Applied Sciences Research Periodicals

Novel Photo/Thermal-Electric and Fission-Electric Power Systems

2025-06-05T09:19:29+01:00

Current green energy programs are incomplete without the long-term solution to the nuclear waste problem. In particular, spent fuel and depleted uranium (DU) that could be a major source of nuclear energy and isotopes are now being managed as waste. To integrate electrical-in-nature nuclear energy into green grids, a thermo-electric gas cooled water moderated small modular reactor (SMR) with a fission-electric (FE) corecan be used. Also,only about half of the solar radiation makes it to the Earth surface; the rest is either absorbed or reflected by clouds, and the atmosphere. A hybrid blackbody-cavity photoelectric (PE), PVand thermal modules are proposed. In the PV, PE/thermalcells, spacing between the photovoltaic (PV) mirror anode, in-planegate and cathode allows to greatly improve theirefficiencies, while also taking advantage of low-cost thermal storage.

Exploring Norbornadiene/Quadricyclane Structures for Possible Alzheimer’s Disease Detection

2025-07-01T19:57:30+01:00

Developing efficient and selective biomarkers for amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, is a crucial step to wardimproving detection methods and potentially preventing the disease. In this study, we explore fluorescent photoswitches based on a norbornadiene (NBD) system combined with pyrene as po tential biomarker candidates. Specifically, NBD-1PY and NBD 2PY were selected, each featuring different pyrene substitution patterns. Their UV-Vis absorption spectra were computed using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) across various solvent systems. Our findings indicate that the calculated spec tra in toluene closely match experimental results. Additionally, minimal spectral shifts were observed upon transitioning to sol vents more suitable for biological applications. The energy differ ences between the photoswitchable NBD and quadricyclane (QC) forms remained largely unaffected by solvent variations. These results suggest that both NBD-1PY and NBD-2PY exhibit promis ing properties for further investigation as potential biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease detection.

