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Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phytochemicals from Mangifera Indica Leaves Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) as a green solvent compared to methanol in enhancing phytochemical extraction yield and phytochemical recovery from Mangifera indica leaves via ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The prepared NADES solvent was obtained by mixing choline chloride (ChCl) with oxalic acid in a 1:1 molar ratio. Characterization was conducted using FTIR and SEM-EDX analyses, followed by qualitative phytochemical screening. The percentage yield of phytochemical compounds extracted with NADES (39.57 %) was higher than that of methanol (36.35 %). The surface morphology result indicated that NADES altered the Mangifera indica L. texture to a uniform size and pore structure. The phytochemical screening test showed positive results in the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and phenolics. This study demonstrated that NADES, functioning as an environmentally friendly solvent, exhibited the capacity to serve as a viable substitute for conventional organic solvents. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the use of choline chloride–oxalic acid NADES combined with UAE for phytochemical extraction from Mangifera indica leaves.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Science and Technology
An IoT Platform for the Management of Fruit Fly Electric Traps
The Oriental fruit fly is a major agricultural pest that directly impacts crop yield and quality. However, current monitoring methods are still largely manual, lacking automation and continuity. This study proposes a remote monitoring platform that integrates automated electronic traps, Long Range (LoRa) communication, and an intuitive web interface. The system comprises sensor stations that transmit real-time data to a customized remote server via the internet, where the data are processed, stored using a JSON file-based NoSQL structure, and visualized through a web-based dashboard. The server supports concurrent monitoring of multiple stations, historical data access, and real-time device status tracking. Secure data transmission is ensured through Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) / Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols integrated with Cloudflare services. Field experiments at two test stations achieved detection accuracies of 86.76% and 93.50%, respectively. The platform demonstrates strong potential for practical deployment in automated and large-scale pest management. Future enhancements will focus on integrating early warning capabilities, advanced data analytics, and scalable architecture to better support smart agriculture applications.
A New Flexible Generalized Distribution: The Modified Kies Inverse Weibull Distribution with Properties, Estimations and Applications
This study introduces the Modified Kies Inverse Weibull (MKIW) distribution as a new generalisation of the Inverse Weibull (IW) distribution within the Modified Kies-G family of distributions. The proposed model extends existing IW generalisations through an odds-based exponential generator, thereby providing enhanced flexibility in modelling skewness, tail behaviour, and hazard rate structures. Several structural and statistical properties of the distribution are derived, including the quantile function, moments, skewness, kurtosis, median, mode, order statistics, and reliability measures. Parameter estimation is investigated using six estimation methods. A Monte Carlo simulation study is conducted to assess the performance of the estimators in terms of average bias, average absolute bias, mean relative error, standard deviation, and mean squared error. The results indicate that the maximum product of spacings and maximum likelihood methods provide the most efficient estimators across most parameter settings. The practical applicability of the MKIW distribution is illustrated using four real lifetime datasets. Comparative analyses show that the proposed model provides a competitive fit relative to the classical IW distribution and several of its extensions, including the exponentiated generalised, Kumaraswamy, Topp-Leone, and alpha power IW distributions. In particular, the MKIW distribution reduces the AIC by approximately 4.2% to 16.5% when compared with the classical IW model across the four datasets, demonstrating its flexibility and usefulness for modelling complex lifetime data.
Performance of Green Zinc Oxide Nanofluids in Membrane Photocatalytic Reactor: The Effect of Nanofluids Concentration
Recently, researchers exploring membrane photocatalytic reactor (MPR) treatment employing Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoPARticles incorporated capping agents due to their ability to boost photocatalytic performance and reduce fouling. The performance of ZnO–incorporated Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. nanofluids (ZnO–PAR) at varying concentrations for palm oil mill secondary effluent (POMSE) treatment via MPR was the main focus of this investigation. The maximum removal effectiveness of color (99.2%), total suspended solid (TSS) (93.6%), turbidity (95.6%), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (96.8%), permeate flux (23.9±0.3 L/m2.hr) and normalized flux (0.47) was achieved at 1.0 wt% ZnO–PAR nanofluids. According to this study, 1.0 wt% produced an ideal balanced and effective performance, demonstrating the substantial potential for use in the palm oil sector since it optimized flux and minimize membrane fouling. While the highest pollutant removal efficiencies were achieved at the lower concentrations (0.1 and 0.25 wt%). This green nanotechnology provides a viable tertiary treatment solution that meets environmental discharge limits outlined in Malaysia's Environmental Quality Act 1974.
