European Journal of Applied Sciences

Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Cookies Produced from Wheat and Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) Flour Blends

Bibiana Dooshima Igbabul — 2025-12-10

Cookies were produced from the composite flour of wheat and tigernut (yellow and black variety). Five samples were produced, namely samples A-E. Sample A (control) – 100% wheat flour; samples B – 70% wheat and 30% yellow tigernut flour; sample C – 70% wheat and 30% black tigernut flour; sample D – 50% wheat and 50% yellow tigernut and sample E – 50% wheat and 50% black tigernut flour. The spread ratio for the yellow tigernut cookies (i.e sample E) was 1.44mm and that of the black variety of tigernut was 1.44mm. These differed significantly (p>0.05) from the control (i.e sample A), which had spread ratio of 1.34mm. The protein content of sample E was 15.63% while sample D had 9.57%. Sample C had 9.83% fat while sample B had 8.33% fat. These showed that the black variety of tigernut contains higher amount of protein and fat. The phytate content of the yellow variety supplementation of tigernut cookies produced from wheat flour supplemented with of tigernut (i.e samples B and D) were 0.34 and 0.61 mg/100g respectively, while that of the black variety supplementation of tigernut cookies (i.e samples C and E) were 0.71 and 0.82 mg/100g respectively. There was significant difference (p>0.05) between these two varieties. Calcium content for the black variety cookies were 176.34 and 208.82 mg/100g while that of the yellow variety were 102.43 and 132.66 mg/100g. Good organoleptic qualities were observed for both varieties and the control sample since they all had values higher than five (which is the minimum acceptable value on the nine point hedonic scale). However the control sample was generally the most acceptable. The formulated cookies (yellow and black variety) competed fovourably with the 100% wheat flour cookies.

Dark Matter and Dark Energy, Which are Inexplicable in the Microcosm, are Mutually Invisible Universes and Anti-universes of the Hidden Multiverse

Alexander Antonov — 2025-12-02

The article proves that the version of the special relativity theory (SRT) that is taught in all physics textbooks is incorrect, since the relativistic formulas obtained in it are incorrect and they are incorrectly explained using the incorrect principle of not exceeding the speed of light. These formulas also lead to incorrect conclusions about the physical unreality of imaginary numbers and the existence in nature of only our visible universe. A corrected version of the SRT is presented and it is explained that the argument ‘speed’ in the corrected relativistic formulas is, in accordance with Newton’s first law, the fourth spatial dimension[1]. The principle of the physical reality of imaginary numbers is experimentally proven, which refutes the principle of not exceeding the speed of light. It is shown that the SRT, on the one hand, and radio engineering, electrical engineering and computer engineering, on the other hand, mutually refute each other. It is explained that in nature, in addition to our visible universe, there are many mutually invisible, since they are in different dimensions, universes and anti-universes, which are dark matter and dark energy. This explains the well-known properties of dark matter and dark energy - their invisibility and the absence of corpuscular content. Therefore no studies at the Large Hadron Collider can explain the phenomena of dark matter and dark energy. It is explained also that in the anti-universes of such an invisible Multiverse there is anti-matter and anti-time. Therefore, time travel is possible in it. Time travel is also available to people on Earth. [1] Not to be confused with the fourth dimension in four-dimensional space-time (Minkowski space).

Selection of Improved Native Avocado Varieties in Southern Nuevo León, Mexico

Alvarez Ojeda María Genoveva — 2025-11-27

Given the importance of avocado cultivation in Mexico, several studies have been conducted to understand and evaluate the genetic and morphological variability, as well as the total oil content and fatty acid profile of different genotypes, particularly of native avocados from various regions of the country. Recently, a group of outstanding materials were identified as potential bud donors, and one variety was selected as a possible rootstock in the state of Nuevo León. Based on this, the objective of this study was to select the most outstanding improved native avocado varieties based on the phenological, morphological, and chemical characteristics of the fruit. A group of 10 outstanding genotypes was used, derived from an initial batch of 29 materials collected in the southern region of the state of Nuevo León. A commercial “Hass” variety was also included. Six ripe fruits were sampled from each variety and evaluated, and their phenological, morphological, and chemical characteristics were determined. Based on the results, the improved native varieties María Elena, Plátano Grueso, Mantequilla, and Calabo were selected, given that they exhibited outstanding phenological, morphological, and chemical characteristics. These varieties represent a viable alternative for the sustainable and phased production of native avocados through an organized orchard planting system in the southern region of the state of Nuevo León.

Another Lunatic Express or a Mega Project of Dynamic Ramifications: Kenya's New Standard Gauge Railway

Rachael Wakio Kathuri — 2025-12-10

When the British were allocated the British East Africa protectorate, later Kenya Colony, in the Berlin Conference in 1888, they did not want to invest as much in the new dark territory. Subsequently, the Imperial British East Africa Company (IBEACo.) was formed to manage the territory. The Company was soon building the Mombasa Uganda railway line from Mombasa to Kampala dubbed the lunatic express by many who felt it was going to nowhere and had nothing to achieve. Many years later in 2012, when the Kenyan government in liaison with the Chinese government embarked on building the Standard Gauge Railway, many people echoed the very words and almost rechristened it the lunatic express. This paper examines the Standard Gauge Railway project in Kenya as an exemplification of the evaluation of multi-international projects particularly in developing countries and specifically in Kenya. Findings indicate that the SGR project does positively impact on the transport system although there are several underlying issues that require to be resolved in order for the project to derive maximum benefits. The study recommends enhanced stakeholder engagement, transparent management of project finances, and continuous evaluation to ensure visibility, sustainability and accountability in large infrastructural projects like the SGR.

