via an addition reaction, a tetrahedral cobalt(II) complex with the asymmetric ligand 1-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-3-phenylthiourea (L) was synthesized. Crystal structure of the complex, [CoL₂Cl₂], demonstrated a monoclinic system packing and coordination of the divalent cobalt ion with S atoms of two thiourea ligand molecules and two chlorine atoms. Fusarium species are very destructive phytopathogens, causing considerable economic loss. Drawbacks of organic antifungals include their poor solubility, instability and limited bioavailability. Environmental accumulation and negative effects on people’s health are results of their extensive use. The complex [CoL₂Cl₂], comparing with its precursors, offered higher inhibitions in plates of three Fusarium phytopathogens, i.e. Fusarium lateritium, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium solani. [CoL₂Cl₂] (150 µg/ml) inhibited F. oxysporum, F. solani, and F. lateritium by 28–38 mm, but 1-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-3-phenylthiourea and cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate inhibited these fungi by 7–8.5 and 7.5–24.5 mm, respectively. In the presence of [CoL₂Cl₂] (150 µg/ml), the percent pathogenicity to wheat seeds by F. oxysporum and F. lateritium was brought to zero (20% by F. solani). Phytotoxicity action of [CoL₂Cl₂], cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate, and 1-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-3-phenylthiourea (150 µg/ml) on wheat seed germination was weak, reducing the optimal germination percentage (100% for control) to 83.3, 76.7, and 90%, respectively.

This study investigates the mechanical, elastic wave, AC conductivity, and dielectric properties of (ZnSn)₁₋ₓMₓO nanocomposites (NCs), where M is Co or Cu (0.00 < x < 0.50), and compares them to those of ZnO and SnO nanosheets. Both Co and Cu series NCs showed minor changes in mechanical and elastic wave propagation up to x = 0.30. ZnSnO NCs exhibited higher AC conductivity and dielectric constants than ZnO or SnO nanosheets, which were subsequently reduced by incorporating Co or Cu ions. While ZnSnO NCs displayed high dielectric loss (tan δ), Co incorporation led to lower tan δ without affecting the quality factor (Q_factor); conversely, Cu significantly decreased tan δ and strongly improved the Q_factor. The conduction mechanism shifted from polaron in ZnO or SnO nanosheets to hole-dominated in ZnSnO and Co-doped ZnSnO NCs, whereas the Cu-doped ZnSnO NCs exhibited a mixed polaron and hole conduction depending on the incorporated Cu content. ZnSnO NCs demonstrated lower bulk impedance and electronic polarizability than binary ZnO and SnO nanosheets; however, doped ZnSnO NCs with high Co concentration dramatically increased both, a trend opposite to that observed with Cu. Effective capacitance (C_eff) was significantly enhanced in ZnSnO NCs relative to binary ZnO and SnO nanosheets, followed by C_eff decrease with the addition of Co or Cu ions. Conversely, the electric modulus of ZnSnO NCs was considerably reduced compared to SnO or ZnO nanosheets, and this reduction was further amplified by Co or Cu incorporation. Parameters such as polaron binding energy and hopping distance were estimated using the correlated barrier polaron hopping modelVariations in properties between nanosheets and NCs are primarily attributed to differences in internal structures. Notably, these (ZnSn)_1-xMₓO NCs, both undoped and doped with Co or Cu, show promise for energy storage applications.

Using synthetic pesticides is the main strategy for controlling pests. However, these compounds have caused worry because of their harmful effects on health and their diminishing efficacy against pests that have developed resistance. Consequently, there is a growing interest in adopting more sustainable control methods. Stevia rebaudiana is a valuable medicinal plant used in the food industry for the production of steviol glycosides, a type of natural sweetener. An EO that could be useful for creating innovative insecticides may come from the industrially used plant biomass. In this study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyse the chemical composition of S. rebaudiana leaves. Sesquiterpenes, or caryophyllene oxide (20.7 %), spathulenol (14.9 %), and (E)-nerolidol (8.0 %), and diterpenes, or phytol (9.2 %), made up the majority of the EO composition. The efficacy of the EO major constituents, namely Phytol, (E)-nerolidol, Spathulenol, and Caryophyllene oxide, was also tested against S. frugiperda. Phytol was the most effective LC₅₀ = 14.38 mg/L, followed by (E)-nerolidol LC₅₀ = 15.88 mg/L, Spathulenol LC₅₀ = 18.42 mg/L, and Caryophyllene oxide LC₅₀ = 23.41 mg/L. Furthermore, some of the biological and histological features of the extracts were also studied in a lab setting. Overall, Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) should be given more consideration in the development of environmentally safe and efficient pesticides.

