Vol. 5 No. 08 (2023): Volume 05 Issue 08

As the Sun progresses through its solar cycle and its activity increases, a greater number of sunspots occur, and solar fluxes become more intense. The change in solar activity is related to the change in electron and ion density of the ionosphere. Studying this relation is very important in terms of space plasma studies and space weather predictions, which play a significant role in radio and satellite communication as well as GPS navigation. In this paper, we are presenting the sunspot and solar flux data for solar cycle 24 (year 2008-2020). We are using C/NOFS satellite data to understand the variation of ion densities of the upper atmosphere with solar cycle 24. Our analysis shows decrease of H+ density by a factor of 10 and increase of O+ density by a factor of 10 during solar maxima. This data set can be used as a framework for future advancement in empirical modelling of regional and global ion density of the ionosphere.

This study investigates the antioxidant properties of Coscinium fenestratum stem extracts in a streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes rat model. Diabetes mellitus is associated with oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense mechanisms, leading to various complications. Coscinium fenestratum, a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, has shown potential antioxidant effects. In this research, type 1 diabetes was induced using streptozotocin in rats, followed by the administration of Coscinium fenestratum stem extracts. The extracts' antioxidant potential was evaluated through measurements of reactive oxygen species levels, enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase), and non-enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E). Histological assessments of pancreatic tissues were also conducted. The results demonstrate that Coscinium fenestratum extracts significantly reduce oxidative stress markers and enhance antioxidant defenses in diabetic rats. Moreover, histological improvements in pancreatic tissues were observed. These findings suggest that Coscinium fenestratum stem extracts hold promise as a therapeutic intervention for combating oxidative stress-associated complications in type 1 diabetes.

This study aims to optimize the synthesis of actinokinase from a local isolate by focusing on the optimization of physical conditions using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Actinokinase is an enzyme with significant potential in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. The physical conditions, including temperature, pH, and agitation rate, are critical factors influencing actinokinase production. RSM, a statistical tool, allows for the simultaneous optimization of multiple variables, enabling the determination of the optimal physical conditions for actinokinase synthesis. By employing RSM, the study identifies the optimal combination of physical conditions that maximize actinokinase production, enhancing its potential applications.

This study investigates the impact of dodder (Cuscuta spp.) infestation and gamma radiation on the Fahl ecotype of Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum). Dodder is a parasitic plant that can significantly affect the growth, development, and productivity of its host plants. Gamma radiation, on the other hand, is a widely used technique for plant mutation breeding and pest control. The objective of this research is to assess the individual and combined effects of dodder infestation and gamma radiation on the physiological, morphological, and biochemical characteristics of the Fahl ecotype of Egyptian clover. The study includes controlled experiments with different treatments, including dodder infestation alone, gamma radiation alone, and combined dodder infestation with gamma radiation. Parameters such as plant height, biomass accumulation, chlorophyll content, enzymatic activities, and seed yield are measured and compared across the different treatments. The results provide valuable insights into the susceptibility of the Fahl ecotype of Egyptian clover to dodder infestation and the potential mitigating effects of gamma radiation. Understanding the interaction between dodder infestation and gamma radiation can contribute to the development of effective management strategies for maintaining the productivity and resilience of Egyptian clover in the presence of this parasitic weed.