bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Last glacial temperature reconstructions using coupled isotopic analyses of fossil snails and stalagmites from archaeological caves in Okinawa, Japan
Authors: Asami Ryuji , Hondo Rikuto , Uemura Ryu , Fujita Masaki , Yamasaki Shinji , Shen Chuan-Chou , Wu Chung-Che , Jiang Xiuyang , Takayanagi Hideko , Shinjo Ryuichi , Kano Akihiro , Iryu Yasufumi
Published: November 2021

We applied a new geoarchaeological method with two carbonate archives, which are fossil snails from Sakitari Cave and stalagmites from Gyokusen Cave, on Okinawa Island, Japan, to reconstruct surface air temperature changes over the northwestern Pacific since the last glacial period. Oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) of modern and fossil freshwater snail shells were determined to infer seasonal temperature variations. The observational and analytical data confirm that δ18O values of fluid inclusion waters in the stalagmite can be regarded as those of spring waters at the sites where snails lived. Our results indicate that the annual mean, summer, and winter air temperatures were lower by 6–7 °C at ca. 23 thousand years ago (ka) and 4–5 °C at ca. 16–13 ka than those of the present day. Our reconstruction implies that surface air cooling was possibly two times greater than that of seawater around the Ryukyu Islands during the Last Glacial Maximum, which potentially enhanced the development of the East Asian summer monsoon during the last deglaciation. Considering the potential uncertainties in the temperature estimations, the climatic interpretations of this study are not necessarily definitive due to the limited number of samples. Nevertheless, our new geoarchaeological approach using coupled δ18O determinations of fossil snails and stalagmite fluid inclusion waters will be useful for reconstructing snapshots of seasonally resolved time series of air temperatures during the Quaternary.
Gene-corrected p.A30P SNCA patient-derived isogenic neurons rescue neuronal branching and function
Authors: Barbuti Peter A. , Ohnmacht Jochen , Santos Bruno F. R. , Antony Paul M. , Massart François , Cruciani Gérald , Dording Claire M. , Pavelka Lukas , Casadei Nicolas , Kwon Yong-Jun , Krüger Rejko
Published: November 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterised by the degeneration of A9 dopaminergic neurons and the pathological accumulation of alpha-synuclein. The p.A30P SNCA mutation generates the pathogenic form of the alpha-synuclein protein causing an autosomal-dominant form of PD. There are limited studies assessing pathogenic SNCA mutations in patient-derived isogenic cell models. Here we provide a functional assessment of dopaminergic neurons derived from a patient harbouring the p.A30P SNCA mutation. Using two clonal gene-corrected isogenic cell lines we identified image-based phenotypes showing impaired neuritic processes. The pathological neurons displayed impaired neuronal activity, reduced mitochondrial respiration, an energy deficit, vulnerability to rotenone, and transcriptional alterations in lipid metabolism. Our data describes for the first time the mutation-only effect of the p.A30P SNCA mutation on neuronal function, supporting the use of isogenic cell lines in identifying image-based pathological phenotypes that can serve as an entry point for future disease-modifying compound screenings and drug discovery strategies.
Diagnostic odyssey of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in children
Authors: Takahashi Yoko , Hayakawa Itaru , Abe Yuichi
Published: November 2021

We aimed to determine whether acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) diagnosis in children is delayed, and if so, to identify the clinical risk factors of delayed diagnosis. Standardised data were collected from children with ADEM from 2003 to 2020. Overall diagnostic delay (time between symptom onset and ADEM diagnosis), physicians’ delay (between the first medical visit and ADEM diagnosis), and patients’ delay (between symptom onset and the first medical visit) were analysed. Thirty ADEM patients were identified, including 16 (54%) with neurological deficits at discharge. Overall, physicians’, and patients’ delays were 9 (interquartile range [IQR] 6–20.5), 5.5 (IQR 3–14), and 4 (IQR 2–8) days, respectively. Overall delay was significantly associated with physicians’ delay, but not with patients’ delay. There were 61 misdiagnoses among 25 (83%) patients, while 5 (17%) were diagnosed correctly at the first visit. The misdiagnoses of common respiratory and gastrointestinal infection and aseptic meningitis were associated with overall and/or physicians’ delay. Later onset of specific neurological features suggestive of ADEM was associated with all three diagnostic delays. A unique diagnostic odyssey exists in ADEM. Several clinical risk factors were associated with the diagnostic delay.
Epidemiologic trends in cancer-related emergency department utilization in Korea from 2015 to 2019
Authors: Lee Sun Young , Ro Young Sun , Shin Sang Do , Moon Sungwoo
Published: November 2021