Fall armyworms, or Spodoptera frugiperda, are a major pest for numerous economically significant cultures. The majority of S. frugiperda control is still accomplished through the use of genetically modified plants and artificial chemicals, both of which have the potential to negatively impact no target animals. In order to further improve the insecticidal activity based on eco-friendly principles, we synthesized ten novel carbohydrazide derivatives and evaluated their insecticidal performance against S. frugiperda larvae in their second and fourth larval instars. A number of spectroscopic techniques, were used to verify the newly developed products' structural integrity. Target compound 10 was the most active, with an LC₅₀ of 2.14 mg/L for 2nd instar larvae and 15.33 mg/L for 4th instar larvae. In addition, some biological and histological characteristics of the demonstration compounds were also investigated. This work provides new insights into the production of carbohydrazide compounds and further supports the anti-proliferation of S. frugiperda.

This study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution of groundwater quality and hydrochemical characteristics in the Middle Eocene aquifer of West Mallawi, El Minya Governorate, Egypt, using comparative datasets from 2016 to 2024. As the region's principal source of domestic and agricultural water, the aquifer is increasingly stressed by overextraction, urban encroachment, and contamination. A total of 59 groundwater samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and major ions to evaluate temporal shifts in water quality. Results show a slight decline in water levels, from 98 m in 2016 to 97 m in 2024, and a shift toward more alkaline conditions, with pH increasing from 7.6 to 7.9. Salinity also rose, with EC increasing from 1692 to 1784 μS/cm and TDS increasing from 1083 to 1142 ppm. Critically, chloride concentrations more than doubled, exceeding WHO limits, while sulfate declined. Overall water quality deteriorated, with the Water Quality Index changing from predominantly “Excellent” in 2016 to mainly “Good” in 2024; several samples recorded WQI values greater than 100, indicating poor quality for consumption. Hydrochemical facies, illustrated by Langelier–Ludwig diagrams, remained dominated by the SO₄·Cl–Na type, while multivariate analyses (PCA and hierarchical clustering) confirmed evaporation, ion exchange, and intensifying anthropogenic inputs as the main drivers of groundwater salinization and contamination. Sentinel-2 imagery and NDVI-based land-use/land-cover analysis revealed rapid urban expansion into agricultural zones and a marked reduction in vegetative cover, reinforcing the connection between land-use change and groundwater degradation. These findings demonstrate accelerating aquifer deterioration and highlight the urgent need for stricter groundwater abstraction controls, contamination safeguards, and integrated land–water management to ensure long-term water security in West Mallawi and comparable arid settings.

Climate variability, population growth, and agricultural expansion increasingly strain groundwater resources in arid and hyper-arid regions. In West Mallawi, El-Minya Governorate, Egypt—where annual rainfall is less than 10 mm—the Middle Eocene and Oligocene–Pleistocene aquifers serve as the main sources of domestic and agricultural water. This study aims to support sustainable groundwater management by comparatively assessing their hydrochemical characteristics, water quality, and potential health risks. In 2024, 86 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical parameters, hydrochemical facies, and water quality indices. The deeper Middle Eocene aquifer exhibited higher total dissolved solids (TDS) and greater mineralization than the shallower Oligocene–Pleistocene aquifer. Hydrochemical facies analysis revealed predominant sulfate–chloride–sodium water types, influenced by evaporite dissolution, cation exchange, and prolonged water–rock interaction. Water Quality Index (WQI) evaluations indicated that most Oligocene–Pleistocene samples ranged from “good” to “poor,” whereas many Middle Eocene samples were classified as “poor” to “unsuitable” for drinking, with similar trends observed for irrigation suitability. Health risk assessment highlighted elevated hazard levels in the Middle Eocene aquifer, emphasizing the need for targeted treatment, routine monitoring, and strengthened groundwater management strategies. This comparative approach provides new insights into the vulnerabilities of aquifers under extreme arid conditions and offers evidence-based guidance for sustainable resource management.

