Given the increasing demand for sustainable energy sources and the challenges associated with the limited efficiency of solar cells, this review focuses on the application of gold quantum dots (AuQDs) in enhancing solar cell performance. Gold quantum dots, with their unique properties such as the ability to absorb ultraviolet light and convert it into visible light expand the utilization of the solar spectrum in solar cells. Additionally, these quantum dots, through plasmonic effects and the enhancement of localized electric fields, improve light absorption, charge carrier generation (electrons and holes), and their transfer. This study investigates the integration of quantum dots with gold plasmonic nanoparticles into the structure of solar cells. Experimental results demonstrate that using green quantum dots and gold plasmonic nanoparticles as intermediate layers leads to an increase in power conversion efficiency. This improvement highlights the significant impact of this technology on solar cell performance. Furthermore, the reduction in charge transfer resistance and the increase in short-circuit current are additional advantages of utilizing this technology. The findings of this research emphasize the high potential of gold quantum dots in advancing next-generation solar cell technology.

A salinity gradient solar pond (SGSP) is a large and deep artificial basin of layered brine, that collects and stores simultaneous solar energy for use in various applications. Experimental and theoretical studies have been launched to understand the thermal behavior of SGSPs, under different operating conditions. This article then traces the history of SGSPs, from their natural discovery to their current artificial applications and the progress of studies and research, according to their chronological sequence, in terms of determining their physical and dynamic aspects, their operation, management, and maintenance. It has extensively covered the theoretical and experimental studies, as well as the direct and laboratory applications of this technology, especially the most famous and influential in this field, classified according to the aspect covered by the study, with a comparison between the different results obtained. In addition, it highlighted the latest methods to improve the performance of an SGSP and facilitate its operation, such as the use of a magnetic field and the adoption of remote data acquisition, with the aim of expanding research and enhancing the benefit of this technology.

In regard to national development (ND), this review article (which is basically a perspective approach) presents retroactive and forward-looking perspectives on university education in Nigeria. In the past, particularly during the 1970s, the Nigerian university (NU) sector was among the most outstanding in Africa as well as globally. The best institutions drew students from around Africa, who flocked to Nigeria to study. The NU structure evidently contained four essential components for an international and effective university system, viz., world-class instructors, world-class students, a conducive learning environment, and global competitiveness. The NU structure, nevertheless, has undergone some neglect over the past thirty years and lost its distinctive identity, which raises questions about its function and applicability at the current stage of ND. Hence, some retrospective and forward-looking observations on university education in Nigeria in connection to ND are conveyed in this perspective article uses basically published articles and other relevant literature, as well as other sources and data from available literature. Hitherto, there is an urgent need for reinforcement of the university system in order to give it the desired and comparable international quality and functionality needed to meet the demands of current issues and the near future. However, this article conveys an intense belief and conviction that the NU system is still important for both the political and socioeconomic development (growth) of the nation. The article concludes by recommending the way forward in this regard.

The human brain has been described as a complex system. Its study by means of neurophysiological signals has revealed the presence of linear and nonlinear interactions. In this context, entropy metrics have been used to uncover brain behavior in the presence and absence of neurological disturbances. Entropy mapping is of great interest for the study of progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of this study was to characterize the dynamics of brain oscillations in such disease by means of entropy and amplitude of low frequency oscillations from Bold signals of the default network and the executive control network in Alzheimer’s patients and healthy individuals, using a database extracted from the Open Access Imaging Studies series. The results revealed higher discriminative power of entropy by permutations compared to low-frequency fluctuation amplitude and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations. Increased entropy by permutations was obtained in regions of the default network and the executive control network in patients. The posterior cingulate cortex and the precuneus showed differential characteristics when assessing entropy by permutations in both groups. There were no findings when correlating metrics with clinical scales. The results demonstrated that entropy by permutations allows characterizing brain function in Alzheimer’s patients, and also reveals information about nonlinear interactions complementary to the characteristics obtained by calculating the amplitude of low frequency oscillations.

The study intends to identify the existing implementation bottlenecks that hamper the effectiveness of the Ethiopian forest policy and laws in regional states by focusing on the Oromia Regional State. It attempts to address the question, “What are the challenges for the effective implementation of the federal forest policy and law in Ethiopia in general and Oromia Regional State in particular?”. The study followed a qualitative research approach, and the relevant data was collected through in-depth interviews from 11 leaders and experts of the policy, who were purposively selected. Furthermore, relevant documents such as the constitutions, forest policies and laws, and government documents were carefully reviewed. Based on this, the study found that there is the dichotomy between the provision of the constitution regarding the forest policy and lawmaking and the constitutional amendment on one hand and the push for genuine decentralization in the Ethiopian federal state on the other. To elaborate, the constitution is rigid for amendment, and it has given the power of forest policy and lawmaking to the federal government. On the other hand, the quest for genuine decentralization requires these powers to be devolved to the regional states. As the constitution is rigid, this may continue to be the major future challenge of the forest policy and lawmaking of the state. This demonstrates a conflict of interests between the two layers of governments, i.e., the federal and regional (Oromia Regional State) governments. Respecting and practicing the constitution may be the immediate solution to this pressing problem.