bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Floral resources,energetic value and pesticide residues in provisions collected by Osmia bicornis along a gradient of oilseed rape coverage
Authors: Misiewicz Anna , Mikołajczyk Łukasz , Bednarska Agnieszka J.
Published: August 2023

Pollinators in agricultural landscapes are facing global decline and the main pressures include food scarcity and pesticide usage. Intensive agricultural landscapes may provide important food resources for wild pollinators via mass flowering crops. However, these are monofloral, short-term, and may contain pesticide residues. We explored how the landscape composition with a different proportion of oilseed rape (6–65%) around Osmia bicornis nests affects floral diversity, contamination with pesticides, and energetic value of provisions collected by this species of wild bees as food for their offspring. Altogether, the bees collected pollen from 28 plant taxa (6–15 per nest) and provisions were dominated by Brassica napus (6.0–54.2%, median 44.4%, 12 nests), Quercus sp. (1.2–19.4%, median 5.2%, 12 nests), Ranunculus sp. (0.4–42.7%, median 4.7%, 12 nests), Poaceae (1.2–59.9%, median 5.8%, 11 nests) and Acer sp. (0.6–42%, median 18.0%, 8 nests). Residues of 12 pesticides were found in provisions, with acetamiprid, azoxystrobin, boscalid, and dimethoate being the most frequently detected at concentrations up to 1.2, 198.4, 16.9 and 17.8 ng/g (median 0.3, 10.6, 11.3, 4.4 ng/g), respectively. Floral diversity and energetic value of provisions, but not the Pesticide Risk Index depended on landscape structure. Moreover, pollen diversity decreased, and energetic value increased with landscape diversity. Thus, even a structurally simple landscape may provide diverse food for O. bicornis if the nest is located close to a single but resource-diverse patch. Both B. napus and non-crop pollen were correlated with pesticide concentrations.
Detection method has independent prognostic significance in the PLCO lung screening trial
Authors: Long James P. , Shen Yu
Published: August 2023

Prognostic models in cancer use patient demographic and tumor characteristics to predict survival and dynamic disease prognosis. Past work in breast cancer has shown that cancer detection method, screen-detected or symptom-detected, has prognostic significance. We investigate this phenomenon in the lung component of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) screening trial. Patients were randomized to intervention, receiving four annual chest x-rays (CXRs), or to control, receiving usual care. Patients were followed for a total of approximately 13 years. In PLCO, lung cancer detection method has independent prognostic value exceeding that of variables commonly used in lung cancer prognostic models, including sex, histology, and age. Results are robust to cohort selection and type of predictive model. These results imply that detection method should be considered when developing prognostic models in lung cancer studies, and cancer registries should routinely collect cancer detection method.
Nucleus accumbens core acetylcholine receptors modulate the balance of flexible and inflexible cue-directed motivation
Authors: Townsend Erica S. , Amaya Kenneth A. , Smedley Elizabeth B. , Smith Kyle S.
Published: August 2023

Sign-tracking is a conditioned response where animals interact with reward-predictive cues due to the cues having motivational value, or incentive salience. The nucleus accumbens core (NAc) has been implicated in mediating the sign-tracking response. Additionally, acetylcholine (ACh) transmission throughout the striatum has been attributed to both incentive motivation and behavioral flexibility. Here, we demonstrate a role for NAc ACh receptors in the flexibility of sign-tracking. Sign-tracking animals were exposed to an omission contingency, in which vigorous sign-tracking was punished by reward omission. Animals rapidly adjusted their behavior, but they maintained sign-tracking in a less vigorous manner that did not cancel reward. Within this context of sign-tracking being persistent yet flexible in structure, blockade of NAc nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) led to a persistence in the initial sign-tracking response during omission followed by a period of change in the makeup of sign-tracking, whereas blockade of muscarinic receptors (mAChRs) oppositely enhanced the omission-related development of the new sign-tracking behaviors. Later, once omission learning had occurred, nAChR blockade uniquely led to reduced sign-tracking and elevated reward-directed behaviors instead. These results indicate that NAc ACh receptors have opposing roles in maintaining learned patterns of sign-tracking, with nAChRs having a special involvement in regulating the structure of the sign-tracking response.
Signatures of geostrophic turbulence in power spectra and third-order structure function of offshore wind speed fluctuations
Authors: Sim So-Kumneth , Peinke Joachim , Maass Philipp
Published: August 2023

We analyze offshore wind speeds with a time resolution of one second over a long period of 20 months for different heights above the sea level. Energy spectra extending over more than seven decades give a comprehensive picture of wind fluctuations, including intermittency effects at small length scales and synoptic weather phenomena at large scales. The spectra S(f) show a scaling behavior consistent with three-dimensional turbulence at high frequencies f, followed by a regime at lower frequencies, where fS(f) varies weakly. Lowering the frequency below a crossover frequency $$f_\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle 2D}$$

f

2
D

, a rapid rise of fS(f) occurs. An analysis of the third-order structure function $$D_3(\tau )$$

D
3

(
τ
)

of wind speed differences for a given time lag $$\tau $$
τ
shows a rapid change from negative to positive values of $$D_3(\tau )$$

