Optical, vibrational, electrical, and electrochemical studies of new plasticized methylcellulose-based solid polymer electrolytes for supercapacitor application

In this work, new plasticized solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are developed using MC (methylcellulose) as a polymer host, and sodium iodide (NaI) as a dopant via the solution casting method. Ethyl carbonate (EC) is used as a plasticizing agent to improve the properties of the SPEs. Polarized optical microscopy analysis reveals that the surface morphology of the MC-NaI-EC films contained porous amorphous regions owing to the presence of EC. The complex formation between MC, NaI, and EC is confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectra. The addition of EC in the MC-NaI polymer salt matrix enhances the electrochemical properties of the prepared films. The highest ionic conductivity of 5.06×10−3 S/cm is achieved for the composition: MC+50 wt. % NaI +10 wt. % EC. The linear sweep voltammetry test reveals that the optimal plasticized-SPE can withstand up to 2.5 V. The ionic transference number analysis reveals that 99% of ions contribute to the total conductivity. The optimized SPE film and graphene oxide-based electrodes are used to manufacture a solid-state electrical double-layer capacitor. The coulomb efficiency of the supercapacitor cell is 100%, and the specific capacitance of the supercapacitor is found to be 18.56 F/g utilizing impedance data at low frequency

Progress into lithium-ion battery research

Lithium-ion batteries have transformed our lives and are now found in everything from mobile phones to laptop computers and electric cars. In lithium-ion batteries, an adequate electrolyte was developed using a winding process nearly related to the progress of electrode chemistries. In this technology, a metal oxide is a cathode, and porous carbon is the anode. The electrochemical interaction of anode material with lithium could produce an intercalation product, which could form the basis of a revolutionary battery system. Structural retention causes this reaction to proceed quickly and with a high degree of reversibility at room temperature. Titanium disulfide is one of the latest solid cathode materials. In this review, the history of intercalation electrodes, electrolytes, and basic principles related to batteries based on intercalation processes and their effect on battery performance is reported

Subchronic Toxicity of a Terbufos-based Pesticide (Counter 15FC) in Adult Male Rats

This study aimed at evaluating the subchronic adverse effects of Counter 15FC (a terbufos -based pesticide formulation) in adult male Wistar albino rats, focusing on neurological, liver, kidney and reproductive functions. Five groups of animals were administered either vehicle (Control) or Counter 15FC at doses 0.1 - 3 mg/kg body weight (bwt) for 9 weeks. All surviving animals were sacrificed at the end of the treatment period, and their liver, kidneys and reproductive organs weighed. Testosterone levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities, biomarkers for liver function (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities), kidney function (creatinine and uric acid) and total antioxidant capacity were assessed in serum. Oxidative stress markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive species, reduced glutathione levels and catalase activity) were determined in testicular and liver homogenates. Counter 15 FC at the dose of 3 mg/kg bwt induced tremors, seizures and death of 4 animals after 6 days of experiment. The pesticide formulation at 1 mg/kg bwt inhibited AChE and BuChE after 9 weeks. Moreover, the pesticide doses 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg bwt inhibited testicular catalase activity, while other parameters investigated remained unchanged. Overall, results from this study suggest that exposure to Counter 15 FC can be fatal. The pesticide toxicity occurs at least in part through inhibition of cholinesterase and catalase activities in nervous system and testis, respectively

Effects of the Methanol Extract of Basella alba L (Basellaceae) on Steroid Production in Leydig Cells

In this study, Leydig cells were purified from 70 day-old Sprague Dawley male rats and incubated with 10 and 100 μg/mL of methanol extract of Basella alba (MEBa) for 4 hours followed by the evaluation of cell viability, steroid (testosterone and estradiol) production, and the level of aromatase mRNA. Results showed that MEBa did not affect Leydig cell viability. At the concentration of 10 μg/mL, MEBa significantly stimulated testosterone and estradiol production (p < 0.01 and p < 0.03, respectively), and enhanced aromatase mRNA level (p < 0.04). These observations suggest that MEBa directly stimulated testosterone, estradiol and aromatase mRNA levels in isolated Leydig cells

Machine learning approach to the possible synergy between co-doped elements in the case of LiFePO4/C

