ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 20, 2026
Impact of Sodium Chloride on Growth, Metabolic Activity, and Antimicrobial Potential of Eurotium Species
O.M.O. El-Maghraby, M.S. Youssef, Marwa M. Abdel-Kareem, Randa A. Fathy
Page no 47-59 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjmps.2026.v12i01.008
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the study of extremophilic microorganisms, which include halophiles and halotolerants. These microorganisms, able to survive and thrive optimally in a wide range of environmental extremes, are polyextremophiles. In this context, one of the main reasons for studying them is to understand their adaptive mechanisms to stress caused by extreme living conditions. The present study investigated the halotolerance and metabolic responses of five Eurotium species (E. amstelodami, E. chevalieri, E. cristatum, E. montevidense, and E. proliferans) under varying sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations (0–25%). Fungal growth, medium pH, pigment production (visible light absorbance at 512 nm), fluorescence (254 and 366 nm), organic matter, total nitrogen content, and antimicrobial activity against bacterial (Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli) and fungal (Candida tropicalis, Candida albicans) strains were evaluated. All isolates exhibited halotolerant behavior, with maximal growth, organic matter, nitrogen content, fluorescence, and pigment accumulation at moderate salinity (15% NaCl). Antimicrobial activity was strongest at low to moderate NaCl concentrations (0–10%) and absent at ≥15% NaCl, reflecting the inhibitory effect of extreme salinity on secondary metabolite production. The pH of the culture media varied with salinity, generally decreasing under moderate salt stress and increasing at the highest NaCl levels. These patterns indicate that mild osmotic stress promotes both primary and secondary metabolism, whereas severe salinity suppresses growth and bioactive compound synthesis. The study highlights the ecological adaptability of Eurotium species to saline environments and their potential as sources of halotolerant enzymes, pigments, and antimicrobial compounds
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 20, 2026
Clinical Responses of Gingival Tissues to Single Unit Full Coverage Crowns
Anjuman Ara Akhter, Md. Ali Afzal Khan, Alia Sultana, Zinat Nasreen
Page no 15-19 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjodr.2026.v11i01.003
Background: Full-coverage crowns are a common restorative treatment option; yet, their placement may influence gingival health and tissue response. This study aims to assess the changes in gum health around crowns after placement and at one-year follow-up. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Bangladesh Medical University, from January 2002 to December 2003. Thirty patients requiring full coverage crowns were included and followed. Clinical parameters like plaque adhesion, probing depth, gingival bleeding, gum recession, and metal margin exposure were recorded at 15 days and one year after cementation. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 26 with statistical significance at p<0.05. Results: In 30 patients (53.3% male, 46.6% female), no plaque was observed immediately following the placement of the crown, but 33.3% of them exhibited plaque deposition at one-year follow-up (p=0.100). Probing depth, which was 1-1.5 mm in 100% of cases at 15 days, rose to 66.66% with 1-1.5 mm depth and 33.33% with <2 mm depth at one year. Gum recession was not observed initially, but was present in 60% of cases at one year. Metal margin exposure was increased from 0% to 50% at one-year follow-up. Conclusion: The study confirms that gingival tissues accommodate by developing changes after full coverage crown placement, where greater plaque build-up, gum recession, and metal margin exposure were observed at one-year follow-up. Ongoing vigilance and upkeep are unavoidable if the long-term success of crown restorations is to be ensured.
Malnutrition is commonly observed in children in developing countries and is a major cause of multiple illnesses. Kwashiorkor in children is characterized by generalized edema and develops as a result of protein-calorie deficiency, whereas marasmus results from calorie and energy deficiency. We report a case of an 11-month-old female infant who presented with fever, cough, and excessive crying for 2 days. She was normal 2 days back, then developed high-grade fever, which is acute in onset, intermittent, relieved by medications, with multiple spikes with kwashiorkor features as idiopathic. The child also presented with hepatomegaly, hypoalbuminemia, hypoproteinemia, and elevated transaminases. Children with kwashiorkor typically have a very low plasma albumin concentration due to protein deficiency.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 19, 2026
Shielding Offshore Gas Turbines: A Validated CFD Approach to Multistage Inlet-Air Filtration
Samuel O. Effiom, Fidelis I. Abam, Assam T. Assam, Precious-Chibuzo O. Effiom, Okwonna C. Onochie, Oliver I. Inah
Page no 31-43 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjet.2026.v11i01.003
Gas turbines (GTs) operating in offshore environments are highly vulnerable to performance degradation from airborne contaminants such as salt aerosols, mist, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. This study develops and validates a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to optimize a multistage inlet-air filtration system for offshore GT applications, complementing prior experimental investigations. A three-dimensional CAD model of a wind tunnel housing six ASHRAE filter classes (F7, H12, E11, E10, G5, F9) was created in ANSYS Design Modeler, and simulations were performed under steady-state and transient conditions using Navier–Stokes, turbulence, and particle transport models. Contaminant mass loadings from 20–100% were evaluated at inlet velocities of 5 m/s and 10 m/s to characterize airflow distribution, static and total pressures, and filtration efficiency. Results revealed peak inlet velocities up to nine times the free-stream value, with mass flow concentration opposite the vertical inflow reaching 8.4 kg/s. Static and total pressures decreased progressively downstream, with the highest pressure drops occurring at 80% contaminant loading, indicating increased flow resistance. Transient analyses showed filtration efficiency degradation over time due to fouling. Model predictions for total pressure drop and volumetric flow rate deviated by ≤10% from experimental data, confirming robustness and accuracy. This work offers validated CFD insights into the complex aero–particle dynamics in offshore GT inlet filtration, providing a predictive framework for optimizing filter design, selection, and maintenance to enhance long-term turbine reliability and efficiency.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 19, 2026
