bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delocalized spin states at zigzag termini of armchair graphene nanoribbon
Authors: Šćepanović Stefan , Kimouche Amina , Mirković Jovan , Sadiek Gehad , Klamroth Tillmann , Hassanien Abdou
Published: May 2024

Using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy we demonstrate a revival of magnetism in 7-armchair nanoribbon by unpassivated atoms at the termini. Namely, a pair of intense Kondo resonances emerges at the peripheries of zigzag terminus revealing the many-body screening effects of local magnetic moments. Although Kondo resonance originates from a missing local orbital, it extends to a distance of 2.5 nm along the edge of the ribbon. The results are complemented by density functional theory calculations which suggest a possible coupling between Kondo states despite screening effects of substrate electrons. These findings indicate a possibility to restore intrinsic magnetic ordering in graphene nanoribbon without major structural modifications.
Prediction of incomplete immunization among under-five children in East Africa from recent demographic and health surveys: a machine learning approach
Authors: Tadese Zinabu Bekele , Nigatu Araya Mesfin , Yehuala Tirualem Zeleke , Sebastian Yakub
Published: May 2024

The World Health Organization as part of the goal of universal vaccination coverage by 2030 for all individuals. The global under-five mortality rate declined from 59% in 1990 to 38% in 2019, due to high immunization coverage. Despite the significant improvements in immunization coverage, about 20 million children were either unvaccinated or had incomplete immunization, making them more susceptible to mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to identify predictors of incomplete vaccination among children under-5 years in East Africa. An analysis of secondary data from six east African countries using Demographic and Health Survey dataset from 2016 to the recent 2021 was performed. A total weighted sample of 27,806 children aged (12–35) months was included in this study. Data were extracted using STATA version 17 statistical software and imported to a Jupyter notebook for further analysis. A supervised machine learning algorithm was implemented using different classification models. All analysis and calculations were performed using Python 3 programming language in Jupyter Notebook using imblearn, sklearn, XGBoost, and shap packages. XGBoost classifier demonstrated the best performance with accuracy (79.01%), recall (89.88%), F1-score (81.10%), precision (73.89%), and AUC 86%. Predictors of incomplete immunization are identified using XGBoost models with help of Shapely additive eXplanation. This study revealed that the number of living children during birth, antenatal care follow-up, maternal age, place of delivery, birth order, preceding birth interval and mothers’ occupation were the top predicting factors of incomplete immunization. Thus, family planning programs should prioritize the number of living children during birth and the preceding birth interval by enhancing maternal education. In conclusion promoting institutional delivery and increasing the number of antenatal care follow-ups by more than fourfold is encouraged.
ER-to-lysosome-associated degradation acts as failsafe mechanism upon ERAD dysfunction
Authors: Fasana Elisa , Fregno Ilaria , Galli Carmela , Soldà Tatiana , Molinari Maurizio
Published: May 2024

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) produces proteins destined to organelles of the endocytic and secretory pathways, the plasma membrane, and the extracellular space. While native proteins are transported to their intra- or extracellular site of activity, folding-defective polypeptides are retro-translocated across the ER membrane into the cytoplasm, poly-ubiquitylated and degraded by 26 S proteasomes in a process called ER-associated degradation (ERAD). Large misfolded polypeptides, such as polymers of alpha1 antitrypsin Z (ATZ) or mutant procollagens, fail to be dislocated across the ER membrane and instead enter ER-to-lysosome-associated degradation (ERLAD) pathways. Here, we show that pharmacological or genetic inhibition of ERAD components, such as the α1,2-mannosidase EDEM1 or the OS9 ERAD lectins triggers the delivery of the canonical ERAD clients Null Hong Kong (NHK) and BACE457Δ to degradative endolysosomes under control of the ER-phagy receptor FAM134B and the LC3 lipidation machinery. Our results reveal that ERAD dysfunction is compensated by the activation of FAM134B-driven ERLAD pathways that ensure efficient lysosomal clearance of orphan ERAD clients.
Supramolecular cage-mediated cargo transport
Authors: Ling Qing-Hui , Lou Zhen-Chen , Zhang Lei , Jin Tongxia , Dou Wei-Tao , Yang Hai-Bo , Xu Lin
Published: May 2024

This review comprehensively summarizes the development of supramolecular cages as carriers and channels for cargo transport in abiotic and biological systems.
Mixed quantum/classical theory (MQCT) approach to the dynamics of molecule–molecule collisions in complex systems
Authors: Joy Carolin , Mandal Bikramaditya , Bostan Dulat , Dubernet Marie-Lise , Babikov Dmitri
Published: May 2024

Correlation between state-to-state transition cross-sections and energy transfer in p-H2O + p-H2 at collision energy U = 12 000 cm−1.
Monitoring the influence of steam on highly-active rhodium catalyst during the combined reforming of biogas by transient and steady-state operando spectroscopic studies
Authors: Garcilaso Victoria , Blay-Roger Rubén , González-Castaño Miriam , Bobadilla Luis F. , Centeno Miguel A. , Odriozola José A.
Published: May 2024

