Applied Sciences Research Periodicals

Design, Construction and Validation of a Low Cost Resonance “Futamag” Magnetometer

2024-05-20T08:10:46+01:00

The cost of new magnetometers has gone up astronomically and consequently many institutions that need this equipment for teaching and research purposes can hardly afford the price. This predicament compelled the authors to look for electronic components that are available in local markets and shops to fabricate this magnetometer. This magnetometer was designed and constructed using components purchased locally. Construction, Configuration and Standardization of ‘Futamag’ Resonance Magnetometer was done with appropriate validations in the basement complex terrain characterized with crystalline bedrock geologic terrain. ‘Futamag’ Resonance magnetometer and Unimag, as a standard equipment, were used to acquire magnetic data concurrently along the six established traverses at Senior Staff quarters, Federal University of Technology, Akure. Regression analysis was carried out as basis for relative standardization of ‘Futamag’ Resonance Magnetometer by subjecting the data acquired to series of processing and interpretations to test the reliability of the newly constructed magnetometer. The data obtained were interpreted qualitatively by profile correlation using percentage relative trend appraisals and quantitatively, by using half-width method to determine depth to the top of basement. The estimated depths showed a good correlation with little disparity experienced along some traverses. The difference cannot be completely associated to deficiency from ‘Futamag’ but may be as a result of poor control over environmental noise on the part of the ‘Futamag’. Higher level of correlation between the ‘Futamag’ and Unimag Resonance Magnetometers was achieved from the regression analysis with 99% reliability which justifies that construction of resonance magnetometer can be done with locally available materials using appropriate standardization.

Holes Behavior in the Valence Band of a Quantum Well Heterostructure〖Zn〗_(1-x) 〖Mg〗_x O/ZnO/ 〖Zn〗_(1-x) 〖Mg〗_x O

2024-12-24T22:46:27+00:00

This paper is a study of quantum well heterostructure made up by a zinc oxide (ZnO) thin layer (well) sandwiched between two Zn_1-xMg_xO layers acting as barriers potential. Setting the width of the well to a = 10 nm, the allowed quantum states in the structure and the wave function profile are examined for different values of the parameter x : x = 0.1, x = 0.2.... A previous paper was devoted to the conduction band (CB), this one concerns quantum states in the valence band (VB). The comparison between the results shows that holes in the valence band approximately have similar behaviour than electrons in the conduction band. The calculated wavelengths corresponding to intra-band transitions are in the infrared domain of the electromagnetic spectrum. These wavelengths depend on the parameter x, allowing to control the optoelectronic properties of the quantum well by adjusting the concentration x during the growth process. Therefore, for the same value of x, the quantum states number in the valence band are more important than those in the conduction band. This result can be explained by the split noticed in the valence band.

Role of Multi-Omics in Disease Biology

2025-04-17T14:33:14+01:00

Multi-omics is a cutting-edge approach that integrates multiple biological data types, such as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, to provide a comprehensive understanding of diseases. By analysing molecular interactions, researchers can uncover disease mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and develop targeted therapies. This approach is central to precision medicine, which tailors treatments based on an individual's molecular profile, improving outcomes and reducing side effects. Data integration is a crucial aspect of multi-omics, as it combines vast datasets from different omics layers. Advanced computational tools, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, help analyse these datasets, revealing complex biological networks and potential drug targets. This has significant applications in cancer research, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging studies. Emerging technologies such as single-cell and spatial multi-omics allow researchers to explore disease progression at an unprecedented resolution. These innovations are transforming biomedical research by enabling a deeper understanding of cellular functions in different tissues. Additionally, open-source tools and databases facilitate multi-omics analysis, making it accessible to a wider research community. Despite its potential, multi-omics faces challenges such as data complexity, integration difficulties, and computational demands. However, continuous advancements in high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics are addressing these issues, paving the way for future breakthroughs in personalized healthcare. As research progresses, multi-omics is expected to play a pivotal role in improving diagnostics, discovering novel therapies, and revolutionizing modern medicine.