This study assesses groundwater quality in the western desert peripheries of El Minya Governorate, Egypt, through hydrochemical analysis, multivariate statistics, water quality indices (WQI), and health risk assessment. Twenty-four groundwater samples were collected and analyzed in July 2024. Results revealed high salinity (EC: 937–11,900 µS/cm), TDS (561–7140 ppm), and hardness (300–2000 ppm), exceeding WHO standards. Dominant hydrochemical facies include SO₄·Cl–Ca·Mg (56%), (SO₄·Cl–Na (33%), and 13% of sample located in the suture line, driven by evaporite dissolution and ion exchange. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that salinity-related variables (Na⁺, Cl⁻, TDS) explained 50.8% of data variance. WQI results indicated that 25% of samples were "very poor" or "unfit for consumption," with the highest WQI value reaching 158. Agricultural evaluation found 7 samples unsuitable for irrigation, though most samples were suitable for cattle, but not always for poultry. Health risk assessment of Hofmeister ions showed that > 90% of samples exceeded safe intake limits for Ca, Na, Cl, and Mg. These levels pose risks for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal osteodystrophy (ROD). Overall, groundwater quality is significantly compromised by natural and anthropogenic influences, necessitating urgent treatment, monitoring, and sustainable management strategies.

Palynological organic matter (POM) of the Neogene succession from the Sidi Salim-1 well, located in the onshore Nile Delta, Egypt (Eastern Mediterranean), suggests a wide range of environments, from deltaic to offshore marine. These environments were discriminated by the overall palynofacies composition, including indicative dinoflagellate cysts, mainly Spiniferites and Selenopemphix. Near-shore marine environment was interpreted for the Middle Miocene (Langhian–Serravallian) Sidi Salim Formation. Deltaic to shallow marine environments were suggested for the Qawasim (Miocene) and Kafr El Sheikh (Pliocene) formations, while the distant (offshore) marine setting was established in the Pliocene Abu Madi Formation. This deeper environment, of the Abu Madi Formation, can be used to confirm a previous documentation of an Early Pliocene progressive drowning of an incised valley, related to the Messinian Salinity Crises (MSC) events, by the late Messinian sea level drop in the Mediterranean. Suboxic to anoxic conditions existed during deposition of the investigated well succession. Anoxia was confirmed by the occurrence of imprints of pyrite crystals across much of the well succession. The occurrence of abundant Poaceae pollen may suggest widespread dry grassland vegetation during deposition of the Neogene sedi-ments of the well. In a regional context, the Neogene environments in the Nile Delta area vary according to the relative position of the investigated sediments, due to structural, palaeogeographic and basinal settings. The recovered palynofacies fluctuated between amorphous organic matter (AOM)-dominated and phytoclast-dominated categories, mostly of the kerogen type II, which is capable of producing oil and gas. The visual assessment of the spore coloration index (SCI) of thin-walled trilete spores in the well section, shows values ranging between 5 and 8, confirming a thermally mature organic matter and,consequently,can be potential source rocks.

Integration of facies analysis with organic microfossils (mainly dinoflagellate cysts) provides insights into the paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the onshore part of the Douala sub-basin of Cameroon. Nine lithofacies were identified, grouped in three main facies agglomerate/conglomerates, sands/sandstones and clay facies were identified. These facies reflect periodic proximal to distal sediment inputs, under changing water level, most likely controlled by climate and tectonics. The recovered dinoflagellate cysts were essentially composed of Cerodinium granulostriatum, Glaphyrocysta microfenestrata, Lejeunecysta sp. and Senegalinium laevigatum, along with Longapertites marginatus, Spinizonocolpites echinatus and Spini- zonocolpites baculatus as significant terrestrial pollen. The dinoflagellate cysts were indicative of a shallow marine environment, affected by freshwater influx, under fluctuating dysoxic-anoxic, suboxic-anoxic and oxic states. These paleoenvironmental characteristics are consistent with the Upper Cretaceous sedimen- tary cycle of the Douala sub-basin, which terminated during the Maastrichtian, with a rapid and differen- tial marine regression. The recovered organic-walled palynomorphs were a powerful biostratigraphic tool in the correlation of Campanian-Maastrichtian in the area and surroundings.

Based on well-preserved palynomorphs a biostratigraphic assessment of the Miocene to Pleistocene succession
in the NDO B-1 well, Nile Delta area, Egypt, is presented. Terrestrial pollen and spores are relatively more abundant
and diverse in their spectra than the marine dinoflagellate cysts, which has enabled their semi-quantitative
estimation. Dinoflagellate cysts are investigated on a qualitative basis. Two informal spore-pollen zones and
seven informal zones based on dinoflagellate cysts are suggested and calibrated by planktonic foraminifera and
calcareous nannoplankton zones in the well; on a local scale they can be useful in the Nile Delta area. The results
were compared with the Cenozoic palynomorph associations in the Mediterranean and Paratethyan realms. The
dinoflagellate cyst taxa around the Messinian–Zanclean boundary in the well log lack characteristic brackish
Paratethyan taxa, which is probably due to a disconnection or limited water circulation between the Paratethys
and the eastern Mediterranean at the Messinian–Zanclean boundary or related to a stratigraphic bias.