Using Coconut Water to Control Addiction

N. E. Ahajumobi — 2025-12-10

Introduction: Relapse from nicotine and other addictive substances prevented people from quitting and contributed to mental-health problems, academic decline, and increased risk-taking. Objective: To determine whether coconut juice could help individuals addicted to drugs or alcohol quit successfully. Methods: This experimental study used systematic random sampling to recruit participants and assign them to three groups: a control group (I) and two treatment groups (II and III). Group II received coconut water, and Group III received a nicotine-cessation vape; all three groups served as comparison groups. Participants used journals to record treatments received and amounts of addictive substances consumed. Only individuals willing to quit were included to reduce attrition. Data were analyzed with SPSS. ANOVA assessed within- and between-group differences; Tukey HSD tested significance; and bivariate regression examined relationships and causal direction. Results: With a 5% error margin and 95% CI, p value was set at .05. So, values ≥ .05 H0 to be accepted meaning no relationship, and values ≤ .05 H0 to be rejected. Results showed that p-values were far less than .0001<.05 thus, H ₀ was rejected and H ₐ accepted because there was very strong relationship. Conclusion: Coconut-water treatment showed a very strong statistical and practical significant difference and a meaningful relationship with addiction control.

Measuring the Marginal Effective Tax Rate in Croatia, 2000–2024

Slavko Bezeredi — 2025-11-09

The analysis of marginal effective tax rate (METR) is particularly valuable in the context of labor markets and employment policy. High METR can reduce incentives for additional work or overtime, while lower rates or targeted tax allowances may encourage greater workforce participation. This paper aims to analyze the variations in the METR in Croatia from 2000 to 2024 across various household types, examining how changes in the tax and benefit system and wage growth over time have influenced METR trends. Additionally, a comparative assessment of METRs between Croatia and 22 EU countries that are also OECD members is conducted for 2024, evaluating Croatia’s position relative to other countries. Notably, Croatia's METR for a single average-wage earner stands at 38.9%, which is below the EU-OECD average of 41.6%, with the lowest rates observed in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and the highest in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Effect of Acute Cold Exposure on Differential Expression of Tissue D-I and D-II Iodothyroinine Deiodinase [T4-5’-Deiodinase] Activity in Congenic Lean and Obese LA/Ntul//-cp Rats: Iodothyroinine Deiodinase Activity in Obese Rats

Orien L Tulp — 2025-11-11

Thyroid hormones are known to play a critical role in metabolic adaptation to chronic changes in diet and environment. The prohormone tetraiodothyronine (T4) is converted to the active form, triiodothyronine (T3) in peripheral tissues via actions of outer ring deiodination by D-I or D-II isoforms of T4-5’ deiodinase activity. In contrast, T4 may also become inactivated during periods of caloric depravation via an inner tyrosyl ring D-III deiodinase to form an inactive hormone, 3’5’3 triiodothyronine, or ‘reverse T3’ (rT3). Measures of D-I and D-II were determined in selected tissues obtained from congenic adolescent lean and obese female LA/Ntul//-cp rats when 16 weeks of age following laboratory temperature exposure of 22°C or 14 hours acute cold exposure at 4°C. Circulating T4 concentrations were similar in lean and obese rats and serum T3 but not T4 concentrations increased dramatically in both phenotypes following the cold exposure, consistent with phenotype- and maximal tissue-linked changes in outer ring T4-5’-deiodinase activity / mg tissue protein and per depot. In Gastrocnemius muscle, only D-II was detected, and gastrocnemius D-II activity of obese increased modestly following cold exposure. In Liver, Kidney, and IBAT and in cold-induced temperature exposure linked increases in IBAT deiodinase activity / mg tissue protein in this strain, but when D-I and D-II deiodinase activity were computed / tissue mass however further analysis indicated that D-I was the predominating adaptive deiodinase in liver, kidney, and gastrocnemius muscle, while in IBAT D-II > D-I activity / IBAT depot and was greater in obese than lean rats. Cold exposure was associated with modest increases in net deiodinase activity only in kidney. Thus, the cold induced increases in circulating T3 in lean and obese rats following cold exposure are likely attributed at least in part to modest increases in IBAT outer ring T4-5’ D-II and renal D-I deiodinase activity, in addition to likely attaining maximal rates of conversion in other peripheral tissues in addition to possible combination with decreases in hormone clearance rates and enhanced receptor occupancy during cold induced stress, and where they contribute to protective measures during dietary or environmental stress.

