bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigating non-genetic resistance to checkpoint inhibition based on multiple states of immune exhaustion
Authors: Kareva Irina , Gevertz Jana L.
Published: February 2024

Despite the revolutionary impact of immune checkpoint inhibition on cancer therapy, the lack of response in a subset of patients, as well as the emergence of resistance, remain significant challenges. Here we explore the theoretical consequences of the existence of multiple states of immune cell exhaustion on response to checkpoint inhibition therapy. In particular, we consider the emerging understanding that T cells can exist in various states: fully functioning cytotoxic cells, reversibly exhausted cells with minimal cytotoxicity, and terminally exhausted cells. We hypothesize that inflammation augmented by drug activity triggers transitions between these phenotypes, which can lead to non-genetic resistance to checkpoint inhibitors. We introduce a conceptual mathematical model, coupled with a standard 2-compartment pharmacometric (PK) model, that incorporates these mechanisms. Simulations of the model reveal that, within this framework, the emergence of resistance to checkpoint inhibitors can be mitigated through altering the dose and the frequency of administration. Our analysis also reveals that standard PK metrics do not correlate with treatment outcome. However, we do find that levels of inflammation that we assume trigger the transition from the reversibly to terminally exhausted states play a critical role in therapeutic outcome. A simulation of a population that has different values of this transition threshold reveals that while the standard high-dose, low-frequency dosing strategy can be an effective therapeutic design for some, it is likely to fail a significant fraction of the population. Conversely, a metronomic-like strategy that distributes a fixed amount of drug over many doses given close together is predicted to be effective across the entire simulated population, even at a relatively low cumulative drug dose. We also demonstrate that these predictions hold if the transitions between different states of immune cell exhaustion are triggered by prolonged antigen exposure, an alternative mechanism that has been implicated in this process. Our theoretical analyses demonstrate the potential of mitigating resistance to checkpoint inhibitors via dose modulation.
Quantizing reconstruction losses for improving weather data synthesis
Authors: Szwarcman Daniela , Guevara Jorge , Macedo Maysa M. G. , Zadrozny Bianca , Watson Campbell , Rosa Laura , Oliveira Dario A. B.
Published: February 2024

The stochastic synthesis of extreme, rare climate scenarios is vital for risk and resilience models aware of climate change, directly impacting society in different sectors. However, creating high-quality variations of under-represented samples remains a challenge for several generative models. This paper investigates quantizing reconstruction losses for helping variational autoencoders (VAE) better synthesize extreme weather fields from conventional historical training sets. Building on the classical VAE formulation using reconstruction and latent space regularization losses, we propose various histogram-based penalties to the reconstruction loss that explicitly reinforces the model to synthesize under-represented values better. We evaluate our work using precipitation weather fields, where models usually strive to synthesize well extreme precipitation samples. We demonstrate that bringing histogram awareness to the reconstruction loss improves standard VAE performance substantially, especially for extreme weather events.
A Kpna1-deficient psychotropic drug-induced schizophrenia model mouse for studying gene–environment interactions
Authors: Nomiya Hirotaka , Sakurai Koki , Miyamoto Yoichi , Oka Masahiro , Yoneda Yoshihiro , Hikida Takatoshi , Yamada Masami
Published: February 2024

KPNA1 is a mediator of nucleocytoplasmic transport that is abundantly expressed in the mammalian brain and regulates neuronal differentiation and synaptic function. De novo mutations in Kpna1 have been identified using genome-wide association studies in humans with schizophrenia; however, it remains unclear how KPNA1 contributes to schizophrenia pathogenesis. Recent studies have suggested a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors that are closely related to psychiatric disorders. Here, we found that subchronic administration of phencyclidine, a psychotropic drug, induced vulnerability and behavioral abnormalities consistent with the symptoms of schizophrenia in Kpna1-deficient mice. Microarray assessment revealed that the expression levels of dopamine d1/d2 receptors, an RNA editing enzyme, and a cytoplasmic dynein component were significantly altered in the nucleus accumbens brain region in a gene-environment (G × E) interaction-dependent manner. Our findings demonstrate that Kpna1-deficient mice may be useful as a G × E interaction mouse model for psychiatric disorders and for further investigation into the pathogenesis of such diseases and disorders.
A TME-activated nano-catalyst for triple synergistic therapy of colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Qiang , Xiang Yurong , Yu Qiang , Lv Quan , Xiang Zheng
Published: February 2024