Analytical Solution of the Advection-Diffusion Equation with Reaction and Spatially Dependent Coefficient for Exponentially Decay Source Injection
This study presents an analytical investigation of the one-dimensional advection-diffusion equation (ADE) involving reaction and source term with spatially dependent coefficient for exponential decay boundary conditions. The ADE is introduced and subsequently solved using the Laplace transformation approach. A change of spatial variables is first introduced to reduce the governing equation to one with constant coefficients. The Laplace transform is then applied, and the inverse transformation is evaluated using the Gaver–Stehfest algorithm. The results demonstrate that the temporal evolution of the solution is strongly governed by diffusion coefficient, inhomogeneity and the velocity indicating their critical roles in characterizing the transport dynamics. Higher diffusion coefficients produce broader concentration distributions. Similarly for higher flow velocity with particularly away from the source, the difference between the velocities becomes clearer. Meanwhile, medium inhomogeneity affects the spatial distribution of concentration as the pollutant moves further from the source, whereas higher flow velocity extends the transport distance and allows the contaminant to persist over a larger region.
Assessing Incremental Coastal Inundation Under Sea Level Rise: A MIKE21-Based Analysis of Revetment and Mangrove Defence Performance at Pantai Punggur, Johor
Sea level rise (SLR) poses an escalating threat to low-lying coastal zones, particularly in sedimentary and intertidal environments such as the west coast of Johor, Malaysia. This study evaluates the incremental inundation response at Pantai Punggur, Johor, under projected SLR conditions for 2030, 2050, and 2100, using 2023 as the baseline. Eleven cross-shore transects representing two coastal defence settings, revetment-protected shores and mangrove-buffered zones, were analysed through hydrodynamic simulations conducted in MIKE21. Model inputs included high-resolution bathymetry and topography, ERA5 meteorological data, in-situ tidal and current measurements, and NAHRIM AR6-based SLR projections. Results show a progressive increase in inundation extent throughout the study period. During early-stage SLR (2023 – 2030), revetments demonstrated higher effectiveness in delaying inland water intrusion, with shorter inundation distances relative to most mangrove-fronted transects. However, beyond mid-century, the performance gap narrowed, and by 2100, revetment-protected transects recorded greater inundation distances (327%) than mangrove-buffered transects (189%), indicating a decline in structural effectiveness under prolonged sea-level pressure. In contrast, mangrove zones displayed more gradual and consistent inundation progression, reflecting adaptive buffering capacity influenced by vegetation health and continuity. The findings highlight that while revetments provide strong short-term flood protection, their effectiveness diminishes over long-term SLR scenarios, whereas mangrove ecosystems offer sustained, nature-based resilience. The study underscores the need for hybrid coastal protection strategies that integrate hard structures with mangrove conservation and restoration to strengthen long-term shoreline stability and climate adaptation in Pantai Punggur and similar vulnerable coastlines.
IC??- Based Comparison of Astaxanthin and Tocotrienols Across Raw 264.7, A549, and Calu-3 Cells
One of the most significant mediators of inflammation within immune and epithelial cells is nitric oxide (NO). It could be noted that NO production in excess may contribute to oxidative stress and tissue injury, thus, the measurement of this NO was considered as a beneficial endpoint in the search of nutraceutical compounds that possess anti-inflammatory effects. In the current work, the potential of astaxanthin and tocotrienols in inhibiting NO production across three cells, namely murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) and human lung epithelial cells (A549 and CALU-3) were compared. These cells were first induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, RAW 264.7) or interleukin-1? (IL-1?, A549 and CALU-3) and treated with increasing concentrations of astaxanthin or tocotrienols (1–25 µg/mL) for 24, 48, and 72 hours. For each time points, NO levels were measured by using the Griess assay while half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC??) were derived from dose–response curves. The present work found that both natural compounds were able to inhibit the production of NO in a concentration-dependent manner among all studied cell lines. IC?? values ranged from 4.97 ± 0.29 to 9.85 ± 1.28 µg/mL for astaxanthin and 6.97 ± 1.57 to 13.50 ± 1.58 µg/mL for tocotrienols across all three cell lines and time points. Astaxanthin was more likely to exhibit lower IC?? values than tocotrienols in the studied cells. Nevertheless, statistically significant differences were only found in RAW 264.7 cells at 48 h and in CALU-3 cells at 48 h and 72 h, but not in A549 cells at any of the tested time points. The relatively narrow IC?? range across time points further supports the reproducibility of the inhibitory responses of both compounds. To sum up, both studied compounds exhibited a comparable inhibitory activity against NO production. The results give a reliable comparative reference of the anti-inflammatory property of both compounds and can be a starting point of future mechanistic and in vivo research.
