Applied Sciences Research Periodicals

Detection and Quantification of Ehrlichia ruminantium DNA in Amblyomma spp. and Blood of Domestic Ruminants in the Sudan by Plexor® qPCR System Assay Based on pCS20 Gene

2026-05-12T19:22:08+01:00

Heartwater is a tick-borne disease that affects ruminants and wild animals in Africa south of the Sahara. It is caused by Ehrlichia ruminantium and transmitted by the tick Amblyomma. A pCS20 quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was applied for detection and quantification of E. ruminantium in Amblyomma spp. (170) and blood (120) of cattle, sheep and goats from some localities in the Sudan. The infection rate of E. ruminantium was 29.2% (35/120) (r: 0.9802 p-value: 0.0001) and 42% (21/50) (r = -0.9184 p-value = 0.2590) in A. lepidum and A. variegatum, respectively, while in the blood it was 8% (4/50), 8.6% (3/35) and 14.3% (5/35) from cattle, sheep and goats, respectively. There is no statistically significant difference in infection rates among the three ruminant species in the analyzed localities (ꭓ2 = 0.19, df = 2, P = 0.9074). The detection limit was 5 pCS20 copies/µl which was at least 20-times more sensitive than that of conventional PCR. Furthermore, the qPCR was compared to the conventional pCS20 PCR and nested MAP1 PCR. Out of 50 samples positive with qPCR, 49 (98%) were positive by nested MAP1 PCR and 42 (84%) by conventional pCS20 PCR. The Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant association between diagnostic methods and the detection of positive samples (ꭓ2 = 13.48, df = 2, P = 0.0012) indicating that the performance of the three PCR-based techniques varied considerably. The specificity of the qPCR was, also, determined using E. ruminantium Welgevonden as a reference strain from South Africa, four local E. ruminantium stocks (Dinder, Abonama, Nyala and Gdarif) and two other Rickettsiales namely E. canis and Anaplasma marginale. The qPCR specifically detected all E. ruminantium stocks and was positive with E. canis but negative with A. marginale. The qPCR applied for E. ruminantium is species specific and sensitive to as few as 5 gene copies/µl. The assay was found more sensitive than the standard pCS20 PCR assay and nested MAP1 PCR assay.

In Vitro Hypoglycemic Activity of Aqueous and Methanolic Phyllanthus Odontadenius Extracts

2026-08-01T01:46:03+01:00

Diabetes mellitus, is one of the metabolic diseases responsible for main biotic stresses experienced by patients who suffer from it. Their devastating effects, due to oxidative stress from Reactive oxygen species, that are worsening daily and reaching undeniable epidemic proportions. Plants occupy a prominent place in human life since ancient times. Treating diabetes success with plants or plant-derived products would be of great interest because modern medications are not only expensive but sometimes cause adverse effects. Among used medicinal plants to alleviate stress caused by various metabolic diseases, Phyllanthus odontadenius is also considered one of included plants. Given plant medicinal importance, we investigated whether extracts might contain beneficial secondary metabolites could be used in diabetes treatment. This is the rationale for this in vitro study, which aims to answer the question. P. odontadenius aqueous and methanolic extracts assessment in vitro hypoglucemic activity from three sites realized. Results obtained in this study show that these plants contain secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, anthocyanin’s and others compounds which could be explain also the P. odontadenius glucophagic effects. However, glucose inhibitory power effects on both P. odontadenius extracts, IC50 = 3.54±1.11 mg/ml for Kasangulu, 2.92±0.59 mg/ml for Kinshasa and 3.59±1.13 for Kwango respectively for aqueous extracts and IC50 = 3.37±0.67 mg/ml for Kasangulu, 3.10±0.32 for Kinshasa and 3.69±1.00 mg/ml for Kwango respectively for methanolic extracts, are less in comparison to acarbose which used as positive control (1.31±0.62 mg/ml for aqueous extract and 1.71±0.42 for methanolic extract). Following the obtained results, P. odontadenius plants contain secondary metabolites active against diabetes but, it would be desirable to supplement this work with in-depth research, particularly on in vivo *P. odontadenius*antidiabetic activity assessment.