It is inevitable for cancer patients to visit the emergency department (ED) for symptoms of cancer itself and various treatment-related complications. As the prevalence of cancer increases along with cancer survival rates, the number of ED visits of cancer patients may increase. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiologic trends and characteristics of cancer-related ED visits. A cross-sectional study was conducted for all ED visits nationwide between 2015 and 2019. The characteristics of cancer- and non-cancer-related ED visits were compared, and the cancer type and primary reason for ED visits were investigated for cancer-related ED visits. The age- and sex-standardized incidence rate per 100,000 population was calculated. Among 44,983,523 ED visits for 5 years, 1,372,119 (3.1%) were cancer-related. Among cancer-related ED visits, 54.8% led to hospitalization including 5.1% in ICU, and 9.5% died in the hospital. The age- and sex-standardized incidence rates of cancer-related ED visits per 100,000 population increased from 521.8 in 2015 to 642.2 in 2019 (p-for-trends, < 0.01), and rates of cancer-related hospital admission via ED were 309.0 in 2015 and 336.6 in 2019 (p-for-trends, 0.75). The most common cancer types were lung cancer (14.7%), liver cancer (13.1%), and colorectal cancer (11.5%). The most common primary reasons of cancer-related ED visits were pneumonia (3.6%), gastroenteritis (2.7%), fever (2.6%), abdominal pain (2.4%), and ileus (2.1%). Cancer-related ED visits accounted for 3.1% of all ED visits, with 1.37 million cases over five years. The incidence rate of cancer-related ED visits has increased year by year, with high hospitalization and mortality rates, and the burden of cancer-related ED visits will continue to increase as the prevalence increases.
Elastic deformation plays a non-negligible role in Greenland’s outlet glacier flow
Authors: Christmann Julia , Helm Veit , Khan Shfaqat Abbas , Kleiner Thomas , Müller Ralf , Morlighem Mathieu , Neckel Niklas , Rückamp Martin , Steinhage Daniel , Zeising Ole , Humbert Angelika
Published: November 2021

Future projections of global mean sea level change are uncertain, partly because of our limited understanding of the dynamics of Greenland’s outlet glaciers. Here we study Nioghalvfjerdsbræ, an outlet glacier of the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream that holds 1.1 m sea-level equivalent of ice. We use GPS observations and numerical modelling to investigate the role of tides as well as the elastic contribution to glacier flow. We find that ocean tides alter the basal lubrication of the glacier up to 10 km inland of the grounding line, and that their influence is best described by a viscoelastic rather than a viscous model. Further inland, sliding is the dominant mechanism of fast glacier motion, and the ice flow induces persistent elastic strain. We conclude that elastic deformation plays a role in glacier flow, particularly in areas of steep topographic changes and fast ice velocities.
Electrical properties of yttria-stabilised hafnia ceramics
Authors: Alotaibi Meshari , Li Linhao , West Anthony R
Published: November 2021

Cubic, yttria-stabilised hafnia, YSH, ceramics of general formula, YxHf1−xO2−x/2: x = 0.15, 0.30 and 0.45 are mainly oxide ion conductors which have p-type electronic conduction especially at high pO2.
The reaction of HV(CO)4dppe with MoO3: a well-defined model of hydrogen spillover
Authors: Almidani Abdulhamid H. , Benz Michael , Winkler Mario , Ikeda Yuji , Grabowski Blazej , van Slageren Joris , Estes Deven P.
Published: November 2021

Hydrogen spillover is mechanistically poorly understood, due to the H˙ donor complexity.
Direct synthesis of ring-fused quinolines and pyridines catalyzed by NNHY-ligated manganese complexes (Y = NR2 or SR)
Authors: Wang Zheng , Lin Qing , Ma Ning , Liu Song , Han Mingyang , Yan Xiuli , Liu Qingbin , Solan Gregory A. , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: November 2021

A robust NNS-manganese(i) complex has been developed that can efficiently catalyze the dehydrogenation coupling of γ-amino alcohols with ketones or secondary alcohols in a one-step synthesis of quinolines and pyridines with high yields.
Iron-based electrode materials for solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysers
Authors: Ni Chengsheng , Zhou Jun , Zhang Ziye , Li Shuangbin , Ni Jiupai , Wu Kai , Irvine John T. S.
Published: November 2021

Iron-based electrode materials are widely investigated for robust and high-performance SOCs because of their low-cost and the appropriate valence stability of Fe–O bond to exhibit excellent redox activity across a wide range of electrode functions.
Porous ferroelectric materials for energy technologies: current status and future perspectives
Authors: Yan Mingyang , Xiao Zhida , Ye Jingjing , Yuan Xi , Li Zihe , Bowen Chris , Zhang Yan , Zhang Dou
Published: November 2021

The most recent developments and future perspectives of porous ferroelectric materials for energy technologies are systematically discussed and summarized.
Influence of Al/Fe-based coagulant dosing sequences on floc formation and settling behavior in algae-laden water
Authors: Tsai Ming-Han , Liang Wen-Long , Hua Lap-Cuong , Huang Chihpin
Published: November 2021

Dosing sequence of PACl → iron-based coagulants showed faster floc aggregation, larger floc size and faster floc settling rate than the iron-based coagulants → PACl.
Disinfection of constructed wetland effluent by in situ electrochemical chlorine production for water reuse
Authors: Mosquera-Romero Suanny , Prévoteau Antonin , Arends Jan B. A. , Rousseau Diederik P. L. , Dominguez-Granda Luis , Rabaey Korneel
Published: November 2021

Constructed wetland effluents meet water reuse standards after efficient electrochemical disinfection, and residual chlorine restricts pathogen regrowth. Chloride electromigration through anion exchange membranes (AEMs) maximized chlorine production.
Bio-based copolyesters involving 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitols and sebacic acid: 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid as platforms for high gas barrier food packaging
Authors: Liu Xuelian , Lebrun Laurent , Follain Nadège , Desilles Nicolas
Published: November 2021

The synthesized bio-based copolyesters described in this paper bring added value in the field of sustainable food packaging.
Cu-ion-induced n- to p-type switching in organic thermoelectric polyazacycloalkane/carbon nanotubes
Authors: Hata Shinichi , Nakata Riku , Yasuda Soichiro , Ihara Hiroki , Du Yukou , Shiraishi Yukihide , Toshima Naoki
Published: November 2021