D
3

(
τ
)

at $$\tau \simeq 1/f_\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle 2D}$$

τ
≃
1
/

f

2
D

. Remarkably, after applying Taylor’s hypothesis locally, we find the third-order structure function to exhibit a behavior very similar to that obtained previously from aircraft measurements at much higher altitudes in the atmosphere. In particular, the third-order structure function grows linearly with the separation distance for negative $$D_3$$

D
3

, and with the third power for positive $$D_3$$

D
3

. This allows us to estimate energy and enstrophy dissipation rates for offshore wind. The crossover from negative to positive values occurs at about the same separation distance of 400 km as found from the aircraft measurements, suggesting that this length is independent of the altitude in the atmosphere.
Development and validation of a hybrid deep learning–machine learning approach for severity assessment of COVID-19 and other pneumonias
Authors: Park Doohyun , Jang Ryoungwoo , Chung Myung Jin , An Hyun Joon , Bak Seongwon , Choi Euijoon , Hwang Dosik
Published: August 2023

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is transitioning into the endemic phase. Nonetheless, it is crucial to remain mindful that pandemics related to infectious respiratory diseases (IRDs) can emerge unpredictably. Therefore, we aimed to develop and validate a severity assessment model for IRDs, including COVID-19, influenza, and novel influenza, using CT images on a multi-centre data set. Of the 805 COVID-19 patients collected from a single centre, 649 were used for training and 156 were used for internal validation (D1). Additionally, three external validation sets were obtained from 7 cohorts: 1138 patients with COVID-19 (D2), and 233 patients with influenza and novel influenza (D3). A hybrid model, referred to as Hybrid-DDM, was constructed by combining two deep learning models and a machine learning model. Across datasets D1, D2, and D3, the Hybrid-DDM exhibited significantly improved performance compared to the baseline model. The areas under the receiver operating curves (AUCs) were 0.830 versus 0.767 (p = 0.036) in D1, 0.801 versus 0.753 (p < 0.001) in D2, and 0.774 versus 0.668 (p < 0.001) in D3. This study indicates that the Hybrid-DDM model, trained using COVID-19 patient data, is effective and can also be applicable to patients with other types of viral pneumonia.
Passive frustrated nanomagnet reservoir computing
Authors: Edwards Alexander J. , Bhattacharya Dhritiman , Zhou Peng , McDonald Nathan R. , Misba Walid Al , Loomis Lisa , García-Sánchez Felipe , Hassan Naimul , Hu Xuan , Chowdhury Md. Fahim , Thiem Clare D. , Atulasimha Jayasimha , Friedman Joseph S.
Published: August 2023

Reservoir computing (RC) has received recent interest because reservoir weights do not need to be trained, enabling extremely low-resource consumption implementations, which could have a transformative impact on edge computing and in-situ learning where resources are severely constrained. Ideally, a natural hardware reservoir should be passive, minimal, expressive, and feasible; to date, proposed hardware reservoirs have had difficulty meeting all of these criteria. We, therefore, propose a reservoir that meets all of these criteria by leveraging the passive interactions of dipole-coupled, frustrated nanomagnets. The frustration significantly increases the number of stable reservoir states, enriching reservoir dynamics, and as such these frustrated nanomagnets fulfill all of the criteria for a natural hardware reservoir. We likewise propose a complete frustrated nanomagnet reservoir computing (NMRC) system with low-power complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuitry to interface with the reservoir, and initial experimental results demonstrate the reservoir’s feasibility. The reservoir is verified with micromagnetic simulations on three separate tasks demonstrating expressivity. The proposed system is compared with a CMOS echo state network (ESN), demonstrating an overall resource decrease by a factor of over 10,000,000, demonstrating that because NMRC is naturally passive and minimal it has the potential to be extremely resource efficient.
DNA-protamine condensates under low salt conditions: molecular dynamics simulation with a simple coarse-grained model focusing on electrostatic interactions
Authors: Jang Yun Hee , Raspaud Eric , Lansac Yves
Published: August 2023

Simple coarse-grained model with long-range electrostatic interactions providing a nanoscale picture of DNA aggregation–redissolution behaviours controlled by protamine-DNA charge ratios and protamine length in low-salt regime.
Prevention of esophageal stenosis via in situ cross-linkable alginate/gelatin powder in a new submucosal exfoliation model in rats
Authors: Pan Qi , Tsuji Yosuke , Sreedevi Madhavikutty Athira , Ohta Seiichi , Fujisawa Ayano , Inagaki Natsuko F. , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Ito Taichi
Published: August 2023

An in situ cross-linkable powder composed of alginate, gelatin, transglutaminase (TG), and calcium chloride ions (Ca2+) could prevent esophageal stenosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) using novel rat ESD model.
Graphene- and MXene-based materials for neuroscience: diagnostic and therapeutic applications
Authors: Zarepour Atefeh , Karasu Çimen , Mir Yousof , Nematollahi Mohammad Hadi , Iravani Siavash , Zarrabi Ali
Published: August 2023

