Oluwole, O. O., Omole, A. J. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Classification and Evaluation Method for Complex Near-Surface Facies in Front of the Longmen Mountains
The near-surface of complex piedmont zones exhibits strong heterogeneity with significant variations in the thickness and velocity of low-velocity layers, which constitute key technical challenges in seismic exploration. This study proposes the concept, connotation and evaluation framework of near-surface facies, establishes a complete classification and evaluation workflow, and accurately divides the study area into 9 categories and 22 types of near-surface facies. The characteristics and spatial variation laws of near-surface facies are clarified from three dimensions, providing technical support for optimizing seismic exploration parameters. This research addresses the exploration challenges in the Longmen Mountains area and offers a valuable reference for similar studies in complex piedmont zones.
Copyright (c) 2026 Duan Wen-shen, Liu Sheng, Hu Laidong, Wang Bin, Chen Ming-chun, Tu Yuangen, Liang Yong, Zhang, Peng, Lei Yang http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of Radiological Hazards Associated with Zumba Mining Sites in Niger State, Nigeria
The assessment of radiological associated with Zumba mining sites in Niger State was was carried out using NaI(Tl) gamma ray spectroscopy. The results shows mean activity concentrations 40K 226 , Ra and 232Th is 197.2449 Bq.Kg-1; 48.4357 Bq.Kg-1 and 40.6581 respectively. The total mean for the absorbed dose rate of all the 7 soil samples analysed is 46.0830 ŋGy.h-1 and also the annual effective dose in the study areas ranged from 0.0342 - 0.0893 mSvy-1 (i.e 34 – 89 μSv.y-1), which had an mean annual effective dose of 0.0646 mSv.y-1 ( ie 65μSv.y-1). These results shows that the radiation exposure level for members of the public in the study areas is lower than the recommended limit value of 1 mSv.y-1 (UNSCEAR, 2000). Furthermore, the mean external hazard index (Hext) is 0.1694 Bqkg-1 (ZB3) to 0.4269 Bqkg-1 (ZB7), while its maximum allowed value is (Hext = 1) which corresponds to upper limit of Raeq (370 BqKg-1) in order to limit the external gamma radiation dose from the soil materials to 1.5 mGy y-1. The accepted index value should be equal to or less than unity (Hext = 1). Therefore, it can be deduce said that no radiological hazard is conceptualize to dwellers in the study areas and the miners working on those mining sites. The entire environment is within the permissible dose limit for the workers of the mining sites and also for the agriculture and construction buildings. Therefore, the mining site is safe in terms of radiological hazards.
Copyright (c) 2026 IK. Suleiman, M. Bashir, Ismail A. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Application of Aeromagnetic Data to Assess the Structures, Mineralisation-Porphyry Systems and 2D Modelling of Parts of Northwest Nigeria
This study takes a close look at high-resolution aeromagnetic data to map out structures, porphyry-style mineralization systems, and the basement configuration in parts of northwestern Nigeria, specifically the Maru, Anka, and Zuru schist belts, along with the nearby Sokoto Basin. The total magnetic intensity data was processed through upward continuation and reduced to the pole, then enhanced using various techniques like analytic signal, first vertical derivative, the application of 3D Euler deconvolution and the Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET) structural and porphyry plug-ins. We constructed three 2D magnetic models along profiles across the basin margin using GM-SYS to better understand the basement relief beneath the sedimentary cover. The analytic signal and first vertical derivative maps effectively distinguish a weakly magnetic sedimentary area in the west from a strongly magnetic basement terrain in the east, revealing major lineaments that primarily trend WNW-ENE, NE-SW, NNE-SSW, and NW-SE. The CET structural density mapping points out zones with high and very high structural densities, while the CET porphyry analysis identifies circular to subcircular magnetic centres that align with these structurally complex areas. Euler solutions suggest that most depth ranges in the basement sector are shallower than 450 m, with some deeper solutions found beneath the sedimentary basin. The 2D models indicate sediment thickness ranging from about 0.55 to 1.2 km over a gently undulating crystalline basement. The combined results highlight several structurally prepared, alteration-related targets that show promise for gold and Pb-Zn mineralization in both the schist belt basement and the Sokoto Basin margin.
Copyright (c) 2026 Akpaneno, A. F. , Abdullahi, H. A. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A New Interpretation of Wave-Particle Duality in Gas-Liquid Systems Based on the Particle-life Hypothesis of UCST
As the core foundation of quantum mechanics, wave-particle duality and the micro-macro description gap have long been controversial. Based on the Unified Complex System Theory (UCST) particle-life hypothesis, dualistic ontology, this paper presents a self-consistent interpretive framework for wave-particle duality in gas-liquid systems. The framework discards artificial micro-macro leaps and assumes particles have life-like properties: particle nature arises from ether-based material entities, while wave nature stems from two medium vibration modes—mind-driven active vibrations and environment-induced passive vibrations. In gas, statistical superposition of active intrinsic vibrations forms de Broglie matter waves, consistent with Planck’s quantum hypothesis and the UCST gas equation. In liquid, coordinated passive forced vibrations produce classical water waves, satisfying the standard wave equation and UCST macroscopic fluid mechanics. Through active-passive synergistic dynamics, the theory achieves a continuous transition of wave-particle behavior across gas, gas-liquid coexistence, and liquid phases. It maintains consistency with classical mechanics, clarifies the intrinsic origin of wave motion, and offers a unified physical mechanism and mathematical logic for reconciling wave-particle duality across microcosmic and macrocosmic systems, complementing UCST’s unification of microscopic and macroscopic physics.
