Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology

Analytical Modeling of VTEC and STEC via Altitudinal Integration of Solar Radiation Power Density

Segda Abdoul Kader — 2026-05-20

This article focuses on determining VTEC and STEC values at any geographic location. This determination is achieved not through satellite data, but via a robust theoretical framework. The method employed involved developing a formula for electron volume density. This density is derived from expressions describing the altitudinal variation of solar radiation power, volume, and the ionization energy of the oxygen atom. The resulting formula was obtained after adjusting the initial formula, which yielded exponential values at 6 AM, 12 PM, 6 PM, and midnight. Thus, for a given geographic location, the formula provides the VTEC and STEC values, as well as their diurnal variability curves. The VTEC/STEC modeling reveals the following key aspects: (1) For a given longitude, the variability of VTEC/STEC with latitude highlights the inverse fountain effect at 6 AM and 6 PM, with amplitudes decreasing with distance from the equator at latitudes of 10°N,S to 20°N,S. At other times of day, the amplitudes increase from the equator to the North and South Poles, where the observed VTEC/STEC values are exponential. (2) For a given latitude, the modeling based on longitude provides diverse profiles. (3) Also, if the vertical drift velocity is varied via the production factor, the following observations are made: (a) The higher the drift velocity or production factor, the lower the VTEC/STEC values. (b) The lower these factors are, the higher the VTEC/STEC values. Other applications include, firstly, the development of formulas for modeling critical frequencies and electric current density. Secondly, the introduction of another form of VTEC, STEC, whose unit is the TECU, equal to 10¹⁶ electrons per meter. Finally, future research will focus on polar electron jets, scintillations, electric and magnetic fields, and the magnetosphere.

Analysis of Seismic Intensity for Inslab and Interplate Earthquakes in Central Mexico

Jazmín Rojo-Chávez — 2026-05-23

This study evaluates the performance of two Ground Motion Prediction Equations (GMPEs) for inslab and interplate earthquakes when applied to the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) in central Mexico, addressing the lack of validation of forearc-calibrated models in this backarc region. A retrospective analysis was conducted using instrumental records from six moderate-to-large earthquakes (M_W 6.0-7.7) that occurred between 2011 and 2022, independent of the original GMPEs calibrations. Records were obtained from permanent seismological networks. For each event, observed Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA_obs) was computed as the quadratic mean of the two horizontal components and compared with the PGA predicted by the corresponding GMPE (PGA_pred). Spatial contour maps of the PGA_obs/PGA_pred ratio were generated using minimum-curvature interpolation. Stations with critical underestimation were analyzed using the Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) technique on earthquake records. The results show that, for interplate earthquakes, the corresponding GMPE systematically underestimates PGA with a median PGA_obs/PGA_pred ratio of 1.73 (95% bootstrap confidence interval: 1.26–2.20; based on 145 records), whereas for inslab events the GMPE overestimates PGA with a median ratio of 0.69 (95% CI: 0.55–0.84; 160 records). Extreme local ratios occur at a few stations, where HVSR analyses reveal amplification factors of 4-6 at frequencies >10 Hz, which contribute to but do not fully explain the observed discrepancies. These findings underscore the need for caution when applying forearc-calibrated GMPEs in the TMVB and have direct implications for seismic hazard assessment and engineering practice in central Mexico.

Effect of Green-synthesized CuO and FeO Nanoparticles on Amino Acid and β-Glucan Content of Agaricus bisporus

Sura Y. Mahmood — 2026-05-23

White mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) cultivation has expanded widely due to improved production technologies, while optimization of substrate composition and the use of nano-fertilizers offer promising approaches to enhance yield, nutritional quality, nutrient efficiency, and environmental sustainability in mushroom farming. This study investigates how different concentrations of copper and iron nanoelements affect the amino acid and β-glucan content in white mushrooms. Copper and nano-iron (CuONPs and FeONPs) were tested at different concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 ppm) to determine their effectiveness in increasing amino acid and β-glucan levels. CuONPs and FeONPs were extracted from wheat straw to create compost, which was then used to cultivate white mushrooms. Nanoparticles were sprayed at varying concentrations to assess their impact on the amino acid and β-glucan content of fruiting bodies.

The amino acid analysis results show that treatment with CuONPs at a concentration of 5 ppm increased amino acid concentrations when compared to the control sample that was not exposed to nanoparticles. The study found a significant change in peak intensity and area, as well as an increase in amino acid concentrations, between 2.9 and 13.94 minutes. CuONP treatment at 5 ppm raised the concentration of aspartic acid from 25.65 to 29.88 mg/100 g. The concentration of glycine increased from 15.98 to 19.50 mg/100 g, while lysine increased from 18.66 to 21.05 mg/100 g. Isoleucine concentration rose from 19.87 to 23.05 mg/100 g, indicating that several amino acids were significantly concentrated. This could imply that treatment with CuONPs at 10 ppm boosted metabolic activity. The detention times ranged from 2.05 to 13.93 minutes. Following treatment with 10 ppm CuONP, the concentration of aspartic acid in the comparison sample increased from 25.65 mg/100g to 35.98 mg/100g. This indicates higher quality and nutritional value. The concentration of the amino acid glycine increased from 15.98 mg/100g in the comparison sample to 26.80 mg/100g.