Ecosystem-Based Management Revisited Using Physico-Chemical Factors Interactions with Fish Resources of Lake Malombe, Malawi

Orton V. Msiska — 2025-11-11

Lake Malombe is one of the “hotspot” freshwater ecosystems in Malawi which has attracted both local and international scientists primarily due to changes in fish and ecosystem services. The lake has suffered from overfishing with catches declining from > 12,000 tones in 1980s to 3,820 tons in 2016, creating a gap in fish supply that has affected the livelihoods of many fishers. A concomitant decline in fish taxa was registered from 56 to 28; however, the full ecological impact has only recently been assessed through a series of synchronized studies on the benthos, limnology and fish species. This study shows interactions of how locally induced human activities have been compounded by Global Climate change at interannual scale. An exotic snail from Asia, Melanoides tuberculata, is also implicated in the change of fauna to the extent that its population now forms more than 40% of fish by-catches. The phytoplankton concentrations of 2.1-13.4µg/L were recorded while zooplankton varied between cool season (35,387-43,545 individual/m³) and hot dry season (10,399-171,323 individual/m³). Carbon fixing in the pelagic zone was estimated at 65.0-873g per m²contributing to high carbon sequestration. This has led to need to hatchery-reared introduction of a molluscivorous fish species, Trematocranus placodon, tilapias (Oreochromis karongae) and Bathyclarias loweae to utilize snails and neutralize plankton taking advantage of the high amounts of matter captured in the system. Drawing from examples from other eutrophic systems, “Pen Culture” seems to be an appropriate technique given the shallowness of the water levels and need to utilize rich benthic fauna. Furthermore, this is a carbon sink that should contribute to national carbon units. Since the bulk of national hydropower and irrigation investments are located downstream, in situ fish production would maintain required water flow; most importantly, continued monitoring studies should be synchronized with water level controls at the Shire Barrage to mitigate negative downstream impacts. The decline in maximum water depth from 7.0 meters in 1993 to 5.6 meters in 2017, accompanied by changes in shoreline configuration, caused by increased catchment sedimentation. Thus, soil and agriculture conservation, forestry and hydrology studies are critical for sustenance of the Lake Malombe ecosystem. Effective management should be holistic taking a broader multidisciplinary approach involving all concerned. There is need for some more serious engagement by a cross-section of scientists to assist in resolving the challenges and dilemma that Lake Malombe poses to Malawian society. A mix of fisheries and aquaculture innovations could uplift fish production to more than 6,000 tons annually and serve as test case for application of a series of techniques to similar water bodies. We advocate for the consideration of “Pen Culture” in efforts in restoration of fisheries.

Organic Chemistry Conceptual Study of Deoxyribonucleic Acid and Ribonucleic Acid

Topwe Milongwe Mwene-Mbeja — 2025-11-15

I report herein the chemical behavior of the main reactive entities in the ribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis. Indeed, nitrogenous behave as nucleophiles to concede electrons to electrophiles to furnish the corresponding nucleosides. This step is the fundamental one towards the formation of nucleic acids. The following stage is the combination of nucleosides with the appropriate phosphate groups to produce the adequate nucleotides. The connection between nucleotides through phospho-ester bond formation permits to elucidate the ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA) synthesis. In other words, reaction sequences need nitrogenous bases, nucleosides as well as nucleotides including the enzyme, which behave as acids, bases, electrophiles or nucleophiles regarding the synthesis of these kinds of nucleic acids. The hydrolysis of these two nucleic acids can be achieved enzymatically or basically to obtain nucleosides as well as nucleotides.

A Comparative Analysis of Cost-Effective Quantum Energy Plasma Technology: An FTIR Spectroscopic Investigation of Octa-H Gel Formulations and the Role of Silica Nanoparticles

Hesham Mohamed Abd Al-Salam Yehia — 2025-11-21

The burgeoning field of advanced materials science continually seeks innovative technologies that offer enhanced efficacy coupled with economic viability. Among these emerging paradigms is the concept of "Quantum Energy Plasma" (QEP), a term often used in proprietary contexts to describe a state of matter or energy infusion purported to enhance material properties. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the cost-effectiveness of QEP technology as realized in three specific samples: Octa-H Gel, Octa-H Gel with Titanium, and Octa-H Gel Blue. The analysis is anchored in empirical data derived from a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy report, which provides the molecular "fingerprint" of each formulation. By interpreting the detected absorption bands, we delineate the unique chemical compositions and functional groups present, linking them to the purported mechanisms of QEP. A central theme throughout this discussion is the role of Silica Nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs), designated here as OCTA-H, which are posited as the fundamental scaffold enabling and stabilizing the QEP state. This paper compares the hypothesized QEP technology against conventional enhancement technologies, such as standard nanoparticle doping, chemical catalysts, and bulk material treatments, arguing that the Octa-H Gel platform represents a potentially superior cost-effective solution due to its scalable silica-based matrix, synergistic multi-component design, and targeted functionality as evidenced by spectroscopic data. The FTIR findings for Sample #1 (Octa-H Gel), Sample #2 (Octa-H Gel with Titanium), and Sample #3 (Octa-H Gel Blue) reveal distinct spectral signatures, confirming compositional modifications and providing a scientific basis for their differentiated performance and economic advantages.