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A simple and reliable didactic laboratory has been developed to illustrate fundamental concepts of hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, wetting, and spreading phenomena for undergraduate students. The described laboratory includes preparation of surfactant solutions at different concentrations and applying droplets of these solutions on a hydrophobic surface followed by imaging the applied droplets using a cost-effective USB digital microscope connected to a computer. Contact-angle values of droplets were measured using ImageJ, a freely available image-processing software. Students constructed surfactant-concentration-contact-angle plots to determine the surfactant's critical-micelle-concentration value. The feasibility of the described didactic laboratory and the achievement of the intended learning outcomes (ILOs) were evaluated through complementary assessment tools, including lab reports, homework assignments, and students' feedback. The described laboratory was found to be cost-effective, safe, reproducible, and successful in achieving the ILOs.

Anthropomorphisms are widespread at all levels of the educational system even among science experts. This has led to a shift in how anthropomorphisms are viewed in science education, from a discussion of whether they should be allowed or avoided towards an interest in their role in supporting students' understanding of science. In this study we examine the role of anthropomorphisms in supporting students' understanding of chemistry. We analyze examples from undergraduate students' discussions during problem-solving classes through the use of practical epistemology analysis (PEA). Findings suggest that students invoked anthropomorphisms alongside technical relations which together produced more or less chemically appropriate explanations. Also, anthropomorphisms constitute potentially productive points of departure for rendering students' explanations more chemically appropriate. The implications of this study refer to the need to deal with anthropomorphisms explicitly and repeatedly as well as to encourage explicit connections between different parts of the explanation - teleological as well as causal.

In this study, we explore the issues and challenges involved in supporting students' learning to discern relevant and critical aspects of determining oxidation states of atoms in complex molecules. We present a detailed case of an interaction between three students and a tutor during a problem-solving class, using the analytical tool of practical epistemology analysis (PEA). The results show that the ability to make relevant distinctions between the different parts of a molecule for solving the problem, even with the guidance of the tutor, seemed to be challenging for students. These shifts were connected to both purposes that were specific for solving the problem at hand, and additional purposes for general learning of the subject matter, in this case how to assign oxidation states in molecules. The students sometimes could not follow the additional purposes introduced by the tutor, which made the related distinctions more confusing. Our results indicate that in order to provide adequate support and guidance for students the tutor needs to consider how to sequence, move between, and productively connect the different purposes introduced in a tutor-student interaction. One way of doing that is by first pursuing the purposes for solving the problem and then successively introduce additional, more general purposes for developing students' learning of the subject matter studied. Further recommendations drawn from this study are discussed as well.

A simple, reliable, and cost-effective experiment is presented in which students synthesized citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (GNPs), functionalized them with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and transferred the PEG-GNPs from water to the organic phase dichloromethane. The experiment introduces students to nanotechnology with foci on important concepts including surface modification of nanoparticles, colloidal stability, and phase transfer. The proposed experiment was evaluated at three different universities to confirm its reproducibility and versatility. Collectively, the proposed experiment is suitable to be implemented into colloid- or nanoscience-related curricula.

The Periodic Table of Elements is central to the study of modern Physics and Chemistry. It is however, considered by teachers as difficult to teach. This paper reports on a case study exploring reflections on teaching periodic table concepts in five secondary schools from South Africa. Qualitative methodology of interviews and document analysis were used to collect data from five participants that were purposively selected. One specific research question was addressed: what practices inform Physical Sciences teachers when teaching periodic table of elements? Results showed that all participants were able to describe specific teaching and learning difficulties, such as relating the properties of substances to characteristics of the constituent particles. They further, recognised the importance of using models of atoms and molecules to promote understanding. These findings have implications for science teaching, learning and teacher education.

This study explores first-year university students' reasoning as they learn to draw Lewis structures. We also present a theoretical account of the formal procedure commonly taught for drawing these structures. Students' discussions during problem-solving activities were video recorded and detailed analyses of the discussions were made through the use of practical epistemology analysis (PEA). Our results show that the formal procedure was central for drawing Lewis structures, but its use varied depending on situational aspects. Commonly, the use of individual steps of the formal procedure was contingent on experiences of chemical structures, and other information such as the characteristics of the problem given. The analysis revealed a number of patterns in how students constructed, checked and modified the structure in relation to the formal procedure and the situational aspects. We suggest that explicitly teaching the formal procedure as a process of constructing, checking and modifying might be helpful for students learning to draw Lewis structures. By doing so, the students may learn to check the accuracy of the generated structure not only in relation to the octet rule and formal charge, but also to other experiences that are not explicitly included in the formal procedure.

Abstract Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) magnets have sparked widespread attention due to their potential in spintronic applications as well as in fundamental physics. Ferromagnetic vdW compound Fe3GeTe2 (FGT) and its Ga variants have garnered significant interest due to their itinerant magnetism, correlated states, and high magnetic transition temperature. Experimental studies have demonstrated the tunability of FGT’s Curie temperature, T C , through adjustments in quintuple layer numbers (QL) and carrier concentrations, n. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we employ molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) to synthesize 2D FGT films down to 1 QL with precise layer control, facilitating an exploration of the band structure and the evolution of itinerant carrier density. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) reveals significant band structure changes at the ultra-thin limit, while first-principles calculations elucidate the band evolution from 1 QL to bulk, largely governed by interlayer coupling. Additionally, we find that n is intrinsically linked to the number of QL and temperature, with a critical value triggering the magnetic phase transition. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of band structure and itinerant electrons in governing magnetic phase transitions in such 2D vdW magnetic materials.

The purpose of this study is to use a comparative approach to scrutinize the common assumption that certain school science activities are theoretical and therefore particularly suited for engaging students with scientific ideas, whereas others are practical and, thus, not equally conducive to engagement with scientific ideas. We compared two school science activities, one (laboratory work) that is commonly regarded as focusing attention on artefacts that may distract students from central science concepts and the other (concept mapping) that is thought to make students focus directly on these concepts. We observed students in either a laboratory activity about real galvanic cells or a concept-mapping activity about idealized galvanic cells. We used a practical epistemology analysis to compare the two activities regarding students' actions towards scientific ideas and artefacts. The comparison revealed that the two activities, despite their alleged differences along the theory-practice scale, primarily resulted in similar student actions. For instance, in both activities, students interacted extensively with artefacts and, to a lesser extent, with scientific ideas. However, only occasionally did students establish any explicit continuity between artefacts and scientific ideas. The findings indicate that some of the problems commonly considered to be unique for school science practical work may indeed be a feature of school science activities more generally.