Conservation Status and Distribution of Fish Species in River Singla in North-East India: Pioneering Taxonomic Study and Report

2026-08-23T11:18:36+01:00

Ichthyofaunal surveys conducted in the River Singla situated in the Sribhumi district (earlier Karimganj district) in the province of Assam, revealed the occurrence of 41 species of fishes belonging to 34 genera, 8 sub-families, 19 families and 7 orders during the entire period of study. These include 25 species of fishes under Cypriniformes; 5 ichthyospecies each under Siluriformes and Anabantiformes; 2 species of fishes under Synbranchiformes; and, 1 species of fish each under Osteoglossofrmes, Mugiliformes, Beloniformes and Gobiiformes. Distrubution and Conservation status of each fish species have been discussed in the present communication .

Determining the Peroxide Value in Simmondsia Chinensis (Golden Jojoba) Seed Oil by Acetic Acid-Chloroform Method.

2026-08-24T20:12:57+01:00

The peroxide Value (PV) is the number that expresses, in milli equivalents of active oxygen, the quantity of peroxide contained in 1000 g of the substance. The peroxide value of jojoba oil is a measure of its oxidative rancidity, indicating the excellent to which the oil has undergone primary oxidation (formation of peroxides and hydro peroxides). This is a key parameter for evaluating the oil’s freshness and stability. AOCS method for determining the peroxide value of jojoba oil is the standard iodometric titration procedure described in general monograph for fats and fatty oils. In this study, peroxide value in jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) seeds oil has been determined by iodometric titration method using acetic acid-chloroform reagent. The average result is less than 2 meq O₂/Kg. Relative repeatability Standard Deviation %RSD is 1.17%. The average result meets the specification.

Using Remote Sensing to Evaluate Coastal Erosion in Bonny Island, Niger Delta, Nigeria

2026-08-26T10:24:23+01:00

Digital Shoreline Analysis System was used to determine shoreline changes in Bonny Island, Rivers state. Shoreline data were extracted from satellite imagery over thirty-five years (1990-2025). The basis of this study is to use Digital Shoreline Analysis System to determine erosion and accretion areas. The result reveals that the average erosion rate in the study area is 4.24 m/year and the accretion rate is 14.09 m/year along the Bonny Island shoreline. The mean shoreline length is 27967.43 m with a baseline length of 25839.22m and the area is classified into four zones to properly delineate area of erosion and accretion based on the five class of Linear regression rate, endpoint rate and weighted linear rate of which zone 1 contain very high erosion with an area of landmass 1542384 m² which is 31.1% of the study area. Zone II contain very high accretion with a land area of 1232096 m² with 24.88%, zone III has high accretion rate with an area of landmass 1165953.107 m² which is 23.54% of the study area and zone IV contain moderate accretion with land area 1011973.992 m² which is 20.43% of the total studied area. Out of four zones, zone I found to be eroding with 31.1% and zone II, III and IV contain accretion with 67.9%. Therefore, Coastal engineers, planners, and shoreline zone management authorities may find the map output more useful in developing appropriate management plans and regulations for the beach or coastal zones of the Bonny shoreline, as well as other coastal areas of the state with similar geographic circumstances.

Expand Research Paradigms and Reconcile the Two Binary Oppositions: "Relative and Absolute" and "Quantum and Classical"

2026-08-27T15:53:23+01:00

Two axioms were excavated. Axiom 1: Only by allowing communication and generating consensus can we ensure equal rights for different individuals. Axiom 2: Objective existence is an original independent existence that is independent of measurement and does not rely on third parties. Axiom 3: All real things have their objective and independent original existence states. Let A and B move relative to each other and observe each other's clocks. In the language of relativity, they all believe that the observed clock slows down. The consensus between A and B is that A clock is both slower and faster than B clock. According to Axiom 2, it can be concluded that quantum mechanics must be a 'local realism'. So, the Copenhagen quantum mechanics explanation violates Axiom 2. One of the methods for qualitatively and quantitatively coordinating relative and absolute is to assume that the clock of absolute motion slows down, thus establishing a relative absolute spatiotemporal view. According to the Dirac equation, the existence of negative mass matter can be predicted. A positive mass particle and a negative mass particle cannot fall at the same acceleration in the induced field. Einstein's explanation of spacetime curvature was fatally challenged. The potential energy of electromagnetic interactions in the Schrödinger equation can be replaced with gravitational potential energy to form the Schrödinger-Tu equation. The potential energy in the equation can be further transformed into force (electromagnetic force and/or gravitational force). the mathematical factors of quantum theory and classical theory can be written into the same equation. The classical laws of mechanics can be expressed using wave mechanics equations.