The impact derived from incorporating water into CH4/CO2 biogas stream for the generation of syngas was investigated over the Rh/MgAl2O4 catalyst using operando steady-state and transient DRIFT spectroscopy coupled with MS.
In situ construction of a 2D/2D SnS2/MXene heterojunction for visible-light photocatalytic uranium reduction
Authors: Luo Jianqiang , Xiong Hao , Jiang Hongxia , Li Jiaqi , Meng Chen , Liu Shujuan , Ma Jianguo
Published: May 2024

A 2D MXene loaded on 2D SnS2 was successfully synthesized, which exhibits improved uranium reduction by forming a built-in electric field.
Biyang floral mushroom-derived exosome-like nanovesicles: characterization, absorption stability and ionizing radiation protection
Authors: Ling Yunying , Li Xue , Gao Hang , Liu Yongqi , Liu Yingxin , Zheng Jie , Zhu Jiaqing , Zhao Changcheng , Shi Yanling , Lu Jike , Yi Juanjuan
Published: May 2024

BFMELNs isolated from mushroom resources have the potential to be developed into novel and natural radioprotective nano-agents.
Biophysical and computational analyses of interaction of 2D MoS2 nanosheets with human haemoglobin coupled with NIR activated photothermal therapy
Authors: Kritika  , Deepika  , Kumar Loveneesh , Yadav Monika , Verma Anita Kamra , Roy Indrajit
Published: May 2024

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets can interact favourably with human haemoglobin and induce apoptosis in cancer cells via NIR-excited photothermal therapy.
Fast and switchable ring-opening polymerization of biorenewable omega-substituted lactones towards sustainable copolymers with facile control over monomer sequences
Authors: Jiang Jiayun , Liang Xue , Wang Jiewen , Qiang Hongru , Li Jianrui , Du Jianzhong , Zhu Yunqing
Published: May 2024

Enhanced ring-opening polymerization of omega-substituted lactones achieved with (thio)urea/base catalyst systems offers innovative control over the monomer sequences in biorenewable copolyesters.
Highly active aggregate catalysts for the synthesis of high-molecular-weight polyesters via copolymerization of epoxides and cyclic anhydrides
Authors: Yang Liehang , Liu Shunjie , Fan Peixin , Gao Fengxiang , Pang Xuan , Chen Xuesi , Wang Xianhong
Published: May 2024

Aggregate catalysts efficiently produce high molecular weight polyesters and exhibit high activity and low concentration tolerance in the copolymerization of epoxides and cyclic anhydrides.
Application of chiral recyclable catalysts in asymmetric catalysis
Authors: Han GuiPing , Ren WenQi , Zhang ShengYong , Zuo ZhenYu , He Wei
Published: May 2024

Chiral drugs hold a significant position within the contemporary pharmaceutical market, and the chiral catalysts play a crucial role in their synthesis.
Insight into heavy metal chemical fractions in ash collected from municipal and industrial waste incinerators in northern Vietnam
Authors: Thuy Nguyen Thi Thu , Vuong Truong Xuan , Ha Pham Thi Thu , Hoang Quoc Anh , Tu Binh Minh , Nguyen Thi Hue , Phuong Nguyen Thi Thu
Published: May 2024

This study collected fly ash and bottom ash from seven incinerators in northern Vietnam to analyze the distribution of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, As, Cd, Cu, Zn) in the waste ash.
Ecological assessment and development of analytical methods for concurrent quantification of valsartan and sacubitril: whiteness comparative study based on relative scoring
Authors: Kammoun Ahmed K. , Afify Mostafa A. , Youssef Rasha M. , El-Nahass Sara A. , Younis Sameh E.
Published: May 2024

Sustainable analytical chemistry is gaining great interest in global environmental pollution control.
Electrochemical recycling of polymeric materials
Authors: Zhang Weizhe , Killian Lars , Thevenon Arnaud
Published: May 2024

Electrochemistry shows promising new avenues in the recycling of polymeric materials. This work reviews electrochemical depolymerization, post-polymerization functionalization, and paired catalysis, highlighting future challenges and opportunities.
Complex electrochemiluminescence patterns shaped by hydrodynamics at a rotating bipolar electrode
Authors: Arias-Aranda Leslie R. , Salinas Gerardo , Kuhn Alexander , Xu Guobao , Kanoufi Frédéric , Bouffier Laurent , Sojic Neso
Published: May 2024

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is a powerful analytical approach that enables the optical readout of electrochemical processes.
K+ selectivity modulation in non-aqueous CO2 electroreduction on lead catalysts: from oxalic to tartaric acid production
Authors: Arizono dos Reis Eduardo , da Silva Gelson T. S. T. , Ribeiro Caue
Published: May 2024

Modulating potassium ions and the proton concentration in the catholyte regulates the faradaic efficiency and selectivity of a Pb plate electrode in non-aqueous media, forming a C4 product from CO2 reduction.
Sustainable design of non-fluorinated yet oleophobic fibrous surfaces
Authors: Shabanian Sadaf , Zhao Xiaoxiao , Au Samuel , Furtak Nicole T. , Golovin Kevin
Published: May 2024