Therapeutic and diagnostic applications of graphene- and MXene-based materials in neuroscience are deliberated, focusing on important challenges and future prospects.
Multi-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence molecules with intramolecular-lock: theoretical design and performance prediction
Authors: Wu Zhimin , Zhang Qun , Wang Xiaofei , Zhang Kai , Li Xiaofang , Li Rui , Song Yuzhi , Fan Jianzhong , Wang Chuan-Kui , Lin Lili , Wang Zhongjie
Published: August 2023

Multi-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR-TADF) molecules with narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM) have attracted much attention recently.
High atomic number nanoparticles to enhance spectral CT imaging aspects
Authors: Mutreja Isha , Maalej Nabil , Kaushik Ajeet , Kumar Dhiraj , Raja Aamir
Published: August 2023

Spectral CT imaging (multi-energy detection) is a promising imaging technique that can benefit from the use of high atomic number (high-Z) based nanoparticles (NPs) as contrast agents.
Screening and optimization of phage display cyclic peptides against the WDR5 WBM site
Authors: Song Lingyu , Cao Jiawen , Chen Lin , Du Zhiyan , Zhang Naixia , Cao Danyan , Xiong Bing
Published: August 2023

We reported two improved screenings based on the phage display technique to discover novel peptidic inhibitors against the WDR5 WBM site, and the optimized cyclic peptide CYC3 was acquired, which could be subjected to further biological evaluation.
Correction: One pot synthesis of thiol-functional nanoparticles
Authors: Priester Aaron , Yeng Jimmy , Hilmas Krista , Convertine Anthony J.
Published: August 2023

Correction for ‘One pot synthesis of thiol-functional nanoparticles’ by Aaron Priester et al., Polym. Chem., 2023, 14, 1085–1093, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY01512A.
A donor strapped perylene bisimide macrocycle and its lemniscate dimer with extended charge separation
Authors: Veer Sairam Dnyaneshwar , Goswami Tanmay , Ravindranathan Sapna , Gonnade Rajesh , Kharbanda Nitika , Ghosh Hirendra N. , Babu Sukumaran Santhosh
Published: August 2023

Donor–acceptor (D–A) macrocycle designs position the respective units to achieve ultrafast electron transfer precisely and an extended charge-separated state. Here, we report a D-A macrocycle and its lemniscate dimer molecule with exciting electron transfer features.
Thermal N–O bond heterolysis of TEMPO-CF2CF3 towards trifluoroacetylation of alcohols and amines
Authors: Dong Tao , Tang Yihan , Tsui Gavin Chit
Published: August 2023

A perfluoroalkoxyamine TEMPO-CF2CF3 can be synthesized on gram-scale and it undergoes unusual N–O bond heterolytic cleavage under thermal conditions.
TiN/Ti3C2 heterojunction-based photonic device for optical Kerr switch
Authors: Wang Ke , Liu Qidong , Wang Zhenhong , Song Yufeng , Huang Haiming , Fan Ni , Wang Yujie , Zhang Bin
Published: August 2023

As one of the new nanomaterials, TiN/Ti3C2 shows excellent optoelectronic characteristics, thus it has been widely used in many applications, such as biomedicine, optical sensors, image processing, and optical switching.
Clustering of lipids driven by integrin
Authors: Singha Tapas , Polley Anirban , Barma Mustansir
Published: August 2023

We present a simple solvable model for integrin-induced lipid clustering mediated by membrane deformation and actins. We then provide analytic results for the time evolution of both deformation and lipid clustering.
Distinct reconstruction of aluminum-doped oxide-derived copper enhances the selectivity of C2+ products in CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Jang Junghwan , Lee Kangjae , Shin Heejong , Lee Hyeon Seok , Lee Byoung-Hoon , Jeong Juwon , Kim Jungho , Hwang Wonchan , Park SungBin , Bootharaju Megalamane S. , Back Seoin , Shim Jaehyuk , Kim Jeong Hyun , Hyeon Taeghwan , Sung Yung-Eun
Published: August 2023

Al dopants in CuO induce reconstruction into nanoflakes, enhancing activity and selectivity toward C2+ products.
Tailoring selenium vacancies in MoSe2 through oxygen passivation for room-temperature NO2 sensing enhancement
Authors: Zheng Shengliang , Yin Dongmin , Zhang Shengpei , Wang You , Li Jiayu , Wang Zhengjia , Yuan Ye , Tsai Hsu-Sheng , Hao Juanyuan
Published: August 2023

Vacancy defects are intrinsically present in the as-grown MoSe2, which may greatly affect its gas sensing performance.
Critical role of 1D materials in realizing efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Chen Yu , Liu Baibai , Zhou Qian , Ma Danqing , Han Xiao , He Dongmei , Chen Shi , Li Yuelong , Lu Shirong , Xu Zong-Xiang , Chen Cong , Yu Hua , Chen Jiangzhao
Published: August 2023

Illustration of the position and functions of 1D materials in PSCs.
Ion transport and conduction in metal–organic framework glasses
Authors: Chai Milton , Chen Ruiqi , Xu Kaijie , Chen Yuelei , Ma Shengchun , Lin Rijia , Chen Vicki , Hou Jingwei
Published: August 2023