This study investigates the synergistic effects produced by the co-doping of several components in the LFP/C structure. To execute this work, a dataset was initially created from the existing literature, encompassing information on doped LFP structures by a singular element. Numerous intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics, such as atomic number, valence, relative variations in atomic and ionic radii of Fe and Li, electronegativity, molar percentage of dopant, and C-rate, were evaluated. The optimal selection of features leading to satisfactory model training was achieved by analyzing the Pearson correlation coefficient factors. Subsequently, two machine learning algorithms (i.e., Random Forest and Gaussian Process Regression) were trained using the optimized feature set. The two models were evaluated, and the model with superior predictive power was chosen for further study. An analysis of the synergistic effect of two co-dopants was conducted by comparing the actual specific discharge capacities with the expected values derived from the superimposition of the machine learning predictions. Ultimately, experimental validation was conducted by synthesizing several unique LiYxNdyFe1-x-yPO4/C (Nd = 0.06, 0.02 <Y<0.08) samples using solid-state methods. The synthesized powders underwent relevant testing, including SEM, TEM, CV, EIS, and GD. Finally, based on the best ML scheme developed and experimental results, another ML scheme was developed to analyze the possible synergic effects that co-dopants may exhibit regarding the specific discharge capacity of co-doped LFP structures.© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)fi=vertaisarvioitu|en=peerReviewed

Momordica Foetida (Cucurbitaceae) Extract Alleviates Parastar (Insecticide) -Induced Toxicity on Pancreatic and Duodenal α-amylase Activity in Male Rats

Parastar is a pesticide formulation made up of two insecticides lamda-Cyhalothrin and Imidacloprid. Parastar is one of the frequently used agrochemicals in the North West Region of Cameroon to protect crops. However, exposures to pesticides resulting in health alteration as well as therapeutic effects of medicinal plants have been largely acknowledged. One of such plants is&nbsp;Momordica foetida, which exhibits antidiabetic and antioxidant properties, suggesting its possible efficiency in toxicity alleviation. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Parastar on pancreatic and duodenal α-amylase activity, and assess the protective effects of the methanol extract of&nbsp;M. foetida&nbsp;in albino male rats. Groups of 8 rats each were orally intubated with either distilled water (5 mL/kg), Parastar (6.23 mg/kg) alone or combination of Parastar and&nbsp;M. foetida&nbsp;(50 - 200 mg/kg) daily for 64 days. Once the follow-up period was over, animals were sacrificed, the pancreas and duodenum excised out and weighed. The pancreatic and duodenal homogenates were prepared and used for assessment of α-amylase activity. Results revealed increased pancreas weight in animals treated with Parastar. However, the latter variation was prevented when the animals were co-administered with&nbsp;M. foetida&nbsp;extract and the pesticide. Parastar decreased pancreatic and duodenal α-amylase activity, which was also prevented by co-treatment of the animals with the methanol extract of&nbsp;M. foetida. These findings highlight the toxicity of Parastar on pancreatic and duodenal functions and support the use of&nbsp;M. foetida&nbsp;in protecting against alteration of the digestive system by the pesticide

Effect of Solubilizers on the Androgenic Activity of Basella Alba L. (Basellaceae) in Adult Male Rats

Purpose: Solubilizers play an important role in dissolution of pharmacological ingredients and should properly dissolve the active principle(s) while preserving its activities. This study investigated the effect of starch, gelatin, methylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone 10000 in the preservation of the androgenic activity of the methanol extract Basella alba (MEBa). Methods: Different groups of male albino rats were orally given the MEBa (1 mg/kg) dissolved into either 1% gelatin (1% gel), %1 methylcellulose (1% MC) and 1% polyvinylpyrrolidone 10000 (1% PVP 10000) or 2% starch solution (2% SS) for 30 days. Thereafter, animals were sacrificed and serum testosterone and creatinine levels as well as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity determined. Vital and reproductive organs were dissected out and weighed, while liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione levels were determined. Results: Different treatments did not affect the animal body and organ weights. The MEBa stimulatory effect on testosterone production was preserved with 2% SS and 1% PVP 10000 as vehicles. Increased liver glutathione and TBARS levels were also observed in the animals fed with the MEBa dissolved in 2% SS and 1% Gel, respectively, while other biochemical parameters remained unchanged. Conclusion: Starch and polyvinylpyrrolidone 10000 stand as good preservation agents for MEBa androgenic activity, with starch exhibiting additional antioxidant activity through increase of glutathione levels