Students' difficulties with learning science have generally been framed in terms of their generalized conceptual knowledge of a science topic as elicited through their explanations of natural phenomena. In this paper, we empirically explore what more goes into giving a scientific account of a natural phenomenon than giving such generalized explanations. We audio-recorded pairs of upper secondary students during laboratory work in electrochemistry. We used a situative and pragmatist approach to study learning in action. This approach made it possible to study how the particulars and contingencies of working with a real electrochemical cell went into students' reasoning. Our results show that students needed to learn to make distinctions, recognize, and name the particulars in encounters with their cell. They also needed to learn what counts as reasonable readings and to deal with quantitative issues and correlations pertaining to their cell. We refer to these additional learning requirements as the students' "taxonomic" and "measurement" interests. Implications for what is involved in giving a scientific account of a natural phenomenon in school are discussed. The study constitutes an attempt to include, in a systematic way, also the particulars and contingencies of actual practice in an account of students' reasoning in science. (Contains 1 table, 1 figure, and 3 footnotes.)

Although misconceptions in science have been established in interview studies, their role during the learning process is poorly examined. In this paper, we use results from a classroom study to analyze to what extent nonscientific ideas in electrochemistry that students report in interviews enter into their learning in a more authentic setting. We audio-recorded talk between eight pairs of Swedish upper secondary students during a practical on electrochemical cells. Learning was operationalized on a discursive level as a description of what students do and say when taking part in an activity. This enabled an analysis of how encounters with misconceptions influenced the development of students' reasoning, compared to other encounters during the learning experience. Misconceptions did not constrain the development of students' reasoning. Rather, their reasoning developed in response to the contingencies of the specific situation. When misconceptions were encountered, they appeared as alternatives and questions not actively defended. Sometimes, encounters with these misconceptions were generative of the students' reasoning. The results indicate that demonstrating misconceptions in interviews is not enough to assume that they interfere with learning in other contexts. Educational implications and future lines of research based on these findings and on the methodology applied are discussed. (Contains 1 figure, 1 table and 2 footnotes.)

Background: Food crop consumption is one of the primary routes through which the environment is polluted with radionuclides, metals, and metalloids. In recent years, the negative impacts of metals, metalloids, and radionuclides on crop quality via the food-human system have jeopardized both human health and food security. Because some metals, metalloids, and radionuclides are persistent and non-biodegradable, they build up in the human body's essential organs, causing a variety of serious health issues, including cancer. It is therefore absolutely essential to evaluate the potential cancer risks of radionuclides as well as metals and metalloids in the food crops consumed in the study area to avoid negative health consequences. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the potential cancer risks of metals and metalloids (As, Cd, Cr, and Pb) and Radionuclides (U-238, Th-232, and K-40) via consumption of food crops cultivated around the Riruwai mining area, northeastern Nigeria. Methodology: Thirty-three (33) food crops (15 vegetables and 18 cereal crops) were collected directly from the farmlands in the study area. The concentrations of radionuclides, metals, and metalloid in each food crop were assessed using a microwave-plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) and a high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometer, respectively. The measured concentrations of radionuclides, metals, and metalloid were used to calculate their lifetime cancer risks (LTCRs). Results: The findings of the study revealed that the concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, and Pb in all the investigated food crops were above the threshold limits, while lower activity concentrations in all the investigated food crops below the world average standard were observed in U-238, Th-232, and K-40. LTCRs of all the individual metal and metalloid as well as radionuclide in each food crop were determined to be below the global threshold limits, indicating no likelihood of cancer risk from consuming the food crops. However, it was discovered that the total cumulative LTCRs of all the metals and metalloid in all food crops combined were 2.51E-04, which was over twofold the acceptable limit of 1.00E-04 Conclusion: The individual metal, metalloid, and radionuclide LTCRs in each food crop were found to be below global threshold limits, indicating no cancer risk from consumption. However, the cumulative LTCRs of all the metals and metalloid in all food crops were found to exceed the acceptable level, which requires proper monitoring and government intervention. Cancer risk is influenced by factors beyond food consumption, such as alcohol consumption, heredity, and air pollution, so multidimensional studies are needed before making a final decision on cancer risks in the study area.

The purpose of this research was to examine the interaction between metabolites of Lactobacillus plantarum YW11, characterized through GC–mass spectra (MS) analysis, and the FN1 protein in cases of familial pulmonary fibrosis, found from hub genes analysis. GC–MS analysis was performed to identify metabolites in L. plantarum. Then, gene expression analysis and functional annotations were conducted to investigate the hub genes. A network of hub genes and transcription factors (TFs) was constructed, highlighting the significance of FN1 in the disease’s etiology. Molecular docking was employed to explore the interaction between the characterized metabolites and the FN1 protein. Toxicity analysis was also carried out. Thirty-two active compounds of L. plantarum YW11 were characterized by GC–MS. The gene expression analysis identified 295 differentially expressed genes, including 10 hub genes and 6 TFs, providing further support for the involvement of FN1 protein in the disease. The results of the molecular docking studies suggest the therapeutic potential of targeting FN1, with the best docking result observed for the interaction between FN1 and the 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol metabolite (energy of −6.9 kcal/mol). The toxicity analysis and molecular dynamic simulations support the suitability of 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol as a candidate for targeting FN1.