Determine Research Philosophy for Skill Performance Based Portfolios in Botswana

2025-07-02T18:32:30+01:00

Background is that Human Resource Development Council Review (2024) highlights a skills mismatch in Botswana’s labor market. The review points out that graduates often possess more theoretical knowledge than practical skills. Rationale for ‘determining Research Philosophy for Skill Performance Based Portfolios in Botswana’ is that research in Outcome Based Curriculum should be done with intention to enhance Skill Performance / Skill Execution. This study finds research philosophies and approaches that enhance Skill Performance Based Portfolios. Qualitative research approach specifically applied research is used in this study to find research philosophies and approaches that enhance Skill Performance Based Portfolios in Botswana, to solve existing challenges where ‘graduates had acquired more theory than practical skills. Muhammad Hassan (March 26, 2024) informs us that applied research refers to a systematic approach applying scientific principles to real-world contexts aimed at problem-solving; innovation; decision-making-evidence-based insights to inform policies and strategies; focusing resources on achieving measurable outcomes in real-world scenarios (https://researchmethods.net>appli). Purposive sampling was used to select respondents who could best provide answers to the research objectives in this study. Qualitative analysis used to synchronize and analyze data from the following various sources using triangulation under each research objective or theme: Documentary Data from various newspapers in Botswana on what the various Ministers of Higher Education in Botswana & the Industry are saying. Data from previous study on how to apply Research Philosophy for Skill Performance Based Portfolios. Findings: Research Philosophies for enhancing Skill Performance Based Portfolios / Skill Execution in Botswana are as follows: Press Agency - BOPA (Daily News Friday March 22, 2024 No 055 page 4) “Human Resource Development Council (HRDC). HRDC Reviews Show Skills Mismatch” reports: “Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr. Douglas Letsholathebe...profile skills and competency gaps” (p. 4). (https://www.resaerchgate.net/profile/sue-askew/publication/27469567-potfolios for learning assessment and professional development in higher education). Theo Mailakgotla cited in ‘Botswana Guardian (Friday 13 June 2025) Did Maele need to visit four countries to transform TVET? Minister visited Dubai, Romania, UK, and Ghana to benchmark on vocational training’ informs us as follows: Minister of Higher Education, Prince Maele, told the press conference…takeaways from recent benchmarking visits to Dubai, Romania, the United Kingdom, and Ghana. Practical training to comprise 70 percent. Students must spend more time learning by doing. Prepare youth for practical, in-demand careers. The need for stronger collaboration between training institutions and industry. Larona Matho cited in ‘The Botswana Business Weekly & Review. (Friday 27 June 2025 – 04 July 2025 Vol. 5 Issue 548, p. 11). Botswana Unveils New Frame-Work to Boost Productivity and Competitiveness’ reports: ‘According to the Botswana Private Sector Development Program (PSDP) 2025-2029, Training must be aligned with industry needs to ensure entrepreneurs are equipped with essential skills. If my memory serves me well, my former lecturer in Master of Education (Curriculum & Instruction) at the University of Botswana, who taught me ‘Course: -Sociology of Education), Dr. S. N. Pandey informed me that a Ph.D. can consist of only 7 pages and yet have the following ingredients of a Ph.D.: Doctoral Degree (NCQF Level 10): Knowledge: Original research and scholarly contributions. Skills: Expertise in a specialized area. Competence: Ability to advance knowledge in the field). Modise, (2025), study asserts Pragmatism Philosophy-a pragmatic approach to close ‘skill mismatch in Botswana labor market & competency gaps”. Principle of Outcome Based Curriculum: Teacher-Centered Methods-Performance Based Portfolio: The teacher demonstrates a skill, and students practice until they are competent. This method aligns with Behavioral Learning Theory (Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning) and Social Learning Theory–learning by observation (Bandura). Learner Centered Methods-Performance-Based Portfolio: The teacher arranges the environment for students to develop, innovate through research, experiment, case study-discovery learning. Principle of Human Resource’ Skill Performance-Performance Management Development Portfolios: Supervisor-Centered Methods-Performance-Based Portfolio: The supervisor demonstrates a skill, and supervisee practices until they are competent. This method aligns with Behavioral Learning Theory (Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning) and Social Learning Theory–learning by observation (Bandura). Supervisee-Centered Methods-Performance-Based Portfolio: The supervisor arranges the environment for supervisees to evaluate, research, experiment, case study - discovery learning. Progress report for each Performance Portfolio must indicate the following: Recommendations: Research for enhancing Skill Performance Based Portfolios should be done as put here and now. Significance of the study: Results obtained in this work will help ensure that relevant research for enhancing Skill Performance Based Portfolios- ‘learner rehearses small skills, and combine those small skills to produce a culminating outcome in an endeavor to close competency gaps in the industry’ is applied in Botswana.

Evaluation of the Protective Effects of Cinnamon on Liver and Kidney Function in Rabbits Exposed to Paracetamol Toxicity

2025-07-05T09:34:08+01:00

This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of cinnamon against paracetamol-induced toxicity in male rabbits. Liver and kidney functions were assessed by measuring serum biomarkers including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatinine, and urea. Paracetamol administration significantly elevated AST (48.34 ± 0.797 U/L), ALT (45.29 ± 2.073 U/L), GGT (7.90 ± 0.248 U/L), creatinine (1.00 ± 0.094 g/dL), and urea (44.76 ± 1.754 mg/dL), while reducing albumin levels (3.61 ± 0.121 mg/dL), indicating marked hepatic and renal dysfunction (p < 0.05). Conversely, cinnamon significantly reduced elevated liver enzymes and normalized kidney biomarkers, demonstrating a protective effect. Notably, the co-administration of cinnamon with paracetamol led to partial restoration of AST (39.50 ± 1.500 U/L), ALT (39.46 ± 1.402 U/L), GGT (6.80 ± 0.060 U/L), creatinine (0.76 ± 0.052 g/dL), and urea (40.48 ± 0.594 mg/dL), suggesting mitigation of paracetamol-induced damage. These effects are likely mediated by cinnamon’s bioactive constituents such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The findings suggest that cinnamon supplementation may offer therapeutic benefits in preventing drug-induced hepatorenal injury.