Foods rich in phytochemicals are well recognized for their role in the prevention of chronic disease development, in addition to fulfilling the nutrient requirements. However, different processing methods employed during preparation may affect their levels and functionality as they are sensitive to different processing parameters such as temperature and light. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three common processing methods; boiling, fermentation, and drying (sun and solar drying, with and without blanching), on total phenolic content and total flavonoid content in cassava (Manhot esculenta Crantz), black jack (Bidens pilosa) and bitter lettuce leaves (Launaea cornuta) grown in Mkuranga District in the Eastern part of Tanzania. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were analyzed by using the spectrophotometric method with the use of Folin-Ciocalteu and Aluminum Chloride reagents, respectively. Total phenolic content ranged from 0.9±0.14 to 85.7 ± 0.56 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/100g and flavonoids ranged from 0.03±0.00 to 3.9±0.03 mg/100g across the treatments. Both parameters were adversely affected by fermentation and boiling, while solar and sun drying only reduced the flavonoid content. Results showed that direct solar and sun drying appear to be effective processing methods, for the retention and maintenance of total phenolic content in all samples while, none proved to be effective for flavonoid content.

Starting with Planck scale it is developed the Relativistic Radial Density Theory (RRDT). In this theory, the Planck and gravitational parameters can be described as the functions of the radial mass (energy) density value. This density is maximal at the minimal radius and minimal at the maximal radius. This conclusion is based on the fact that the ratio of Planck mass and Planck length (radius) is constant. These radiuses can be described as the function of the energy conservation constant κ. Using RRDT, it is possible to develop the connections between Planck’s and gravitational parameters as function of the maximal and minimal radial mass (energy) density values. In that sense, the gravitational length, time, energy and temperature can be presented as the function of the Planck length, time, energy and temperature, respectively. This opens possibility to merge of Quantum Field Theory (QFT) and the General Theory of Relativity (GTR) at the quantum scale in gravitational field. The existence of the maximal radial mass (energy) density value at the minimal radius in gravitational field means that no singularity in that field. Further, the existence of the minimal radial mass (energy) density value at the maximal radius in gravitational field means that no infinity in that field. It follows the postulation: the most minimal radius in a gravitational field belongs to the minimal mass (energy). Since the Planck mass is not the minimal mass in space-time, the Planck length/radius is not the minimal length/radius in the space-time. If the calculated minimal (or maximal) radius is the bigger than the related official radius it means that there exists a dark matter in this object. In that sense, the black holes are presenting the state of the matter at the minimal radius where we have the maximal radial mass (energy) density value. Further, the maximal possible radius of the matter is presenting the state with the minimal radial mass (energy) density value. Thus, the maximal and minimal radial mass (energy) density values are constants and conserved items. Now the question is: do motion of the Universe follows the RRDT?

Background: Coronavirus disease has caused global turmoil especially causing huge impact on human life all over the world. Current reports states more than 3 million people have lost life and more than 160 million people are known to be suspected with the SARS-CoV-2. Transmission and disease incidence rates are indicators to assess the seriousness of COVID-19 pandemic and studies to understand the factors that aid in this direction are very vital to curb the disease. Methods: The study intends to discover the relationship by performing statistical analysis using correlation and multiple linear regression analysis between the variable’s population density, temperature, relative humidity, and active time of virus and find out the parameters that predict the cases reported per million population in 83 countries. Results: Analysis indicates active time of virus in days is very positively associated with the COVID -19 cases in all the countries r = .604, p < .01. Active time of virus shows strong negative correlation with temperature r = -.930, p < .01 revealing that rise in temperature will reduce the virus activity in the population. Together, these variables will account for 36.2% variance in the cases per million population with no significant prediction estimated from any factor. Conclusion: The study outcomes clearly state that population density alone is insufficient to estimate the extent of influence on COVID -19 cases as the number of persons living per sq. km of land is a dynamic quantity tend to fluctuate over time and space due to migration of population. In conjunction to the previous studies reported on the environmental and climatic factors influencing the cases reported, population dynamics does not show much significance on the disease spread and incidence. Contribution: The rise in confirmed cases and the high incidence rate reported in countries can be attributed to the active time of virus life expectancy as there is a positive correlation observed between the COVID-19 cases reported and the virus active time in the examined countries. Also, environment and climatic factors play a role in modulating the infection and transmission rate with less significant influence of population density on the COVID-19.

The processes of technical and technological development are unequivocally linked to increasing energy consumption, with a significant portion of energy being produced from fossil fuels worldwide. The reserves of natural energy sources such as petroleum, gas, coal, and turf are finite. The transition to renewable energy sources has been ongoing for a long time, but share in global energy consumption remains lower than desired. The main limitations include limited availability, inability to operate continuously throughout the year, high costs, and a lack of materials and devices capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressures. The goal of our research is to create a device that generates electricity using a new type of renewable energy source based on the thermal expansion and contraction of materials. This paper presents the construction, details, and working principles of the new device. The primary focus is on utilizing materials and components that are readily available. The proposed method has own advantages, addresses some of the aforementioned limitations, and can be particularly beneficial for providing electrical energy in remote areas. Calculations indicate that the device built using this new method will be competitive with appliances that utilize other renewable energy sources in terms of features and efficiency.