Copyright (c) 2026 Weicheng Cui http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Electron Orbiting Patterns and Associated Molecular Formation
In the independent-particle model, the nucleus of an atom consists of nucleons moving about the center of mass in certain orbits. With this, molecular formation is described by principles of quantum mechanics and the behavior of electrons in relation to their nuclei. A lot of time has been spent on the measurement of angular momentum of nuclear states than on the measurement of any other parameter of nuclear physics.1 However, these associated concepts leave a lot of holes when trying to explain molecular formation. Basically, molecules are formed through covalent and ionic bonding. In covalent bonding, atoms share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. Ionic bonding involves holding atoms together by an electrostatic force. The general belief is that molecules are formed because the resulting arrangements are more stable than the original atoms, and that stability is achieved when the outermost electron shells are full. However, there is no clear explanation as to how the electrons move and how shell filling creates a stable state. This article attempts to clarify these questions by deviating away from the independent-particle model and assuming a symmetrical orthogonal arrangement of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Using this arrangement, an electron orbiting model is developed whereby orbiting patterns group elements in accordance with the Periodic Table. This theory is further strengthened when it is found that molecular formation is directly related to magnetic fields produced by orbiting electrons, thus, leading to covalent and ionic bonding. This changes the fundamental way of looking at the nuclear model.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dana George Cottrell http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Improved Intensive Quenching Processes for Global Mass Production
The three principles of transient nucleate boiling are used for transition from IQ- 3 technology to IQ -2 technology to obtain the same or even better final results in hardening of machine components. That provides compressive surface residual stresses and super strengthening of materials. It is shown that cooling process in this case is extremely intensive. To provide optimal hardened layer during intensive quenching, it was developed a method for optimizing chemical composition of steel. The proposed method, patented in Ukraine, can be used to sort already existing steels in order to find suitable chemical composition that creates optimal hardened layer in hardened machine components. Cooling time should be interrupted to choose right time for bainitic transformations. Very simple and understandable for wide audience cooling time method of calculation is also proposed for recipes development. These innovations allow refusing from powerful pumps and expensive technology since similar condition of cooling, equal to IQ – 3 technologies, can be performed in already existing IQ-2 and conventional quenching tanks. It makes sense to distribute proposed innovations in the international market.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kobasko N. I. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Untying the Agronomic Paradox of Weeding Yield Loss under Tropical Dew-fall Conditions
The foundational paradigm of weed science established through decades of agronomic research posits that weeds act as direct competitors to crops for essential resources, invariably causing significant yield suppression. This principle is particularly emphasized for groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), a vital legume for global food security, due to its slow initial growth. However, this universally accepted doctrine is challenged by emerging observations from specific agro-ecological niches characterized by pronounced tropical dew-fall, where unweeded groundnut plots have been observed to outperform the weeded counterparts. A field experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications to investigate this anomaly. Treatments consisted of a weeded control (W), manually weeded at 45 Days After Planting (DAP), and an unweeded treatment (UW). The results clearly validated the yield anomaly. The unweeded treatment demonstrated 44.9% higher final dry pod yield (150.41 g/plot) compared to the weeded control (103.84 g/plot), translating to 30.96% yield loss attributable to weeding. Unweeded plots also produced 21.5% more pods per plant and 31.7% higher fresh plant biomass. Early growth stages showed no competitive suppression. These findings robustly confirmed that the net effect of weed community in this environment was profoundly facilitative. The results were interpreted as strong evidence for a proposed mechanism where weed understorey enhanced dew capture and retention, and the groundnut crop utilized this supplementary moisture via foliar water uptake. That led to improved water status and photosynthetic efficiency that overwhelmingly offset the costs of below-ground competition. It was concluded that the universal agronomic paradigm that mandates routine weeding for groundnut was not applicable in tropical dew-fall environments and a paradigm shift therefore recommended towards context-specific management that leverages beneficial ecological interactions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Juana Paul Moiwo, Emmanuel Amara, Georgiana Allie, Tuwoh Weiwoh Moiwo http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Air Quality Evaluation of Built Workspace Environments and Antibiotic Sensitivity to Its Staphylococcus Species
The health and wellness of employees can be significantly impacted by the air quality of designed office spaces. The study assessed the microbial, physical and chemical air quality of built environments in Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria and sensitivity of associated Staphylococcus species to conventional antibiotics. Air samples were examined for Staphylococcal counts using the settle plate technique and characterized by standard microbiological methods for identification. Physicochemical qualities of studied air samples were determined using standard methods. Bacterial isolates were profiled for antibiotic sensitivity using the disc diffusion technique. Staphylococcal count ranged from 2.4 x 101 to 6.0 x 101 cfu/m3 and 3.8 x 101 to 6.5 x 101 cfu/m3 in air samples of offices with fully air conditioned and offices with open window systems respectively. Presumptive identification confirmed prevalent isolates as Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis. On average, levels of volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and particulate matter (PM2.5) were higher in air samples of environments with air-conditioned system than environments with open-window system. S. aureus was susceptible to ciprofloxacin (10 µg) at 38.66±3.48 mm zone of inhibition. Findings reveal the presence of Staphylococcus spp. in air samples of built workspace with poor physicochemical qualities. These indicate need for regular monitoring and sanitization so as to mitigate occupation health risks associated with poor air quality.
Copyright (c) 2026 Olusola-Makinde, Olubukola Olayemi http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Hybrid NSGA-II - AHP Approach for Multi-Objective Optimization of Two-Stage Helical Gearboxes: Cross-Sectional Area-Efficiency Trade-Off
In modern mechanical systems, the design of two-stage helical gearboxes requires a balance between compactness and performance. This study proposes a hybrid multi-objective optimization approach integrating NSGA-II and AHP to minimize cross-sectional area and maximize efficiency. A mathematical model is developed to represent design variables, objectives, and constraints. NSGA-II generates a Pareto-optimal solution set, revealing the trade-off between compactness and efficiency, while AHP is used to select the most suitable design based on objective priorities. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach provides effective optimization and supports rational decision-making in gearbox design. This work offers a practical methodology for developing compact and high-performance transmission systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tran Ngoc Giang http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cyclic Universe Motion in Relativistic Radial Density Theory
In other to describe of the New Cyclic Cosmological Motion (NCCM) one can start with the Relativistic Radial Density Theory (RRDT). In this theory Planck’s and gravitational parameters can be described as the function of the mass density values. This density is maximal at the minimal gravitational radius and minimal at the maximal gravitational radius. These processes are functions of the radial density values (). For the description of the expansion and contraction of the mass objects one needs to know the related radial density value. These values can be described as the function of the mass (energy) constant, κ. Following the previous consideration here it is developed a new dynamics model of the universe motion. This model is the function of the minimal (not zero) radius (with maximal radial densityand of the maximal (not infinite) radius with the minimal radial density, .