Effects Of Peperomia Pellucida Leaf Tea Preparation on Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant Activity
Ka-sang trees (Peperomia pellucida Korth) are abundant in phytochemicals, such as polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids. Folk literature indicate that it is employed to alleviate and address diseases such as inflammation. its recognized richness in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, there remains a lack of systematic scientific evidence regarding the optimal processing conditions for its utilization as a herbal tea. This research aimed to assess the impact of Ka-sang leaf tea processing on total flavonoid, tannin, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity levels. Samples were dried using a hot air oven at 40 and 60 degrees Celsius, as well as through sunlight for drying. The tea was prepared using a ratio of dried leaves to hot water at 1:50, steeping for durations of 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 15 minutes. The total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total tannin levels were assessed using colorimetric methods, while antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH method. The findings indicated that tea leaves dried at 60 degrees Celsius and infused in hot water for 11 minutes exhibited elevated phytochemical levels and antioxidant efficacy. Consequently, the technique employed for producing dried Ka-sang leaves and Ka-sang leaf tea may be extended to future indigenous products.
Assessment of Shoreline Changes along Batu Pahat Coastline Using Digital Shoreline Analysis System
Coastal areas particularly in Malaysia are among the most vulnerable regions that poses a significant risk to the local ecosystem and communities. This research aims to assess shoreline changes along Batu Pahat coastal area using the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) over 10 years period which is from 2015 to 2024. Satellite imagery from Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 was utilized with DSAS to monitor the shoreline changes throughout the seven identified study areas along Batu Pahat coast. Three statistical indicators were selected to assess the shoreline changes which are the End Point Rate (EPR), Net Shoreline Movement (NSM) and Shoreline Change Envelope (SCE). The findings reveal that Batu Pahat coast was more exposed to erosion than accretion with the percentage of 50.62% and 49.38% respectively. Based on the End Point Rate (EPR) analysis, the maximum erosion rate recorded was -9.42 m/year whereas the maximum accretion rate reached 32.31 m/year, indicating significant spatial variability in shoreline changes. These findings provide valuable insight regarding the current condition of the coastal area thus appropriate mitigation can be implemented to protect the coastline.
Molecular Simulation-Based Drug Repurposing of Thioridazine and Losartan for Targeting CXCR4 and CCR5 Chemokine Receptors in Breast Cancer
Breast cancer remains the most prevalent and fatal cancer worldwide, with chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR5 driving tumour growth, metastasis, and immune evasion. This study tested Thioridazine (a phenothiazine antipsychotic) and Losartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker) as repurposed inhibitors targeting both receptors. Molecular docking via CB-Dock2 showed identical CXCR4 binding for both compounds (?8.2 kcal/mol), while Losartan (?7.1 kcal/mol) outperformed Thioridazine (?6.5 kcal/mol) at CCR5. Anisotropic Network Model (ANM) analysis in ProDy 2.6.1 gave per-residue RMSF of 0.808 Å (CXCR4) and 0.615 Å (CCR5); CCR5–Losartan showed the highest H-bond persistence (100.0%; ?8.286 kcal/mol via AutoDock Vina). SwissTargetPrediction confirmed mechanistic convergence: Thioridazine's targets (DRD2–DRD4) share the G?i/o–cAMP–PI3K–STAT3 cascade with CXCR4, while Losartan's AGTR1 blockade suppresses NF-?B-driven CCL5 secretion, attenuating CCR5 activation. Losartan demonstrated stronger CCR5 binding, greater structural stability, and dual-pathway convergence, warranting priority for in vitro and in vivo validation.
Development and Characterization of Recycled PET-Based Adhesive Films for Supporting Insulin Injection Site Rotation
Insulin injections are vital for diabetes management, but repeated injections at the same site may cause lipohypertrophy (LH), leading to poor glycemic control and inconsistent insulin absorption. Since proper site rotation is often difficult for patients to maintain, this study proposes a recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)-based adhesive film, fabricated from plastic bottles using the Thermal Induced Phase Separation (TIPS) method, to support injection site rotation. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was incorporated to enhance the film's adhesive properties. The film's performance was evaluated through mechanical testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and pH measurement, showing favorable results. TIPS was employed for film fabrication. The film demonstrated appropriate pH (5.4 ± 0.1), tensile strength (3.78 MPa), and good thermal stability (220?), retaining structural integrity after UV sterilization. TGA showed weight loss of 86% at 480°C, suggesting significant mass loss associated with plasticizer evaporation and polymer degradation. Adhesion testing showed sufficient tackiness, with balls stopping at 1.5–2.0 cm on the 4 cm film, showing good adhesion. The film also remained stable after UV sterilization, supporting its safety and durability. Characterization of pH, tensile strength, and tackiness was performed in triplicate (n = 3). Repurposing PET helps reduce plastic waste while offering a cost-effective material for healthcare use. The adhesive film may serve as a visual aid for insulin injection site rotation, with potential to reduce the risk of lipohypertrophy and improve insulin absorption. These findings are preliminary and provide a basis for more comprehensive future study.