Colorectal cancer cells are highly heterogeneous and exhibit various drug resistances, making personalized treatment necessary. This typically involves a combination of different treatment modalities such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy to increase patient survival. Inspired by this, synergistic therapy, which combines multiple modalities into a single nanotherapeutic drug, shows promise in treating cancer. In this study, a nano-catalyst based on calcium peroxide (CaO2) and the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) co-loaded into HPB nanoparticles (HPB@CaO2/DOX-PAA) was developed to achieve synergistic cancer treatment through chemodynamic/chemo/photothermal (CDT/CT/PTT) mechanisms. After being endocytosed by cancer cells, the nano-catalyst decomposes, releasing cargo. During near-infrared light irradiation, HPB induces a photothermal effect, DOX exhibits significant RNA and DNA destruction capabilities, meanwhile CaO2 produces a large amount of H2O2 in the moderately acidic TME, which combines with Fe2+ ions derived from HPB to form the highly toxic •OH in a Fenton-like reaction, enhancing the chemodynamic treatment. Assays conducted ex vivo and in vivo have exhibited the efficacy of this triple synergistic therapeutic regimen, indicating its potential clinical application.
Sex differences and individual variability in the captive Jamaican fruit bat (Artibeus jamaicensis) intestinal microbiome and metabolome
Authors: Riopelle Jade C. , Shamsaddini Amirhossein , Holbrook Myndi G. , Bohrnsen Eric , Zhang Yue , Lovaglio Jamie , Cordova Kathleen , Hanley Patrick , Kendall Lon V. , Bosio Catharine M. , Schountz Tony , Schwarz Benjamin , Munster Vincent J. , Port Julia R.
Published: February 2024

The intestinal microbiome plays an important role in mammalian health, disease, and immune function. In light of this function, recent studies have aimed to characterize the microbiomes of various bat species, which are noteworthy for their roles as reservoir hosts for several viruses known to be highly pathogenic in other mammals. Despite ongoing bat microbiome research, its role in immune function and disease, especially the effects of changes in the microbiome on host health, remains nebulous. Here, we describe a novel methodology to investigate the intestinal microbiome of captive Jamaican fruit bats (Artibeus jamaicensis). We observed a high degree of individual variation in addition to sex- and cohort-linked differences. The intestinal microbiome was correlated with intestinal metabolite composition, possibly contributing to differences in immune status. This work provides a basis for future infection and field studies to examine in detail the role of the intestinal microbiome in antiviral immunity.
Assessment of toxicity and antimicrobial performance of polymeric inorganic coagulant and evaluation for eutrophication reduction
Authors: Youssef Marwa , El-Tanany Sara S. , Moatasim Yassmin , Moniem Shimaa M. Abdel , Hemdan Bahaa A. , Ammar Nabila S. , El-Taweel Gamila E. , Ashmawy Azza M. , Badawy Mohamed I. , Lasheen Mohamed R. , Ibrahim Hanan S. , Ali Mohamed Eid M.
Published: February 2024

In this study, the efficacy of the promising iron—based polymeric inorganic coagulant (POFC) was assessed for the reduction of eutrophication effect (freshwater toxicity) and the microbial loads from wastewater. Toxicity assessment for POFC was conducted on mice and skin cell lines. The results confirm the lower toxicity level of POFC. The POFC showed excellent antibacterial efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, it demonstrated a remarkable effectiveness against black fungus such as Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus oryzae. Additionally, POFC showed antiviral effectiveness against the highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus as well as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). POFC-based treatment gives excellent removal percentages for phosphate, and phosphorus at doses below 60 ppm with a low produced sludge volume that leads to 84% decrease in the rate of eutrophication and freshwater toxicity. At a POFC concentration of 60 ppm, remarkable reduction rates for total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and E. coli were achieved. After POFC-based coagulation, the produced sludge retains a lower bacterial density due to the antibacterial activity of POFC. Furthermore, it revealed that the observed removal efficiencies for fungi and yeasts in the produced sludge reached 85% at a POFC dose of 60 ppm. Overall, our research indicates that POFC has potential for application in pre-treatment of wastewater and serves as an antimicrobial agent.
Preparation and research of new black zirconia ceramics
Authors: Ding Yuxuan , Wang Qingchun
Published: February 2024

The existing black zirconia has problems such as uneven color development, poor stability, expensive raw materials, and harm to the human body and the environment. In order to solve the above problems, this paper intends to use NiAl2O4, NiTiO3, Fe2O3 as chromophore, zirconia as a matrix, and a solid-phase method is used to prepare high-performance black zirconia ceramics. The method avoids the introduction of toxic elements, and at the same time, it is more economical in the selection of color-developing pigments. The experimental results show that black zirconia ceramics with uniform color, continuous adjustment and high temperature stability can be obtained. When the sintering temperature is lower than 1450 °C and the color material mixing ratio is 10 wt.%, the mechanical properties and optical properties of the obtained samples optimum, the overall reflectance of the sample is less than 10 wt.%, which meets the conditions for market application. These black ceramics can be widely used in high-tech fields such as mobile phone backplanes, photovoltaic industry and high-end decorative materials, and have broad application prospects.
Type III secretion system effector YfiD inhibits the activation of host poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 to promote bacterial infection
Authors: Zhou Mengqing , Liu Yabo , Zhang Yibei , Ma Yue , Zhang Yuanxing , Choi Sang Ho , Shao Shuai , Wang Qiyao
Published: February 2024