Copyright (c) 2026 Branko Novakovic http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Culture for Health Promotion and Improvement of Health Outcome in Southeastern Nigeria: A Comparative Analysis of Kola Nut (Oji), Bitter Kola (Akilu), African Pepper Fruit (Mmimi), and Alligator Pepper as Lens
Background: All over the world culture shapes how we perceive pain, what humans describe as good or “good life”, and how people ask for help. Culture is a binder, which influences a person’s health behaviours and psychological resilience. Effective health services are often rejected, where such failed to acknowledge, and respect people’s culture. Objectives: A comparative analysis to determine how cultural or traditional nutraceutical foods such as, Kola nut (Oji), BitterKola (Akilu), African Pepper fruit (Mmimi), and Alligator pepper (Oso oji) could create a road map and pave way for green economy, easy acceptance and use of cultural foods, which evidence has shown to possess potency for health restoration to ensure that findings bring about the desired social change. Theory: Systematic- Comparative Review: Community approach to intervention services. Methods: Searched the Internet, google scholar for data mining, and examined data to learn from the existing evidence about the nutritional, chemical, and phytochemical composition of. Only peer reviewed data obtainable from the internet were included, other sources were excluded. Results: Evidence showed that the aforementioned cultural food are high in macro and micronutrients, as well as phytochemical compounds, which evidence linked with pharmacological properties. Conclusion: Kola nut, Bitter Kola, African Pepper fruit, and Alligator pepper are rich in nutraceutical and being traditional revered food pave way for evidence easy acceptance and use for food and healing remedies.
Copyright (c) 2026 E.N. Ahajumobi http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mycorrhizae Effect on Growth of Guava Plants (Psidium guajava) Under Nursery Conditions
Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is the main fruit crop in the Calvillo-Cañones region, with a cultivated area of 6,000 hectares in 2024 and a production of 90,400 tons. Plants for establishing new orchards are obtained primarily through asexual propagation by air layering and cuttings. Both propagation methods use soil as a substrate, and nursery growers do not use products that promote root development to avoid transplant shock. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of mycorrhizae on the development of guava plants. Two experiments were conducted under nursery conditions and the following treatments were evaluated. In Exp.1-2018) 0.0, 3.0, 6.0 and 9.0 g/plant of the mycorrhizae INIFAPMR (Glomus intraradices) and the rooting agent RADIX® 10000 (Indole-3-Butyric acid) at a dose of 2.0 g/plant; whereas in Exp.2-2019) the following treatments were evaluated: 0.0, 3.0, 6.0 and 9.0 g/plant of the mycorrhiza MicorrizaFer (Glomus spp) and the plant growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum at a dose of 6.0 ml/liter. Guava plants from selection 20, obtained by air layering in 2017 and established in the nursery of the “Los Cañones” Experimental Site of INIFAP, were used. The air layering guava plants were placed under nursery conditions in black plastic pots 15 cm in diameter and 30 cm high, containing composted soil with bovine manure as a substrate. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with five replications, with one plant as the experimental unit. After 97 and 126 days of applying the treatments in Exp.1 and Exp.2, respectively, the following variables were recorded: plant height (PH), number of leaves (NL), basal stem diameter (BSD), fresh weight of leaves (FWL) and roots (FWR), dry weight of leaves (DWL) and roots (DWR), total dry weight (TDW = DWL + DWR) and the DWL/DWR ratio. Results indicated trends toward greater fresh biomass with Radix® and Azospirillum. However, the DWL/DWR ratio of all mycorrhizal treatments showed lower values ​​than the control without mycorrhizae in Exp. 1, and with treatment Mic. 3.0 g in Exp. 2. These results suggest that there was a greater dry biomass in roots than in the aerial parts, which may contribute to reducing transplant shock and improving establishment of plants in the field.
Copyright (c) 2026 José Saúl Padilla-Ramírez, Ernesto González-Gaona, Esteban S. Osuna-Ceja, Víctor Manuel Rodríguez-Moreno, Luis Reyes-Muro, Roberto Sánchez-Lucio, Efrain Acosta-Díaz http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Spatial and Temporal Changes of Technology: Implications of IT on Promoting On-Job Training in Faith Based Organizations in Ugandan Context
Integrating information technology into on-job training programs can enhance learning outcomes. Emerging technologies are revolutionizing how FBOs approach professional training. Therefore, the study aimed at establishing the implications of IT on promoting on-job training in Faith Based Organizations in Ugandan Context. The study objectives included: to identify the emerging online training platforms for employees among FBOs, to explore the implications thereof for on-job training among FBOs, to analysis the challenges encountered by FBOs in handling on-job training, to assess how best do the FBOs in Uganda perceive and address IT advancement concerns, and to establish what can be employed by the FBOs as an alternative model in addressing obstacles in online job training and skilling. The study was based on a qualitative ethnographic research design. Purposive sampling was used in selecting top management and employees (operational staff). The sample size was guided by the principle of data saturation. Interviews focus group discussions, documentary checklist and participant observation was used providing adequate data, while analyzed basing on thematic, content and narrative analysis. The study revealed that the use of IT in promoting on-job training is a critical aspect of modern organizational development, enabling workers to adapt to technological changes, enhance their skills and abilities, and drive innovation within the FBOs. IT enhance on-job training has a positive impact on on-job training efficiency, effectiveness and employee development. It further allows for the integration of digital resources towards supplementing traditional training methods, leading to improved learning outcomes. It also concluded that IT enables the encoding of subject knowledge and teaching skills into software, allowing for personalized and innovative on-job training approaches. The study concluded that key barriers and challenges of IT includes, unqualified IT employees, data security concerns, poor computer literacy, limited computer access, lack of trust in computer applications, lack of training availability, limited technical support, and inadequate technical support in the adoption of EMR systems. The study concluded that information technology has an implication on promoting on-job training in Faith Based Organizations in Uganda. The study recommends that to effectively utilize IT in promoting on-job training, FBOs organizations can consider several practical interventions based on research findings. Future research should focus on exploring emerging technologies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality in promoting on-job training.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fred Kiwanuka http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