The apple is an important part of the human diet and is one of the most popular fruits in Morocco, with varieties that are now suitable for human consumption. This study aims to clarify several aspects of apples, such as their physical and chemical compositions and nutrient profiles. Total polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins were determined using spectrophotometer and organic acid compounds were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet. The results show a significant difference between the several varieties under study in terms of their physico-chemical and phyto-chemical characteristics. In general, the studied apples are juiciness, with a percentage ranging from 60 to 71%. The pH values demonstrate how acidic the apples are. The Brix parameter denotes values greater than 13°Brix. Total polyphenols and condensed tannins (1154.65 ± 13.54 µg EAG/g and 514.09 ± 32.40 µg EAT/g, respectively) are more present in the Ahjjani variety than they are in other varieties. This demonstrates their good nutritional quality while not being consumable. However, the Story variety has a predominance of flavonoids (75.074 ± 2.309 µg QE/g) and flavones (45.074 ± 2.09 µg QE/g). The detection of organic acids has shown that the acid succinic is the most abundant in all the varieties of studied apple fruits. These results allow us to infer that non-consumable varieties are also important dietary sources of bioactive molecules, notably for polyphenols. The fact that these kinds can be used to produce other byproducts is therefore highly intriguing.

Abstract This novel work details the development and comprehensive characterization of a highly sensitive and selective lactate biosensor system, leveraging the modification of screen‐printed electrodes (SPEs) with hollow carbon nanorods (HCNs). The HCN synthesis involved a multi‐step procedure utilizing iron (III) oxyhydroxide (β‐FeOOH) nanorods as sacrificial templates. Extensive characterization through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) substantiated the successful fabrication of HCNs replete with substantial cavities. To assess the efficacy of surface modification, HCNs were applied to SPEs using drop casting and electrodeposition methods, enabling a comparative analysis of these techniques in the context of biosensor systems. Lactate detection was accomplished effectively, revealing a linear range of 1 μM to 300 μM for drop casting and 10 μM to 300 μM for electrodeposition, with corresponding limit of detection (LOD) values of 0.55 μM and 2.8 μM. The biosensor system exhibited exceptional stability, repeatability, and selectivity. Furthermore, real sample analyses employing spiked serum samples demonstrated remarkable accuracy, achieving recoveries of up to 109 % for drop casting and 111 % for electrodeposition methods. In summary, the presented HCN‐modified SPEs offer a highly sensitive, selective, and stable platform for lactate detection, showcasing their significant potential across a spectrum of applications, including clinical diagnostics and bioprocess monitoring.

IntroductionThis study investigates the potential effects of cannabis seed oil (CSO) on the wound healing process. The aim was to assess the efficacy of CSO in treating skin wounds using an animal model and to explore its anti-inflammatory properties through in silico analysis.MethodsEighteen male albino Wistar rats, weighing between 200 and 250 g, were divided into three groups: an untreated negative control group, a group treated with the reference drug silver sulfadiazine (SSD) (0.01 g/mL), and a group treated topically with CSO (0.962 g/mL). The initial wound diameter for all groups was 1 cm. In silico studies were conducted using Maestro 11.5 to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of phytoconstituents against cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).ResultsCSO and SSD treatments led to a significant reduction (p 0.05) in liver and kidney function in rats treated with CSO, whereas a significant increase (p < 0.01) in ALAT level was observed in rats treated with SSD.DiscussionThe findings demonstrate that CSO has a promising effect on wound healing. The CSO treatment resulted in significant wound contraction and histological improvements, with no adverse effects on liver and kidney function.However, the study's limitations, including the small sample size and the need for detailed elucidation of CSO's mechanism of action, suggest that further research is necessary. Future studies should focus on exploring the molecular pathways and signaling processes involved in CSO’s pharmacological effects.

The utilization of plant bioactive composites has concerned substantial attention due to their possible use in the development of novel antibiotics, containing the environmentally sustainable synthesis of nanoparticles. In the current study, a green and eco-friendly process was employed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and to evaluate their anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer potentials. The characterization of the Ag-NPs involved UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UV-vis spectrum of Ag-NPs was 437 nm. The FTIR absorption peaks detected at 685.48 cm−1 confirmed their characteristics. The FESEM displayed that Ag-NPs have an average size of 30 nm. The TEM revealed that the Ag-NPs have an irregular spherical shape with 16 nm size distribution. The XRD results provided a strong indication that the green synthesized Ag-NPs was of high purity with crystalline nature. The anti-bacterial properties were investigated at different concentrations for both the ethanolic tangerine peel extract and Ag-NPs. The results of anti-bacterial activity showed that 100 µg·mL−1 was potent concentration, but the Ag-NPs were more effective than the ethanolic tangerine peel extract. For the ethanolic extract, the inhibition zone was 17.50 ± 0.20 mm for K. pneumoniae and 14.40 ± 0.20 mm for B. cereus. For the Ag-NPs, the inhibition zone was 25.50 mm for K. pneumoniae and 20.50 mm for B. cereus. Furthermore, the antioxidant examination revealed more potent free radical scavenging activity of the Ag-NPs than the ethanolic peel extract alone. The ethanolic extract ranged 46–77% while the Ag-NPs ranged 57–88%. Additionally, the anti-proliferative of the Ag-NPs against the lung cancer cell line (A549) was more potent than the ethanolic extract alone. The cytotoxic activity was 90.03% and 78.50%, respectively. The anti-proliferative effect of Ag-NPs is attributed to cell death, induced apoptosis, and enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species. Our findings highlight the potential and further utilization of Ag-NPs in medicinal applications particularly for cancer therapeutics.

In recent years, nitrate has emerged as a significant groundwater pollutant due to its potential ecotoxicity. In particular, nitrate contamination of brackish groundwater poses a serious threat to both ecosystems and human health and remains difficult to treat. A promising, sustainable, and environmentally friendly solution when biological treatments are not applicable is the conversion of nitrate to harmless nitrogen (N2) or ammonia (NH3) as a nutrient by electrocatalytic nitrate reduction (eNO3R) using solar photovoltaic energy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current advances in eNO3R for the production of nitrogen and ammonia. The discussion begins with fundamental concepts, including a detailed examination of the mechanisms and pathways involved, supported by Density Functional Theory (DFT) to elucidate specific aspects of ammonium and nitrogen formation during the process. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) offers promising advancements in enhancing the predictive power of DFT, accelerating the discovery and optimization of novel catalysts. In this review, we also explore various electrode preparation methods and emphasize the importance of in situ characterization techniques to investigate surface phenomena during the reaction process. The review highlights numerous examples of copper-based catalysts and analyses their feasibility and effectiveness in ammonia production. It also explores strategies for the conversion of nitrate to N2, focusing on nanoscale zerovalent iron as a selective material and the subsequent oxidation of the produced ammonia. Finally, this review addresses the implementation of the eNO3R process for the treatment of brackish groundwater, discussing various challenges and providing reasonable opinions on how to overcome these obstacles. By synthesizing current research and practical examples, this review highlights the potential of eNO3R as a viable solution to mitigate nitrate pollution and improve water quality.