Modulation of cell death is a powerful strategy employed by pathogenic bacteria to evade host immune clearance and occupy profitable replication niches during infection. Intracellular pathogens employ the type III secretion system (T3SS) to deliver effectors, which interfere with regulated cell death pathways to evade immune defenses. Here, we reveal that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1)-dependent cell death restrains Edwardsiella piscicida’s proliferation in mouse monocyte macrophages J774A.1, of which PARP1 activation results in the accumulation of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) and enhanced inflammatory response. Moreover, E. piscicida, an important intracellular pathogen, leverages a T3SS effector YfiD to impair PARP1’s activity and inhibit PAR accumulation. Once translocated into the host nucleus, YfiD binds to the ADP-ribosyl transferase (ART) domain of PARP1 to suppress its PARylation ability as the pharmacological inhibitor of PARP1 behaves. Furthermore, the interaction between YfiD and ART mainly relies on the complete unfolding of the helical domain, which releases the inhibitory effect on ART. In addition, YfiD impairs the inflammatory response and cell death in macrophages and promotes in vivo colonization and virulence of E. piscicida. Collectively, our results establish the functional mechanism of YfiD as a potential PARP1 inhibitor and provide more insights into host defense against bacterial infection.
Synergistic inhibition of green rust crystallization by co-existing arsenic and silica
Authors: Perez Jeffrey Paulo H. , Tobler Dominique J. , Benning Liane G.
Published: February 2024

Co-existing silica prolongs the stability of mixed valence iron minerals like green rust and magnetite, effectively immobilizing arsenic in anoxic environments.
Industrial and culinary treatments applied to Piquillo pepper (Capsicum annuum cv. Piquillo) impact positively on (poly)phenols’ bioaccessibility and gut microbiota catabolism
Authors: Del Burgo-Gutiérrez Cristina , Ludwig Iziar A. , De Peña María-Paz , Cid Concepción
Published: February 2024

Thermal treatments applied to plant-based foods prior to consumption might influence (poly)phenols’ bioaccessibility and the metabolization of these compounds by the gut microbiota.
Improved transparency and conductivity in copper chromium oxide coatings through aliovalent doping and stoichiometry control
Authors: Kim Jaewon , Kendall Owen , Nguyen Triet Thien Huu , van Embden Joel , Della Gaspera Enrico
Published: February 2024

Delafossite CuCrO2 thin films are synthesized controlling the Cu : Cr ratio and doped with Mg, to provide enhanced transparency and conductivity.
Skin-adhesive and self-healing diagnostic wound dressings for diabetic wound healing recording and electrophysiological signal monitoring
Authors: Hou Zishuo , Wang Tengjiao , Wang Lei , Wang Junjie , Zhang Yong , Zhou Qian , Zhang Zhengheng , Li Peng , Huang Wei
Published: February 2024

A diagnostic wound dressing was fabricated, which could record the diabetic wounds healing and monitor electrophysiological signals. The flexible substrate of dressings shows excellent tissue adhesive, self-healing, and antibacterial properties.
A hydrogen bonded azine as a building block for π-conjugated polymers and their semiconducting properties
Authors: Li Kunrong , Zhang Hezhe , Chang Cheng , Lin Kaiwen , Zhang Bo , Ma Zaifei , Wei Dacheng , Zhang Qing
Published: February 2024

An intramolecular hydrogen bonded azine has been investigated as a building block for π-conjugated polymers.
From microkinetic model to process: understanding the role of the boron nitride surface and gas phase chemistry in the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane
Authors: Kurumbail Unni , McDermott William P. , Lebrón-Rodríguez Edgard A. , Hermans Ive
Published: February 2024

In the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane over boron nitride, propylene selectivity is lost due to unselective gas-phase chemistry.
A decade of lessons in the activation of ArIL2 species
Authors: Tania  , Sceney Marcus , Dutton Jason L.
Published: February 2024

Developments in methods to increase the oxidative capacity of ArIL2 reagents are discussed, with a focus on an understanding of these species' behaviour from the perspective of the iodine.
A molecular view of single-atom catalysis toward carbon dioxide conversion
Authors: Shang Xin , Yang Xiaofeng , Liu Guodong , Zhang Tianyu , Su Xiong
Published: February 2024