Fluorine-free oleophobic fabrics that can repel ethanol are demonstrated, but the fabric construction largely determines the capillary resistance and current wettability theory is only predictive for plain weave fabric structures.
Tuning the electrocatalytic nitric oxide reduction activity of copper through alloying with nickel for NH3 production at low overpotentials
Authors: Inta Harish Reddy , Dhanabal Dinesh , Song Yuyeon , Shanmugam Sangaraju
Published: May 2024

The electrocatalytic activity of Cu is significantly improved by alloying with Ni for reduction of NO to NH3. A high FENH3 of about 79% is attained from Cu75Ni25@NC at an overpotential of 610 mV (0.1 V vs. RHE).
An adhesive, low swelling and conductive tri-network hydrogel for wearable electronic devices
Authors: Hu Mengyuan , Qiu Longhai , Huang Yuliang , Wang Donghui , Li Jiongliang , Liang Chunyong , Wu Gen , Peng Feng
Published: May 2024

This study provides a strategy to generate stretchable, compressive, and conductive hydrogels with adhesive properties and can be used in underwater environments, expanding the potential applications of hydrogels as wearable electronic devices.
Modulating the crystal packing to achieve efficient ultralong organic phosphorescence by simple methylation engineering
Authors: Mao Huiting , Gao Jing , Geng Yun , Shan Guo-Gang , Shao Kuizhan , Hua Ruinian , Su Zhongmin
Published: May 2024

Simple methylation engineering strategy used to adjust the packing and UOP behavior is demonstrated. The intrinsic relationship between structure and UOP properties are investigated by combining the experimental and theoretical results.
Biochemical Society 2025 award winners
Authors: Ollett Lucy
Published: May 2024

Each year, the Biochemical Society presents a series of prestigious awards that recognize excellence and achievement in both specific and general fields of science. Candidates are nominated by their peers and the winners are agreed by a judging panel of respected scientists from across a range of different scientific backgrounds.
Application of nanofiltration to produce water for drinking and industrial needs of urban economy
Authors: Spitsov Dmitry Vladimirovich
Published: May 2024

The issues associated with the operation of reverse osmosis plants at the water intake facilities (WIF) for the treatment of drinking water from groundwater sources are described. Ways of increasing reverse osmosis plants performance are considered. The technology of plants modernisation with the purpose of operational costs reduction and minimisation of concentrate discharges into sewerage system, consisting in replacement of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes with nanofiltration membranes, is provided. The use of nanofiltration membranes reduces the intensity of sedimentation and at the same time the concentrate flow without the sedimentation hazard. Also, nanofiltration membranes make it possible to reduce inhibitor dosage and operation costs respectively. Experimental studies on groundwater treatment and efficiency of the provided technology have been carried out. Rates of sedimentation in each device of the layout, as well as composition of water treated by each device depending on the volume reduction factor K (source water flow to the concentrate flow ratio) for the plant were determined. The feasibility comparative study considered the following parameters of the plant operation, without limitation: inhibitor dosage, membrane types, salt selectivity of membranes, source water volume reduction factor K.
International river and sea transportation: Specifics of risk management in cryptocurrency transactions
Authors: Gapurbaeva Shakhnos , Savina Svetlana , Dzhalilova Luiza , Tadzhibaeva Takhmina , Tokoev Baktyyar
Published: May 2024

This article considers the peculiarities of risk management in operations with cryptocurrencies, the necessity of risk management in operations with cryptocurrencies was substantiated. Cryptocurrency transactions have a high level of risk due to price volatility, the possibility of fraud and a lack of regulation. Therefore, institutions involved in cryptocurrency transactions should take measures to manage risk. Cryptocurrencies have a high degree of price volatility and are susceptible to fraud, so credit institutions involved in cryptocurrency transactions must take measures to manage risk. This includes conducting thorough customer due diligence, using data from various sources to verify the customer's legitimacy and financial stability, strictly following rules and procedures when conducting cryptocurrency transactions, and adhering to laws and regulations. Risk management is essential to protect clients from potential losses and problems. The main purpose of this study is to examine the peculiarities of risk management in operations with cryptocurrencies. The results of the study can be used by various subjects in transactions with cryptocurrencies.
Innovative methods of crediting and financing of water consumers
Authors: Atakhodjaev Shukhratkhodja , Abdyldaeva Umut , Bocharova Galina , Bekzhanova Gulbarchyn , Solpueva Aida
Published: May 2024