The semiconducting properties of polyazacycloalkane/carbon nanotubes film can be changed from n-type to p-type by Cu ions, which simplifies module manufacturing.
Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction directed through the p-band center of boron on BSAC@Mo2C
Authors: Maibam Ashakiran , Krishnamurty Sailaja , Ahmad Dar Manzoor
Published: November 2021

A boron anchored defective Mo2C monolayer with superior electrocatalytic activity for the NRR at 0.41 eV along the distal pathway on account of a more positive B p-band center.
Regulation of photo triggered cytotoxicity in electrospun nanomaterials: role of photosensitizer binding mode and polymer identity
Authors: Galstyan Anzhela , Majiya Hussaini , Dobrindt Urlich
Published: November 2021

The remarkable results of this study provide a holistic understanding of the individual contributions of the material properties to the antimicrobial efficacy of the photoactive nanobased materials.
Rare earth element based single-atom catalysts: synthesis, characterization and applications in photo/electro-catalytic reactions
Authors: Liang Zhong , Yin Leilei , Yin Hang , Yin Zongyou , Du Yaping
Published: November 2021

The synthesis, characterization, and applications of rare earth-based single-atom catalysts.
Neodymium catalysts for polymerization of dienes, vinyl monomers, and ε-caprolactone
Authors: Wang Hanghang , Cue John Michael O. , Calubaquib Erika L. , Kularatne Ruvanthi N. , Taslimy Somayeh , Miller Justin T. , Stefan Mihaela C.
Published: November 2021

This review discusses various neodymium catalysts for stereospecific polymerization of dienes, vinyl monomers, and ε-caprolactone.
“In-water” direct arylation polymerization (DArP) under aerobic emulsion conditions
Authors: Ye Liwei , Hooshmand Tanin , Thompson Barry C.
Published: November 2021

To address the issue of generating large amounts of organic waste from conjugated polymer synthesis, the first direct arylation polymerization (DArP) protocol under emulsion conditions is disclosed with a 10-fold reduction of organic solvent utilized.
Pyridines as retarding agents in photoinduced thermal frontal cationic polymerization of epoxydes
Authors: Allonas X. , Lecompère M. , Gachet B. , Criqui A. , Maréchal D. , Croutxé-Barghorn C.
Published: November 2021

Photoinduced thermal frontal polymerization of epoxide in the presence of pyridines as retarding agents.
Optimization of bacterial cytokine protein production by response surface methodology for environmental bioremediation
Authors: Xie Mengqi , Li Yilin , Xu Luning , Zhang Shusheng , Ye Hongyu , Sun Faqian , Mei Rongwu , Su Xiaomei
Published: November 2021

A group of secreted proteins fromM. luteus, recognized as resuscitation promoting factors (Rpf) can resuscitate the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state bacteria which have the potential function of environmental bioremediation.
Formation and enhancement of negative thermal quenching in emission of KGdF4:Eu3+, Yb3+@GQDs
Authors: Wu Zhigao , Chen Chang , Wang Yaxiong , Luo Chaolian , Liao Sen , Huang Yingheng , Ming Junyu
Published: November 2021

The optimal sample exhibits a high luminescence thermal stability, due to a large negative thermal quenching. The mechanism of the negative thermal quenching is suggested as the conversion of thermal energy into light energy.
A framework for automated structure elucidation from routine NMR spectra
Authors: Huang Zhaorui , Chen Michael S. , Woroch Cristian P. , Markland Thomas E. , Kanan Matthew W.
Published: November 2021

A machine learning model and graph generator were able to accurately predict for the presence of nearly 1000 substructures and the connectivity of small organic molecules from experimental 1D NMR data.
Electrochemical two-electron O2 reduction reaction toward H2O2 production: using cobalt porphyrin decorated carbon nanotubes as a nanohybrid catalyst
Authors: Dong Kai , Liang Jie , Ren Yuchun , Wang Yuanyuan , Xu Zhaoquan , Yue Luchao , Li Tingshuai , Liu Qian , Luo Yonglan , Liu Yang , Gao Shuyan , Hamdy Mohamed S. , Li Quan , Ma Dongwei , Sun Xuping
Published: November 2021

A Co-tetramethoxyphenylporphyrin/carbon nanotube hybrid efficiently electrocatalyzes H2O2 production via 2e− O2 reduction with an ultrahigh mass activity. The catalytic mechanism is revealed by in situ infrared spectroscopy and DFT calculations.
Solution-processed broadband photodetectors without transparent conductive oxide electrodes
Authors: Sheng Lening , Yi Chao , Zheng Luyao , Liu Yanghe , Zheng Jie , Gong Xiong
Published: November 2021

Room-temperature operated photodetectors without transparent conductive oxide electrodes by conjugated polymers mixed with conductive inorganic quantum dots, exhibiting the detectivities over 1012 Jones from 300 nm to 2000 nm, were demonstrated.
Interactions between insulin and exercise
Authors: Richter Erik A. , Sylow Lykke , Hargreaves Mark
Published: November 2021