This perspective highlights an emerging class of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with glass transition. They offer advantages like isotropic conduction, absence of grain boundaries, and high moldability, making them promising ion conductors for use in electrochemical and energy related systems.
Strain engineering of antiperovskite materials for solid-state Li batteries: a computation-guided substitution approach
Authors: Shen Longyun , Wang Yuhao , Yu Jing , Zhou Guodong , Liu Jiapeng , Robson Matthew J. , Zhou Yanguang , Effat Mohammed B. , Ciucci Francesco
Published: August 2023

Introducing the tensile strain can improve the Li+conductivity and simultaneously stabilize the cubic phase at low temperatures.
Near-infrared emission, energy transfer, and mechanisms of Mn2+ and Cr3+ Co-doped lead-free Cs2AgInCl6 double perovskites
Authors: Chen Daiwen , Wu Cu , Li Huayuan , Zhou Liya , Chen Peican , Pang Qi , Zhang Xinguo , Zhang Jin Zhong
Published: August 2023

Mn2+/Cr3+ codoped Cs2AgInCl6 double perovskite were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method, which exhibits two photoluminescence bands with a wide emission switch ranging from orange to NIR and the photoluminescence quantum yield of 49.3%.
Rapid sintering of Li6.5La3Zr1Nb0.5Ce0.25Ti0.25O12 for high density lithium garnet electrolytes with current induced in situ interfacial resistance reduction
Authors: Stockham M. P. , Dong B. , James M. S. , Zhu P. , Kendrick E. , Slater P. R.
Published: August 2023

In this paper, a high-entropy type lithium garnet is presented that rapidly sinters/densifies from the precursors, with favourable electrochemical properties in terms of both conductivity and limiting dendrite propagation.
Development of an OTUD1 ubiquitin variant inhibitor
Authors: Liu Qi , Mallette Evan , Zheng Hui , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2023

OTUD1 (Ovarian tumor domain-containing deubiquitinase 1) is a member of the OTU domain-containing deubiquitinase family of enzymes involved in immunoregulation and tumorigenesis pathways. OTUD1 consists of three distinct regions: an unstructured N-terminal region, an OTU-fold catalytic domain, and a ubiquitin-interacting motif (UIM) containing region. Enhanced enzymatic activity and a strong preference for K63-linked substrates are imparted by the UIM containing region. We used phage display with a ubiquitin variant (UbV) library to identify binders for OTUD1 lacking the unstructured N-terminal region (OTUD1OTU + UIM) in an attempt to identify inhibitors bridging the catalytic domain and the UIM containing region. Two UbVs were identified (UbVOD.1 and UbVOD.2) with high affinity and specificity for OTUD1. Of the UbVs identified, UbVOD.1 inhibited OTUD1 activity towards mono-Ub and K63-linked di-Ub substrates in vitro with single-digit nanomolar IC50 and potently inhibited deubiquitinase activity with poly-Ub chains of other linkages. In vivo expression of UbVOD.1 alone was unstable, however as a di-UbV, global deubiquitination and deubiquitinase activity with the OTUD1 substrate RIPK1 were inhibited. Herein we describe the development of molecular tools for exploring the activity of OTUD1 in a cellular context, towards protein-based therapeutics.
Treatment-Induced Recovery Patterns Between Nouns and Verbs in Mandarin–English Bilingual Adults With Aphasia
Authors: Li Ran , Kiran Swathi
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

This study aimed to investigate treatment effects of naming therapy targeting nouns and verbs in Mandarin–English bilingual adults with aphasia (BWA).

Method:

Twelve Mandarin–English bilingual adults with chronic aphasia completed a 40-hr semantic-based naming treatment for either nouns or verbs. Eight of these participants completed both noun and verb treatment, and the other four completed either noun or verb treatment. Participants were trained in either Mandarin or English for both treatment cycles. Weekly naming probes were measured to capture the direct treatment gain and within- and cross-language generalizations. Performance on the standardized language assessments was analyzed to examine further generalizations beyond the word level and to standardized naming tasks.

Results:

Responses in the weekly naming probes showed significant treatment gains in both noun and verb treatment, but the effect was greater in verb treatment. Generalization to semantically related items was captured in noun treatment only. Cross-language generalization was identified in both noun and verb treatment with a larger effect in verb treatment. Additionally, widespread generalizations beyond the word level and to standardized naming tasks were found following both noun and verb treatment, but the effect was larger following noun treatment in discourse and verb naming tasks.

Conclusions:

Findings from this study suggested robust treatment effects of semantic-based naming treatment targeting nouns and verbs in Mandarin–English BWA. However, patterns of treatment gains and generalizations differed between these word categories. This study provides strong evidence of bilingual aphasia rehabilitation in Mandarin–English BWA.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.23818299
Stellar variability in Gaia DR3
Authors: Maíz Apellániz J. , Holgado G. , Pantaleoni González M. , Caballero J. A.
Published: August 2023

Context. The unparalleled characteristics of Gaia photometry in terms of calibration, stability, time span, dynamic range, full-sky coverage, and complementary information make it an excellent choice to study stellar variability.