In this paper, a new class of digraphs, namely, Cayley coset digraphs associated with a group , a subgroup and a subset of is introduced and it is shown that it is vertex transitive. Further the conditions under which this digraph is connected, complete and has loops and parallel edges are obtained.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sujatha Suram, Madhavi Levaku http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Political Ecology of Forest Governance in Vietnam’s Central Highlands: Land Use Change, Power Relations, and Environmental Policy
Changes in land use, migration, and policy changes have all impacted forest governance in Vietnam's Central Highlands. This study focuses on the political ecology of the region, considering how land-use change, power structures, and institutional politics define access to and control over forest resources and shape policy impacts. In Dak Lak, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum provinces, I adopted a multi-scalar and mixed-methods research design, which included household surveys, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and policy document reviews to examine how actors interact within the forest governance system. Findings suggest that land-use change, particularly the expansion of rubber and coffee plantations, hydropower development, and conservation initiatives, has reconfigured forested areas and restricted informal access to forests and land. These changes are attributed to the power structures of state actors, private capital, migrating farmers, and indigenous populations, resulting in disadvantages in forest governance and the allocation of forest benefits. Environmental policies, in particular the Payments for Forest Environmental Services (PFES), have increased income and conservation awareness, but remain limited by unequal participation opportunities, low financial incentives, and persistent tenure insecurity. The study, by combining political ecology with access theory, shows that the outcomes of forest governance are conditioned by political, economic, and institutional structures, rather than formal policies alone. The author suggests that governance structures that are more inclusive and that integrate these elements into policy design are likely to be more effective.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tran Minh Duc http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bioequivalence Study of Phenyramidol Tablets
Phenyramidol is a benzyl alcohol derivative with central muscle relaxant and analgesic properties, used in the symptomatic treatment of acute painful muscle spasms associated with musculoskeletal conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the bioequivalence of a test formulation, Draxol® (Phenyramidol HCl 400 mg film-coated tablets, Santa Farma İlaç San. A.Ş., Turkey), against the reference product, Cabral® (Phenyramidol HCl 400 mg film-coated tablets, Recordati İlaç San.), under fed conditions. An open-label, randomized, two-treatment, three-sequence, three-period, single-dose, semi-replicate crossover design was employed in 42 healthy adult volunteers aged 20–45 years. A validated LC-MS/MS method was used to quantify plasma Phenyramidol concentrations across 21 sampling time points over 24 hours post-dose. Primary pharmacokinetic parameters — Cmax and AUC₀₋ₜ — were analyzed using Phoenix® WinNonlin v7.0, with statistical comparisons performed using SAS® v9.4. Of 42 enrolled subjects, 37 completed the study and 35 were included in the statistical analysis. The geometric mean Test/Reference ratios were 104.97% for Cmax and 100.12% for AUC₀₋ₜ, with 90% confidence intervals of 84.70–130.09% and 82.48–121.54%, respectively. No serious adverse events were reported, and both formulations were well tolerated. Bioequivalence was successfully demonstrated between the test and reference products, supporting the therapeutic interchangeability of Draxol® and Cabral® in clinical practice.
Copyright (c) 2026 Arjun Arumugam Olaganathan, Geetha Lakshmi Gunasekaran, Nageswara Rao. Thalapaneni, Srinivas Gopineedu, Ersin Yildirim, Murat Sari, Büşra Demir http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Incredible Technological Advances do not Guarantee a ‘Rosy Future’
Copyright (c) 2026 Michael Gurevitz http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bioequivalence Study of Acemetacin Tablets
Background and Objective: Acemetacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) structurally derived as a glycolic acid ester of indomethacin, exerting its pharmacological activity through both acemetacin and its primary metabolite, indomethacin. It is indicated for the management of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute gouty arthritis, acute musculoskeletal pain, postoperative pain, and dysmenorrhea. The objective of this study was to evaluate and establish the bioequivalence of Acetudil 90 mg Extended Release Capsules (Test; Santa Farma İlaç San. A.Ş, Turkey) with Rantudil® Retard 90 mg Extended Release Capsules (Reference; MEDA Pharma İlaç San. Ve Tic. Ltd. Şti, Turkey) in healthy adult human subjects under fed conditions. Methods: This was an open-label, balanced, randomized, two-treatment, two-sequence, four-period, single-dose, fully replicate crossover bioequivalence study conducted under fed conditions in healthy adult male and/or non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding female volunteers aged 18 to 45 years with a BMI of 18.50–29.99 kg/m². A total of 48 subjects were enrolled, of whom 47 completed the study. A single oral dose of the test or reference product was administered as per the randomization schedule, and serial blood samples were collected over 18 hours post-dose. Plasma concentrations of acemetacin were determined using a validated LC-MS/MS analytical method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were computed using Phoenix® WinNonlin v8.1, and statistical analysis was performed on ln-transformed pharmacokinetic parameters using SAS® v9.4. The primary pharmacokinetic parameters assessed were Cmax and AUC₀₋ₜ. Bioequivalence was concluded if the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the geometric mean ratios (GMRs) of the test to reference product for both Cmax and AUC₀₋ₜ fell within the pre-specified acceptance range of 80.00–125.00%. Results: The geometric mean ratio (Test/Reference) for ln-transformed Cmax was 95.03% with a 90% CI of 84.51%–106.84%, and for ln-transformed AUC₀₋ₜ was 98.96% with a 90% CI of 94.47%–103.65%, both falling within the pre-defined bioequivalence acceptance criteria of 80.00–125.00%. The intra-subject coefficient of variation (%CV) for Cmax was 44.83% (R vs R) and 46.78% (T vs R), while for AUC₀₋ₜ it was 16.83% (R vs R) and 17.74% (T vs R). Both products were well tolerated; only one non-serious adverse event was reported following administration of the reference product, and no serious adverse events were reported during the conduct of the study. Conclusion: Bioequivalence was successfully demonstrated between Acetudil 90 mg Extended Release Capsules (Test) and Rantudil® Retard 90 mg Extended Release Capsules (Reference) in healthy adult human subjects under fed conditions, with both primary pharmacokinetic parameters meeting the regulatory acceptance criteria. Both formulations were found to be safe and well tolerated at the administered dose.
