Applied Sciences Research Periodicals

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

Anatoly Blanovsky — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100

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

Ružica Marković, Kurt V. Mikkelsen — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100

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

Moya Modise — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100

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

Fayrouz. A. Khaled, Gamal. I. Saad — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100

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.

Is Nuclear Power an Environmentally Friendly Energy Source? Evidence from The United States

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100

We empirically investigate environmental sustainability of nuclear power by analyzing long-term trends in nuclear electricity production in the United States. Utilizing quarterly time-series data from the World Bank spanning 1990 to 2024, we adopt an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) modeling framework to analyze and forecast Electricity production from nuclear sources (% of total), the dependent variable. The model incorporates autoregressive (AR) and moving average (MA) components as independent variables. Estimation via Conditional Least Squares (CLS) reveals a statistically significant negative coefficient for MA(4) (-0.964), indicating a strong corrective response to shocks occurring four quarters earlier. AR(1) coefficient of 0.838 reflects a high degree of persistence, suggesting that current production levels are heavily influenced by past values. The model demonstrates strong explanatory power with an adjusted R-squared of 0.7638. Diagnostic tests confirm the robustness of the model, indicating covariance stationarity, invertibility, and absence of serial correlation. Projections indicate a gradual decline in the share of nuclear power in electricity generation, from 18.6% in 2025 to 18.2% by 2045. Although nuclear power is often lauded for its low greenhouse gas emissions, our findings challenge its classification as environmentally friendly, citing enduring concerns over radioactive waste management, accident risk, and broader ecological impacts. We conclude that the long-term sustainability of nuclear power as a green energy source is questionable and urge policymakers to carefully weigh its environmental trade-offs while prioritizing investment in cleaner, safer, and more sustainable renewable energy alternatives.

The Paradox of Oil Abundance and Fuel Scarcity in Nigeria: An Empirical Investigation

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100

We empirically investigate the paradox of oil abundance and fuel scarcity in Nigeria, a nation that ranks among the world’s leading oil producers. Despite its vast hydrocarbon reserves, Nigeria faces chronic fuel shortages, raising fundamental questions about efficiency and sustainability of its energy consumption patterns. Using quarterly time-series data from the World Bank spanning 1990 to 2024, we apply Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) modeling approach to analyze and forecast fossil fuel energy consumption (% of total), the study’s dependent variable. Autoregressive and moving average components are the independent variables. Model estimation via conditional least squares (CLS) reveals a statistically significant negative coefficient for MA(4) at -0.999984, suggesting a near-complete dampening effect of past shocks in the fourth lag period. AR(1) coefficient of 0.870696 indicates that approximately 87% of the current consumption levels are explained by the immediate past, underscoring a high degree of persistence in fossil fuel usage. Diagnostic checks confirm robustness of the model, exhibiting covariance stationarity, invertibility, and absence of serial correlation. Forecasts from 2025 to 2050 show a sustained increase in fossil fuel energy consumption, projected to rise from 55.7% in 2025 to 63.2% by 2050. Our findings highlight structural inefficiencies and policy disconnects in Nigeria’s energy sector. We recommend urgent reforms in energy governance, enhanced domestic refining capacity, and a phased transition toward sustainable energy sources to resolve the paradox of abundance amidst scarcity.

Transition of Valence Electron to the Conduction Band in Silicon

Ravi Kumar Chanana — Sat, 02 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100

This short communication presents the phenomenon of transition of a valence electron to the conduction band edge in Silicon as analogous to a ball of mass m falling from height h to the ground. The universal mass-energy equivalence relation is followed in this phenomenon due to conservation of energy for the constant mechanical energy with time. The relation is also pointed to be a common feature for Einstein’s theory of relativity and Newton’s law of gravitation. Errors in electron effective masses in Silicon and Silicon dioxide in an earlier publication on drifting electrons in materials is discussed and corrected.