This article reveals questions on innovative methods of lending and financing of enterprises in the real sector of the economy at the present stage. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of financing real sector enterprises. This article is relevant because new business lending methods and mechanisms are constantly being developed. These advances help companies grow and expand their operations, creating more opportunities for jobs and economic growth. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, lending to businesses - especially those in the tech industry - becomes increasingly important. However, traditional methods of risk management may no longer be sufficient in identifying and mitigating potential risks. That's why it's crucial for lenders to adopt new, innovative that. From software development to artificial intelligence, there are a myriad of factors that must be considered when assessing the creditworthiness of these companies. Using outdated risk management techniques could lead to incorrect conclusions and potentially disastrous outcomes. To avoid such scenarios, lenders need to embrace new ways of evaluating risk.
Financial instruments to counter the exploitation of natural resources
Authors: Temirov Nazar , Sulaimanova Klara , Imaralieva Tamara , Sulaimanova Baktygul
Published: May 2024

Currently, the financial activities of the state cover all areas of the country's economic activity, including all monetary relations between all entities producing tangible and intangible assets within the country and foreign countries, as well as interstate relations and with all international funds. The state’s implementation of financial activities is aimed at its own provision of financial resources to fulfill its most important tasks: creating a material and technical base for the education and systematic increase of the “middle stratum” of society, increasing the material and cultural standard of living of the civilian population, ensuring the economic and military security of the country, promoting the strengthening of international cooperation. The exploitation of natural resources is seen as one of the ways in which terrorist organizations control and hold territory. This issue also relates to how terrorist organizations finance themselves through criminal activities and possible links to organized crime groups. Such criminal activities include extortion, smuggling, theft, illegal mining, kidnapping for ransom, corruption and environmental crimes. Since the main sources of extremism and terrorism are unresolved, constantly growing social contradictions and intertwined with them negatively influencing social processes, phenomena or conflicts in certain spheres of public life. And addressing the issues of countering the financing of terrorism today is the most important in the modern world.
The effectiveness of punishment and alternative measures of influence in the context of water resources management in the national economy
Authors: Baizakova R.B. , Mavlyanov A.S. , Rakhimzhanova G.M.
Published: May 2024

One of the important strategic goals of the reform of the Criminal justice system (penal enforcement system) the priority of the modern state is the development of institutions that execute punishments without isolation from society. The realization of this goal involves the solution of a complex of legal, organizational, correctional and market-economic tasks. However, it is crucial to change the punitive policy of the state in the direction of its liberalization in relation to persons who have committed minor offenses. The need to humanize the punitive policy of the state is predetermined by the fact that the punishment in the form of imprisonment tit places a heavy burden on the state budget, the economic development of the state and entails the rupture of social ties of convicts, generates criminalization of society and in the field of ecological development.
Investing in regional water sector development: Use of digital technologies in water resources management in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Dzhylkychieva Zhyldyz , Kaparovna Elnura , Orozonova Azyk , Baisalov Nurlan , Cherikova Dinara , Sultanalieva Asel
Published: May 2024

The urgent problem of the Kyrgyz Republic is water resources management. Water is used as a source of drinking water to meet the needs of agriculture, energy, industry, tourism, and residential utilities. To effectively control water consumption, regulate the cost of service provision, and develop projects to modernize the water consumption system, it is necessary to use modern digital technologies that process a large amount of data and can make recommended management decisions based on the results obtained. For this purpose, using the methods of structural analysis, synthesis, groupings, step-by-step refinement, and modeling, digital models of the water consumption system were developed using the example of a settlement in Kyrgyzstan.
Features of training specialists in the field of environmental safety in water resources management
Authors: Ren Shanshan , Yang Baoling , Wang Junzhong , Wang Yue , Narynbaeva Baktygul , Imazov Mukhame
Published: May 2024

The article substantiates the necessity of transforming the educational process to train specialists in the field of environmental safety in water resources management. The main peculiarity of labor functions performed by such specialists is in the randomness and secrecy of natural processes and the appearance of consequences from any type of activity over a long period of time. It is necessary to understand the cause-and-effect relationships between processes and the individual parameters that affect the speed of their realization in order to solve such problems. The result of the research was the development of the training concept, which allows the presentation of a task as a set of elementary actions that require particular resource support for their fulfillment. Potentially possible problems in their fulfillment are determined. It is recommended that models of “digital twins” of systems capable of imitating the reaction to certain influences be used to improve the efficiency of the educational process and perform highly specialized actions.
Determination of the parameters of the general contractor selection model for the successful implementation of the construction project
Authors: Makarov Aleksandr , Malkova Anna
Published: May 2024

The authors examined the organization of interaction between the technical customer and the general contracting organization and revealed that it is at the stage of construction of facilities that difficulties arise in the interaction of construction participants, which were not initially taken into account when signing the construction contract. The implementation of the construction project depends on the effective organization of construction. The construction is characterized by dynamism and a high level of coordination of construction participants, which indicates the appearance of additional costs for both the technical customer and the contractor. To reduce the level of possible risks, the authors proposed at the initial stage of construction to exclude or reduce the impact of risk factors associated with the choice of an inefficient sub-row organization. 6 most important and relevant risk factors in the field of interaction between the technical customer and the contractor have been identified and analyzed. Expert surveys were conducted to determine the weight coefficients of damage and the probability of occurrence of risk factors. The reliability of the results was confirmed by calculating the multiple correlation coefficient.
Use of Technological Normals in the Development of a Building Information Model
Authors: Bazanov Vladimir
Published: May 2024