We present critical advances in single-atom catalysis toward CO2 transformation and address crucial issues about SACs from a molecular point of view.
Cd0.9La0.1S/graphdiyne type-II heterojunction structure for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Ke Yihu , Wang Shuai , Jin Fei , Liu Zhenkun , Jin Zhiliang
Published: February 2024

A type-II heterojunction has been formed between GDY and Cd0.9La0.1S, which effectively enhances the charge separation and transfer while maintaining strong redox capability, thereby facilitating the hydrogen evolution.
Stability analysis of discrete‐time systems with a time‐varying delay via improved methods
Authors: Sha Hongjia , Park Ju H. , Chen Jun , Zhu Mingbo , Nan Chengjie
Published: February 2024

This paper is concerned with the stability analysis of discrete‐time systems with a time‐varying delay. The conservatism and computation burden are two important factors to evaluate a stability condition. By taking the relationship of two reciprocally convex parts into consideration, a new combined matrix‐separation‐based inequality is proposed that involves only a few free matrices. Moreover, an improved matrix‐injection‐based transformation lemma with the parameter varying within a closed interval is proposed by introducing only one free matrix. By constructing an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and applying the improved methods, a relaxed stability condition is consequently obtained with a small number of decision variables. Two numerical examples are given to show the merits of the proposed methods.
Multicriteria characterization of feasibility parameters, implementation of seawater intake selection along the Moroccan coastline
Authors: El Masmodi Rim , El Mansouri Bouabid , Mridekh Abdelaziz
Published: February 2024

Determining the optimal seawater intake types and is influenced by factors including location, geology, ecology, costs, regulations, and stakeholder input. Employing multicriteria analysis, this approach systematically evaluates factors through objective scoring, ensuring a methodical decision-making methodology. This analysis focuses on crafting a decision support interface that meticulously coordinates a range of vital factors to assess the viability of seawater intake locations both offshore and onshore. These factors encompass geological, geographical, hydrological, and hydrogeological conditions, as well as topographic and bathymetric data, water capacity, demand, environmental constraints, technical specifications, economic impacts, and local requirements. The cornerstone of our multicriteria analysis approach is the methodical organization of the gathered data within a structured Excel database. Concurrently, an interactive VBA-based interface is designed to extract insights from this integrated database. Stakeholders can evaluate potential sites based on predefined criteria, customize outcomes, and engage interactively based on preferences. The interface adapts to user selections, expertly guiding them toward the optimal intake type. This process is governed by rules in the VBA code and carefully defined constraints, ultimately providing a precise intake type via a comprehensive elimination and ranking process.
Heavy metal characterization of dewatered sludge from the Kenitra wastewater treatment plant (Morocco) for agricultural use
Authors: Sahraoui Afaf , Sahraoui Adil , Mekaoui Fatima-Zahra , Ouhssine Mohammed
Published: February 2024

The wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of the city of Kenitra treats urban wastewater, this said treatment produces significant quantities of dehydrated sludge which are then placed in the public dump. The valorization of the dehydrated sludge of the WWTP-Kenitra became a priority, seen the enormous quantities produced of their complex and heterogeneous composition. Objective: It is in this present work which aims at following the fate of the dehydrated sludge of the WWTP-Kenitra after their dehydration as well as their characterization by the analysis of the heavy metals in order to study the possibility of their valorization with one of the dies answering the protection of the environment. Results: The results of the analyses of the composition of the dehydrated sludge in Metallic Traces Element is in conformity with the standards AFNOR and the directive 86/278/CEE of the European Commission and does not reflect any danger in their use for the agriculture. Conclusion: The valorization of the sludge of the WWTP of the city of Kenitra is encouraged.
Smart water: An innovative approach to integrated water management at the Faculty of Sciences Ben M’sick (Casablanca, Morocco) in the face of water stress
Authors: Grimah Khaoula , Nahli Abdelmottalib , Chlaida Mohamed
Published: February 2024