The interaction between insulin and exercise is an example of balancing and modifying the effects of two opposing metabolic regulatory forces under varying conditions. While insulin is secreted after food intake and is the primary hormone increasing glucose storage as glycogen and fatty acid storage as triglycerides, exercise is a condition where fuel stores need to be mobilized and oxidized. Thus, during physical activity the fuel storage effects of insulin need to be suppressed. This is done primarily by inhibiting insulin secretion during exercise as well as activating local and systemic fuel mobilizing processes. In contrast, following exercise there is a need for refilling the fuel depots mobilized during exercise, particularly the glycogen stores in muscle. This process is facilitated by an increase in insulin sensitivity of the muscles previously engaged in physical activity which directs glucose to glycogen resynthesis. In physically trained individuals, insulin sensitivity is also higher than in untrained individuals due to adaptations in the vasculature, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. In this paper, we review the interactions between insulin and exercise during and after exercise, as well as the effects of regular exercise training on insulin action.
Real-time kinetic studies of Mycobacterium tuberculosis LexA-DNA interaction
Authors: Chatterjee Chitral , Majumdar Soneya , Deshpande Sachin , Pant Deepak , Matheshwaran Saravanan
Published: November 2021

Transcriptional repressor, LexA, regulates the “SOS” response, an indispensable bacterial DNA damage repair machinery.  Compared to its E.coli ortholog, LexA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) possesses a unique N-terminal extension of additional 24 amino acids in its DNA binding domain (DBD) and 18 amino acids insertion at its hinge region that connects the DBD to the C-terminal dimerization/autoproteolysis domain. Despite the importance of LexA in “SOS” regulation, Mtb LexA remains poorly characterized and the functional importance of its additional amino acids remained elusive. In addition, the lack of data on kinetic parameters of Mtb LexA-DNA interaction prompted us to perform kinetic analyses of Mtb LexA and its deletion variants using Bio-layer Interferometry (BLI). Mtb LexA is seen to bind to different “SOS” boxes, DNA sequences present in the operator regions of damage-inducible genes, with comparable nanomolar affinity. Deletion of 18 amino acids from the linker region is found to affect DNA binding unlike the deletion of the N-terminal stretch of extra 24 amino acids. The conserved RKG motif has been found to be critical for DNA binding. Overall, this study provides insights into the kinetics of the interaction between Mtb LexA and its target “SOS” boxes. The kinetic parameters obtained for DNA binding of Mtb LexA would be instrumental to clearly understand the mechanism of “SOS” regulation and activation in Mtb.
A PUF‐based lightweight authentication and key agreement protocol for smart UAV networks
Authors: Zhang Li , Xu Jianbo , Obaidat Mohammad S. , Li Xiong , Vijayakumar Pandi
Published: November 2021

With the advancement of information technology and the reduction of costs, the application of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has gradually expanded from the military field to the industrial field and civilian field. It brings great convenience to people in surveillance, detection, transportation, emergency rescue etc. However, UAVs usually work in harsh natural environments, and their communication security confronts various challenges. Due to UAVs' limited resources, such as computing capability, storage space, and energy, traditional security protection schemes based on complex cryptographic algorithms are not suitable for UAV systems directly. Therefore, a two‐stage lightweight identity authentication and key agreement protocol for UAV is proposed in this paper. The entire process only uses hash and XOR operations, which significantly improves the authentication efficiency. Simultaneously, the physical unclonable function (PUF) is introduced and embedded into the UAV hardware to ensure UAV network communication security when a UAV suffers a physical capture attack. In the paper, the security of the proposed protocol is proved with Burrows–Abadi–Needham (BAN) logic, Real‐or‐Random (ROR) model, and AVISPA simulation tools. An informal security analysis is also provided to illustrate that the protocol satisfies the security requirements of UAV networks. Finally, the protocol is compared with other existing protocols regarding function properties, computation cost, and communication cost, which shows that the proposed protocol has effectiveness and practicality.
Applying an auction optimization algorithm to mobile edge computing for security
Authors: Wang Yi , Tang Tao , Jiang Fang , Xu Yaohua , Li Liping , Huang Rong
Published: November 2021

The great demand for mobile blockchain computing power is often unsatisfied by terminal devices, so computational tasks are offloaded to edge computing servers. This paper proposes a new mobile communication blockchain assumption, forms a computing power alliance (CPA), and builds a smart contract‐based security model. First, mining difficulty compensates for the personal computing power outside the CPA to increase the block generation difficulty. Second, contract account funds are used to increase the cost of malicious nodes seeking to launch forking attacks, and the duration is used to limit mining. Finally, a court trial is opened to select validators to verify the fork. The auction algorithm is used to allocate computing power in the CPA, and a price utility function is constructed to maximize social welfare. The joint optimization algorithm increases the transaction price and improves the system security. Simulation results verify that the system security increases with the blocked funds and duration, and the forking attack success rate approaches zero as the number of validators increases. The proposed algorithm provides considerable sum utility and average revenue gains versus traditional methods under different numbers of mobile users and computational capabilities, and the security of the algorithm is also higher.
CLASH-VLT: Abell S1063
Authors: Mercurio A. , Rosati P. , Biviano A. , Annunziatella M. , Girardi M. , Sartoris B. , Nonino M. , Brescia M. , Riccio G. , Grillo C. , Balestra I. , Caminha G. B. , De Lucia G. , Gobat R. , Seitz S. , Tozzi P. , Scodeggio M. , Vanzella E. , Angora G. , Bergamini P. , Borgani S. , Demarco R. , Meneghetti M. , Strazzullo V. , Tortorelli L. , Umetsu K. , Fritz A. , Gruen D. , Kelson D. , Lombardi M. , Maier C. , Postman M. , Rodighiero G. , Ziegler B.
Published: November 2021

Context. The processes responsible for galaxy evolution in different environments as a function of galaxy mass remain heavily debated. Rich galaxy clusters are ideal laboratories in which to distinguish the role of environmental versus mass quenching because they consist of a full range of galaxies and environments.