At each stage of the life cycle, the digital model is characterized by a specific level of elaboration and respective attribute data of elements. At the stage of construction, the model is used for planning and organization of construction operations, progress control. It should contain elements providing fulfillment of the adopted organizational and technological solutions. For the formation of a building model, it is suggested to utilize technological normals of building processes. Technological normals contain basic requirements, parameters and factors for performance of particular types of construction and erection works, also special works; they also include the characteristics of required machines and mechanisms, tools, equipment and materials, labor inputs, staff qualifications and numbers, as well as the main technological solutions for execution of works. Normals can be made both for unit scopes of works and for individual structural elements, sections, assembly units. It would be useful to use normals as a catalog of standard elements for designing organizational and technological solutions in creating a building model. The structuring and standardization of catalogs (sets) of technological normals, their correlation with catalogs of building machines, structures and materials, will allow finding the most rational engineering and economic options during construction.
The influence of reinforcement’s congestion to the strength of centrally compressed concrete members with GFRP reinforcement
Authors: Lapshinov Andrey E. , Tamrazyan Ashot G.
Published: May 2024

The article presents the results of the computational analysis of compressed concrete columns of a water tank with GFRP reinforcement. It is analytically proved that with an increase in the confinement reinforcement ratio and the magnitude of the relative lateral pressure coefficient due to an increase in the congestion of the longitudinal and transverse reinforcement, the strength of the effectively compressed core increases linearly. The strength of the effectively confined concrete core in GFRP reinforced specimens is somewhat less compared to similar specimens reinforced with steel reinforcement. The coefficient of strengthening of columns (in relation to a pure concrete specimen without reinforcement) increases with increasing frequency of transverse reinforcement. At the same time, the calculated strength of columns with GFRP reinforcement is only 10% less than that of similar columns with steel reinforcement.
Collective Protective Equipment Using Netting Materials in Construction of Industrial Buildings
Authors: Brodskiy Victor
Published: May 2024

The article presents conditions for ensuring the safe performance of construction and installation works during construction/reconstruction of industrial buildings and facilities of various purposes, based on the use of fall arrest nets, which are collective protective equipment for preventing work-related injuries in case of a person’s or an object’s potential fall from height. The article specifies the basic elements of these devices where synthetic netting materials are suggested as the most pacing factor of the required protection degree. Consideration is given to governing parameters of fall arrest safety nets that make it possible to ensure the safety of works at heights. This produced net deflection values that are acceptable for conditions under which construction is carried out, with required contour-rope tension values. The value of the maximum negative acceleration that acts on a body falling from height to the net was assessed. Herewith, the performed calculations showed, based on relatively large dimensions of the fall arrest device’s net fabric, that overloads that occur when catching fallen objects are insignificant and do not require that additional equipment be used to reduce dynamic loads.
Applying of 4D modeling at preparation and construction stages
Authors: Bovteev S.V. , Petrochenko M.V. , Zavodnova E.B.
Published: May 2024

The term digital transformation of the construction industry refers to the process of introducing and using new digital technologies, methods and tools to foster efficiency, productivity, and innovation in the construction industry. The digital transformation process implies the use of various digital solutions to optimize design, planning, construction, and management. The use of building information modeling (BIM) allows for better coordination between construction project stakeholders, streamlined design process and a minimum amount of 4D clashes. When applied in construction, 4D modeling enables the integration of a three-dimensional (3D) model into a time dimension (4D) for scheduling, managing, visualizing and coordinating projects at all stages of their life cycle, from preparation to operation.
Comparison of ultrasonic and GPR methods for investigation of reinforced concrete columns
Authors: Shuvalov Alexander N. , Lapshinov Andrey E. , Zheletdinov Rinat R. , Zerkal' Evgenij O.
Published: May 2024

The presence of internal concreting defects such as pores, cavities, sinks, in load-bearing vertical structures can lead to serious consequences, up to accidents. In this regard, it is especially important to identify such defects is an important and relevant task during surveys of load-bearing structures of buildings and structures. At the same time, the search for internal defects is complicated by the fact that they may not be visible on the surface, but may be present in the body of structures. In order to control the quality of the erected monolithic structures, their instrumental examination is carried out with the identification of the possible presence of internal defects by the method of through ultrasonic sounding. The article discusses the comparison of ultrasonic and GPR methods for searching for internal defects in concreting reinforced concrete columns. The studies were carried out on real construction sites in which there were suspicions of internal defects in concreting of high columns. Conclusions are drawn about the possibilities and limitations of the methods. The resolution limits of the methods are presented. The results of the conducted studies show that, despite the relative modern popularity of ground-penetrating radar, ultrasonic methods can work equally well in this type of specific research scenario and have shown a high potential to overcome some inherent limitations of ground-penetrating radar when working with saturated reinforcement.
Investigating the possibility of using date kernel ash as supplementary cementitious material in sustainable concrete
Authors: Alaa Alwash Farah , Bulgakov Boris
Published: May 2024