A novel modeling approach is developed for investigating the effectiveness of buckypaper (BP), a porous membrane made of a highly cross-linked network of carbon nanotubes, in improving the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. The methodology uses quantum tunneling-based equivalent electrical circuits and Monte Carlo simulations to predict the frequency-dependent electrical conductivity and EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of the hybrid BP/CFRP composites. The study examines a signal frequency range of 50 MHz to 12 GHz that includes the very high and X-band. The results show that at a frequency of 12 GHz, the transverse conductivity increases to approximately 12.67 S/m, while the longitudinal conductivity decreases to about 3300 S/m from an initial value of 40,000 S/m. These results are then integrated into the ANSYS High-Frequency Structure Simulator to predict SE by simulating the propagation of electromagnetic waves through a semi-infinite composite shield element. The numerical simulations illustrate that incorporating BP significantly improves the SE of CFRP composites beyond 2 GHz owing to its high conductivity in that frequency range. For instance, at 12 GHz signal frequency, adding a single BP interleaf enhances the SE of a [90, 0] laminate by up to ~64%.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of combined training with maximal aerobic speed and small-sided games on football players’ aerobic capacity development. Methods: The football players were divided into three groups as a combined training group (n = 20) (Mean ± SD age 23.40 ± 2.92 yrs, BMI was 23.67 ± 1.59 kg/m2, mass: 74.80 ± 5.46 kg, height: 177.73 ± 4.31 cm), maximal aerobic speed group (n = 20) (Mean ± SD age 23.93 ± 2.46 yrs, BMI was 23.32 ± 1.42 kg/m2, mass: 72.66 ± 5.38 kg, height: 176.46 ± 4.99 cm) and regular training group (n = 20) (Mean ± SD age 24.80 ± 5.84 yrs, BMI was 22.87 ± 1.67 kg/m2, mass: 73.06 ± 6.74 kg, height: 178.33 ± 7.98 cm). In addition to regular football training, maximal aerobic speed training with small-sided games was applied to the combined training group (CT) and only maximal aerobic speed training was applied to the maximal aerobic speed group (MAS) twice a week for 12 weeks. The normal training group (NT) continued their routine football training programme. All participants applied the Yo-Yo IR1 test in the pre-test and post-test of the study. As a result of normality tests, it was determined that the data showed normal distribution, and the ANOVA test and Tukey’s multiple comparison test were used in the intergroup evaluation. Results: When the Yo-Yo IR1 Test pre-test and post-test results were analysed, maximal aerobic speed training with small-sided games (CT) and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) groups were significantly higher compared to the normal training (NT) group regarding training load, running distance, and VO2max value among the football players (p = 0.001). There was no difference in the normal training group (p > 0.05). As a result, it was determined that combined training with maximal aerobic speed, small-sided games, and only maximal aerobic speed effectively improved football players’ aerobic capacity and general performance.

Cellular materials such as aluminum and polyurethane foams are recognized for their effectiveness in energy absorption. They commonly serve as crushable cores in sacrificial cladding for blast mitigation purposes. This study delves into the effectiveness of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), a lightweight, porous material known for its energy-absorbing properties as a crushable core in sacrificial cladding. The experimental set-up features a rigid frame made of steel measuring 1000 × 1000 × 15 mm3 with a central square opening (300 × 300 mm2) holding a 2 mm thick aluminum plate representing the structure. The dynamic response of the aluminum plate is captured using two high-speed cameras arranged in a stereoscopic configuration. Three-dimensional digital image correlation is used to compute the transient deformation fields. Blast loading is achieved by detonating 20 g of C4 explosive set at 250 mm from the plate’s center. The study assesses the mineral foam’s absorption capacity by comparing out-of-plane displacement and mean permanent deformation of the aluminum plate with and without the protective solution. Six foam configurations (A to F) are tested experimentally and numerically, varying in the foam’s free space for expansion relative to its total volume. Results show positive protective effects, with configuration F reducing maximum deflection by at least 30% and configuration C by up to 70%. Foam configuration influences energy dissipation, with an optimal lateral surface-to-volume ratio (ζ) enhancing protective effects, although excessive ζ leads to non-uniform foam crushing. To address the influence of front skin deformability, a non-deformable front skin has been adopted. The latter demonstrates an increased effectiveness of the sacrificial cladding, particularly for ζ values above the optimal value obtained when using a deformable front skin. Notably, using a non-deformable front skin increases maximum deflection reduction and foam energy absorption by up to approximately 30%.

To help discover a reasonable and eco-friendly insecticide, we undertook a study on the insecticidal potential of carvacrol and essential oils extracted by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus from the plant species Nigella sativa seeds essential oils of Nigella sativa (EONS) on Callosobruchus maculatus adults. Several tests including contact toxicity, repellent effect, topical contact test, and inhalation effect were conducted. Adults of C. maculatus have been exposed to the toxic effects of different concentrations of these essential oils as well as with carvacrol. The results obtained showed that both EONS and carvacrol exhibited a moderate repellent effect (class II) on C. maculatus adults. EONS showed the highest toxicity by inhalation test, with an LD50 of 13.386 and an LD95 of 33.186 μL/cm2, compared to carvacrol (LD50 = 21.509 and LD95 = 38.877 μL/cm2). The EONS by contact test exhibited more toxic effects, with an LD50 of 23.350 µL/100 g and an LD95 of 45.315 µL/100 g, compared to carvacrol (LD50 = 27.853 µL/100 g and LD95 = 45.184 µL/100 g). For the topical contact test results, carvacrol was more toxic, with an LD50 of 3.915 and an LD95 of 7.696 µL/mL, compared to EONS (LD50 = 14.509 and LD95 = 25.516 µL/mL). The high toxicity of EONS can be explained by the presence of 25.8% of o-cymene, 8.53% of cyclofenchene, and 7.71% of beta-pinene, as well as 4.6% of carvacrol, in its chemical composition. Unmitigatedly, these data suggest that the essential oils of N. sativa may present a raw material for the development of new bio-insecticidal products against C. maculatus, one of the main pests of stored foodstuffs.