Forecast of Municipal Solid Waste Generation in Shah Alam Using Linear Trendline, Moving Average, Seasonal Naive, and Holt-Winters Additive Methods
Shah Alam, a rapidly growing city in Selangor is experiencing a rise in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, which poses challenges to sustainable urban management. This study analyses MSW generation patterns in Shah Alam for 2024 and 2025. This study forecast the MSW using four forecasting approaches, Linear Trendline, three-month Simple Moving Average (SMA), Seasonal Naive and the Holt-Winters Additive method, to forecast MSW generation in 2026. Monthly MSW data spanning 24 months (January 2024 to December 2025) from 56 collection zones in Shah Alam range from a minimum of 17,165 tons to a maximum of 22,328 tons. All four models were implemented in MATLAB. Forecast accuracy was assessed using Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). The results show that among the seasonal models, the Holt-Winters Additive method achieved a MAPE of 2.79%, representing a 14.41% improvement over the Seasonal Naive baseline. The Holt-Winters method is therefore selected as the most suitable forecasting approach, with a total MSW generation of approximately 281,710 tons forecasted for 2026. These results provide actionable insights for local authorities in strengthening MSW management infrastructure and developing long-term reduction strategies.
A Framework for Mathematical Development of a Location-Allocation Model for Recycling Facilities
Unattractive travel distances and poorly located recycling collection points are significant barriers to public participation in recycling and source?separation practices, making effective facility planning essential for improving service accessibility and coverage. This study proposes a capacitated facility location–allocation model that aims to maximize recyclable waste coverage while considering accessibility, fixed facility capacities, and operational constraints on the number of facilities. Building upon an existing facility location framework, the proposed model replaces the busyness?level assumption with fixed capacity levels to better represent standardized recycling container capacities. The problem is formulated as a binary integer programming model on a network graph, in which demand locations are assigned to activated recycling facilities within a predefined travel?time threshold, subject to capacity limitations and an upper bound on facility numbers. Numerical experiments conducted using randomly generated datasets examine the model’s behavior under varying travel thresholds, capacity levels, and facility limits. The results reveal clear trade?offs between accessibility, capacity sizing, and facility quantity, demonstrating that increased travel thresholds and capacities improve demand coverage up to saturation points, while stricter facility limits significantly constrain achievable coverage. The study contributes a capacity?based extension to recycling facility location modeling and provides practical decision?support insights for improving recycling accessibility and infrastructure planning.
Synthesis and Characterization of As-Synthesized Co-deposited PbS/ZnS Thin Films Prepared by SILAR Technique
Thin-film semiconductors are widely studied for their applications in various optoelectronic devices. PbS and ZnS are useful semiconductors for various optoelectronic applications, with PbS having low energy bandgap while ZnS has wide energy bandgap. In this paper, we investigate the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of the as-synthesized PbS/ZnS films and evaluate their potential in optoelectronic applications. PbS/ZnS thin film was synthesized using the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) method, by varying deposition cycles without post-deposition annealing. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks confirmed the presence of cubic phases of PbS and ZnS with increasing crystallinity at higher SILAR cycles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed enhanced surface coverage and grain growth with increased cycles while energy disperse X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) verified the presence of Pb, Zn and S. Optical bandgap energies ranged from 1.43 eV to 2.82 eV, which is attributed to changes in film thickness and composition. Hall Effect showed n-type conductivity with varying carrier concentration and mobility. These results highlighted the tunability of PbS/ZnS thin films via SILAR cycles, making them promising for application in solar cells and photodetectors.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Science and Technology
Comparative Assessment of Drinking Water Quality: An Investigation of Physicochemical and Microbial Characteristics
Water pollution has been the major challenges in Nigeria. The consumption of contaminated water threatens the health and livelihoods of citizens. The study assesses the suitability of drinking water sources in Ikot Ekpene metropolis using physiochemical and microbial characteristics. Water samples were collected monthly between April 2023 and November 2023 in six drinking water sources; the samples were analyzed using standard laboratory techniques. The results revealed that the mean value of NO2 in sachet and surface water and the pH value in surface water were deviated from Nigerian drinking water quality standard. The THBC values in sachet water ranged between 1.0 and 3.0 cfu/100mL, while surface water ranged between 24.0 and 167.0 cfu/100mL; the TCC ranged from 0.0 to 2.0 cfu/100mL in sachet water and 12.0 to 66.0 cfu/100mL in surface water; the TSBC ranged from 5.0 to 17.0 cfu/100mL in sachet water and 5.0 to 59.0 cfu/100mL in surface water, while TFCC values in sachet water ranged from 0.0 to 3.0 cfu/100mL and 6.0 to 50.0 cfu/100mL in surface water. The mean values of TSBC and TFCC (sachet water) and THBC, TCC, TSBC, TFCC (surface water) exceeded the limits for Nigerian drinking water quality. The Clostridium spp was the most abundant in surface water, while Staphylococcus spp was in sachet water samples. The WQI value was higher (67.0) in surface water compared with the 5.58 recorded in sachet water. The study revealed that the surface water is polluted compared with the sachet water, and not suitable for human consumption, owing to the prevalence of microbial parameters attributed to anthropogenic activities.