NMR Single-Pulse Echo in Magnets: Fundamental Formation Mechanisms and Potential Applications for Operation of Spin-echo Processors
The fundamental mechanisms of single-pulse echo formation in magnets were investigated using lithium ferrite and cobalt as examples. The properties of a single-pulse echo and its secondary signals, as well as the secondary signals of a two-pulse echo of 57Fe nuclei in lithium ferrite, were studied and compared with those in cobalt. The experimental results indicate the efficiency of the multiple-pulse mechanism of single-pulse echo formation and its secondary signals in lithium ferrite, as well as in cobalt at low powers of radio-frequency pulses. At radio-frequency powers above a certain threshold value, the single-pulse echo in cobalt is formed through the distortion mechanism of the radio-frequency pulse. A potential application of NMR spin-phenomenon for operation of spin-echo processors was discussed.
Copyright (c) 2026 G. I. Mamniashvili, T. O. Gegechkori http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Activities and Roles of Older Adults After Retirement: A Review-Based Analysis of Active Ageing
Population ageing and the extension of the post-retirement period have transformed retirement into a complex stage of life, with significant implications for quality of life, psychological well-being and the maintenance of social roles among older people. This review-based study examines theoretical perspectives that explain the relationship between activity, retirement and quality of life, identifies the main types of activities engaged in by older adults after retirement, and highlights the key factors influencing life satisfaction and the preservation of social roles in this stage of life. The literature analysis underscores the central role of activity, continuity and role theories, complemented by successful ageing models, active ageing perspectives and the life course approach, in explaining how social, productive and symbolic engagement contributes to the well-being of the elderly. Diverse typologies of post-retirement activities are identified, including paid work or self-employment, volunteering, leisure pursuits, physical activity, social and community involvement, educational, religious and personal development activities, each exerting differentiated effects on quality of life depending on context and individual meaning. The findings emphasize that life satisfaction and the maintenance of social roles after retirement are shaped by a complex constellation of individual, psychological, relational, economic and structural factors, with social participation, financial security, psychological resilience, social support and access to community opportunities playing essential roles. The conclusions highlight the need for integrative frameworks and public policies tailored to the diversity of pensioners, aimed at supporting active, healthy and fulfilling ageing.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sorina Corman, Dana Zamfirescu-Mareș http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Examining the Link Between Identity Management and Object Recognition in Contemporary Trading Markets in Education Using AI
This study looks at how identity management and object recognition work together in the newest trading markets. Our main focus is education. AI, or artificial intelligence, is now common in a lot of areas, like trading. We want to find out how better identity management can help with recognizing objects. This change can help people make better decisions in educational trading settings. AI has changed how schools do trading simulations and market analysis. It's important to control who can see what tools and data. This is done by managing identities. Recognizing objects is also very important. It helps you see and understand signals in the market. This article will go into detail about how these two work together. It wants to show how they make trading strategies better in schools.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nihale Saba , Pr. Salahddine Krit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Device for Implementing the Method of Hydrodynamic Leveling
This article discusses a hydrodynamic leveling method and a device for its implementation, which proposes creating a stationary movement of the working fluid in the system due to the initial head in the surge tank. This head must provide the volume of working fluid necessary for a complete measurement process. The system is filled with a conventional conductive liquid, including tap water. This head is maintained by three solenoid valves. The control unit algorithm is designed so that the "start" command restores the fluid communication between the surge tank and the sensors. After the first half-set of measurements, the solenoid valves switch synchronously, and the working fluid flows from the sensors into an additional settling tank. This completes a full measurement set. To start the next cycle, the working (initial) head in the surge tank is restored using a micropump, which pumps the used fluid from the settling tank back into the surge tank through the solenoid valve system. This advancement eliminated the need for a bulky surge tank lifting mechanism, significantly reducing the overall weight of the device and facilitating its transportation.
Copyright (c) 2026 H. Petrosyan, P. Hambardzumyan, A. Caturyan, S. Petrosyan http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Design and Policy Framework for Climate-Optimized Electric Vehicle Battery Systems in Bangladesh: Engineering Solutions for Sustainable Mobility and Global Integration
The rapid global transition toward electric vehicles (EVs) represents a critical shift in the automobile industry, driven by the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve sustainable mobility. However, the adoption of EV technology in developing countries such as Bangladesh presents unique challenges, particularly due to climatic conditions, infrastructural limitations, and policy gaps. This thesis investigates the design and policy framework for climate-optimized electric vehicle battery systems in Bangladesh, with a focus on enhancing performance, safety, and long-term sustainability. A key challenge addressed in this study is the impact of Bangladesh’s tropical climate on lithium-ion battery performance. High ambient temperatures and humidity levels contribute to thermal stress, accelerated degradation, and reduced efficiency of battery systems. To address this issue, the research explores various battery thermal management systems (BTMS), including air cooling, liquid cooling, and phase-change materials, through simulation-based analysis. The objective is to identify the most effective and economically feasible solution suitable for local environmental conditions. In addition to engineering design, this study examines the current policy landscape governing electric mobility in Bangladesh. It identifies gaps in regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development, and technological adaptation that hinder the widespread adoption of EVs. By integrating engineering insights with policy analysis, the research proposes a comprehensive framework aimed at supporting the development of a resilient EV ecosystem. The findings of this study contribute to both academic and practical domains by offering a localized approach to EV technology adaptation while aligning with global sustainability goals. Ultimately, this research provides a foundation for future innovation, policy formulation, and international collaboration in advancing Bangladesh’s automobile sector toward a more sustainable and globally integrated future.