Aims. Using the CLASH-VLT survey, we assembled an unprecedentedly large sample of 1234 spectroscopically confirmed members in Abell S1063. We found a dynamically complex structure at ⟨zcl⟩ = 0.3457 with a velocity dispersion σv = 1380−32+26 km s−1. We investigated cluster environmental and dynamical effects by analysing the projected phase-space diagram and the orbits as a function of galaxy spectral properties.

Methods. We classified cluster galaxies according to the presence and strength of the [OII] emission line, the strength of the Hδ absorption line, and colours. We investigated the relation between the spectral classes of galaxies and their position in the projected phase-space diagram. We separately analysed red and blue galaxy orbits. By correlating the observed positions and velocities with the projected phase-space constructed from simulations, we constrained the accretion redshift of galaxies with different spectral types.

Results. Passive galaxies are mainly located in the virialised region, while emission-line galaxies lie beyond r200 and are accreted into the cluster at a later time. Emission-line and post-starburst galaxies show an asymmetric distribution in projected phase-space within r200; emission-line galaxies are prominent at Δv/σ ≲ −1.5 and post-starburst galaxies at Δv/σ ≳ 1.5, suggesting that backsplash galaxies lie at high positive velocities. We find that low-mass passive galaxies are accreted into the cluster before high-mass galaxies. This suggests that we observe as passives only the low-mass galaxies that are accreted early into the cluster as blue galaxies. They had the time to quench their star formation. We also find that red galaxies move on more radial orbits than blue galaxies. This can be explained if infalling galaxies can remain blue by moving on tangential orbits.
Health vigilance concerning Acinetobacter baumannii bacteremia at the mohammed VI university hospital of oujda (morocco): epidemiological profile and antibiotic resistance
Authors: Yacoubi Loubna , Farih Soumia , Benhamza Noussaiba , Seddari Abderazzak , maleb Adil
Published: November 2021

The objective of this work is to determine the epidemiological profile of Acinetobacter b aumannii (A.baumannii ) bacteremia in the microbiology laboratory of CHU Mohammed VI of Oujda and its antibiotic resistance rates. This is a retrospective and descriptive study of 27 months from June 24, 2016to September 19, 2018 including all positive blood cultures processed in the microbiology laboratory in accordance with REMIC (reference in medical microbiology)and EUCAST(European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing). Contaminated blood cultures were excluded. As results we collected 863 positive blood cultures, A. baumannii accounted for 7.41% (n = 64). 67% (n =43) of the strains were isolated from patients hospitalized in intensive care (adults, children and newborns). The two main risk factors described in patients with our series were wearing of intravascular device in 55% (n=35) Immunosuppression in 22% n=14). A. baumannii bacteremia was associated with care in 37.5% (n=24). 75% (n=48) of A. baumannii isolates were resistant to carbapenems. No strain of A. baumannii was resistant to colistin. In light of these results strengthening the control and prevention measures for healthcare associated infections would be the most reliable way to limit the spread of A. baumannii in our establishment.
Study on herb-drug associations, case of the Fez-Meknes region
Authors: Saibari Zine El Abidine , Iraqui Wissal , Mohti Hicham , El Rhaffari Lhoussaine , Zaid Abdelhamid
Published: November 2021

The association of medicinal plants and drugs for therapeutic purposes is not free of adverse effects. In Morocco, this subject remains little known and untreated. A questionnaire study was conducted in the Fez-Meknes region with 250 people between May and December 2019. Structured, face-to-face and telephone interviews were used to collect data. This research focused on the chronically ill population. The Data is analyzed by appropriate statistical software. The study identified 50 species of medicinal plants used in combination with synthetic drugs belonging to 26 botanical families. The results of the survey show that 85.20% of the users prefer to combine the two types of treatment with drugs and medicinal plants. According to the age and gender of the users, the results showed that age is not a determining factor. Concerning gender, we noted that there is a predominance of women compared to men. The pathologies concerned by the study: diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, gastric diseases, colds and others. The majority of the people questioned are unaware of the undesirable effects and toxicology of the association of plants with synthetic drugs. Indeed, 76.83% do not know these side effects and 64% do not know the toxic plants.
Analysis on epidemiological characteristics of food poisoning events in Agadir prefecture, Morocco, from 2015 to 2017
Authors: Bouchriti Youssef , Kabbachi Belkacem , Achbani Abderrahmane , Ben Daoud Bouchra , Zag Noura , Taoussi Houda , Ezaidi Sarrah
Published: November 2021