An aqueous extract of Punica granatum peel was used as a biocatalyst for magnesium oxide nanoparticle (MgO-NP) synthesis, which was characterized via UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, EDX, FT-IR, XRD, DLS, and zeta potential. Data showed the efficacy of the plant aqueous extract in forming spherical, crystalline-nature, well-arranged MgO-NPs with sizes in the range of 10–45 nm with average sizes of 24.82 ± 8.85 nm. Moreover, EDX analysis revealed that the highest weight and atomic percentages were recorded for Mg and O ions. The green synthesized MgO-NPs showed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans in a concentration-dependent manner with clear zones in the range of 8.7 ± 0.6 to 19.7 ± 0.5 mm with various concentrations. Also, the MIC value was varied to be 25 µg mL−1 for Gram-negative bacteria, B. subtilis, and C. albicans and 50 µg mL−1 for S. aureus. Moreover, MgO-NPs showed high activity against the 3rd-instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. The mortality percentages were concentration- and time-dependent. Data analysis showed that the highest mortality was 88.3 ± 3.2%, attained at a concentration of 100 µg mL−1 after 72 h. Also, all originated pupae were malformed and did not hatch to adults, with mortality percentages of 100% at all concentrations. Overall, the P. granatum-mediated MgO-NPs showed promising activity in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microbes and the hatching of C. quinquefasciatus larvae to adults.

Pyrazole, characterized by a five-membered heterocyclic structure featuring two neighboring nitrogen atoms, serves as a core element. Pyrazoles hold a privileged status as versatile frameworks in various sectors of the chemical industry, including medicine and agriculture. Previous reviews have extensively highlighted the significance of pyrazoles and their diverse biological activities, encompassing roles such as antituberculosis, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic agents. Consequently, they have garnered substantial interest from researchers. The aim of this review is to offer a comprehensive overview of the published research related to the synthesis of pyrazole derivatives, encompassing a discussion of diverse methods for accessing the pyrazole moiety. These methods span from utilizing transition-metal catalysts and photoredox reactions to employing one-pot multicomponent processes, novel reactants, and innovative reaction types. It encompasses studies conducted by numerous scientists worldwide, showcasing collective efforts in advancing the methodologies and applications of pyrazole derivatives.

Abstract Generative models are frequently used for de novo design in drug discovery projects to propose new molecules. However, the question of whether or not the generated molecules can be synthesized is not systematically taken into account during generation, even though being able to synthesize the generated molecules is a fundamental requirement for such methods to be useful in practice. Methods have been developed to estimate molecule “synthesizability”, but, so far, there is no consensus on whether or not a molecule is synthesizable. In this paper we introduce the Retro-Score (RScore), which computes a synthetic accessibility score of molecules by performing a full retrosynthetic analysis through our data-driven synthetic planning software Spaya, and its dedicated API: Spaya-API (https://spaya.ai). We start by comparing several synthetic accessibility scores to a binary “chemist score” as estimated by chemists on a bench of generated molecules, as a first experimental validation that the RScore is a reliable synthetic accessibility score. We then describe a pipeline to generate molecules that validate a list of targets while still being easy to synthesize. We further this idea by performing experiments comparing molecular generator outputs across a range of constraints and conditions. We show that the RScore can be learned by a Neural Network, which leads to a new score: RSPred. We demonstrate that using the RScore or RSPred as a constraint during molecular generation enables our molecular generators to produce more synthesizable solutions, with higher diversity. The open-source Python code containing all the scores and the experiments can be found on ( https://github.com/iktos/generation-under-synthetic-constraint ). Graphic Abstract

Abstract Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) is a multidomain protein that plays a crucial role in regulating cellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a key signaling molecule involved in various physiological processes. Dysregulation of PDE5 and cGMP signaling is associated with a range of vasodysfunctional disorders, necessitating the development of effective therapeutic interventions. This study adopts comprehensive approach, combining virtual screening and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, to repurpose FDA‐approved drugs as potential PDE5 inhibitors. The initial focus involves selecting compounds based on their binding affinity. Shortlisted compounds undergo a meticulous analysis for their drug profiling and biological significance, followed by the activity evaluation and interaction analysis. Notably, based on binding potential and drug profiling, two molecules, Dutasteride and Spironolactone, demonstrate strong potential as PDE5 inhibitors. Furthermore, all atom MD simulations were employed (500 ns) to explore dynamic behavior of Dutasteride and Spironolactone in complexes with PDE5. Principal components analysis (PCA) and free energy landscape (FEL) analyses are further leveraged to decipher that the binding of Dutasteride and Spironolactone stabilizes the structure of PDE5 with minimal conformational changes. In summary, Dutasteride and Spironolactone exhibit remarkable affinity for PDE5 and possess characteristics that suggest their potential as therapeutic agents for conditions associated with PDE5 dysfunction.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health problem in many developing countries, including India. Diagnosing tuberculous lymphadenitis, in particular, poses challenges as it requires the demonstration of Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) using the conventional Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) technique. The Modified Bleach Technique, which involves liquefying the aspirated specimen with sodium hypochlorite followed by centrifugation, has been described to enhance the yield of AFB, improving sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy. Aim: To highlight the role of the bleach concentration method compared to conventional ZN staining in detecting AFB in Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) material from clinically suspected cases of tuberculous lymphadenitis. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pathology, MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India from November 2020 to December 2022. Fine needle aspiration material from 100 cases of clinically suspected tuberculous lymphadenitis was included. In each case, part of the aspirate was processed for ZN staining, while the remaining material was used for modified bleach staining and Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT). Patient data, including age, sex, duration and site of swelling, nature of aspirate, and cytomorphological diagnosis, were documented. The data was entered into a Microsoft excel spreadsheet and analysed using the Chi-square test, with a p-value

Nanoparticle synthesis is gaining tremendous attention of researcher now a days. Due to high energy requirements and environmental risks associated with physical and chemical techniques, the utilization of plant sources has become imperative for the fabrication of nanoparticles. In this study, we report the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) fabricating potential of aqueous leaf extract of Mentha sylvestris without any additional caping or stabilizing agent in an eco-friendly and cost-effective manner. The bio-reduction of AgNPs was indicated by color change of silver nitrate solution. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX)and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. UV-visible spectral analysis revealed absorption peak at 453 nm for AgNPs. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) determined the reduction rate of ionic silver in solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the average crystalline size. AgNPs ranged in size from16.2-56.4 nm with average size of 33.38 nm. SEM analysis showed the morphology of AgNPs which is found to be spherical, rectangular to variable shapes. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis evidenced the presence of elemental silver hence further confirmed green synthesis. Present study concludes that M. sylvestris species have great potential to bio-fabricate AgNPs in rapid and facetious way.