Crystallite Size, Crystallinity Index and Dislocation Density of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles from X-Ray Diffraction Analysis

2026-09-06T18:42:59+01:00

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized using Ocimum gratissimum plant leaf extract were characterised using Optical spectroscopy. The nanoparticles Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) wavelength was between 443 nm and 452 nm indicating good mobility and optical conductivity. The FTIR scan revealed that flavonoids, phenols and some reducing sugars aided the conversion of the silver ions in solution to AgNPs. Three X-ray diffraction peaks namely (111), (200) and (220) planes were identified and suggests that the AgNPs have a face-centred (FCC) cubic structure. The AgNPs low average crystallite size of 10.06 nm shows bio-availability and could be suitable for waste valorisation. Furthermore the silver nanoparticles have high surface area, can be very reactive, possess enhanced ability to penetrate cells easily and so can be good for targeted drug delivery. Their varied crystallite size and dislocation density for the different XRD peaks show that the AgNPs growth rate was different for different crystallographic directions. The AgNPs Crystallinity index was 74.3 % showing it is more crystalline than amorphous but may have some defects and are suitable for optimization. The absorption coefficient of the AgNPs was between and suggesting that the relatively stable colloidal nanoparticle suspension had moderate optical activity. These results it is hoped will add to existing information about biogenic silver nanoparticles.

The Semi-analytical Solutions to the Three Dimensional Complex Ginzburg-Landau Equation

2026-09-08T19:27:31+01:00

For the first time, the solitary wave solutions that can be obtained from the achieved exact solutions by give the appeared parameters definite values to the three dimensional Complex Ginzburg-Landau Equation have been discovered. These solitary wave solutions have been generated in the framework of three impressive semi-analytical algorithms namely the (G'/G)- Algorithm, the Paul-Painlevé Approach Algorithm and the Ricatti-Bernolli-Sub-Ordinary Differential Equation Algorithm. The first two algorithms obey the balance rule while the third one doesn’t obey it. The suggested model has special character in various physics branches, especially in superconductivity, field theory and optics. The generated soliton solutions will give distinctive to the dynamics behaviors of the suggested model that are play principal role in development all related phenomena. New divers types of solitary solutions which weren’t extracted before by anyone have been achieved in forms W, M, shape soliton solutions, bright, dark soliton solutions, combinations between bright and dark soliton solutions, singular soliton solutions, and other rational soliton solutions. The dynamic behaviors simulation operation of the obtained soliton solutions has been designed in 2D, 3D configurators.

Physical and Structural Properties of Blended Clay Deposits of Ramin Yubu and Shabu Streamclays for Refractory Application

2026-09-08T19:28:45+01:00

Physical and Structural properties of blended clay deposits from Ramin Yunbu and Shabu Stream in Lafia, Nasarawa State were investigated to assess their suitability for refractory applications. The clays were subjected to a series of characterization tests including sieve analysis, chemical composition studies using X-ray fluorescence (XRF)., moisture content, Atterberg limits, linear shrinkage, bulk density, apparent porosity, cold crushing strength, thermal conductivity, X-ray diffraction (XRD) Scans and simulations. The clay samples are rich in oxides of Alumina, Iron, Calcium and Titanium and Kaolinitic and had grains of sizes less than 400 m indicating low plasticity. The ratio of Silica:Alumina for the clay samples was 1.546 putting them in the class of Alumina Silicate refractory clays. Their XRD patterns show some sharp well defined peaks indicating good crystallinity, and showed the presence of kaolinite, quartz, and illite which were the predominant crystalline phases in both clay samples.The Shabu Stream clay and the clay sample had Bulk densities of 0.75 g/cm³ and good for making load bearing bricks while for the Ramin Yubu Shabu clay sample it was 0.42 g/cm³suggesting that it needs blending with other additive to enhance its performance. The Moisture contents of 19.8 % and 17.81 % were obtained for the The Shabu Stream clay and Ramin Yubu Shabu clay respectively. Shabu Stream Clay showed a higher Al₂O₃ content of about 24.6% indicating better thermal stability, while RaminYubuShabu Clay exhibited a slightly lower percentage of 22.4% suggesting that it needs blending with other additive to enhance its performance. The cold crushing strength test revealed that Shabu Stream Clay has a CCS value of 9.5 MPa, while RaminYubuShabu Clay showed a lower value of 6.0 MPa indicating that the Shabu stream clay has better refractory property. It is hoped that these results will add to already existing knowledge.