Phyllanthus Nutrient Agar (PNA) as an Alternative Culture Media for Colletotrichum Species
Culture media or growth media is a medium to isolate and grow microorganisms such as fungal pathogens and bacteria. The identification of plant pathogen requires massive usage of culture media as this is the most common method for pathogen isolation and identification. In developing countries, the high cost of culture media supply has restricted many practical classes in certain institutions and limits the studies on scientific research. Besides, Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), which is known as universal media for fungi isolation could inhibit spore production in some fungi due to its high nutrient content. Colletotrichum spp. is the causal agent of anthracnose disease that widely infects tropical and subtropical crops such as chilli, black pepper, rubber, tomato and many more. The identification of Colletotrichum species often requires the observation of distinct morphological features, especially spore characteristics which may not be easily visible on nutrient-rich media like PDA. This study aims to evaluate the potential of a novel, cost-effective culture medium which is Phyllanthus Nutrient Agar (PNA) that formulated from Phyllanthus emblica (Indian gooseberry), a locally abundant and historically significant medicinal plant in Malaysia. The effectiveness of PNA as culture media for Colletotrichum species were compared with commercial culture media for plant pathogen which were Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Tomato Juice Agar (TGA). The results indicated that two species of Colletotrichum namely Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Colletotrichum truncatum were able to grow on PNA and the culture were suitable for morphological identification of the species. These findings suggest that PNA is a promising alternative culture medium for the isolation and study of Colletotrichum species which offering a sustainable and affordable option for fungi isolation and identification.
Quantification of Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid in Human Serum Using Triple Quadrupole Liquid Chromatography?Mass Spectrometry
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), a persistent organic pollutant, has an unclear association with metabolic syndrome (MetS), particularly in Southeast Asian populations. Given the lack of PFOS detection in Malaysia, this study's rationale was to develop a simpler, faster, and cost-effective analytical method. We developed and validated a simple, sensitive LC-MS/MS method for PFOS quantification in human serum. The method employed an optimized Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) using formic acid, acetonitrile, and n-hexane. PFOS and its internal standard were quantified using LC-MS/MS 6490 QQQ in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The assay showed high specificity, acceptable precision, accuracy, and recovery, with a linear calibration range of 20–500 ng/mL. The validated method was used to determine PFOS level in serum from 40 healthy controls and 40 MetS patients. PFOS was detected in four MetS samples but not in any control samples. However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups (p-value = 0.1156). A sensitive and robust LC-MS/MS method for PFOS quantification was successfully developed. The preliminary detection of PFOS in a subset of MetS patients, even without statistical significance, highlights the need for larger cohort studies and further investigation into individual MetS components to fully elucidate any potential association.
Design, Simulation, and Performance Analysis of X-Band Patch Array Antenna for Car-Speed Detection Radar
The antenna is an essential component that plays important role in radar target detection and parameter estimation. This paper presents the design and simulation analysis of X-band patch array antenna for car-speed detection and monitoring radar system. A patch array antenna was designed at a center operating frequency of 10 GHz. The designed patch array antenna was simulated with a Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave-Studio to analyze the antenna radiation pattern and other broadband properties. A compact and light-weight X-band 4×4 patch array antenna was realized on RT/Duroid 5880 copper board with 1.6 mm thickness and dielectric constant of 2.2. The patch array antenna shows high gain and good radiation characteristics with a simulated gain of 19.35 dBi, and corresponding radiation efficiency of 89.02%. The fabricated antenna was experimentally characterized and tested for real-world car-speed detection radar system. The studied patch array antenna demonstrates impressive performance suitable for radar applications.