The integrated management of water resources at the level of various human activities is today imperative for individuals and organizations. This study investigates the possibilities of applying a responsible and sustainable water management approach at the Ben M’sik Faculty of Sciences (FSBM) in Casablanca through rainwater collection/reclamation, groundwater exploitation and decentralized treatment/internal wastewater reuse. To this end, physicochemical characterization of these three types of water was carried out, with preliminary results showing that the wastewater quality complied with the discharge limits recommended by Lydec for all the parameters determined, except for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Total suspended solids (TSS), with average values for COD, BOD5, and TSS of around 1010.12 mg L -1, 87.27 mg L-1 and 370.48 mg L-1 respectively. In parallel, average values for COD/BOD5 (33.19), TSS/BOD5 (6.03) and oxidizable matter (360.72 mg L-1) revealed that these wastewaters are heterogeneous and poorly biodegradable. As for rainwater and groundwater, the results show that they comply with the quality grid for water intended for irrigation, except for chloride (715.23 to 884.72 mg L-1) and nitrate for groundwater (61.45).
Drought projection from CMIP6 Climate models over Morocco in the 21st century using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI)
Authors: Moutia Sara , Sinan Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Quantifying how climate change drives drought in the 21st century is a priority to inform policy and adaptation planning in Morocco. SPEI drought index calculated from precipitation and temperature at 12 months’ time-scale covering the agricultural year September-August was carried out for each of the five models over the future period 2023-2099. The average changes across Morocco were obtained by comparing between the averages of SPEI values and the drought zone percentages (Light, Moderate, Severe and Extreme). Also, by comparing drought characteristics for the different 11-year time horizons 2023-2033, 2034-2044, 2045-2055, 2056-2066, 2067-2077, 2078-2088 and at the end 2089-2099. The study of future drought projections based on the SSP2-4.5 scenario of the CMIP6 models indicates a worsening of drought in Morocco during the second half of the century. Moderate drought is expected to predominate, with a sharp increase in the area affected by drought, even reaching 90% over six years. These results are essential for decision-makers in water resources management, highlighting the need to put in place strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of drought, including the efficient use of water resources.
Impact of climate change on surface water resources in arid zones - the case of the Ykem watershed in the central plateau of Morocco
Authors: Gramz Mohamed , Batchi Mouhcine , El Bouziani Jamal , Azagane Moulay Hicham , El-boukhari Adnane , Nafii Ayoub , Elharrari Youssef
Published: February 2024

Given the importance of natural resources for integrated development, it is necessary to adopt adaptation strategies to face disturbances affecting the globe. Particularly, climate change, with a particular impact on water potential. The aim of this article is to highlight the impact of this world phenomenon on surface water resources in the Ykem watershed situated in the northwest of the central Moroccan plateau, which is characterized by predominantly arid conditions. In order to monitor the spatiotemporal evolution of surface water, a methodology based on geospatialization techniques was used. This involved mapping the evolution of surface water resources in time and space, providing a variation between reference years, specifically 2012–2021, from 132 ha to 32 ha, and of course interpreting the results by climate elements based on rainfall in the study area and temperature readings in this geographic location. Remote sensing was employed to acquire satellite images available between 1992 and 2021. The area covered by water rose from 10 ha to 126 ha between 1992 and 2012, but the amount of land covered by water shrank to 32 ha between 2012 and 2021.
Big Data Analytics for the Moroccan Water Actors: Towards an Adoption Model
Authors: Jamal Elhassan , Rissouni Youssef , Jamil Hicham , El Ansari Rachid , El Mansouri Bouabid , Chao Jamal , Moumen Aniss
Published: February 2024

This paper delves into the adoption of Big Data Analytics (BDA) within the Moroccan water management sector, specifically examining data collection, management flow, and decision-making processes. Through insightful interviews with representatives from the public sector responsible for water management, this study investigates the pivotal role of effective data governance in optimizing water resources[1]. Given the centrality of natural resources, particularly water, in national development strategies, the imperative for robust water governance is underscored. The impact of climate change further highlights the need for sufficient data collection and an efficient data management system[2]. In the management of natural resources, the accumulation of extensive data necessitates the application of BDA technology for streamlined processing. While BDA provides a solution for optimal data utilization, this article emphasizes the importance of maintaining control over processing and decision-making to ensure the success of functional and technical designs. The outcomes contribute to the formulation of an adoption model for BDA in the Moroccan water sector, facilitating well-informed and strategic decision-making for sustainable water resource management.
Are raw satellite bands and machine learning all you need to retrieve actual evapotranspiration?
Authors: El Hachimi Chouaib , Khabba Said , Belaqziz Salwa , Ayi Hssaine Bouchra , Kharrou Mohamed Hakim , Chehbouni Abdelghani
Published: February 2024