Age and Sex Modulate Albumin, Glomerular Filtration Rate, and Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Background: Metabolic factors associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remain poorly understood, especially in the context of population-specific influences and varying environmental settings.Objectives: To investigate the modulation of albumin, lipid profile biomarkers, and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in T2DM patients attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital in Cameroon.Materials and Methods: Briefly, 153 patients were interviewed on their socio-demographic and anthropometric information, and their fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, lipid profile, albumin, and eGFR were determined.Results: The majority (61.4%) of participants were females and almost half (45.7%) of the population was obese. The FBG level was lower in the older age group (70-79 years, 165.62&plusmn;17.95 mg/dL) than those moderately younger (&le;69 years, 241.26&plusmn;12.96 mg/dL). Also, the eGFR (65.97&plusmn;4.03 ml/min/1.73m2) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level (54.06&plusmn;2.84 mg/dL) decreased in older patients, particularly in the age 70-79 years. Male participants had higher albumin levels than the females (4.77&plusmn;0.12 g/dL vs. 4.38&plusmn;0.11 g/dL). Moreover, albumin was higher in the younger population (39-49 years; 4.99&plusmn;0.22g/dL) as compared to older individuals (80-89 years; 4.07&plusmn;0.22 g/dL). Correlation analyses revealed significant associations of FBG, albumin, eGFR, triglycerides, HDL, and low-density lipoprotein with age, gender, and body mass index.Conclusion: The findings suggested significant variations in albumin, lipid biomarkers, and eGFR among diabetic patients, with age, gender, and cholesterol levels being the key modulators. Older patients seem particularly affected, making them a critical group for targeted management of T2DM.&nbsp

Déficits hydro pluviométriques et implications sur l'activité agricole en zone Soudano-Sahélienne au Cameroun: Cas de Maroua et Yagoua (1948-2013

peer reviewedLe climat soudano-sahélien règne sur la région de l'Extrême Nord du Cameroun. Cette région présente le plus grand retard socioéconomique du pays (INS, 2015). La faible productivité du milieu et la forte croissance démographique sont entre autres les facteurs explicatifs de cette situation. Cette région se raccorde à la bande sahélienne du continent africain caractérisée par une longue saison sèche (Pieri, 1989). Durant les deux dernières décennies, l’Afrique sahélienne a connu un foisonnement d’études hydroclimatiques mettant en exergue une longue période de sècheresse dominée par d’importants déficits pluviométriques avec un impact sur toutes les autres composantes du milieu naturel et humain. Cette étude s’appuie sur une série chronologique de données pluviométriques disponibles pour les stations de Maroua et Yagoua pour identifier les risques liés à la répartition journalière, mensuelle, annuelle et décadaire des précipitations sur l’activité agricole en zone soudano-sahélienne au Cameroun. Il en ressort qu’avant 1969 date de la première rupture de stationnarité, la pluviométrie de la zone était forte avec une prédominance d’années humides. À partir de 1970, commence une longue période sèche marquée par une faible pluviométrie. Les données présentent une reprise de l’humidité dès le début de la décennie 1990 sans toutefois atteindre la situation d’avant 1970. Pendant la période sèche, l’agriculture pluviale fut profondément éprouvée et les populations avaient redoublé d’efforts dans les cultures de contre saison notamment le sorgho (Fotsing, 2009). L’instabilité de la saison des pluies avec des retours tardifs et les fins précoces menace aussi bien l’agriculture pluviale que l’agriculture inondée, de décrue et même de contre saison. Les pauses pluviométriques de plus en plus nombreuses et longues renforcent le caractère aléatoire de l’agriculture pluviale. La recrudescence des fortes pluies est à l’origine d’inondations causant des pertes catastrophiques sur l’ensemble du système de production

The Impact of Polymer Electrolyte Properties on Lithium-Ion Batteries

In recent decades, the enhancement of the properties of electrolytes and electrodes resulted in the development of efficient electrochemical energy storage devices. We herein reported the impact of the different polymer electrolytes in terms of physicochemical, thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Since LIBs use many groups of electrolytes, such as liquid electrolytes, quasi-solid electrolytes, and solid electrolytes, the efficiency of the full device relies on the type of electrolyte used. A good electrolyte is the one that, when used in Li-ion batteries, exhibits high Li+ diffusion between electrodes, the lowest resistance during cycling at the interfaces, a high capacity of retention, a very good cycle-life, high thermal stability, high specific capacitance, and high energy density. The impact of various polymer electrolytes and their components has been reported in this work, which helps to understand their effect on battery performance. Although, single-electrolyte material cannot be sufficient to fulfill the requirements of a good LIB. This review is aimed to lead toward an appropriate choice of polymer electrolyte for LIBs