Mining and smelting sectors contribute significantly to global growth on a regional and local scale. However, the operations are causing significant environmental damage, particularly pollution of the soil with potentially toxic metals (PTMs). In this study, the speciation of PTMs (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc) from the mine impacted soils of Riruwai mining area was investigated using a modified Tessier sequential extraction method. The findings of the study revealed that all the PTMs examined are considerably associated with non-residual fractions in all the sampling locations. This indicates that all the PTMs investigated in the study area may be highly mobile in the soils and hence potentially toxic. The concentrations of PTMs in the soil’s geochemical fractions were found to vary with the sampling locations, with active mining sites significantly (p ≤ 0.05) recording the highest value, followed by farmland, while the lowest value was reported at the control site. Therefore, to protect the environment and the health of the local populace, PTMs in the soils of the study area should be regularly monitored and a treatment program should be put in place.

This study aimed to develop four adsorbents, neat and activated, from the cardoon leaves and stems. The developed adsorbents were first analyzed to determine the surface acid–base properties using Boehm’s method, pH at zero charge point, iodine and methylene blue values, and moisture, ash, and fixed carbon contents. They were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. After that, these adsorbents were applied for adsorption of an organic dye “brilliant green” (BG), and the effect of various parameters on the adsorption efficiency was evaluated. The obtained results revealed the differences between the adsorbents derived from the neat cardoon leaves and stems and their activated carbon in terms of properties and BG adsorption efficiency.

Metallic nanoparticles have gained attention in technological fields, particularly photonics. The creation of silver/gold (Ag/Au) alloy NPs upon laser exposure of an assembly of these NPs was described. First, using the Nd: YAG pulsed laser ablation’s second harmonic at the same average power and exposure time, Ag and Au NPs in distilled water were created individually. Next, the assembly of Ag and Au NP colloids was exposed again to the pulsed laser, and the effects were examined at different average powers and exposure times. Furthermore, Ag/Au alloy nanoparticles were synthesized with by raising the average power and exposure time. The absorption spectrum, average size, and shape of alloy NPs were obtained by using an ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometer and transmission electron microscope instrument. Ag/Au alloy NPs have been obtained in the limit of quantum dots (n2) of the Ag, Au, and Ag/Au NP samples were ascribed to the self-defocusing effect, indicating an effective negative nonlinearity for the nanoparticles. The NLA and NLR characteristics of the Ag/Au NPs colloids were found to be influenced by the incident power and excitation wavelength. The optical limiting (OL) effects of the Ag/Au alloy solution at various excitation wavelengths were studied. The OL effect of alloy NPs is greater than that of monometallic NPs. The Ag/Au bimetallic nanoparticles were found to be more suitable for optical-limiting applications.

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is an important pathogen that causes hospital-acquired illnesses worldwide. The biofilm-forming activity of the organism enhances its capacity to acquire significant levels of antibiotic resistance, hence necessitating the development of novel and effective antibacterial drugs. Nevertheless, nanoparticles have been documented as highly effective agents against bacterial growth and biofilm formation. So, the purpose of this work was to study the antibacterial and antibiofilm capabilities of silver nanoparticles synthesized by facile green method using curcumin (GS-AgNPs) on A. baumannii compared to the chemical method (CS-AgNPs) in vitro. Moreover, twenty-four clinical isolates of A. baumannii were collected and characterized by standard microbiological techniques. The results showed that all isolates of A. baumanii exhibited a significant degree of resistance to a wide range of antimicrobials. On the other hand, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for GS-AgNPs sample fell between 250 and 7.8 μg/ml. While the CS-AgNPs sample had MIC values that fell between 500 and 1000 µg/ml. Twenty out of 24 strains were biofilm producers. The lowest MIC of the tested AgNPs was mainly observed in the strains that produce weak biofilm. GS-AgNPs significantly inhibited the biofilm production by the tested isolates than AgNPs synthesized chemically and biofilm inhibition reached to 57.43 ± 9.50 %, and 50.57 ± 3.91 % of controls for strong producers, respectively. The results of the research suggest that GS-AgNPs demonstrate notable effectiveness as a secure and powerful antibacterial and antibiofilm agent against multidrug-resistant A. baumannii strains.

Development of lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion batteries) with high safety and solidity features has become a main challenge of researchers when practical implementations for large-scale energy storage systems are prioritized. In this work, we introduce a useful and efficient strategy to manufacture a long-standing and high-rate carbon-doped TiO2 (C-TiO2) as an anode material. Titanium (TiO2) and C-TiO2 were successfully prepared through hydrothermal method in order to improve the electrical performance of Li-battery. The structure and thermal properties were investigated by XRD, Raman and TGA; whereas the electrical properties were evaluated by Glvanostatic discharge–charge measurements. The density function theory (DFT) results revealed that TiO2 doped with carbon atoms causes considerable stress inside the crystal lattice of TiO2, and to avoid or minimize this stress the lattice of TiO2 underwent relaxation and then optimized. The performance of the prepared electrodes in Li-battery was analyzed by 100 cycles at different calcination temperatures of 400 and 450 °C. The results also showed the charge capacities of 400 and 500 mAhg−1 at 100 mAg−1.