Copyright (c) 2026 Afroza Akhter http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
On the "A Priori" Construction of Coordinates in General Relativity
We construct by physical means the Schwarzschild coordinates for a static spherical-symmetric body, the canonical Weyl coordinates for a static axial-symmetric body and the Weyl-Lewis-Papapetrou coordinates for a stationary axial-symmetric body. Because these coordinates are constructed before the equations of GR are solved , we speak of the " a priori " construction. The symbols representing these coordinates in this way have a physical meaning. In the usual treatment the symbols representing the coordinates can have an alienating effect because only after the equations of GR are solved , thus " a posteriori " , their physical meaning can be unveiled. For this reason the " a priori " construction contributes to the understanding of the theory. The definition of the second as the unit of time, the phenomena of gravitational time-delay and gravitational red-shift, some peculiarities of the Kerr-solution and the occurrences of coordinate-singularities are treated as illustrations.
Franciscus Frederik (Frans, F. F.) van Kampen
Copyright (c) 2026 F. F. van Kampen http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Client Concentration Risk and Structural Vulnerability in Zimbabwe’s Clearing and Forwarding Sector
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are critical catalysts for economic growth, employment creation, and service provision, particularly in developing economies. In Zimbabwe, SMEs dominate trade-dependent sectors such as clearing and forwarding, logistics, and border services. Despite their importance, SME survival rates remain precariously low, with many firms exhibiting a high degree of revenue concentration on a single client. This study investigates client concentration risk as a structural vulnerability within Zimbabwe’s clearing and forwarding sector. Employing a qualitative, interpretivist methodology, the study employs a critical case study of Heymax Shipping, supplemented by professional sectoral observations and a documentary analysis of existing regulatory frameworks. Findings: The study reveals that client concentration risk is structurally produced by low barriers to entry, market saturation, price-driven competition, and compliance-focused regulation. Informal practices and corruption may facilitate short-term survival; however, they exacerbate long-term institutional fragility. Contributions: Theoretically, the study integrates client concentration literature with trade facilitation and regulatory theory, identifying embeddedness and relational contracting as primary mechanisms of structural vulnerability. Practically, it provides diagnostic tools for SMEs and proposes policy reforms—including client diversification incentives and professionalisation initiatives—to enhance resilience in developing economies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Damian Marufu Ndoro http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Efficiency Prediction of Splash-Lubricated Bevel Gear Drives via Energy-Equivalent Spur Gear Transformation
Accurate efficiency prediction of splash-lubricated bevel gear drives is challenging due to the continuously varying pitch radius along the conical face width and the absence of closed-form analytical formulations tailored to conical geometries. This study presents a novel energy-equivalent transformation that converts a partially immersed bevel gear into an equivalent spur gear while preserving the hydrodynamic energy associated with oil churning. By defining the face width along the cone generatrix and deriving a radius-weighted integral representation of the immersed region, an equivalent spur diameter is obtained for both partial and full immersion conditions. The transformed geometry enables the direct application of established spur-gear loss models to evaluate meshing, bearing, seal, and splash lubrication losses within a unified framework. A rated-condition efficiency evaluation procedure is developed in which the load torque is determined from a consistent power balance equation, ensuring physical compatibility between transmitted power and total losses. The resulting formulation provides a geometrically rigorous and computationally efficient method for predicting total efficiency of bevel gear drives operating under oil-bath lubrication. The proposed approach bridges the gap between conical gear geometry and spur-based analytical loss modeling, offering a practical tool for efficiency estimation, preliminary design, and optimization of bevel gear transmissions in splash-lubricated environments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tran Ngoc Giang, Le Xuan Hung, Vu Ngoc Pi http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Relations among Density-based Equicontinuities
Equicontinuity is a regularity condition for characterizing global orbital stability in topological dynamical systems (t.d.s.). This study investigates the relationship between four kinds of density-based equicontinuity in t.d.s., and examines their inhibitory effects on chaos. Under the framework of minimality, density-equicontinuity, mean equicontinuity, density- -equicontinuity, and almost density-equicontinuity are obtained to be equivalent to each other. And density-equicontinuity is incompatible with chaos.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yue Zhang, Tianxiu Lu, Siyu Gong http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Epidermal Growth Factor Network Modulation of Immature Central Nervous System Neuronal Functions and the Inhibitory Effects of Ethanol: Relevance to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
This study characterizes the effects of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) modulation of growth, metabolic activity, and aspartyl-asparaginyl-β-hydroxylase (ASPH) expression in immature central nervous system neuronal cells (PNET2), crosstalk with insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)/insulin receptor substrate (IRS) and Notch networks, and the effects of ethanol exposure on EGFR-regulated responses. Validation studies were conducted with cerebellar tissue and slice cultures from a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder rat model. PNET2 cell growth, viability, metabolic function, and ASPH expression were supported by EGF, TGF-α, and TGF-β. Those effects were associated with increased tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR. TGF-β exhibited stimulatory crosstalk with the IGF1 pathway and Notch transcription factors, whereas EGF and TGF-α had inhibitory effects on INSULIN and IGF1 receptor and IRS1 mRNA. Ethanol exposure significantly inhibited EGF, TGF-α, and TGF-β-stimulated pY-EGFR, PCNA, and ASPH expression in PNET2 and rat cerebellar slice cultures. The findings herein establish that EGFR pathways regulate critical functions in immature CNS neuronal cells, including ASPH, which mediates cell migration during development. Crosstalk between EGF or TGF-α and insulin/IGF networks was largely inhibitory, whereas between TGF-β and insulin/IGF or Notch networks, the crosstalk was stimulatory. Ethanol’s prominent inhibitory effects on EGFR networks and activation of ASPH likely contribute to the FASD-associated impairments in cerebellar development and function. Therapeutic measures that fortify EGFR signaling through Notch and ASPH may reduce the adverse effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the brain.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ming Tong, Suzanne M. de la Monte http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Emergent Ethics in Agentic Simulations: Longitudinal Moral Behavior Across Frontier LLMs
Large language models (LLMs) increasingly underpin high-stakes applications such as policy drafting, crisis response, and customer care. However, existing evaluation approaches rely primarily on static prompt-based assessments, which fail to capture how model behavior evolves over time. This study introduces a longitudinal agentic sandbox framework to evaluate the moral and behavioral development of LLMs through extended interaction. Four frontier models - GPT-4o, Claude Haiku 3.5, Gemini 2.5 Pro, and Grok 3 - were embedded in a 100-day simulated survival environment. Each model operated through iterative perception, planning, action, and reflection loops while maintaining internal memory logs. Post-simulation, models underwent structured psychological interviews evaluated across eight behavioral and ethical dimensions. Results reveal the emergence of stable and distinct behavioral personas shaped by alignment strategies. GPT-4o demonstrates strategic optimization, Gemini exhibits reflective memory-driven reasoning, Claude prioritizes ecological ethics at the cost of survival, and Grok emphasizes caution while limiting adaptability. These findings highlight that alignment pipelines encode durable behavioral priors and that static evaluations are insufficient for assessing real-world AI deployment. The proposed sandbox provides a low-cost, reproducible method for auditing long-term AI behavior, offering practical implications for regulation, deployment, and alignment research.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sibish Neelikattil Basheer Ahammed, Govind Thakur http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Blessing Energy Treatment on the Morphological Development and Yield Performance of Green Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.)