Accurately estimating latent heat flux (LE) is crucial for achieving efficiency in irrigation. It is a fundamental component in determining the actual evapotranspiration (ETa), which in turn, quantifies the amount of water lost that needs to be adequately compensated through irrigation. Empirical and physics-based models have extensive input data and site-specific limitations when estimating the LE. In contrast, the emergence of data-driven techniques combined with remote sensing has shown promising results for LE estimation with minimal and easy-to-obtain input data. This paper evaluates two machine learning-based approaches for estimating the LE. The first uses climate data, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Land Surface Temperature (LST), while the second uses climate data combined with raw satellite bands. In-situ data were sourced from a flux station installed in our study area. The data include air temperatures (Ta), global solar radiation (Rg), and measured LE for the period 2015-2018. The study uses Landsat 8 as a remote sensing data source. At first, 12 raw available bands were downloaded. The LST is then derived from thermal bands using the Split Window algorithm (SW) and the NDVI from optical bands. During machine learning modeling, the CatBoost model is fed, trained, and evaluated using the two data combination approaches. Cross-validation of 3-folds gave an average RMSE of 27.54 W.nr2 using the first approach and 27.05 W.nr2 using the second approach. Results raise the question: Do we need additional computational layers when working with remote sensing products combined with machine learning? Future work is to generalize the approach and test it for other applications such as soil moisture retrieval, and yield prediction.
Integrated water resource management in the decision-making of large firms in Morocco: Case of Managem group (Hydraulic basin of Tensift AL Haouz)
Authors: Banouar Ayman , Bouslihim Aomar
Published: February 2024

Water resources and economic growth are two preoccupations that take different senses. The overconsumption can be very costly in terms of the quantity and quality of water resources, which indulges many negative impacts on water reserves. In arid zones, institutions and large national firms are obligated to deliver more efforts in term of adaptation to the area’s hydraulic situation. In this work, we addressed the issue of integrating good governance of water resources into the decision-making process of large firms in Morocco. We studied the case of the Guemassa mine of the Managem group, located in the Tensift Haouz basin. In order to assess the efficiency of their strategy, we carried out an impact study of the company’s mining activities on the quality and quantity of the region’s waterresources and we provided key information on the hydraulic situation of the region in question. As a result, the company is monopolizing a large part of the water resources of the Haouz plain and their integrated water resource management strategy is deemed insufficient.
Combination of Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) techniques for hydrogeological reconnaissance in the Guigou plain, Tabular Middle Atlas, Morocco
Authors: El Makrini Saïd , El Bouhaddioui Mohamed , Fatah-Allah Nouredine , Chariki Yassine , Boualoul Mustapha
Published: February 2024

The study site is located in the Guigou plain, which is situated on the south-eastern edge of the Tabular Middle Atlas and is characterised by a particular geology within the mountainous region. Unlike the Tabular Middle Atlas, which is generally covered by Lias carbonate formations, the Guigou plain is characterised by the presence of a different type of cover formed by basaltic flows of plioquaternary age, forming a surface layer that is used extensively for agricultural activities. The main objective of our study is to detect the different geoelectric levels both at the surface and at depth, thus providing indications of the specific aquifer formations in the region studied.

The analysis of the results obtained highlighted the presence of a superficial resistant level, attributed to basalts of Plio-Quaternary age, with an estimated thickness of between 30 and 100 m, forming the superficial aquifer of the plain. Next, a conductive level was identified, associated with alternating marl and marl-limestone of Pliocene age, in keeping with the local geology. Finally, at a depth of 225 m, a very resistant level was identified, corresponding to Lias limestone, which becomes a deep aquifer on the Guigou plain.

This study provides essential vertical hydrogeological reconnaissance and highlights the need to carry out numerous tomographic profiles as well as electrical boreholes. These combined approaches are crucial to enriching our understanding of the particular geological and hydrogeological characteristics of this region, which forms a transition zone between the MAT and the MAP.
Design of broadband metamaterial absorber utilized by flower-shaped unit loaded with lumped-resistor
Authors: Tian Huanrong , Zhang Lujie , Zhao Yehao , Liu Zixuan , Cai Wenjun , Long Zhenkun , Zhang Zidong , Bi Ke , Liu Yao
Published: February 2024

A metamaterial broadband absorber is designed by means of metal pattern and lumped resistance. The optimal structural parameters and resistance are scanned in certain steps to determine. The maximum absorbing bandwidth can achieve up to 8.2 GHz with 3 mm thickness. Subsequently, the angle stability of the absorber can be improved by adding vertical metal through holes. After optimization, the maximum absorbing bandwidth can be further increased to 9.1 GHz (8.3–17.4 GHz), and the effective absorption bandwidth of 3.7 GHz (9.53–13.25 GHz) can still be achieved when the incident angle is 60°. Further analysis reveals that the dissipation of the electromagnetic wave is achieved by ohmic loss caused by the resistive element and magnetic resonance caused by the induced circular current, rather than by temperature or other factors. Finally, to verify the real performance of the designed metamaterial absorber, a 30 cm × 30 cm sample was fabricated, and the reflection coefficient was tested by the NRL arch test method. The results showed that the measured return loss of the absorber was consistent with the simulation results.
Galactomannan inhibits Trichinella spiralis invasion of intestinal epithelium cells and enhances antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity related killing of larvae by driving macrophage polarization
Authors: Zhang Ru , Zhang Yao , Yan Shu Wei , Cheng Yong Kang , Zheng Wen Wen , Long Shao Rong , Wang Zhong Quan , Cui Jing
Published: February 2024