Food poisoning is a significant public health problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of food poisoning events in Agadir prefecture in Morocco. Data on food poisoning events was compiled and analyzed from 2015 to 2017. The food poisoning database was created using Excel software, and the data was classified for statistical analysis. In Agadir prefecture, 11 food poisoning events were recorded over the past three years, involving 163 persons and resulting in two deaths. There were 7 and 4 events in the urban and rural areas, respectively. Females were most exposed (67.5%). The annual average morbidity rate was 27.2/100,000, the global lethality rate was 1.3%, and an average of 14.8 persons was involved in a poisoning event. Adolescents make up a quarter of the cases. Most cases occurred in closed communities. The foods involved in these poisoning events were eaten raw. The most common food related with poisoning was meat products. Only six events had samples taken for microbiological testing of the food remaining implicated in the outbreak of these events, and the findings revealed that Salmonella and Escherichia coli were identified in four of the six events, while Candida albicans and total coliforms were detected in two of the six events. Foodborne illness prevention and control should be carried out in closed communities by improving food safety supervision, implementing an effective food poisoning early-warning system, and establishing a surveillance, inspection, and early-warning system for food contaminants and foodborne diseases.
Academic stress and burnout among primary school trainee teachers in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region
Authors: Bouhaba Abdelmounaim , El Madhi Youssef , Darif Hajar , Soulaymani Abdelmajid , Belfaquir Mustapha
Published: November 2021

During the training phase, the trainee teacher seems to be more and more confronted with discomfort and stress, due to the accumulation of demands and obligations. Many of them are mostly unable to take it any longer, which makes them vulnerable to the burnout risk.

This research aims to study the academic burnout of trainee teachers at the “Centre Régional des Métiers de l’Education et de la Formation “(CRMEF) of the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region during 2019/2020.

Four hundred and fifty trainee teachers responded to a self-questionnaire comprising the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) scale in its French version, as well as certain stress factors.

In agreement with the literature, more than 60% of teachers show moderate and high levels of academic exhaustion, the main likely stressors presented are financial instability, and training overload.

Many trainee teachers cannot cope with the burnout syndrome, which conducts to stress and absenteeism during the training, we hope that this study will lead to some practical solutions to prevent and reduce the risk of academic burnout.
Study of epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary characteristics of a population of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in Morocco
Authors: Heikel Jaafar , Benkirane Hasnae , Ballouk Fadoua , Bouziani Amina , Laamiri Fatima Zahra , Lahmam Houria , Obtel Majdouline , El Haloui Noureddine , Ennibi Khalid , Khan Naim Akhtar , El Fahime El Mostafa , Zahraoui Majida , Aguenaou Hassan , Barkat Amina
Published: November 2021

The outbreak of COVID-19 still represents a real risk for the increased death rate for the whole of human kind. In this context, the present research work aims at describing evolutionary data in a population of hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients based on selected epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical data at admission. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the data obtained from 108 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the VINCI clinic, Casablanca (Morocco) between August and September 2020. General characteristic, clinical, radiological and biological data as well as therapeutic management were assessed. The patients’ median age was 45-50 years old. Among our studied patients, 4.6% were transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU), 16.7% were cured after more than 15 days, while 78.7% were cured within 15 days. Those transferred to the ICU unit were either smokers, obese, or over 65 years of age. The majority of patients with normal radiological and cardiac parameters were cured within<15 days, while biological disorders were observed in approximately all cases that were transferred to ICU. Regarding therapeutic treatment, 98.1% of the subjects were treated with hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin in combination with vitamin C and zinc supplementation. The study shows that the minimal healing time is well conditioned by the general and clinical characteristics of patients. Furthermore, the administration of hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin showed a beneficial effect with no associated adverse effects in the study cases.
Comparison of the microbiological and hygienic quality of turkey meat between six districts of the Kenitra city
Authors: Jaber Hassna , Ijoub Rachid , Erahioui Rahma , Boulamtat Rachid , Oubayoucef Ali , Bourkhiss Brahim , Ouhssine Mohammed
Published: November 2021

Meat is known to be one of the vehicles for many diseases to humans. The aim of this study is the comparison of the microbiological and hygienic quality of fresh turkey meat marketed in the most popular districts of Kenitra city. Fresh meat samples were taken from stores localized in six different districts. Microorganisms tests were conducted according to the appropriate standards. The Aerobic Mesophilic Flora (AFM) was most counted in district five (7.69±0.212 log10ufc/g), while the highest total and fecal coliform charges were obtained in district six with rates of 7.68±0.160 and 6.89±0.132 log10ufc/g, respectively. Cases of Salmonella spp were observed in all districts, except district five with frequencies up to 10.71%. Pseudomonas aeuroginosa charge was high in district five and its prevalence was high (21.42%) in districts two, four and six. Regarding Clostridium perfringens, the charges were up to 2.11±0.55 log10ufc/g in district six and a high prevalence of 42.85% was in district four. Escherichia coli showed dominance in all the districts studied with a high prevalence in district four with a rate of 75% and a high charge in district five (4.37 log10ufc/g). The presence of Staphylococcus aureus was significant in district four with a rate of 28.57% and a high concentration in district five (4.47 log10ufc/g). This study has shown great variability in the results found between the different districts and the rate of contaminations affecting this product. In fact, this microbiological and hygienic quality of raw turkey meat sold in these districts was judged marginal indicating the need for improved hygienic standards.
Rosmarinus officinalis L. leaf extract improves Anxity impairment induced by tropane alkaloids extracted from Datura stramonium
Authors: Didou Latifa , Azzaoui Fatima-Zahra , Ahami Ahmed omar touhami , Ed-Day Soumia , Kacimi Fatima Ezzahra , Boulbaroud Samira
Published: November 2021

