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Fabrication and Characterization of SPIONs for Drug Loading and Release Applications
No full textSuperparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were synthesized for metformin and probiotic drug delivery agents. In this work, the lattice parameter of SPIONs formation was 8.351, constructing an inverse spinel cubic with a crystallite size of 10.18 nm, respectively. The SPIONs formation was also detected by the presence of Fe–O functional groups, which were Fe-O tetrahedral and octahedral functional groups at 625– 700 cm–1 and 418–500 cm–1, respectively. In this experiment, SPIONs exhibited spherical particles with a size of 35.12 nm and presented superparamagnetic character with a saturation magnetization of 41.45 emu/g. Interestingly, SPIONs exhibited loading activity for metformin and probiotics with loading efficiencies of 67.51% and 80.67%, respectively
Enhancing preservice chemistry teachers’ critical thinking through Inquiry-Based Instruction Integrated with Ethno-Socioscientific Issues
No full textThis study addresses how integrating Ethno-Socioscientific Issues (Ethno-SSI) into inquiry-based instruction can strengthen critical thinking in chemistry teacher education, particularly by linking local sociocultural contexts. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, we conducted a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group study with 109 preservice chemistry teachers from a public university in East Java, Indonesia. The intervention group (n = 56) received an inquiry-based Ethno-SSI–integrated approach, whereas the comparison group (n = 53) received guided inquiry. Quantitative data were collected using a critical-thinking test aligned with Ennis’s indicators, and qualitative data were obtained from questionnaires, interviews, and classroom observations to explain the quantitative trends. Test scores were examined using ANCOVA, and effect sizes were estimated using partial eta-squared. Results indicated a statistically significant and substantial effect of the Ethno-SSI–integrated inquiry instruction on critical thinking (F(1,77) = 64.596, p < .001, partial η2 = .456), with higher adjusted posttest means for the intervention group (M = 81.92) than the comparison group (M = 73.10). Qualitative findings corroborate these results, indicating that the Ethno-SSI context supports meaningful problem framing, evidence evaluation, and argumentation, thus encouraging more analytical and reflective reasoning. This study provides empirical support for the integrated investigation of Ethno-SSI as a pedagogical approach to enhance preservice chemistry teachers' critical thinking through evidence-based and culturally grounded chemical reasoning
Emulation of the six-state quantum key distribution protocol with pulsed lasers
No full textQuantum cryptography remains a topic of enduring scientific and educational interest. Here, we present a clear and accessible framework for exploring the six-state quantum key distribution protocol—an enhanced, three-basis extension of the BB84 scheme, combining optical experiments with computational analysis. Designed for testing quantum communication protocols through emulation, this approach provides an accessible, laboratory-scale platform that highlights the fundamental principles of multi-basis encoding and demonstrates how experimental measurements connect directly to theoretical expectations in a controlled tabletop setting
Quantum diffusion of biologically active cations in aqueous solutions
No full textIn the present paper, we would like to turn reader’s attention to the possible existence of the “cosmologically driven” mechanism of quantum diffusion, which is essentially independent of thermal agitation. The derivation of the formula for corresponding diffusion coefficient is based solely on the dimensional considerations applied to the fundamental constants. Validity of the resulting formula is then tested using experimental data for biologically active monovalent cations Na+ and K+ in aqueous solutions. Astonishingly, good agreement between theoretical estimates and experimental data provides thus a strong support for the existence of the suggested hypothetical diffusion mechanism
as a drug for anti-tumor immunotherapy: mechanisms, challenges, and perspectives
No full textToxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite known to infect a wide range of hosts, including humans, and is a significant cause of health issues, particularly in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. However, it has garnered attention for its potential in cancer treatment due to its diverse anti-cancer mechanisms. Toxoplasma gondii induces key cytokines such as IL-12 and IFN-γ, triggering robust Th1 immune responses that effectively target tumor cells. Furthermore, it modulates the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), reduces inhibitory immune cells, promotes activated immune cells, induces apoptosis in tumor cells, inhibits proliferation, and disrupts tumor angiogenesis through regulatory signaling pathways. Despite these promising antitumor attributes, significant limitations hinder its translation into clinical practice. These include strain-dependent differences in virulence and therapeutic efficacy, ethical and biosafety concerns associated with wild-type strains, limited applicability of animal data to human therapy, and the possibility that the parasite may promote tumorigenesis under certain conditions. Innovative approaches such as engineered strains for precise tumor targeting, exploitation of its bioactive agents, use as a drug carrier for brain tumors, and combination therapies with other anti-cancer modalities show promise. These advances, coupled with comprehensive cost-effectiveness assessments, present new opportunities and hope for integrating T. gondii into cancer therapy
Vulnerability of the reef heritage: reflections from an interdisciplinary thematic school in the Western Indian Ocean
No full textSince 2014, the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) has hosted three interdisciplinary thematic schools on the vulnerability of the reef heritage (VulPaRe) in the Western Indian Ocean. Taking a sustainability science approach, the schools aimed to build capacity, facilitate knowledge transfer, and foster collaboration among a variety of stakeholders involved in research and the governance of coastal resources. The latest VulPaRe school highlighted 1) the need to strengthen the role of social sciences in interdisciplinary studies, 2) the opportunities and threats of market-based mechanisms integrating conservation and ecological restoration, and 3) concerns of justice on the access to common resources. An improvement of this educational process would be to provide more guidance for dialogues with decision makers in these reef areas
Thermospheric mass density derived in near real time from space debris
No full textNear-Earth space is becoming increasingly congested. A rapid increase in the number of orbiting objects around Earth underscores the need for accurate tracking and prediction of space objects. Space weather constitutes the most important source of uncertainty in low-Earth orbit where solar and geomagnetic activity can cause abrupt changes in the neutral mass density and satellite drag. In this study, we present a computationally efficient and operationally feasible approach to estimating the globally averaged thermospheric mass density in near real time using publicly available Two-Line Element (TLE) data from space debris objects. The method constitutes a potential basis of a TLE-based density estimation for continuous monitoring of low-Earth orbit, providing a complement to existing modeling efforts in support of space situational awareness. By implementing the method, while simulating real-time limitations, we estimate the thermospheric density during 2018--2024 using 2348 debris objects between 200 and 800~km altitude. Validation against satellite-derived densities shows an excellent result, that exceeds that of commonly used empirical models, even during geomagnetic storms. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of the method to nowcast the decay rate of a fictional satellite during the May 2024 Gannon geomagnetic storm