Aims. We aim to measure the photometric dispersion in the G, GBP, and GRP bands of the 145 677 450 third Gaia data release (DR3) five-parameter sources with G ≤ 17 mag and GBP – GRP between −1.0 and 8.0 mag. We will use that unbiased sample to analyze stellar variability in the Milky Way (MW), Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), and Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC).

Methods. For each band we convert from magnitude uncertainties to observed photometric dispersions, calculate the instrumental component as a function of apparent magnitude and color, and use it to transform the observed dispersions into the astrophysical ones: sG, SGBP, and SGRP. We give variability indices in the three bands for the whole sample indicating whether the objects are non-variable, marginally variable, or clearly so. We use the subsample established by Rimoldini and collaborators with light curves and variability types to calibrate our results and establish their limitations.

Results. The position of an object in the dispersion-dispersion planes can be used to constrain its variability type, a direct application of these results. We use information from the MW, LMC, and SMC color-absolute magnitude diagrams (CAMDs) to discuss variability across the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. White dwarfs and B-type subdwarfs are more variable than main sequence (MS) or red clump (RC) stars, with a flat distribution in sG up to 10 mmag and with variability decreasing for the former with age. The MS region in the Gaia CAMD includes a mixture of populations from the MS itself and from other evolutionary phases. Its sG distribution peaks at low values (~1–2 mmag) but it has a large tail dominated by eclipsing binaries, RR Lyrae stars, and young stellar objects. RC stars are characterized by little variability, with their sG distribution peaking at 1 mmag or less. The stars in the pre-main-sequence (PMS) region are highly variable, with a power law distribution in sG with slope 2.75 and a cutoff for values lower than 7 mmag. The luminous red stars region of the Gaia CAMD has the highest variability, with its extreme dominated by AGB stars and with a power law in sG with slope ~2.2 that extends from there to a cutoff of 7 mmag. We show that our method can be used to search for LMC Cepheids. We analyze four stellar clusters with O stars (Villafranca O-016, O-021, O-024, and O-026) and detect a strong difference in sG between stars that are already in the MS and those that are still in the PMS.
Exploring the evolution of student interest: Investigation of the scientific aspects of learning physics towards renewable energy
Authors: El Azzouzi Abdelwahab , Elachqar Abdelrhani , Kaddari Fatiha
Published: August 2023

Science teaching in today’s schools has important scientific implications for attracting students and ensuring continuous, sustainable, and successful schooling, across the different components of the education system. These implications are mainly linked to the development of scientific literacy among all students. The present work highlights the interest of Moroccan secondary school students in physics as an important discipline in the science field. The main objective of this research is to explore the changing interest of these students by identifying environmental education and the mathematization of physics as an important scientific context in learning the discipline. To achieve this goal, we conducted an empirical study among students in the Fez-Meknes region of Morocco. The results showed that exploring the mathematization of physics can develop students’ interest in the discipline. In addition, the engagement of physics with environmental education will influence favorably the students’ understanding and therefore motivation for scientific careers in mathematical modeling of environmental systems.
The divergence of Conflicts Management Modes in the Conjugal Couple
Authors: Ayatallah Fatima , Naamane Guessous Soumaya
Published: August 2023

The conflicts management mode in the conjugal couple is a process that differs from one couple to another. Within the same couple, this process is likely to undergo changes in direction. In this study, we examine the how and why of the emergence of these divergences. This study aims to understand how the divergence of conflicts management modes occurs in the conjugal couple. This work is based on an inductive approach. The orientation is essentially qualitative, using semi-structured interviews. To analyze this study, we used the Thomas-Kilmann Instrument (TKI) [7], which assesses spouses’ behaviours as a social group in a conflicts situation based on two fundamental dimensions: Assertiveness and cooperation. A) Assertiveness, where the individual seeks to satisfy their own concerns, and B) cooperation, where the individual tries to address the concerns of the other person (empathy/altruism).The results have shown that the conflicts management mode in the conjugal couple is the result of a historical process that is prone to divergences. These, generated by the behaviours of the spouses such as domestic violence, infidelity, disappointment, greed, the expansion of the social circle, as well as acts of altruism and kindness, are capable of tilting the balance of their conflicts resolution mode ranging from assertiveness to empathy towards their partner. This study highlights the influence of the spouses’ behaviours throughout their marital life on their choice of conflicts management mode and therefore on the quality of the marital relationship.
Electoral communication for illiterate voters, face-to-face, and at a distance, and its impact on the environment
Authors: Dounia Monsif , Jamal Hattabi
Published: August 2023

In the political sector, intensifying competition between political parties aims to win over a significant number of voters. To this end, political parties employ political marketing strategies, using several communication and information tools such as advertising, social media, rallies, and election posters. However, despite the considerable exposure of these voters to the electoral messages disseminated via these channels, some of them in this case, illiterate voters find it difficult to read and grasp the content. Precisely, it is difficult to quantify the illiteracy rate, including political, among voters in Morocco. Widespread use of the traditional method of election posters is employed by the majority of political parties. The aim of this article is to highlight the correlation between election advertising via posters, the population of illiterate voters, and the environment in which they are disseminated.
Towards a new relationship between: Innovative ideas and designs adopted by teachers for improving the study environment of life and earth sciences in Morocco
Authors: Seghir H. , Boucetta N. , Boubih S. , Al Alaoui M. , Janati Idrissi R. , Ghariz G.
Published: August 2023