HPLC analysis of β-glucan revealed that the control treatment had two peaks at retention times of 4.05 and 5.89 minutes. The first peak was at 80% concentration, indicating the presence of one primary and two secondary compounds. The β-Glucan sample with a concentration of 5 ppm showed a single peak at 4.09 minutes with a percentage of 100%. The disappearance of the second peak suggests high purity and homogeneity. CuONPs treatment at 5 ppm resulted in a larger total area of peaks for β-glucan (22,564.08 mAU·s) than the comparison sample (2,693.25 mAU·s). The relative distribution of the peaks was identical in both cases, with 80% for the primary compound and 20% for the secondary compound. CuONP treatment at 20 ppm resulted in two distinct peaks of β-Glucan content with retention times of 4.0 and 5.8 minutes, as compared to the control. Both samples show the same retention time, indicating no qualitative changes in β-glucan composition or new compounds after treatment. CuONP treatment at 20 ppm increased peak area to 30667.06 mAU·s, compared to the headquarters sample (20693.25). The relative distribution of the peaks was consistent in both cases, with 80% for the main compound and 20% for the secondary compound. Nano-copper treatment at 20 ppm resulted in significantly higher β-glucan content than the control. FeONP treatment at 20 ppm produced a larger peak area of 38241. The difference was 19 mAU·s versus 20693.25 mAU·s in the comparison sample. The peak distribution was consistent in both cases, with 80% for the main compound and 20% for the secondary compound.

Flock Dynamics of the West African Dwarf Goat in Western Burkina Faso: Implications for Community-based Breeding Program

Pierre Zongo — 2026-05-26

This study aimed to identify avenues for sustainable genetic improvement programs. It involved field monitoring of flocks of Djallonké goats in the province of Poni, in the South-West region. Between 2024 and 2025, an initial population of 644 females and 107 males were monitored. Four parameters, including body weight, litter size, parity, and flock events (kidding, deaths, and sales) at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months, were monitored. Descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and logistic regression were performed to obtain means, frequencies and odds ratio. Mortality rates of 25.57%, 25.00%, and 9.13% were recorded during the rainy, cold dry, and hot dry seasons, respectively. kidding frequencies observed were 59%, 9%, and 32% during the hot dry, cold dry, and rainy seasons, respectively. A significant difference (odds ratio = 1.05) was obtained between the does age and the likelihood of a multiple kidding. The litter size increases from 1.05 for the first kidding to 1.8 for the sixth kidding. The dynamics of Djallonké goat flocks in households revealed a correlation between climatic constraints and zootechnical performance, a characteristic of extensive livestock systems. Low body weight dispersion was noted at 3, 6, 9, and 18 months of age. These results reveal the characteristics of the extensive livestock system, where sanitary, nutritional, and environmental constraints limit the expression of goats' performance potential. Therefore, sustainable genetic improvement in such contexts must be preceded by improvement in the rearing environment. The program must include a health component to ensure survival until the selection.

Digitalization and Carbon Emissions: A Panel Data Analysis of ICT Development in Emerging Economies

Tran Ly Quynh — 2026-05-26

Despite the rapid expansion of digital technologies across emerging economies, the environmental consequences of ICT development remain inconclusive, particularly in regions where economic growth and fossil-fuel dependence continue to drive rising carbon emissions. Existing studies have largely focused on developed countries, leaving limited empirical evidence on how digitalization influences environmental sustainability in emerging markets. Although there is an increasing body of research on the environmental implications of digitalization, the empirical connection between expansion of information and communication technology (ICT) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions is so far not undisputed, especially in emerging economies. Most of the work to-date focuses on developed countries or use cross-country panels that are not homogeneous and mask the unique dynamics of emerging markets where industrialization, fossil fuel dependence, and accelerated digital uptake all play a role at the same time. Furthermore, the potential non-linear income–emissions relation hypothesized by the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) has mostly been studied in conjunction with factors other than ICT, and there is a critical empirical gap in the literature.

Assessment of Hygiene Conditions and Food Safety: Critical Control Points in School Canteens in the Guiriko Region, Burkina Faso

Kabré Denis — 2026-05-30

Background: School feeding programmes contribute significantly to children’s nutrition, school attendance and educational performance, particularly in low-income settings. However, inadequate hygiene and food safety conditions in school canteens may expose pupils to foodborne diseases and compromise the expected benefits of these programmes.

Aims: To assess the sanitary conditions of school canteens in the Guiriko region, western Burkina Faso.

Study Design: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Guiriko region, western Burkina Faso, from April to November 2024.

Methodology: Data collection combined a questionnaire survey of 320 canteen cooks (one per selected school), interviews with 22 stakeholders involved in canteen management and oversight, and direct observations of infrastructure, hygiene practices, service modalities and environmental conditions, guided by an HACCP-inspired assessment tool. Schools were selected using stratified random sampling by province and education level, while key informants were recruited through purposive sampling.

Results: The canteens relied mainly on government food supplies (82%), and stocks were insufficient to cover the entire school year. Foodstuffs were mainly packaged in 50-kg polypropylene sacks, 4- and 20-L containers, and metal tins, with differences across education levels and some secondary schools lacking functional canteens. Infrastructure and WASH constraints were substantial, with 54.06% semi-permanent kitchens, 21.88% temporary or improvised kitchens, and 62.19% of water points located more than 50 m away. Meals were mostly distributed in a queue (72.09%) and often consumed outside designated areas, while wastewater was largely discharged into the open (59.30%) and solid waste was commonly burned in the open air (51.16%). The HACCP-based assessment revealed recurrent non-compliances, notably inadequate cleaning, poorly functional handwashing facilities, insufficient food protection, weak separation of raw and cooked foods, and the near absence of routine checks to remove expired products.

Conclusion: School canteens in the Guiriko region provide an essential social function but operate under inadequately controlled sanitary conditions, and sustainable improvement requires strengthening supply continuity, infrastructure/WASH, service organisation, hygiene practices, waste management and routine supervision.