The Perspective on IPO Placement: A Case Study of Insurance Companies in Uzbekistan

2025-04-17T18:20:34+01:00

This article is dedicated to analyzing the process of Initial Public Offering (IPO) placement by insurance companies, examining its peculiarities and impact on the market. The study covers the key stages of preparing a company for an IPO, including assessing its financial stability, developing strategies for attracting investors, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Special attention is given to the specifics of the insurance sector, highlighting factors that influence the attractiveness of insurance companies to investors, such as risk management, capitalization levels, dividend policies, and projected returns. The article also addresses the challenges faced by insurance companies when entering the market, including the need to comply with stringent regulatory standards and ensure financial transparency. Examples of both successful and unsuccessful IPO placements in the insurance industry are analyzed, and recommendations for organizing an effective IPO process for insurance companies in Uzbekistan are provided.

A Proposal of a Hetero Junction Bipolar Phototransistor

2025-04-18T11:11:00+01:00

A hetero junction bipolar phototransistor is proposed in this short communication by adding a second n-Si junction in reverse bias to the already proposed photodiodes on intrinsic semiconductor materials. The transistor having the nano-GaAs emitter can function in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Utilization of Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Malaria Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Private Facilities: A Study in Five Selected Health Areas of the Dschang Health District

2025-04-26T04:11:37+01:00

Background: Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) poses significant risks to maternal and fetal health, particularly in endemic regions like sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Intermittent Preventive Treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPT-SP) is a key intervention, yet its uptake remains suboptimal in many settings, including Cameroon. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of IPT-SP among pregnant women attending private antenatal clinics in the Dschang Health District (DHD). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women selected through multistage sampling across five health areas. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, covering socio-demographics, IPT-SP knowledge, attitudes, and utilization. Key indicators included awareness, compliance, and optimal uptake (≥3 doses). X²-test was used to describe the distribution of categorical variables meanwhile logistic regression identified predictors of poor IPT-SP uptake, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Of the 344 pregnant women included, 35.8% were aged 15-24 years and 51.7% were married. Health providers were the major source of information about IPT-SP (87.9%). While awareness (99.1%) and compliance (98.8%) were high, only 51.7% achieved optimal IPT-SP uptake. Poor knowledge (aOR = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.6–4.9), fewer than four Antenatal Care (ANC) visits (aOR = 14.54, 95% CI: 1.1–9.6), and lower provider qualifications (aOR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.05–4.97) were associated with higher odds of poor IPT-SP uptake. Conclusion: Targeted interventions such as enhanced health education, increased ANC attendance, and improved provider training are needed to boost IPT-SP coverage in private facilities. Addressing these barriers will contribute to reducing malaria-related adverse pregnancy outcomes and advancing maternal health goals in Cameroon.

Stages in the Development of Consciousness: What to Look Out For?

2025-04-30T17:20:24+01:00

The universe has one task, namely to evolve. The same applies to all its inhabitants. Standstill is not tolerated. Insofar as it occurs, the triggers are eliminated. What distinguishes human beings is their consciousness, which has a certain degree in every case. This should therefore also show an evolution. The author gives criteria for this and proposes a step-by-step plan for development. The six stages are: Security, Variety, Meaningfulness, Connections, Growth, Unfolding. Each person can then assess themselves and follow the path to a more developed consciousness.

A People’s Accessible Explanation of the Shroud Body Image Formation

2025-05-02T11:22:30+01:00

This article aims to offer a clear and accessible explanation of how the body image on the Shroud of Turin may have formed. We propose that this image likely resulted from an interaction between the man of the Shroud, identified as the Nazarene, and the linen cloth in which he was wrapped. In the tomb environment, the only plausible source of such interaction was the body itself, specifically the small amount of thermal energy it still retained. This energy, although limited, could have triggered a probabilistic (stochastic) process that resulted in the image’s formation, though only after a significant delay, possibly years or decades. We draw a parallel with biological responses (in the humans case) to very low energy by radiation, where effects appear stochastically and after a long latency period. Now (in the Turin Shroud case) the available energy was so minimal, that only a stochastic process would be feasible, excluding other mechanisms. We believe this hypothesis provides the most natural and scientifically grounded explanation for the formation of the body image on the Shroud. Even William Ockham's philosophical razor and Aristotle's logical thinking agree with the above mechanism.