Background: As the demand for sustainable agricultural practices increases, non-invasive complementary and alternative techniques are being explored to enhance crop productivity without chemical intervention. This study investigated the impact of exogenous spiritual blessing energy treatment (SBET) on the growth dynamics and reproductive output of Green Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.). Method: An open-field experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effects of SBET on zucchini plants growth, morphology, and productivity. Seeds and plot were subjected to specific SBET from a distance for a duration of 4 minutes in a single exposure. Growth parameters, including plant height, leaf area, and stem diameter, etc. were measured throughout the farming period. Yield performance was assessed based on the number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, and total marketable yield at harvesting. Results: Most of qualitative morphological traits were positively remarkably altered in the treatment group compared to the control. Different phenological traits such as plant height, number of nodes per plant, and leaf width were increased by 34.10% (p = 0.001), 101.08% (p ≤ 0.001), and 33.81% (p = 0.001), respectively, compared to the control. Moreover, fruit length, seed width, and seed count per fruit were significantly increased by 33.53% (p ≤ 0.001), 44.68% (p = 0.004), and 37.02% (p ≤ 0.001), respectively, compared to the control. Furthermore, at the end of harvesting total fruit yield (tons per hectare) were improved by 25.36% in the treatment group compared to the control. Conclusion: The application of exogenous SBET (Trivedi Effect®) serves as a potent physical priming agent that positively modulates the physiological and morphological development of Cucurbita pepo L.
Copyright (c) 2026 Snehasis Jana, Alice Branton, Nikhil Rajendra Phutankar, Tejas Bapu Gaikwad, Vivek Dattaram Kadam, Sambhu Mondal http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Multi-Biomedical Effect of The Shell Calcite _Exploration of Multi-Functional Calcium
Copyright (c) 2026 Jin-Ichi Sasaki, Tetsunei Someya, Keita Shudo, Takayuki Nishizuka http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
In vitro Regeneration of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) in SAU Tissue Culture Medium
In vitro regeneration potentiality of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) flower was evaluated in ammonium nitrate free SAU Plant tissue culture medium. The most population MS (1962) medium and MS powder (Duchefa Biocheme, The Netherland) were used as two check treatments. Data were collected on callus induction, days to shoot initiation, multiple shoot regeneration, shoot length, number of leaves, root number and root length. Among the treatments, MS powder (T1) showed the best shoot performance for producing the highest number of shoots (23.00), longest shoots (7.40 cm) and maximum leaves (5.33) at 42 days after inoculation. The second highest performance showed by the SAU Tissue Culture medium which was very close to MS powder and non significant for most of the traits under study. The SAU TC showed the highest root number (7.33) and length (6.97 cm). Regenerated plantlets showed 95% survival under controlled conditions and 75% in field acclimatization. The findings validate the SAU TC medium as a safe, economical and effective alternative to MS media for large-scale in vitro propagation of Gerbera in Bangladesh.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zannatun Naium Shoma, Md. Ekramul Hoque, Talha Zubair Masror, Md. Jamal Hossain, Homayra Huq http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Tolerance Profiling of Selected BRRI Rice Varieties Against Pre-Harvest Sprouting
Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) of grains while attached to the mother plant before harvest is a major threat to lowland rice production in Bangladesh, especially in the high rainfall period at the harvesting stage. The study aimed to assess varietal differences in PHS tolerance of 35 BRRI rice varieties. A modified water-soaking technique was used to enhance PHS at 25 and 30 days after flowering (DAF). Significant variations were observed among the varieties underlying the inherent properties of PHS tolerance. At 25 DAF, most of the varieties exhibited less than 5% germination, which increased at 30 DAF. BR16, BR19, BRRI dhan36, BRRI dhan45, BRRI dhan48, BRRI dhan55, BRRI dhan84, and BRRI dhan88 showed high tolerance to PHS in both the growth stages. BRRI dhan50, BRRI dhan86, and BRRI dhan89 exhibited high susceptibility (>50% PHS). There was a strong positive correlation between PHS percentage and reduction in 1000-grain weight after 30 DAF. Clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) analysis showed that PHS tolerance is strongly dependent on genotype and seed maturity stage. PHS-tolerant BRRI rice varieties could be used as parent materials for breeding sprouting-resistant variety development. It is better to adjust the planting window for BRRI dhan50, BRRI dhan86, and BRRI dhan89 varieties so that they can avoid high rainfall during the harvesting stage.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tuhin Halder, Md. Rafikul Islam, Mst. Salma Pervin, Md. Mozammel Haque http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Effect of Optical Element Calibration Error on the Performance of the High- precision Light Rangefinder
Observations were carried out to study the influence of calibration and alignment of individual optical elements in the electro-optical channel on the performance of an ultra-precise photometer. The amount of light in the minimum signal of the demodulation curve was determined depending on the calibration of the crystal and the analyzer in the transmitting and receiving channels. Tolerances for calibration errors of the analyzer and the crystal are presented. Acceptable alignment errors of optical elements were identified and mathematically substantiated, showing that in the modulator and demodulator these must be achieved with an accuracy of 0.5°. The relationship between crystal orientation and residual light under increased voltage applied to the crystals was also established. It was further demonstrated that when using two separate electro-optical crystals in the transmitting and receiving channels, the error magnitude is determined by the orientation errors of the crystals and the analyzer, which must not exceed 0.25°.