Design and Development of an Autonomous Solar-Powered Artificial Beehive Acoustic Deterrent System for Human–Elephant Conflict Mitigation
This paper presents the development of a solar-powered artificial beehive system designed to mitigate human–elephant conflict, overcoming the limitations of conventional deterrent methods that lack sustainability and autonomous operation. The proposed system integrates solar energy, adaptive acoustic deterrence, and smart sensing into a unified off-grid solution for continuous field deployment. The system is powered using a 50-watt solar panel and a 12V 8Ah lead-acid battery, with an ESP32 microcontroller interfacing with passive infrared (PIR) and ultrasonic sensors to enable context-aware triggering of sound outputs. The ultrasonic sensor generates frequency responses based on object proximity, producing 200 Hz for long-range detection (above 200 cm), 250 Hz for mid-range detection (100–200 cm), and 500 Hz for close-range detection (below 100 cm). The PIR sensor immediately activates a 2000 Hz signal upon motion detection. The acoustic output is amplified using a TDA2030 module and delivered through a 15-watt horn speaker. Experimental evaluation under controlled and simulated conditions demonstrated stable system operation, with the system remaining inactive in the absence of sensor inputs and producing frequency-based acoustic outputs corresponding to detected conditions. Solar performance over five days showed consistent energy generation of more than 30 W under clear conditions, with battery voltage reached 13.17 V, indicating the capability for sustained autonomous operation. The results confirm the functional integration of sensing, control, and energy subsystems for adaptive acoustic response in off-grid environments.
Synthesis and characterization of a H-bonded charge-transfer complex formed between 1,10-phenanthroline monohydrate with some ?-acceptors in different solvents
The charge-transfer complexes of the 1,10-phenanthroline monohydrate with m-dinitrobenzene, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid, and 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid have been prepared and characterised by using different techniques like the 1H NMR, TGA-DTA, XRD, and FT-IR Fluorescence and Conductivity data indicate a charge-transfer interaction and as far as complexes are concerned, this interaction is associated with a H bonding and the transfer of H+ from the acceptor to the donor molecules. The FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopic data also indicated a charge-transfer interaction associated with a proton migration from the acceptor to the donor followed by intermolecular H bonding.
AI-Based Social Assistance for Children with Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Enhancing Social Behavior and Interaction
Children diagnoses with conditions such as ADHD or autism have difficulty with social interaction and managing emotions. These difficulties make traditional therapy inefficient. In this study, we will introduce artificial intelligence (AI) and see how it will support these children in developing better social skills. Hence, we present a tool called Spark Humanoid; an agent that uses AI to give kids feedback based on their facial expressions and how they respond during fun, and game session. The system uses convolutional neural network (CNNs) to understand the child’s emotions and applies the A* algorithm in puzzle games to offer helpful hints and adjust difficulty as needed. We tested the tool during therapy sessions with support from the Palestine Childhood Institute. The system shows promising results, since kids seemed more engaged and responded more positively when using the AI tool compared to traditional sessions. These results shows that AI could be a useful addition to therapy, giving us new ways to help children with neuropsychiatric challenges.
Neuropsychiatric Disorders, ADHD, Autism, Artificial Intelligence, Emotion Recognition, Pediatric Therapy
Artificial Intelligence; Human-Computer Interaction; Assistive Technology; Health Informatics; Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Object Detection in Self-Driving Vehicle Using CARLA Simulator and YOLOv8
This study develops an object detection system for autonomous vehicles using the YOLOv8 model integrated with the CARLA simulator. The research addresses gaps in multi-camera setups and real-time detection by training YOLOv8 on a custom dataset generated from CARLA simulations. Results show high performance with a mean Average Precision (mAP@50) of 0.990 in single-camera configurations, outperforming multi-camera setups due to computational constraints. While Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) and Model Predictive Control (MPC) integration was explored conceptually, empirical evaluation revealed enhanced navigation accuracy in simulated scenarios, though real-world validation is needed. The work highlights trade-offs between accuracy and speed, suggesting optimizations for practical deployment.