Science teaching requires not only the acquisition of scientific knowledge, but also the appropriation of scientific ways of thinking and the development of a scientific and technological culture. According to the constructivist model, the teacher must consider the classroom as a research laboratory, enabling learners to apply scientific approaches to the construction of knowledge. Adopting this model requires consideration of coherent methodological and epistemological options, as well as an understanding of key aspects of the nature of science, as the latter is an essential component in developing students’ scientific culture. This research aims to explore and analyze the idea of science among Moroccan teachers of life and earth sciences. We explored these ideas through semistructured interviews, followed by a qualitative content analysis. We found a certain heterogeneity of conceptions among the teachers. They share contrasting conceptions of science, sometimes adequate, sometimes erroneous. This study therefore highlights a profound lack of culture in terms of reflection on the nature of science and the ways in which scientific knowledge is developed. Hence, it is important to add epistemology in initial and in-service teacher training. Thus, training in the history of science appears desirable in order to emphasize the evolutionary and revolving character of science, and to ensure a positive impact on teachers, students, society and the environment.
Profitability analysis of onion production in Morocco
Authors: Bouchra Hamidi , Brahim Bourkhiss
Published: August 2023

This study aims to analyze the profitability of onion production in Fes Meknes Region in Morocco and to visualize sensitivity of this production on an increase in production costs or a decrease in yield due to climate change. The data used were collected from 80 randomly selected producers. Different analysis methods were used in the analysis of data: budgetary analysis, cost-benefit analysis and correlation analysis. The budgetary analysis results show that onion production is profitable and the profitability is sensitive to a decrease in production or an increase in costs. By comparison, the analysis shows that the repercussions of the onion production shock are more detrimental than an increase in production costs. So, the farmers are supposed to adopt farming practices that boost the productivity and reduce his sensitivity. Correlation analysis reveals a positive and significant relationship between net agricultural income, the type of irrigation and the level of education of the farmers. These variables must be taken into account to improve the level of agricultural profitability.
From Protecting the Environment to Fostering Innovation: Moroccan Universities in the Era of Territorial Competitiveness
Authors: Slimani Ibtissam , Abakouy Mostafa
Published: August 2023

It has been acknowledged that Moroccan universities have ample opportunity to enhance regional competitiveness through the Sustainable Development Goals. Yet, little is known about how professors and students perceive universities’ role in stimulating innovation, partnership, and sustainability within their backyards or communities. By exploring how much Moroccan universities are thought to be participating in territorial competitiveness via the realization of the SDGs, this study aims to bridge that gap. It is through this work that we aim to emphasize the perceptions of Abdelmalek Essaâdi University’s (AE University) students, graduates, and professors regarding the role of a Moroccan university in fostering territorial innovation through the lenses of relevant Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, we strive to highlight links between the aforementioned university and plans for territorial competitiveness. This will help pinpoint areas for improvement in university practices and achievements in relation to territorial development. The plan is to carry out an exploratory study via an online survey. The collection of data will be conducted on the perceptions of AE University students and professors about the role(s) of their university in fostering innovation and achieving SGDs. It is upon the survey data that we will strive to analyze connections existing between universities and territorial competitiveness via SDGs in order to further emphasize the likely role of universities in broadening territorial innovation practices in Morocco. It is through this analysis that we will discuss the findings and main results of the study in the hope of enriching the existing literature on the matter while helping to assist concerned stakeholders in territorial development areas, including universities and SDGs.
The Digital Marketing Practiced by the Moroccan Tourism Sector: National-scale Communication Actions and Environmental Management
Authors: Zarrouk Imane , El Aidouni Abdelwafi
Published: August 2023

Tourism plays a crucial role in the economic growth of Morocco. To promote the country, the tourism sector has adopted innovative digital marketing strategies highlighting its cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes, and legendary hospitality. Social media, travel blogs, and online booking platforms have been utilized to reach a wider audience and enhance Morocco’s visibility as an attractive tourist destination. This study focuses on the impact of communication actions and environmental management on the Moroccan tourist experience. Its objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of national-scale digital marketing practices and examine the environmental impact of these activities on the tourist experience. A sample of 100 participants was utilized for this quantitative study. The results of the statistical analysis revealed a positive correlation between communication actions and environmental management with the tourist experience in Morocco. Future research perspectives include exploring the opportunities offered by the Metaverse for the Moroccan tourism sector. These findings underscore the importance of continuing to promote sustainable practices and enhancing the tourist experience in Morocco.
Female Farm Workers in Morocco: Between Laborious Working Conditions and Environmental Challenges
Authors: Jehouani Rachida , Meryem Naji
Published: August 2023