The cultivation of dates from palm trees is an important economic activity in Iraq. Date production forms a significant part of the country's agricultural sector, contributing to both local consumption and export markets. The date industry supports many livelihoods and businesses in Iraq. The total number of fertile palm trees in Iraq is over 22 million. In the production of pitted dates, date molasses, date paste and date confectionery, a significant amount of date pits are usually discarded as waste. This study reports chemical analysis investigations conducted to evaluate the potential use of waste date kernel ash (DKA) compared with other pozzolanic material which is fly ash (FA) from bricks factory, tow samples obtained as a partial cement replacement in concrete, the first sample by the calcination of date pits at 500 °C for 4 hours then cooling and continue calcination at 600 °C for 2 hours, and the second sample by calcination at 500 °C for 4 hours. The results of (XRF) tests showed that DKA has low silica oxide and does not qualify as a pozzolanic material compared with a high silica oxide of FA.
Prediction of Flood Events from the Nekor River Discharge Using the Flood Frequential Analysis Method
Authors: Zian Ahmed , Benaabidate Lahcen , El Hammoudani Yahya , Haboubi Khadija , Dimane Fouad
Published: May 2024

This work aims to analyze the yearly most extreme release of the Nekor River monitoring station Tamellaht between 1973 and 2011 and to predict possible future events using the Flood Frequency Analysis Method (FFA). We use the four most estimated distributions that are accessible for prediction of hydrological risk: the three Log Normal, LogPerson Type III, Weibull and GAMMA distributions, and conclude that the Weibull distribution is the suitable statistical model that describe well into our data series, even though the other distributions show data adjustment. Given the Weibull dispersion, the upsides of 580.3 m3/s, 1339 m3/s and 2146.7 m3/s are for the time of return of 10, 50 and 100 years, individually, still high relying upon the semi-dry environment that wins around this region. In fact, the period of extreme returns of the 10th period which can cause dangerous flooding especially considering the mountainous characteristics of the region. The magnitude of the floods is greater because the return period is greater, which explains the semi-arid climate of this region. In addition, a simple statistical description shows that the maximum flow trend has declined over the years, reflecting a possible impact of climate change phenomena.
Temporal Analysis of Groundwater Quality in Al Hoceima, Morocco: A Comparative Study of a Well Over Two Periods
Authors: Benaissa Chaimae , Rossi Abdelhamid , Bouhmadi Belkacem , El Hammoudani Yahya , Aoueryagel Iman , Achoukhi Iliass , Dimane Fouad
Published: May 2024

This study assesses the groundwater quality of the Ghiis Nekkour aquifer in northern Morocco, focusing on a specific well in the Al Hoceima region. This water source is vital for the local population. The research compares the groundwater quality during two distinct periods and characterizes its physicochemical and bacteriological properties. The study reveals that physicochemical analysis shows moderate water quality, with electrical conductivity values ranging from 2441 μS/cm to 2456 μS/cm, and turbidity levels below 0.61 NTU. Chemical analysis indicates calcium concentrations ranging from 181 mg/l to 195 mg/l, magnesium concentrations from 136 mg/l to 143 mg/l, ammonium concentrations of 0.05 mg/l, chloride concentrations from 453 mg/l to 478 mg/l, and nitrate concentrations of 40 mg/l. Bicarbonate concentrations vary from 789 mg/l to 856 mg/l. However, bacteriological analysis shows water contamination by coliform bacteria, intestinal enterococci, and Escherichia coli. The study emphasizes the urgent need to take measures to remedy this contamination and ensure the safety of the water source for the region’s inhabitants.
Groundwater Quality Monitoring in Response to Marine Intrusion: A Case Study in Northern Morocco
Authors: Bensitel Nihade , El Haboubi Khadija , El Kasmi Achraf
Published: May 2024

Water stress, resulting from a demand for water exceeding the available quantity, is a major global challenge. Groundwater usage is a commonly adopted strategy to address this situation, but it often leads to marine intrusion, threatening the quality of water in coastal aquifers. This phenomenon typically stems from overexploitation of aquifers, declining water table levels, and rising sea levels due to climate change. Our study aims to monitor the quality of groundwater intended for human consumption and provide a detailed assessment of its current state. We identified several physicochemical parameters, such as temperature, pH, and bicarbonates, with maximum electrical conductivity values reaching 2810 µs/cm, a total hardness of 21 meq/L, sulfate levels of 689 mg/L, and chloride levels of 628 mg/L, from six boreholes and one well located along the coastal area of the Al Hoceima region. These samples were also subjected to Principal component analysis (PCA) of the chemical parameters, revealing two factors that represent approximately 62.15% of the total variance in the groundwater quality dataset. Simulation results indicate signs of seawater intrusion in several areas, particularly near the coast, emphasizing the urgency of protecting groundwater resources and developing sustainable management strategies to ensure a safe and reliable supply of drinking water in the region.
Antimicrobial activity and molecular docking studies of some imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole derivatives
Authors: Dadou Said , El Farkhani Mohamed , Hamouti Chahrazade , Elyoussfi Chaimae , Aarab Saida , El Miz Mohamed , Koudad Mohammed , Benchat Noureddine
Published: May 2024