The Law of the Jungle as Earth’s Universal Selection Principle

2026-09-12T07:23:00+01:00

Earth’s four‑billion‑year evolutionary trajectory can be unified under a single selection principle: with limited resources, variants that convert those resources into persistence, replication, or control more efficiently expand, while others disappear. This manuscript argues that the “law of the jungle” is not a metaphor for animal behavior but the universal mechanism governing competition across chemistry, biology, ecology, and human civilization. Prebiotic molecules, protocells, organisms, ecosystems, and societies all evolved through differential resource conversion shaped by physical constraints. Mass extinctions acted as environmental resets, eliminating even dominant species when conditions shifted faster than their traits could adapt. In the modern era, human civilization represents the fourth jungle, where competition manifests through agriculture, markets, technology, warfare, and geopolitics. Recent discussions of interstellar travel and planetary colonization do not escape this law: the extreme distances of space, the fragility of long‑term life‑support systems, the physiological collapse caused by low gravity, and the meteorite bombardment on planets like Mars render large‑scale human expansion beyond Earth physically impossible. Replicator dynamics formalizes this universal rule mathematically, showing that variants with above‑average fitness inevitably rise in frequency. Across all scales, the environments changed and the players changed, but the law did not. The driving force behind Earth’s evolution—and humanity’s future—is relentless competition shaped by constraint.

Intrinsic and Pinned Fermi Energy Levels in GaN and SiC

2026-09-14T18:53:09+01:00

This paper clearly shows how the Physics of the universal mass-energy equivalence relation for electrons in its differential form is applied to the calculations of the intrinsic and pinned Fermi energy levels in the bandgap of the future semiconductors 2H-GaN and 4H-SiC on which high power and high voltage devices like HEMT and MOSFET are being considered respectively. The calculation results are presented and the application of the physical principle is established as the calculated pinned energy levels of 1.0 eV below the semiconductor conduction band match the observed experimental Schottky barrier heights on both materials.

Following the Traces of Tesla's Creativity: From Tesla's Resonant Coil to Bioresonant Integrative Medicine

2026-09-21T10:19:02+01:00

Tesla's visions and inventions realized in his controlled altered states of consciousness contributed to his legendary aura as the greatest inventor in the history of electrical engineering at the end of 19th century, and what makes him fascinating is his unusual mental control of his creative visions, with significant quantum-holographic transpersonal creative–educational implications (including limits of Artificial Intelligence). At the beginning of the 20th century, Tesla's previously almost mythical scientific reputation and intuition began to darken, but he has still fascinated contemporaries by self-healing with HF currents, which subsequently led not only to the foundations of today's physical electrotherapy, but also represented inspiration for biomedical research and development of the field of bioresonant medicine, contributing also to the rapid development of nowadays integrative medicine (including transpersonal psychology) – with additional hints for reorientation to ecologically holistic subtle actions for solutions of the global risk society.