Effect of Process Parameters Variation and Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Dehulled Orange Seed Oils Using Acid Modified Clay
Uket, Igri Omini, Effiom Samuel Oliver, Nyong Oku
Page no 23-30 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjet.2026.v11i01.002
This study explores the feasibility of producing biodiesel from dehulled orange seed oil, a non-edible agro-industrial byproduct with significant potential as a renewable energy feedstock. The research aims to enhance biodiesel yield through the optimization of transesterification process parameters using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Dehulled orange seeds were processed to extract oil, after which transesterification was carried out using methanol. Five key process factors—reaction temperature, reaction time, catalyst concentration, methanol-to-oil molar ratio, and agitation speed—were systematically varied based on a central composite design to assess their individual and interactive effects on biodiesel yield. Statistical analysis indicated that all variables influenced conversion efficiency, with methanol ratio and catalyst concentration exerting particularly strong effects. The quadratic model developed showed high predictive accuracy and statistical significance, confirming its suitability for optimization. The optimal reaction conditions were identified as a temperature of 75 °C, reaction time of 150 minutes, catalyst concentration of 5 wt%, methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 12:1, and agitation speed of 350 rpm. Under these conditions, the biodiesel yield reached 95.23%, demonstrating efficient conversion and validating the optimization strategy. The physico-chemical characteristics of the produced biodiesel further complied with standard fuel specifications, underscoring its suitability as a renewable fuel. Overall, the results affirm that dehulled orange seed oil is a viable and sustainable feedstock for biodiesel production. The optimized process not only achieves high yields but also adds value to agricultural waste streams, contributing to cleaner energy alternatives and supporting circular bioeconomy initiatives. This study highlights the importance of exploring non-edible oils for biodiesel production to reduce competition with food resources and promote environmental sustainability.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 17, 2026
Nutrition, Supplements and their Interaction with Drugs in Diets for the Prevention and Treatment of Diseases
Leonid Ramov, Elizabeta Popova Ramova
Page no 30-38 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjls.2026.v11i01.004
The promotion of healthy eating and physical activity is part of the prevention and treatment of diseases in modern medicine. The aim of our research was to study the clinical principles in compiling a diet for patients who are already on drug therapy for a diagnosed disease, guided by the principle of healthy eating. Material and method: we conducted a study motivated by personal experiences on the interaction of drugs and nutrients in diets prescribed for healthy eating in certain diseases, with a special aspect of anticoagulant therapy. The basic principle of the protocol should include the underlying disease, medications for the same, past diseases with a deficit of certain organs in function and an assessment of the existing diet and supplements to prevent drug interactions. Results: More than 30% of people take supplements on their own. Knowledge of the interaction of drugs with supplements and nutrients with medications is of crucial importance for preventing the consequences of their synergistic or antagonistic interaction, of which bleeding is the key and most dangerous. Discussion: Modern management of patients in the perioperative period is crucial to avoid bleeding or thrombosis. The medical team takes into account all possible risks, based on the clinical examination, blood laboratory and possible drug interactions, but there is not always available data on the patients' supplementary therapy, which may be a risk. Conclusion: When recommending the consumption of supplements and diet for a given disease, the possible interaction of the drug and the condition of the organs that may be damaged should be taken into account.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 17, 2026
Light-Controlled Defect Engineering for Enhanced Superconductivity in Layered Nickelate Quantum Materials
Zubeda Nangrejo, Deedar Ali Jamro, Omme Habiba Abbasi, Dilawar Ali, Nawa Arshad, Muhammad Zakria, Muhammad Owais, Iftekhar Majeed, Muhammad Rashid
Page no 39-58 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjls.2026.v11i01.005
Layered nickelate quantum materials have emerged as a promising platform for unconventional superconductivity. However, their superconducting response remains highly sensitive to lattice defects and carrier inhomogeneity. Conventional defect engineering relies on static chemical doping or strain, which lacks real-time tunability. This work introduces a dynamic and non-invasive strategy based on light-controlled defect engineering to enhance superconductivity in layered nickelates. We demonstrate that targeted optical excitation can reversibly manipulate defect states at the atomic scale. Photo-induced charge redistribution modifies local lattice distortions without permanent structural damage. This process enables controlled tuning of carrier density and electron phonon coupling. As a result, superconducting coherence is strengthened across the layered structure. The approach bridges optical control and quantum material engineering within a single framework. Spectroscopic and transport analyses reveal a measurable increase in critical temperature and superconducting stability under optimized illumination conditions. The enhancement originates from defect reconfiguration rather than thermal effects. Importantly, the induced changes persist over experimentally relevant timescales and remain fully reversible. This behavior distinguishes the method from irreversible chemical techniques. The proposed mechanism establishes light as an active control parameter for superconductivity. It also provides direct insight into the role of defects in nickelate quantum phases. Beyond nickelates, the framework can be generalized to other correlated electron systems where defect dynamics govern emergent properties. This study opens a pathway toward optically programmable superconductors and reconfigurable quantum devices.