The synthesis of bioactive molecules is of major importance in the pharmaceutical industry. In this context, the study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial and antifungal potential of four chalcone-based imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole derivatives already synthesized by our research group. The synthetized compounds obtained in good yield were evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal activities against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Fusarium, the results obtained are compared with the standard. Molecular docking studies were utilized to forecast the potential of these molecules as antimicrobial agents, the results obtained in vitro antibacterial were well confirmed by this method.
Assessment of the Potential Flood Hazard of the Larbaâ Wadi, Rural Center of Sebt Boukellal, Taza, Morocco
Authors: Layan Badr , Zemzami Mahmoud , Bougdira Brahim , Benaabidate Lahcen
Published: May 2024

Flood risk management often requires the use of geomorphological features to identify flood zones, and the use of hydraulic models to predict inundation dynamics and related impacts on the surrounding area. In this study, we used a hydraulic river simulation model to identify potential flood-prone zones on a small scale. It concentrated on a 2.5-kilometer section of the Larbaâ Wadi, which crosses the rural center of Sebt Boukellal. For estimating the peak discharge that occurs in the return periods of 10, 20, 50, and 100 years of the drainage area, we used the Rational method. Standard tables to estimate Manning’s coefficient and direct field measurements to feed the model. Model simulation has shown stability of the steady state, which witnesses the accuracy of the estimated and measured characteristics of the river system. During the calibration phase, we compared the model outputs to the observed floods and made adjustments to align the simulation with the field observations. Indeed, the 50-year flood remarkably matched the extent of the flood that occurred on September 27, 2000. The obtained results have shown that even for a 10year return period, the overflow affects properties within the floodplain. The 100-year flood exceeded the river’s capacity, causing water to spill onto the rural center’s streets and cultivated fields. The water level reached an elevation of 552.14 meters at Sebt Boukellal’s marketplace. These results were consistent with recent floods and confirm previous observations, indicating that the model precisely predicted the river’s behavior. The findings have shown that floods spanned large regions and suggested urgent intervention to protect lives and properties.
Integration of DInSAR and SBAS radar techniques to delineate the main areas of river recharge by sediments using ALOS-PALSAR-2 data: Oued Ghis case in Morocco
Authors: Mourjane Mohammed , Tabyaoui Hassan , El Hammichi Fatima
Published: May 2024

The Rif mountain range in northern Morocco comprises vulnerable lands highly susceptible to erosion, particularly water-induced erosion. This phenomenon significantly impacts the long-term sustainability of soil and water resources, including the lifespan of dam reservoirs and aquifer replenishment. Given that soil degradation is often accompanied by the transfer and accumulation of sediments over time in surface watercourses, monitoring this process using Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (DInSAR) provides insights into surface deformation. Integrating DInSAR techniques with the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) approach using ALOS-PALSAR data enables the retrieval of a comprehensive deformation model over the study area. The results highlight the primary sources of erosion and sediment deposition zones. Displacement rates can reach up to 10 cm/year. Evaluation against ground truth data demonstrates that erosion and deposition rates are influenced by geological characteristics, rock mechanical properties, and topography. The good agreement between SBAS and DInSAR suggests that the SBAS technique could be reliable for identifying sediment recharge zones in these areas
Update of the list of medicinal plants traditionally used in the Province of Taza
Authors: El Aboui Fatima Zahra , Ghabbour Issam , Lahmass Mouad , Laghmari Mustapha , Benali Taoufiq , Khabbach Abdelmajid , Hammani Khalil
Published: May 2024

A large number of plants have very interesting biological properties, and are found to have application in various fields, namely in medicine, pharmacy, cosmetology and agriculture. The objective of this work is to list the uses of plants in traditional medicine in unexplored areas of the province of Taza. Thus, a recent survey was conducted in the Pre-Rif of Taza (North-East of Morocco); among the rural population, between May / 2022 and January / 2023; to carry out an inventory of medicinal plants and a collection of information relating to their therapeutic uses using a questionnaire. The series of visits carried out made it possible to inventory 91 species belonging to 48 floristic families with a predominance of the following families: Lamiaceae (30%), Asteraceae (8%), Myrtaceae (6%) and Fabaceae (5%). 91 species are used to fight different pathologies: the digestive system (13%), Diabetes (10%) and Colds (9%). The leaves (57%), the aerial part (13%) and the seeds (9%) are the main parts used to prepare the recipes. Alone or in combination, these parts are involved in the development of recipes by processes mainly using infusion (36%), decoction (29%) and powder (23%). The products obtained are administered mainly orally (74%) and by external applications representing 19%.
Monitoring and characterization of meteorological and hydrological drought in the high Ziz watershed
Authors: Dafouf Safae , Lahrach Abderrahim , Tabyaoui Hassan , Elyazidi Maryame , Benaabidate Lahcen
Published: May 2024