Socioeconomic Correlates of Women Farmers’ Access to Agricultural Extension Services in Bo and Moyamba Districts Sierra Leone

2026-09-22T16:57:19+01:00

Women make major contributions to agricultural production in Sierra Leone, yet their access to agricultural extension remains uneven. This study examined socioeconomic and institutional factors associated with women farmers’ access to extension services in Bo and Moyamba Districts. A cross-sectional survey of 496 women farmers was analysed using descriptive statistics, district comparisons, and binary logistic regression. Overall, 37.0% of respondents reported access to extension services, with a higher proportion in Bo (47.0%) than Moyamba (27.0%; p < .001). Women with access were younger, operated larger farms, earned more income, lived closer to service providers, and were more likely to belong to farmer groups, have credit and mobile-phone access, and exercise greater decision-making authority. In the adjusted model, secondary education or higher (OR = 4.87, 95% CI [2.14, 11.08]), farmer-group membership (OR = 3.86, 95% CI [2.31, 6.45]), access to credit (OR = 2.14, 95% CI [1.24, 3.69]), and mobile-phone access (OR = 2.63, 95% CI [1.54, 4.49]) were positively associated with extension access. Each additional kilometre from an extension provider (OR = 0.82, 95% CI [0.77, 0.88]) and each additional hour of daily work burden (OR = 0.84, 95% CI [0.76, 0.93]) reduced the odds of access. The findings show that extension access reflects intersecting inequalities in human capital, institutional connectivity, resources, geography, and time. Gender-responsive extension strategies should combine decentralised outreach with farmer-organisation strengthening, credit linkages, accessible communication, and flexible scheduling.

Farmer’s Mini Cold Storage Technology for Reducing Postharvest Losses and Enhancing Storage Capacity of Mango Under Bangladesh Perspectives

2026-09-24T14:31:05+01:00

Mango is a highly perishable fruit. It’s rapid ripening, softening and microbial deterioration cause substantial postharvest losses in Bangladesh. The present study evaluated farmer’s mini cold storage technology combined with simple packaging treatments for reducing postharvest losses and extending the storage life of ‘Banana Mango’ under Bangladesh conditions. Mango fruits were subjected to different washing and packaging treatments and evaluated at 3 day intervals up to 24 days after storage (DAS). Treatments included ambient storage, cold storage under open conditions, brown paper covering, individual brown paper covering with or without mango stalk, jute bag covering and polythene sheet covering using washed and unwashed fruits. Fruits stored at room temperature deteriorated rapidly and marketability declining within 9 DAS. Mini cold storage markedly delayed deterioration period. The treatments W1T4 (washed mangoes individually covered with brown paper while retaining the mango stalk) performed best. It maintained excellent colour and firmness up to 15 DAS and recorded 92.67%, 83.67%, and 42.33% marketable fruits at 18, 21, and 24 DAS, respectively. Overall, CoolBot driven mini cold storage combined with individual brown paper covering effectively delayed ripening, reduced decay and weight loss and extended mango storage period for reducing postharvest losses in Bangladesh.

Territorial Profiles of Road Risk in Tunisia: Structure and Severity of Road Traffic Accidents

2026-09-29T04:21:54+01:00

The number, severity and structure of road accidents vary from one Tunisian governorate to another. This study aims to identify the territorial profiles of road risk and the main dimensions that explain the differences between governorates. Data from the National Road Safety Observatory for 2024 were used. They cover the 24 Tunisian governorates. Indicators of severity, causes, road users and road context were analyzed. A Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA) was then used to integrate these groups of variables and identify the main dimensions of territorial differentiation. The results were also mapped. The results show that the number of accidents does not necessarily reflect their severity. Tunis has the highest number of accidents, while Kairouan has the highest fatality rate per 100 accidents, despite a much lower number of accidents. The first three dimensions of the MFA explain 62.89% of the variance. The first dimension is mainly related to severity and road context. The second mainly concerns causes and road users. The third is related to manoeuvres, road crossing and motorcycles. Finally, the results show that the territorial profiles of road risk in Tunisia are multidimensional and cannot be explained by the number of accidents alone. Nor do they follow a simple geographical division between north and south or between the coast and the interior. Understanding road risk therefore requires taking into account both the severity and the structure of accidents.

Energy at the Fermi Level Pinning in the J.C. Bose’s Point Contact Diode of the 1894 – 1898 Period on Galena

2026-10-04T17:58:32+01:00

This paper clearly shows how Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence relation in its differential form gives the intrinsic and pinned Fermi energy levels in the bandgap of a semiconductor. J.C. Bose’s Galena (PbS) based point contact diode was used to confirm the above. This extends the evidence of new science in semiconductor materials.