Previous studies have shown that recombinant Trichinella spiralis galectin (rTsgal) is characterized by a carbohydrate recognition domain sequence motif binding to beta-galactoside, and that rTsgal promotes larval invasion of intestinal epithelial cells. Galactomannan is an immunostimulatory polysaccharide composed of a mannan backbone with galactose residues. The aim of this study was to investigate whether galactomannan inhibits larval intrusion of intestinal epithelial cells and enhances antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), killing newborn larvae by polarizing macrophages to the M1 phenotype. The results showed that galactomannan specially binds to rTsgal, and abrogated rTsgal facilitation of larval invasion of intestinal epithelial cells. The results of qPCR, Western blotting, and flow cytometry showed that galactomannan and rTsgal activated macrophage M1 polarization, as demonstrated by high expression of iNOS (M1 marker) and M1 related genes (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), and increased CD86+ macrophages. Galactomannan and rTsgal also increased NO production. The killing ability of macrophage-mediated ADCC on larvae was also significantly enhanced in galactomannan- and rTsgal-treated macrophages. The results demonstrated that Tsgal may be considered a potential vaccine target molecule against T. spiralis invasion, and galactomannan may be a novel adjuvant therapeutic agent and potential vaccine adjuvant against T. spiralis infection.
What is the best fixation method in medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction? A biomechanical comparison of common methods for femoral graft attachment
Authors: Vezole Léonard , Gunst Stanislas , Gras Laure-Lise , Shatrov Jobe , Mertbakan Ozgur , Lustig Sébastien , Servien Elvire
Published: February 2024

Introduction: A variety of techniques have been described for femoral fixation in medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLr). The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical performance of the most used methods for graft fixation in the femur using human cadaveric tissue. We wondered what is the best fixation method for femoral fixation in MPFL reconstruction?Hypothesis: A suspensory fixation device provides the best femoral fixation.Material and method: Twenty cadaveric knees were tested. Four femoral fixation methods were compared (5 knees per group): interference fixation with a Biosure© RG 5 mm and a 7 mm, suture anchor (Healicoil Regenesorb 4.75 mm ©) and suspensory fixation with the Ultrabutton©. The testing was divided in preconditioning, cyclic loading and load to failure. Load to failure, elongation, stiffness and mode of failure were recorded and compared.Results: The Ultrabutton© had the highest mean ultimate load (427 ± 215 N (p = 0.5)), followed by Healicoil anchor © (308 ± 44 N (p > 0.05)) and the interference screw of 7 mm (255 ± 170 N (p > 0.05)). Mean stiffness was similar in the Ultrabutton© and 4.75 mm. Healicoil anchor © groups (111 ± 21 N/mm and 119 ± 20 N/mm respectively), and lowest in 7 mm Biosure© screw fixation group (90 ± 5 N/mm). The Biosure© 5 mm RG screw presented 100% of premature rupture because of tendon slippage. The Ultrabutton© presented the lowest premature rupture (40%).Discussion: A suspensory fixation for the femur had the lowest number of graft failures and highest load to failure. This study has implications for surgeons’ choice of graft fixation in MPFLr. It is the first study to test the most commonly femoral used fixation methods, allowing direct comparisons between each method.
Surgical Treatment of Scaphoid Fractures: Recommendations for Management
Authors: Samade Richard , Awan Hisham M.
Published: February 2024

Background: Several operative treatments exist for scaphoid fractures, varying by approach (e.g., ercutaneous, volar, or dorsal), implant type (e.g., screw or Kirschner wire), and bone raft choice (e.g., none, nonvascularized, or vascularized). Many previous systematic eviews and meta-analyses have investigated outcomes following different surgicalÚpproaches, the use of vascularized versus nonvascularized bone graft for scaphoidßracture nonunions, and treatment for specific fracture patterns. However, given the advancements n scaphoid fracture treatment in recent years, there is a need for updated treatment recommendations hat would be beneficial to hand surgeons.

Purpose: We present a comprehensive review of the operative treatment of scaphoid fractures based on recent literature and propose a unified treatment algorithm for managing these fractures.

Methods: The English-language literature was searched from 2002 to 2023 for high evidence level (e.g., randomized trials), review, and meta-analysis articles with the following search terms: “scaphoid, ”u8220“scaphoid” AND “nonunion, ” and “scaphoid” AND “malunion. ” Each article was creened by the authors to determine the scaphoid fracture scenario addressed and ubsequent treatment recommendations. The findings from article reviews were then rganized by scaphoid fracture types in this manuscript.