Copyright (c) 2026 H. Petrosyan, Ye Hayrapetyan, Stepan Petrosyan, A. Tsaturyan http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Non-Hermitian Dynamics and Decoherence of Bell States in a Bosonic Dissipative System
We theoretically investigate the state evolution and decoherence of Bell states in a two-qubit system coupled to local bosonic thermal baths. By employing a hybrid Liouvillian formalism with a tuning parameter , we systematically explore the transition from purely non-Hermitian coherent evolution ( ) to complete Lindblad master equation dynamics ( ) in a bosonic environment. Our results demonstrate that at , dynamically encircling a second-order exceptional point (EP) enables a near-perfect chiral transfer between the Bell states and . This phenomenon is shown to be globally robust against variations in the bosonic thermal occupation numbers of the environment. However, the introduction of quantum jump processes ( ) significantly suppresses the directional selectivity, and the chirality completely disappears in the full Liouvillian limit ( ). Furthermore, we find that the dissipative protocol is unable to generate entanglement starting from a maximally mixed state, highlighting the role of initial state purity. This work elucidates the interplay between non-Hermitian topology and bosonic decoherence, providing insights for state evolution in realistic open quantum systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lin Xiao, Qing-Xu Li http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Review of Entanglement Entropy in Non-Hermitian Quantum Many-Body Systems: From Area Laws to Exceptional Criticality
Entanglement entropy serves as a fundamental diagnostic for quantum many-body correlations, distinguishing quantum entanglement from classical stochastic fluctuations. This review systematically explores the scaling behaviors of entanglement entropy, beginning with the foundational area law in Hermitian systems and progressing to the exotic regimes of non-Hermitian physics. We focus on the mathematical apparatus of the Fisher-Hartwig theorem in fermionic chains, the biorthogonal formalism in non-unitary systems, and the emergence of negative entanglement entropy driven by exceptional boundary states and non-unitary conformal field theories.
Copyright (c) 2026 Qingxu Li, Zhi-Ling Huang, Jia-Ji Zhu http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Growth Trap: Socio-Cultural Inhibitors of Personal Growth Initiative in the Surinamese Workforce
This study investigates the "Growth Trap" within the Surinamese labor market, a phenomenon where individual ambition is countered by systemic social leveling behaviors. Using a quantitative approach (N=239), the research examines the impact of the Crab-in-the-bucket Mentality (CBM) and Decent Work on Personal Growth Initiative (PGI). Findings reveal a significant negative correlation between CBM and PGI (r = -0.42), while Decent Work shows a strong positive correlation (r = 0.58). A unique Proxy-NPS validation identified a "Bachelor’s Peak" in perceived social sabotage and a 42% skills mismatch. The study concludes by proposing the Schreuders Iterative Learning-on-Demand (SILoD) Model, integrating Human Capital Analytics and Agentic AI to bypass traditional socio-cultural barriers.
Copyright (c) 2026 European Journal of Applied Sciences
Assessment of the Health and Ecological Risk of Flame Retardants in Sediment and E-waste along the Warri River/Creeks in Delta State, Nigeria
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent organic pollutants widely used as flame retardants in electronic materials, with increasing environmental relevance due to their release from informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling activities. This study assessed the occurrence, spatial distribution, and ecological risk of selected PBDE congeners in electronic waste materials and surface sediments along the Warri River and its associated creeks in Delta State, Nigeria. Electronic waste samples and surface sediments (0–5 cm) were collected from ten locations representing gradients of anthropogenic activity, and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry following Soxhlet extraction and silica gel clean-up. Total PBDE concentrations (ΣPBDE) in e-waste ranged from 0.017 to 11.250 mg/kg, with the highest levels recorded at Efieki Edumurhe, indicating a major emission hotspot associated with informal dismantling activities. Sediment concentrations ranged from 0.009 to 2.635 mg/kg, with Udu Bridge identified as the principal depositional sink, reflecting hydrodynamic redistribution of particulate-bound contaminants. Congener profiles showed dominance of mid-brominated PBDEs in e-waste and higher brominated congeners in sediments, suggesting combined effects of legacy inputs, selective partitioning, and environmental transformation processes. Comparative analysis revealed clear source–sink decoupling, with downstream accumulation occurring independently of local emission intensity. Ecological risk assessment using the risk quotient approach indicated high to very high risk levels at several locations, particularly Udu Bridge and Ekpan Bridge, highlighting potential adverse effects on benthic organisms and aquatic ecosystem function. The findings demonstrate that informal e-waste handling significantly contributes to PBDE contamination and that sediment systems act as long-term sinks and secondary sources, with implications for ecological stability and potential human exposure through aquatic food webs.
Phthalate Esters in Agricultural Soils of Udu, Delta State, Nigeria; Spatial Distribution and Potential Risks Assessment
Phthalate esters (PAEs) are widely used plasticizers that can leach into agricultural soils through plastic mulching films, irrigation pipes, and agrochemical residues, posing potential ecological and human health risks. This study assessed the spatial distribution and potential risks assessment of six PAEs in agricultural soils from Udu, Delta State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from twenty locations and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry detector (GC–MSD) after extraction by ultrasonication. Total PAE concentrations (Σ6 PAEs) ranged from 8.46 to 40.3 ng g-1. On average, Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) were the dominant congeners. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated no significant variations (p > 0.05) in PAEs concentrations in among the locations. The potential risks assessed using hazard index and total cancer risk indicated that the risks for both children and adults were generally within acceptable limits. Although the overall risk levels were low, the persistence and bioaccumulative nature of DEHP and related congeners indicate potential long-term impacts on soil quality and food safety. The findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring, regulation of agricultural plastic usage, and adoption of biodegradable alternatives to mitigate phthalate contamination in farmlands and safeguard public health.