Stock Assessment and Current Biological Viability of Small Pelagic Fish Stocks in Ghana

2025-05-13T19:19:31+01:00

Since 2000 landings of small pelagic fish species which provide employment, income and nutrition to over 2 million people have faced a sharp decline, evident from the decreased CPUE and increased average zero catch rate for fishing trips. To reverse the decline, a study was supported by USAID to assess the stocks of the four main pelagic fish species to ascertain their biological viability for sustainable management. Fish catch data was provided by the Fisheries Scientific Survey Division (FSSD) of the Fisheries Commission (FC). The assessment was carried out with the CEDA software package, applying the various production models that best fit the catch of the most dominant fishing gear (purse seines) and total standardized effort data of each pelagic stock. The best fit biomass production models for the species were the Fox Algorithm for anchovy and flat sardinella, Pella Tomlinson for mackerel, and the Schaeffer model for round sardinella. The intrinsic population growth rate r, tonnes/annum, and the carrying capacity K, tonnes, for the pelagic species were found to be, for anchovy 0.572 and 171,921, mackerel 0.147 and 147,417, round sardinella 0.693 and 245,659, and flat sardinella 0.194 and 83,312 respectively. Further a total biomass of 324,156 tonnes was required to restore the small pelagic stocks to the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) level whereas the present biomass, B_msy was only 44,771 tonnes; the current average fishing mortality was 0.72 while that required to manage the stocks at MSY was 0.2; and the current number of canoes fishing was 14,462 while that required at sustainable level was 9,000. Enforcement of size restriction regulations, alignment of the current level of effort and capacity with the maximum sustainable yield, institutionalization of closed seasons, introduction of supplementary or alternative livelihoods opportunities and a robust system for monitoring environmental parameters were recommended essential for sustainable management of the pelagic fishery.

Microbial-Induced Inflammatory Responses and Gut Barrier Dysfunction: Understanding the Mechanisms Underlying Disease Progression

2025-05-14T20:10:53+01:00

The human gut is full of microorganisms with their ecobalance of good and bad bacteria. The gut microbiome thus formed have played a key role in the digestion of foods, we eat. But in certain circumstances, when the gut got infected, it resulted into microbial dysbiosis and gut barrier dysfunction. Though this is quite a new hypothesis, but on record and still in a juvenile stage. It has been documented that due to certain infections, the gut microbiota is changed significantly developing diseases in humans. But, whether the observed dysbiosis is due to either the cause or consequences of the disease remains unclear. The present paper is an attempt to discuss some of the important gut infections causing dysbiosis of gut microbiota developing various gastrointestinal disorders and diseases in humans.

The Blood of Saint Januarius: Is the Truth Written in a Daily Newspaper? Perhaps!

2025-05-17T11:56:47+01:00

In this paper, we investigate a relic that has attracted the attention of many believers in the world of Christianity: the blood of Saint Januarius. We do this taking into account that any relic triggers a conflict of interest, which makes it difficult to understand the object under investigation. In this case, there are experiments that support the presence of blood in the ampoules. Others furnish results that confirm the hypothesis of forgery. In fact, the results obtained through spectroscopy claim that the Cathedral of Naples holds the blood of the Saint. Conversely, the thixotropy supports the hypothesis of forgery. However, these statements could also arise from the aforementioned conflict, or they could be true. In addition to these, we include both our comments and the experiments of the Geraci team on the ampoules preserved in the Cathedral. It was in 2010 when the above-mentioned team demonstrated that the ampoules of the Saint contain blood. They investigated, through continuous observations, the ampoules of Saint Januarius and also studied, through experiments, the blood of a 300-year-old relic held by the Camaldolese monks. Professor Geraci and his team observed that changes in state depended on chemical reactions that can take place in the blood. Unfortunately, the results and considerations of this work were published in a daily newspaper and not in a peer-reviewed, double-blind scientific journal.

Quasi Particles Lose Energy in Materials

2025-05-24T23:10:25+01:00

As the title suggests, a unified concept for quasi particles losing energy in materials when traversing through them, is described in this short communication. Examples of thermal silicon dioxide and silicon are taken to describe the above with the known knowledge of the same for photons in liquids.