The present paper posits that female labor force in the Moroccan agricultural sector plays a crucial role in production and provides specific expertise, leading to an increasingly visible feminization of the sector. Taken into consideration their invaluable contributions, the primary objective of this field-based study is to unveil the working conditions that female farm workers endure, including extended working hours, high physical demands, and health risks caused by either climate change or industrial fertilizers. It also seeks to comprehend gender stereotypes that perpetuate these inequalities. Consequently, this study avoids treating this group of women as a homogeneous ensemble. Instead, the purpose is to closely observe female workers and listen to their speeches to gain an insight into their daily experiences. This is achieved through a micro-sociological framework that involves direct observation of female workers on the farms, as well as semistructured interviews. The research findings confirm that female workers encounter gender-based differentiations in the workplace, stigmatizing representations from their surroundings, and restrictions on access to the workplace. Additionally, they are subject to the negative impact of the working environment on their health and well-being.
Cybersecurity in the Context of Moroccan Energy Companies
Authors: Raissouni K. , Errabih Z. , Charroud S. , Raissouni R. , Raissouni M. R. , Bourekkadi S.
Published: August 2023

The aim of this research is to assess the level of maturity of Moroccan companies in the energy sector in terms of cybersecurity and to identify the factors influencing their abilities to implement effective security measures to address the risks associated with cyber-attacks. To achieve this, we have adopted an exploratory approach. A questionnaire was sent to energy sector companies in Morocco to investigate their cybersecurity practices. This entails examining the current security measures in place, security policies and procedures, as well as employee training programs. Furthermore, we are exploring the human and financial factors that can influence the ability of energy companies to implement effective security measures against cyberattacks. The results clearly indicate that most of these companies demonstrate a high level of maturity in terms of cybersecurity. However, several significant factors influence their ability to implement effective security measures. Among these factors, the lack of qualified personnel, the high costs associated with acquiring and implementing security technologies, as well as expenses related to training and awareness, can be mentioned.
The role of formative evaluation in the teaching/learning process at ISPITS in Morocco: Exploratory study of teachers involved in the health environment option
Authors: El Filali Saadia , Assermouh Jalal , El Yaakoubi Khadija , Morabite Oumaima
Published: August 2023

Formative evaluation (FE) of teaching and learning (TL) is a pedagogical innovation in many educational systems around the world, such as Switzerland, France, and Quebec. In Morocco, the Higher Institutes for Nursing and Health Technology (ISPITS) has introduced FE into its training curriculum, including the Health and Environment (HE) option. Our exploratory study of teachers of this option at ISPITS (N = 60) aims to examine the current state of practices relating to this type of assessment at these institutes. The results of this research revealed that 75% of teachers do not use formative assessment tools, 55% find that it increases their workload, and 48% report its interest to both teachers and learners. Half of the teachers agree that formative assessment should be operationalized systematically in the training process. Our study reports the gap between what competent bodies designed and validated and the actual practices used. Consequently, we believe that narrowing this gap will undoubtedly contribute to the development of learners’ specific skills in environmental responsibility and protection.
Myopia management attitudes in children in clinical practice, towards an innovative and environmental study in Morocco
Authors: Korziti Samya , Dahbi Abderrahim , Chetoui Ahmed , Aggour Mohamed , Bentayeb Farida , Bouzekraoui Youssef , Kaczmarek Catherine , Elmerabet Youssef
Published: August 2023

Myopia is a global public health problem due to its increasing prevalence. Thus, there is growing interest in its early prevention. However, there is a lack of information on the interventions adopted by visual health professionals in Morocco for the management of myopia in children. This study aims to assess their knowledge and raise their awareness of the impact of environmental factors likely to influence the risk of myopia progression. To achieve these objectives, an online survey was distributed to eye care specialists across the country, including a questionnaire assessing their mastery of the different methods available for treating myopia, their level of concern about its development in children, and their opinion on the impact of environmental factors on its onset and growth. The results indicate that most of the professionals consulted are concerned about this pandemic. However, they currently only offer single vision lenses and soft contact lenses, indicating the need for professional training aimed at educating specialists in clinical approaches to myopia management. This would encourage them to adopt alternative solutions for managing myopic children, and to pay particular attention to the environmental factors that influence the onset and progression of myopia.
Eco-friendly isolant composite mortars based on natural pozzolan, fly ash and plastic fibers
Authors: Doughmi Khaoula , Baba Khadija
Published: August 2023

Thermal insulation in buildings has gained significant attention recently due to the clear benefits of selecting appropriate insulation materials for energy conservation. This study presents experimental research conducted to evaluate the thermal properties of mortar based natural Moroccan pozzolan and fly ash, both of which serve as alternatives to cement powder. Unlike cement, which requires energy-intensive extraction, natural pozzolan is an abundant volcanic material, and fly ash is a powdery residu generated as a byproduct during the combustion of coal in thermal power plants. The aim of this research is to explore the potential of these materials for thermal insulation and to address the environmental concern of plastic waste management through recycling. Twenty different mortar mixes were synthesized and evaluated, with a constant 10% of fly ash and varying percentages (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%) of natural pozzolan replacing cement. Additionally, 1% of plastic fibers based on the mortar volume were included. Thermal conductivity and heat capacity of the cured mortar mixtures were measured after 7 and 14 days using a TPS1500 hot disc Analyzer, which is currently the most precise and useful method for studying thermal transport parameters. To ensure consistent conditions, all samples were preconditioned to eliminate moisture before testing. The test results indicated the potential of using plastic fibers, fly ash, and natural pozzolan as effective thermal insulation materials. These materials demonstrated reduced thermal conductivity and increased specific heat capacity, making them desirable for building applications. From an economic and environmental standpoint, incorporating them as cement substitutes for sustainable cement production in thermal insulation is the most favorable approach.
Lifelong learning among healthcare professionals in public hospitals: Historical analysis and multiple case studies in Morocco
Authors: Elkachradi Rachid , Boudallaa Ikram , Hillali Mohcine , Kadouri Abdillah
Published: August 2023