Investigation of Prunus domestica Leaves Aqueous Extracts as a Sustainable Solution for Corrosion Control of Carbon Steel in 1M HCl: Thermodynamic, Adsorption and Electrochemical Insight
This study investigates the efficacy of Prunus domestica leaves aqueous extract (PDLAE) as a sustainable corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in 1M hydrochloric acid solution. The research aligns with green chemistry principles, addressing the environmental concerns associated with the use of synthetic inhibitors. Comprehensive analyses, including weight loss assays, electrochemical measurements, adsorption isotherms, contact angle determination, and UV-visible spectroscopy, were conducted to evaluate the extract's corrosion inhibiting performance. The results revealed that the extract achieved a maximum inhibition efficiency of 92.07% at 2.0 g·dm?³ concentration after 24 hours, with thermally stable adsorption observed at high temperatures. Adsorption obeys the Langmuir model, indicating monolayer formation, and negative Gibbs free energy values (?G0ads ?-20 kJ·mol-1) confirm spontaneous adsorption. Electrochemical tests demonstrated mixed-type inhibition behavior, reducing corrosion current density and enhancing charge transfer resistance. Additionally, the extract improved surface hydrophobicity, as evidenced by increased contact angles. FTIR analysis identified the presence of key phytoconstituents bearing hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups and aromatic structures that contribute to corrosion inhibition efficiency. Obtained results highlight the PDLAE's potential as an eco-friendly and effective solution for metal protection and the importance of plant-based inhibitors in advancing environmentally benign corrosion prevention strategies.
Adsorptive Removal of Crystal Violet from Aqueous Solution Using Banana Pseudo Stem Biochar: Batch Adsorption Study
Synthetic dyes, such as crystal violet (CV), are extensively employed in many industries and contribute major environmental risks when released into water bodies. Agricultural waste biochar has been investigated for dye removal; however, studies on banana pseudo stem (BPS) biochar are limited. In particular, studies using BPS biochar produced at higher pyrolysis temperatures are scarce. Therefore, this study explores the adsorptive removal of BPS biochar produced through slow pyrolysis at 500°C for 1?h, a temperature selected to enhance the surface area and porosity for the removal efficiency of CV from aqueous solution. The effects of operating adsorption parameters, such as solution pH, biochar dosage, initial dye concentration, contact time and temperature, were assessed by batch adsorption experiments. The maximum CV percent removal of 96.9% with 4.85 mg/g of adsorption capacity was achieved at optimal conditions of pH 6, 0.4?g of biochar dosage, an initial CV concentration of 20?mg/L, 90 min of contact time, and at the temperature of 35°C. For the adsorption isotherm study, the experimental results were better fitted to the Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 23.09 mg/g. Meanwhile, the kinetic study was found to be best fitted to the pseudo-second-order model. BPS biochar prepared at elevated pyrolysis temperature is a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional adsorbents. The remarkable removal efficiency under mild conditions, combined with using agricultural waste as adsorbent feedstock, demonstrates the BPS biochar for practical use in dye-contaminated wastewater treatment.
Taming the Turbulence: Modelling and Forecasting Crude Oil Price Volatility with GARCH and SARIMA Models
The volatility is a signal of risk, either good or bad, to investors. Crude oil price is a commodity of global concern because its volatility significantly affects the economic stability of many countries. Due to the lack of comparative studies in forecasting performance, this study aims to model and forecast crude oil prices and their volatility by comparing the Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model and the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model. The monthly crude oil price data from January 2000 to December 2019, obtained from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, are used for this analysis. The results show that the GARCH(3,1) model is the most suitable model compared to EGARCH, TGARCH, and SARIMA in capturing the volatility of crude oil prices. This indicates that the GARCH(3,1) model offers superior forecasting performance and can serve as a reliable tool for investors and policymakers to anticipate market fluctuations and manage associated risks effectively.
Cold Extraction of Phyllanthus Niruri, Chromolaena Oodorata, Melastoma Malabathricum & Azadirachta Indica Via High-Pressure Processing (HPP): Evaluation of Physiochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activity
Phyllanthus niruri, Chromolaena odorata, Melastoma malabathricum, and Azadirachta indica are among the many medicinal plants found worldwide. These plants have been widely used for medicinal purposes due to their rich bioactive compounds. Traditional extraction methods, such as boiling at high temperatures, can lead to the degradation of certain bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, which contribute to antioxidant activity. This degradation occurs due to heat-induced denaturation. As an alternative, High-Pressure Processing (HPP) was employed to minimize quality deterioration during extraction. HPP was conducted at two different pressures (200 MPa and 600 MPa) with three holding times (5, 10, and 15 minutes). For comparison, a traditional extraction method was also performed by boiling the samples at 100°C for 30 minutes. The extracts were analyzed for their physicochemical properties (pH and color), antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content (TPC). Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging method, while TPC was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Among the tested samples, HPP-treated A. indica extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity at 600 MPa for 10 minutes, achieving 88.55 ± 0.04% scavenging activity. The highest TPC was observed in HPP-treated A. indica at 200 MPa for 5 minutes. Based on the results, the optimal HPP parameters for maximizing antioxidant activity were found to be 600 MPa with a 10-minute holding time. In conclusion, HPP demonstrates significant potential as an effective extraction method for medicinal plant materials, offering a promising alternative to traditional heat-based extraction techniques. This study is novel in its comparative evaluation of multiple medicinal plant species under varying HPP conditions, providing new insights into parameter optimization for maximizing antioxidant yield.