The understanding of the characteristics and the effects of drought is essential for an effective drought assessment and management in all regions of the globe. The south-east of Morocco is characterized by an arid and semi-arid climate, and the High Ziz watershed, which is part of this region of Morocco, is the area in that this study was conducted, consisting of the evaluation and characterization of the meteorological and the hydrological drought, respectively, through the application of the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), and the standardized Streamflow Index (SSI) indices on the time scales of 3, 6 and 12 months. The analysis of the indices shows that the study area has experienced several drought events with different characteristics depending on the time scale of calculation. In addition, this analysis has enabled the behavior of meteorological and hydrological drought.
Machine Learning-Powered Prediction of molecule Solubility: Paving the Way for environmental, and energy applications
Authors: Aitouhanni Imane , Mouniane Yassine , Berqia Amine
Published: May 2024

Predicting aqueous solubility is pivotal for selecting materials in pharmaceuticals, environmental, and renewable energy fields. For instance, it plays a vital role in drug development and the design of chemical and synthetic routes. In the realm of Cheminformatics, the accurate prediction of molecule solubility is indispensable for drug discovery and development. Traditional methods often rely on labor-intensive experimental assays, presenting challenges in terms of time and cost. To address these limitations, this study leverages advanced machine learning techniques to predict molecule solubility with exceptional accuracy. Using the PyCaret library, a versatile low-code machine learning tool, we develop and evaluate a diverse set of linear regression models. Key performance metrics, including R², RMSLE, MAE, MSE, MAPE, and RMSE, are employed to assess model performance comprehensively. Through rigorous model comparison and evaluation, we identify the optimal model for predicting molecule solubility. Our findings not only demonstrate the efficacy of machine learning in Cheminformatics but also offer insights into the complex relationship between molecular features and solubility. This study contributes to the advancement of computational chemistry by bridging the gap between theory and practice. By elucidating the predictive capabilities of machine learning models, we pave the way for more efficient and cost-effective drug discovery processes.
Antioxidant and Anticorrosive Activities of the Plant Inula Viscosa L. from the Rif Region of Morocco
Authors: EL Bastrioui Mohamed , El Abdouni Aouatif , Ziane Ahmed , Haboubi Khadija
Published: May 2024

This work aims to highlight two activities of the abundant plant in the Rif region (northern Morocco), Inula viscosa L., namely, antioxidant and anticorrosive activity. We prepared extracts using the Soxhlet extraction technique using four solvents to increase polaritywich are water, and ethanol, ethyl acetate, and diethyl ethe. . Phytochemical screening is done using the Folin-ciocalteau method and the. AlCl3 The results of this work have shown that our extracts are rich in secondary metabolites such as flavonoids and flavonols, whose plant inspired its antioxidant capacity evaluated in vitro by the DPPH and FRAP techniques. The aqueous extract tested as a corrosion inhibitor showed considerable ability to inhibit the corrosion of mild steel in 1M HCl acidic media.
Research, control and greening of mica mining processes in the regions
Authors: Treyman Marina , Bezdudnaya Anna , Razumovsky Vladimir , Smirnov Roman
Published: May 2024

The article examines the features of mica as a strategically important mineral raw material for the industrial sector. The purpose of the study was to analyze the situation in mica mining in Russia and conduct an environmental audit of the territories. Mica is an important resource, and its extraction is fraught with difficulties, mainly due to the need to green production processes. An analysis of the situation regarding resource extraction in the region was carried out and the Irkutsk region was identified as a promising source of resources. Mica mining has a negative impact on all areas: public health, water and land resources, the formation of waste dumps and waste heaps, and air pollution due to dust. Thus, mica is a strategically important resource for the economy of the Russian Federation and several of its regions.
Assessment and selection of a rational option for the opening of near-contour reserves during open-underground mining of upland deposits
Authors: Tadjiev Shukhrat , Sharopov Erkinjon
Published: May 2024

The article considers a combined method of mining the Karakutan deposit and substantiates two systems of opening the contiguous reserves by the open-underground method. The development of short-circuit reserves provides for the use of the worked-out space of the quarry for the opening of ore zones by horizontal, vertical or inclined workings with the combination of open and underground mining cargo flows into a single cargo flow. The transition to underground mining is expected at the last stage of completion of the open pit. Due to the fact that there are more reserves behind the contours of the quarry, deposits that it is advisable to work out in an open-underground way.
Classification of reserves of upland ore deposits developed by the open-underground method
Authors: Tadjiev Shukhrat
Published: May 2024

The article considers reserves adjacent directly to the marginal contour of the quarry or located near it and subject to underground refinement. When classifying reserves of deposits developed by the open-underground method, different classification criteria are used: distance from the limit contour of the quarry, location in relation to the contour of the quarry, the method of developing reserves and the geomechanical effect of quarry excavation. Taking into account the above, a classification of reserves of upland ore deposits has been developed.