The Moroccan public hospital is crucial in providing healthcare, and its mission is to improve the population’s health. It is currently in a conclusive phase, given its decisive role in the success of the ambitious overhaul. In this sense, human resources are a crucial foundation, as they guarantee quality and safety of care. Indeed, the continuous upgrading of skills is a real challenge for healthcare workers, among other things, because their practice must meet the evolving requirements of the health system and be in line with the population’s specific needs. Lifelong learning for healthcare workers is a crucial issue. This study aims to identify the place of lifelong learning among health professionals in Moroccan public hospitals. The results indicate that all healthcare professionals interviewed know the importance of training to provide quality and safe care. However, only a quarter of them understands lifelong learning as a concept. Moreover, several lifelong learning practices are concrete and implemented despite certain obstacles. There is now a clear need to continue the historical process of improving the quality of training for healthcare workers by building an explicit system that focuses on lifelong learning while integrating a knowledge management approach. This research provides a good and more accurate overview of lifelong learning among healthcare workers. It also initiates reflection and debate on health professionals’ need for lifelong learning, and it’s a real opportunity to raise awareness about structuring lifelong professional training while integrating a knowledge management approach.
Machine Learning for a Medical Prediction System “Breast Cancer Detection” as a use case
Authors: Haitam Ettazi , Najat Rafalia , Jaafar Abouchabaka
Published: August 2023

Breast cancer is a widespread and serious illness, highlighting the importance of an early detection tool that can provide prognostic information and suggest necessary lifestyle changes to prevent its advancement, also the environmental changes in our daily life have significantly enhance the chances of getting cancer at an early stage of our life. Machine learning has become an indispensable tool in addressing this pressing need, enhancing human capabilities and offering greater automation with reduced errors. In this article, a breast cancer detection and prediction system has been created, utilizing diverse machine learning models including KNN, LR, and XGBoost.
Modernization of the Ukrainian state financial control system in condition of the “Covid” economy
Authors: Basantsov I.V. , Zubareva E.A. , Chernenko Y.V.
Published: August 2023

The article investigates the nowadays system of state financial control and analyzes the main principles of its functioning. The risks and threats to the national economy during the coronavirus pandemic was defined. The introduction of new information management systems into the work of state financial authorities to control the targeted and efficient use of budget funds has been substantiated. The definitions of “Covid” economy and financial electronic control were specified. The issue of modernization of state control activity under the conditions of the coronavirus pandemic was considered. The article argues on importance to develop a package of legislative acts to reform the state financial control system. The necessity to create the Supreme institution of state financial control on the basis of the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine was explained. In competence of this bodies will include the organization and implementation of financial electronic control. Authors formulate the requirements for information analytical system of financial electronic control.
Oxidation behavior of vanadium and phosphorus during simultaneous vanadium extraction and dephosphorization of hot metal
Authors: Diao Jiang , Yu Cancan , Jiang Liyuan , Lei Jin , Chen Lian , Li Hongyi , Xie Bing
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the indirect equilibrium method was used to study the equilibrium distribution ratios of vanadium and phosphorus in the metal phase and the slag phase, and simultaneous vanadium extraction and dephosphorization experiments were carried out under different slag basicity (the mass ratio of CaO to SiO2) conditions to explore the oxidation behavior of vanadium and phosphorus during simultaneous vanadium extraction and dephosphorization of hot metal. The results show that with the increase of slag basicity, the equilibrium distribution ratio of V (lgLV) increases slightly and the equilibrium distribution ratio of P (lgLP) increases significantly. With slag basicity increasing from 0.5 to 2.5, lgLV and lgLP increase from 1.7 to 2.0 and 0.1 to 1.9, respectively. Both lgLV and lgLP decrease with the increase of temperature, and increase with the increase of FeO content. High MgO content is not conducive to vanadium extraction. MnO has less effect on lgLV and lgLP. lgLV increases with the increase of V2O3 content, and decreases with the increase of P2O5 content. lgLP decreases with the increase of V2O3 content, and increases with the increase of P2O5 content. Both lgLV and lgLP decrease with the increase of TiO2 content. When the slag basicity is 1.5, the oxidation rate of vanadium reaches 95% after 10 min of reaction. The total mass transfer coefficient of P is in the range of 0.0040–0.0084 cm/s, and increases obviously with the increase of slag basicity. However, the influence of slag basicity on the total mass transfer coefficient of V is not obvious. Both the rate-limiting step of vanadium extraction and dephosphorization are the mixed mass transfer in the metal phase and the slag phase.