The alkaloid extract of datura stramonium (rich of atropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine) is used to evaluate its effect on the central nervous system in rats (locomotion, anxiety). The animals received the alkaloid extract of datura by intraperitoneal injection. However, after the injection a group of rats got an inhibitory treatment contain flavonoids extracted from Rosmarinus officinalis. At the dose of 50 mg/kg/body weight of the alkaloid extract, the female rats have shown a reduction of locomotor activity and an induction of an anxiogenic effect. In the other hand, the mixture of Datura stramonium and Rosmarinus officinalis showed a neuroprotective action with regard to the disorders induced by extracts of Datura stramonium.
Performance verification of pre-PCR and real-time PCR step in the molecular diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis cases
Authors: Chaiboub Soumaya , Charof Réda , Qasmaoui Aicha , Hamamouchi Jamila , Berny El Hassan
Published: November 2021

Isolation and determination of s.pneumoniae by culture and serological methods can be time consuming or indeterminate. Molecular diagnosis by real-time PCR is independent of the growth of the pathogen causing meningitis, and is not diminished with non-viable organisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance criteria of pre-PCR-TR DNA extraction step and PCR-TR step by targeting two genes encoding s.pneumoniae. In this study we evaluated the inter-sample contamination of the pre-PCR-TR step, the intermediate fidelity and the repeatability of the DNA essay. PCR-TR verification was performed by two genes targeting s. pneumoniae the Lyt A and SP 2038 gene; sensitivity, specificity and LLD were determined. Contamination rate had a value of less than 0%, which is in agreement with an absence of inter-sample contamination; the repeatability and intermediate fidelity have a cv˂7%. The evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of the RT-PCR assays targeted 100% the Lyt A gene and the SP 2038 gene. The standard curve generated detected less than 10copies for the Lyt A gene and less than 100copies for the SP 2038 gene. This study showed that the pre-PCR and PCR-TR assays met the performance criteria targeted in this study.
Ophidian envenomation in Morocco: Analysis of specific hospitalization records (2012-2015)
Authors: El Hattimy Faiçal , Fouad Chafiq , Lallié Hermann-Désiré , Mokhtari Abdelrhani , Soulaymani Abdelmajid , Soulaymani Rachida
Published: November 2021

Snakebites are a real public health problem in Morocco, from the point of view of incidence and mortality. Inorder to contribute to the reduction of the resulting morbidity and mortality, the present work aims to describe the epidemiological profile of cases of Snakebites and to follow the spatio-temporal trends of the health indicators studied (incidence, fatality and mortality). The methodology adopted consists of a retrospective analysis of the cases collected from the Anti Poison and Pharmacovigilance Center of Morocco from specific hospitalization records. Between 2012 and 2015, the MPCC gathered 224 cases. The mean age was 26.9 ± 18.9 years with a sex ratio (M / F) of 1.4. Most of the bites occurred during hot seasons (84%) and in rural areas (95%). The time to hospitalization exceeded 24 hours in 7% of cases. Clinically, compartment syndrome was observed in 17 patients, renal failure in 13 patients and shock in 13 patients. The distribution according to clinical gradation was almost uniform. From a therapeutic standpoint, in addition to the antivenom, two types of treatment were the most recommended: symptomatic treatment based on the administration of analgesics (n = 168) and on the administration of an antitetanus serum (n = 99), and treatment involving transfusion (n = 58). Analysis of all of these files enabled us to detect parameters having a direct impact on morbidity and mortality following a bite and ophidian envenomation, on which the competent authorities should focus in order to thwart this scourge and its complications.
Quantitation of venom Antigens from Moroccan vipers in serum by using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) toward improving health vigilance systems
Authors: Khaddach Fatima Ezzahra , Benaji Brahim , Azougagh Mohamed , Ghalim Noreddine
Published: November 2021

In the present study an ELISA assay was developed and validated for detection and determination of the concentration of snakes venom in biological samples. Individual component of each venom (Cerastes cerastes and Macrovipera mauretanica) used as immunogen to raise specific rabbit IgGs in order to set up a sandwich-type ELISA. Lower detection limit, linearity, accuracy, precision, reproducibility, and reference intervals were determined. The method proved to be simple, specific, reproducible, sensitive (detection limit = 0.5 ng/ml) and the calibration plot was based on linear regression analysis (r = 0.980) between 0.9 and 1000 ng/mL of venom concentration, with a lower limit of quantification of 1.58 ng/mL. The intra- and interassay coefficient of variation ranged from 2,02 to 4.62% and 5.29 to 7.40%, respectively. The specificity of the assay was tested using vipers, cobra and scorpion venom. This method detected venom from all viper species tested without significant cross reactivity with other venoms in the concentration range of 0.9–1000 ng/mL. This ELISA described is sufficiently validated for clinical evaluation. The method is adaptable to other venoms. This is potentially useful for clinical diagnosis of snakebite, to monitor antivenom dose, and consequently to improve the national health monitoring systems.
New method for wind potential prediction using recurrent artificial neural networks
Authors: Amellas Yousra , Serag Saif , Loukdache Fahd , Djebli Abdelouahed , Echchelh Adil
Published: November 2021

The aim of the study is to find the right architecture of the NARX neural network, in order to perform the daily prediction of the maximum wind speed of Laayoune city. We relied on the Levenberg-Marquardt optimization algorithm. The RMSE error metric showed that NARX-SP outperforms NARX-P.
The State of the Planktonic and Benthic Components of the Ecosystem of the Golden Horn Bay (Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan) in the Area of the Coal Terminal
Authors: Smirnova Elena Valerievna , Matrosova Inga Vladimirovna
Published: November 2021