The use of biosynthesized metallic and bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) as biocides for plant protection has gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential for sustainable and ecofriendly crop protection. In this review article, we discussed the biosynthesis of metallic and bimetallic NPs using various biological sources such as plants, fungi, bacteria, and algae. We explore the plausible mechanisms behind the biocidal activity of these NPs, including their ability to disrupt cellular structures, inhibit enzyme activity, induce oxidative stress, and modulate plant defense responses. We also highlight the challenges and limitations associated with the use of biosynthesized NPs, including their potential toxicity to nontarget organisms, potential impact on soil health, and the need for standardized protocols for their synthesis and characterization. Additionally, we discuss the potential strategies for overcoming these challenges, including the use of biocompatible stabilizers, controlled release formulations, and targeted delivery systems. Overall, biosynthesized metallic and bimetallic NPs hold promise as effective biocides for plant protection, but further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action, optimize their efficacy, and ensure their safe and sustainable use in agriculture. In addition to exploring the biocidal mechanisms and challenges of using biosynthesized metallic and bimetallic NPs for plant protection, this review also delves into the cost-benefit analysis of their application in agriculture.

Considering the use of essential oils (EOs) as biopesticides due to their ability to effectively control postharvest pathogens, EOs-based formulations, and coatings became a priority. The present work aimed to screen essential oils from eight different plant species with anti-fungal properties along with the phytochemical analysis and molecular docking insight. Furthermore, the selected essential oil was applied as an edible coating to examine its protective effect against the attack of isolated postharvest pathogens on maize seedlings and rescue the seedling’s growth. Eight EOs were screened for their antimicrobial potential against Fusarium oxysporum and Xanthomonas campestris. Later on, the identification of the chemical constituents of the best-performing essential oil (Bergamot oil) was performed by GC–MS analysis. Different coating formulations consisting of essential oils and chitosan at 0.25% and 0.5% concentrations were applied to maize seeds to protect against postharvest pathogens. Formulation containing the bergamot essential oil showed the highest protective potential against a fungal and bacterial postharvest pathogen of maize under in-vitro conditions. The molecular docking study showed that the linalool and linalyl acetate present in essential oil comprises strong interactions with antifungal target proteins.

Amino-anthraquinone derivatives are the most important polycyclic compounds from an occupational health perspective. Among compounds with a cyclic structure, amino anthracene is given high attention because of its carcinogenic potential. The stringent precautions required to handle carcinogens apply to many drugs.Here we synthesize new anthraquinone derivatives with important yield. Characterized with NMR and mass spectroscopy analysis. Then, we evaluate their efficiency against prostate cancer in the PC-3 cell line. From the result, the dialkylated amino-anthraquinone derivatives B and the monoalkylated product with pyrazole exhibited high cytotoxicity potency (IC50 = 0.452 and 0.476 µM for B and D, respectively). From the theoretical study using Molecular Docking, we find the same order of efficiency obtained experimentally by cytotoxicity study. Then, the pharmacokinetic results show that the synthetic drugs used in this study respect the Lipinski, Ghose, Egan, and Veber roles. In addition to this, the density functional theory was used in conjunction with the Gaussian 16 simulation package at the B3LYP/6-311G** level of theory in order to locate the most chemically active compound among the amino-anthraquinone derivatives.

Due to the complex physical and chemical interactions taking place in the sonicated medium, various methods have been proposed in the literature for a better understanding of the sonochemical system. In the present paper, the performance of calorimetry, iodometry, Fricke, 4-nitrophenol, H2O2, and ascorbic acid dosimetry techniques have been evaluated over the electric power range from 20 to 80 W (f = 300 kHz). These methods have been analyzed for distilled and seawater in light of the literature findings. It has been found that the lowest temperatures and calorimetric energies were obtained for seawater in comparison to distilled water. However, the discrepancy between both mediums disappears with the increase in the electric power up to 80 W. Compared to the calorimetry results, a similar trend was obtained for the KI dosimetry, where the discrepancy between both solutions (seawater and distilled water) increased with the reduction in the electric power down to 20 W. In contrast, over the whole range of the electric power (20–80 W), the H2O2 dosimetry was drastically influenced by the salt composition of seawater, where, I3− formation was clearly reduced in comparison to the case of the distilled water. On the other hand, a fluctuated behavior was observed for the Fricke and 4-nitrophenol dosimetry methods, especially at the low electric powers (20 and 40 W). It has been found that dosimetry techniques based on ascorbic acid or potassium iodide are the best means for accurate quantification of the sonochemical activity in the irradiated liquid. As a result, it has been concluded, in terms of the dosimetry process’s performance, that the dosimetry methods are in the following order: Ascorbic acid ≈ KI > Fricke > 4-nitrophenol > H2O2.

This work aimed to synthesize, characterize and evaluate the thermal stability of new sulfur and selenium organochalcogenide derivatives and to test the cytotoxic activity against breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) through conducting MTT assay and AO/EB dual staining-technique. Two series of ten organo-chalcogen compounds: 4-(substituted)phenylthiomorpholine-3,5-dione and 4-(substituted)phenylselenomorpholine-3,5-dione were prepared by the reaction of Na2S·3H2O and NaHSe with N-(substituted)phenyl-2-chloro-N-(2-chloroacetyl)acetamide, respectively, under nitrogen atmosphere to give the corresponding cyclic chalcogenide ligands. All new compounds were characterized by melting point, FTIR, elemental analysis, UV-Visible, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. Meanwhile, TG/DTA analysis of some of these ligands was conducted to evaluate the thermal stability, kinetic, and characteristic thermodynamic parameters. Absorption spectroscopy was used to investigate these compounds with human DNA. The experimental results investigated a hypochromic effect via intercalation binding mode. The role of the prepared ligands in breast cell lines has been investigated by conducting MTT assay via spectroscopic techniques on HBL100 and MCF-7, normal and cancer breast cell lines, respectively. Cell death was seen after AO/EB dye staining method employing the fluorescence microscopy technique. The results revealed that these compounds possess cytotoxic activity on the MCF-7 and HBL-100 cell lines at a fixed concentration.