Seasonal Impact of Water Parameters Variation on Signal Propagation in Underwater Communication Systems
The study explores how environmental variations affect signal propagation in freshwater bodies, focusing on five key sites: Niger River, Asejire Dam, Ede Dam, Osun River, and Eti-Osa River. Employing laboratory-based quantitative analysis, parameters such as temperature, salinity, pH, turbidity, and total dissolved solids (TDS) were measured using standard instruments. Distinct seasonal trends emerged—temperature increased by an average of 8°C in the dry season, while turbidity and TDS rose notably during the rainy period, ranging from 30–150 NTU and 25–80 mg/L in the dry season to 41–200 NTU and 30–120 mg/L in the rainy season. These variations directly influenced acoustic signal performance. The data revealed that higher temperatures improve signal velocity and reduce attenuation, whereas increased turbidity, TDS, and salinity contribute to greater scattering and absorption losses. The novelty of this work lies in its integrated assessment of multi-parameter water quality influences on underwater signal transmission, emphasizing the dual-season comparative approach within tropical freshwater systems. Unlike prior studies that generalized oceanic models, this research contextualizes findings within inland aquatic environments relevant to Nigeria. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by quantitatively linking environmental conditions with communication efficiency, establishing that signal reliability in Underwater Communication Systems (UWCS) is seasonally dependent. In conclusion, the results underscore the necessity of adaptive communication models that account for local hydrological dynamics to minimize signal degradation and optimize transmission efficiency across varying aquatic conditions.
A New Modified Fifth-Order Implicit Block Method for Solving Stiff and Oscillatory Problems
A new fifth-order modified implicit 3-point super class of block backward differentiation formula for solving oscillatory problems and systems of stiff ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is developed. The method is order five. The stability and convergence properties of the method demonstrate that the method is consistent, zero-stable and almost A-stable which are necessary and sufficient conditions to integrate the stiff systems and oscillatory ODEs. Numerical experiments reveal that the proposed method delivers superior performance compared to existing conventional 3-point Block Backward Differentiation Formula (3BBDF) and 3-point Super Class of Block Backward Differentiation Formula (3SBBDF) methods, making it a robust and efficient tool for addressing stiff problems.
Eco-friendly Pest Control using Organic Materials: Cinnamomum Verum, Garlic and Chili
The widespread use of chemical pesticides in agriculture poses environmental risks and health concerns prompting the development of green alternatives from natural sources. This study aims to synthesize a natural pesticide using a mixture of Cinnamomum Verum (cinnamon) essential oil, garlic and chili and characterize the functional group of the formulation. The pesticide was prepared by extracting Cinnamomum Verum essential oil through distillation and creating garlic and chili solutions by grinding the ingredients with distilled water. The formulation consisted of 25% Cinnamomum Verum essential oil (50 mL) mixed with 75% garlic and chili solution (150 mL) in a 1:3 ratio. Active components including eugenol from Cinnamomum Verum, capsaicin from chili and allicin from garlic were identified through FTIR analysis confirming potential as natural repellents. The formulated pesticide demonstrates promising pest-repellent properties by effectively reducing pest infestation and leaf damage on chili plants during field evaluations. The synergistic combination of these plant-based bioactive compounds offers a potent, eco-friendly solution for pest control thus contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and safeguarding ecological health.
A Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation-Based Information Security Risk Assessment of Online Threats Among Young Individuals: A University Campus Scenario
This research conducts a comprehensive examination of the online threats encountered by young individuals, particularly students, at a University. Utilizing a detailed information security risk assessment approach, the study identifies and analyzes various online risks faced by students, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, online predators, privacy breaches, and device security vulnerabilities. The research employs both quantitative and qualitative methods, such as surveys, interviews, and data analysis, to gain insights into the prevalence, nature, and impact of these online threats on the university's student population. The level of information security risks experienced by students was evaluated using Risk Matrix, Entropy, and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) methods. The results indicate that the students' information security risk level falls within the low category among five defined risk levels, with an FCE output of 0.403. Additionally, the study proposes recommendations for enhancing the university's cybersecurity posture and promoting digital safety among students. This case study contributes to the broader discourse on information security risk management in educational institutions and provides practical insights for addressing online threats faced by young individuals in academic settings.
Cybersecurity, Risk analysis, Multicriteria Decision Making