Monitoring study of the state of the planktonic and benthic components of the ecosystem of the Golden Horn bay, Peter the Great Bay of the Sea of Japan in the area of the coal terminal was carried out in the autumn of 2020. Phytoplankton in the studied area was characterized by a depleted species composition. In September 2020, phytoplankton bloom was noted at the monitoring points, due to the massive development of diatom microalgae of the Chaethoceros genus, which accounted for 90% of the total phytoplankton. In November, the amount of phytoplankton was an order of magnitude lower, and the role of dinophytic algae increased in the community. Changes in the species composition and quantitative parameters of phytoplankton correspond to the seasonal dynamics in the eastern part of the Amursky bay, which is subject of anthropogenic pollution. Based on the study carried out, it can be concluded that the activities of the coal terminal in the Golden Horn bay had no effect on the structure of communities and, in general, there was no over-normative effect on the state of aquatic biological resources.
Simulation of Transfer and Spread of Pollutants into the Marine Environment Using a Probabilistic Model of Turbulence
Authors: Grigorieva Elena V. , Kulichkov Sergei V. , Ratnikov Alexander A. , Andreeva Larisa V.
Published: November 2021

The paper describes the problem and specifies the key sources of marine pollution. A mathematical mode of particle transfer and settling as well as the parameters of environment turbulence are proposed. A 3D diffusion-advective model discussed in the paper was developed on the basis of “wandering particles” method with the use of random numbers generator for nondeterministic processes simulation. But it has a number of specific features as compared with similar models in practical setting of boundary conditions at water-air boundaries and water-bottom boundaries, description of turbulence of different scales, in taking into account the effects of the initial immersion of a heavy jet, in the effect of flocculation as well as taking into account non-conservatism of the impurity. Different simulation results are presented.
Assessment of the Environmental Impact of Modern Dry Cargo Ships
Authors: Karpushin Ivan , Gannesen Vitalii , Solovyeva Ekaterina
Published: November 2021

The article deals with the impact of dry cargo ships on the environment. The transportation of bulk cargo takes a significant part in the total transportation of goods today, and a significant part of the cargo is transported by universal dry cargo ships.
A Modern Approach to the Formation of a Terminological System in the Field of Fire Protection
Authors: Naumov Yuriy , Smirnov Nikolai , Pekhotikov Andrei , Zuban’ Ol’ga , Gravit Marina
Published: November 2021

The paper considers a variant of combining the terms used in the field related to the study of fire protection means into a terminological system. The correct definition of terms is also crucial in technological and manufacturing processes. That is why it was decided to form and describe the terminological system in the field of fire protection and fire retardant materials. The terms in terminological system are to be related between each other, and to be expressing the relationship between the concepts that they denote. Such a system does not yet exist in the field of fire protection, so the authors aim was to create its basis. The types of relations between the terms defining the structure of the system have been established, a diagram that illustrates the distribution and coordination of terms in the system has been developed. On the basis of the relations between the terms established in the terminological system, the existing definitions were assessed with subsequent, if necessary, adjustments to meet the requirements for the terms of unambiguity, compliance with the expressed concept and elimination of synonymy.
Mobile Application Development to Assess the Level of a Safety Warehouse of Petroleum Product
Authors: Pelekh Michael
Published: November 2021

The importance of oil for Russia, its storage in warehouses of oil and oil products, as well as the danger associated with the occurrence of accidents and incidents are considered. Examples of accidents that have occurred with the resulting consequences are given. The necessity of carrying out checks using checklists is revealed. Using the modeling method, a mobile application has been designed and developed, which contains a checklist consisting of questions on assessing the industrial safety of an oil product storage warehouse. The mobile application will allow you to conduct a “self-test” of the protected object on all issues of industrial safety, according to the checklist. Notification of upcoming inspections will provide an opportunity to prepare in advance for inspection by regulatory authorities in the field of industrial safety. Notification of violated dead-lines for eliminating the comments and shortcomings identified during the check will allow the management of the facility to respond in a timely manner and thereby ensure reliable protection of the protected object.
Numerical Simulation of Double Surface Liquid Ejector with Flow Swirl for Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Lyamasov A. A. , Orahelashvili B. M. , Gribkov A. M.
Published: November 2021

Many systems with liquid ejectors and centrifugal pump are known. Often, jet pumps are used to provide a self-priming mode, as well as an acceptable pressure level for cavitation-free operation. The main disadvantage of such systems is the relatively low efficiency associated with the peculiarities of energy transfer in ejector. To increase efficiency double surface jet pump with driving and suction flow swirl (with circumferential component of velocity) is proposed. The active flow swirling is ensured by using of multi-nozzle tangential nozzle inlet and passive flow part by a special blade system. Combination of these factors makes it possible to improve the efficiency of energy conversion process. In comparison with the known design increases pump efficiency by 10 % – 15 %. Flow swirl also permits to reduce horizontal overall size by increasing the diffuser angle and reducing the mixing chamber length. These positive effects can be achieved by using methods and recommendations given in this paper. The paper also includes ANSYS CFX numerical simulation study results of double surface jet pump and analysis of the impact of nozzle position, length of the mixing chamber and other geometry parameters on pump performance. The results allow optimize the constructive solutions.