Ultrasonic systems must be able to produce an acoustic field with the highest possible energy concentration in sonochemical reactors to accomplish maximum efficacy in the sonolytic degradation of water contaminants. In the present study, the impact of cylindrical and conical stainless-steel reflectors placed on the liquid surface on the sonochemical oxidation activity of ultrasonication reactors was investigated. The amount of effective acoustic power transferred to the ultrasonicated medium without and with reflectors was measured by calorimetric characterization of the sono-reactors at diverse ultrasonication frequencies in the interval of 300–800 kHz and different electrical powers in the range of 40–120 W. Iodide dosimetry without and with reflectors at diverse ultrasonication conditions (300–800 kHz and 40–120 W) and various aqueous solution volumes in the range of 300–500 mL was used to assess the sonochemical oxidation activity, i.e., the generation of oxidative species (mainly hydroxyl radicals). Sonochemiluminescence (SCL) imaging was used to study the active acoustic cavitation bubbles distribution in the sono-reactors without and with reflectors. Significant impacts of the position and shape of the reflectors on the active acoustic cavitation bubble distribution and the sonochemical oxidation activity were observed due to remarkable modifications of the ultrasonic field by directing and focusing of the ultrasonic waves. A significant augmentation in the triiodide formation rate was obtained in the presence of the conical reflector, especially at 630 kHz and 120 W (60.5% improvement), while iodide oxidation was quenched in the presence of the cylindrical reflector at all ultrasonication frequencies and powers. The SCL images show a noteworthy modification in the ultrasonic field and the acoustic cavitation bubble population when reflectors were used. The sonochemical oxidation activity was improved by the conical reflector when placed in the Fresnel zone (near field region).

Dehydroacetic acid thiosemicarbazone (DHATSC) was tested for its ability to suppress corrosion on mild steel XC38 (MS XC38) by measuring its effects by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), weight loss (WL), and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP). Using weight loss tests and potentiodynamic polarization, the corrosion inhibiting efficiency (IE) of DHATSC for MS XC38 in 1.0 M HCl solution was calculated. The data showed that DHATSC was highly inhibitory, with increasing effectiveness as the inhibitor concentration increased. In 1 M HCl, the PDP curves showed that DHATSC was a mixed-type inhibitor. In addition to the EIS findings, the adsorption of DHATSC was also validated by analyzing the charge transfer resistance (Rct) values of the MS XC38 surface. At room temperature, the most outstanding corrosion inhibition efficiency as determined by weight loss was 78%; however, the PDP method obtained 94% at a concentration of 200 ppm. With a standard free energy (Gads) of −6.90 KJ.mol-1 for the adsorption stage, the Langmuir isotherm offered the most accurate description of DHATSC adsorption. The inhibitor has a nanocrystalline structure, measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD), with a mean crystallite size (D) of 56.11 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses verified the mild steel's surface analysis. The theoretical calculations generally agreed with the experimental findings to a high degree.

Microplasma irradiation is a promising technique for the transdermal delivery of high-molecular-weight drugs. In this technique, microplasma components interact with the skin surface or cell membranes, allowing the drugs to penetrate. For efficient and safe drug delivery, it is crucial to understand these interactions. To this end, this study investigated the effects of microplasma irradiation on cellular lipids, particularly those associated with cell membranes. Rat intestinal epithelial cells were treated with microplasma irradiation at two different voltages (4.0 kV or 4.5 kV). An untargeted lipidomic was conducted using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS) technique. The results revealed that microplasma irradiation at 4.0 kV induces a significant increase in cell membrane lipids within 10 min post-irradiation. All major cell membrane lipids, including phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin, exhibited increases of over 25% within this short timeframe. Notably, this effect is transient, as lipid levels return to their baseline after 12 h. Furthermore, no significant differences in live and apoptotic cell percentages were observed between the control and 12 h post-irradiated cells. In contrast, irradiation at 4.5 kV did not elicit significant changes in cell membrane lipids, correlating with the absence of drug absorption under this condition. Hence, our study unveiled a correlation between the rapid increase in cell membrane lipids and enhanced drug absorption in microplasma-irradiated cells. This lipid augmentation potentially enhances membrane fluidity and permeability, thus facilitating drug absorption. Beyond elucidating the mechanisms and safety of microplasma-based drug delivery, our research provides valuable insights for advancing various microplasma-based biomedical technologies.

This study explores the dynamics of liquid holdup in a lab-scale co-current two-phase upflow moving packed bed reactor, specifically examining how superficial gas velocity influences the line average external liquid holdup at a fixed superficial liquid velocity. Utilizing gamma-ray densitometry (GRD) for precise measurements, this research extends to determining line average internal porosity within catalyst particles. Conducted with an air–water system within a bed packed with 3 mm porous particles, the study presents a novel methodology using Beer–Lambert’s law to calculate liquid, gas, and solid holdups and catalyst porosity that is equivalent to the internal liquid holdup that fills the catalyst pores. Findings reveal a decrease in liquid holdup corresponding with increased superficial gas velocity across axial and radial locations, with a notable transition from bubbly to pulse flow regime at a critical velocity of 3.8 cm/sec. Additionally, the lower sections of the packed bed exhibited higher external liquid holdup compared to the middle sections at varied gas velocities. The liquid holdup distribution appeared uniform at lower flow rates, whereas higher flow rates favored the middle sections.

The impact of a lightning electromagnetic pulse (LEMP) on a power line or power station produces an effect similar to that of switching between a significant power source and a power line circuit. This switch closure causes a sudden change in routing conditions, creating a transient state. This situation has been studied in terms of electrostatic and electromagnetic induction, as well as overvoltage changes. Appropriate mathematical models were used to analyze these changes. While vertical electric field analysis has been carried out in a few studies, magnetic field and horizontal electric field vectors have not been studied. In this study, the Rusck formulation and the Heidler current formulation are combined at the current level, developed and analyzed. This is because the Rusck expression can sometimes give incorrect results at the current level. Also, in the analysis, electromagnetic field formulations based on accelerating charges are used instead of the dipole approximation to eliminate the need for interpolation in the graphical results. In contrast to other studies in the literature, this study proposes the use of moving and accelerating load techniques to better understand the effects of LEMPs on power transmission lines. Also, in this study, the double exponential problem of the current form in Rusck’s formulation is addressed in order to obtain a close approximation of the physical form of the LEMP. Additionally, the field–line (coupling) relationship is studied according to a unique closed formulation, leading to important determinations about the overvoltages generated on a line depending on the propagation speed of the LEMP sprout and the electrical changes in the area where the LEMP first occurs.