Results: A total of 95 pertinent articles were ultimately selected and used as the basis for reviewing different scaphoid fracture scenarios. A treatment algorithm was then proposed based on literature review.

Conclusion: This summary of the recent literature can guide hand surgeons in addressing scaphoidßractures. Future research in scaphoid fracture treatment, particularly for nonunions, would be most beneficial n the form of systematic review, meta-analysis, or multicenter prospective randomized clinical trials.

Level of Evidence: IV
Effect of Phonological Awareness-Focused Interventions on Phonological Errors and Phonemic Awareness in Young School-Age Children
Authors: Alvis Jewel E. , Brumbaugh Klaire M. , Tambyraja Sherine R.
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to explore the effects of an integrated phonological awareness intervention on phonological errors and phonemic awareness among young school-age children. Three children with at least one phonological error pattern and below-average phonological awareness skills participated in a non-concurrent multiple baseline single-subject design across participants' investigation. The integrated phonological awareness intervention consisted of completing blending and segmenting activities using 20 trained words, with a dose of 70 to 100 productions of the targeted phonological error pattern for 10, 30-minute sessions. All participants showed improvement in the primary dependent variable of percent consonants correct for their targeted error pattern for trained words. Results for percent phonemes correct showed gains for both blending and segmenting for all participants. All the participants transferred targeted skills to untrained words with their error pattern and generalized blending and segmenting to consonant–vowel–consonant words that did not contain their target error pattern in a pretest/posttest. Integrated phonological awareness intervention was an effective method of simultaneously improving speech production and phonemic awareness skills for young school-age children across 5 hours of treatment. The intervention was designed to be replicable by school-based speech-language pathologists seeking to efficiently support students with phonological errors and phonological awareness deficits.
Are Hospital Admissions (Costs) and Mortality Rate Impacted by Guideline-driven Treatment of Heart Failure?: A Comparison between Participants in the “CorBene” CMP and Standard-care Patients on the Basis of Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Ehling Josef , Noblé Hans Jürgen , Gysan Detlef , Möller Mareike , Goss Franz , Haerer Winfried , Glück Simon , Bansmann Paul Martin
Published: February 2024

Heart failure (HF) is one of the most common diagnoses on admission to hospital in Germany, and one which incurs high costs. Integrated care in case management programs (CMPs) aims to improve treatment quality in the sense of guideline-driven treatment, while reducing hospital admissions, hospital costs, and mortality. A total of 1,844 patient data records from 11 German statutory health insurance companies enrolled in the CMP (intervention group [IG]) were compared with 1,844 standard-care patients (control group) using propensity score matching. The two groups were assessed over three follow-up observation periods regarding the endpoints' treatment costs, hospitalization rate, indicators for treatment quality (diagnostics, physician contact), and mortality. The evaluation revealed no significant differences regarding overall costs. The IG incurred significantly higher outpatient costs, but the medication costs and inpatient costs were not significantly different. There were also no significant differences in the number of hospital admissions. Patients within the CMP had significantly more frequent contact with a cardiologist, and underwent echocardiographic examination significantly more frequently. Mortality during the first follow-up observation year was considerably more favorable for the IG. There are indications that treatment quality is improved in HF patients.
Sensory processing sensitivity is associated with religiosity and spirituality
Authors: Buchtova Marie , Malinakova Klara , van Dijk Jitse P. , Husek Vit , Tavel Peter
Published: February 2024

Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) has recently been gaining public as well as scientific interest. Evidence is lacking on the relationship between SPS and different dimensions of religiosity and spirituality (R/S). We investigated the associations between SPS and R/S in the Czech Republic. Two samples of Czech adults (N1 = 1406; 48.1 ± 16.4 years; 49.4% women, N2 = 1494; 50.7 ± 15.8 years; 44.1% women) participated in the online survey. We measured SPS, religious attendance, religiosity, spirituality, images of God, negative religious coping (NRC) and religious conspiracy theories (RCT). Results of binary logistic regression found SPS significantly associated with religiosity, spirituality, and NRC with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.38 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–1.56), 1.61 (95% CI 1.33–1.96) and 1.25 (95% CI 1.02–1.52), respectively. Higher SPS indicated a greater likelihood of perceiving God as ever-present, fatherly, forgiving, gentle, loving, motherly, punishing, just, and absolute, with ORs ranging from 1.14 to 1.26. No significant association was found between SPS and RCT. Results revealed associations between SPS and various aspects of R/S. The study highlights the relevance of considering SPS in clinical contexts involving religious and spiritual issues. Further research might be aimed at comparing the results with countries with different religious backgrounds, or at exploring the links with other variables that may play a role in these relationships.
Demographic, neuropsychological, and speech variables that impact iconic and supplementary-to-speech gesturing in
aphasia
Authors: Stark Brielle C. , Oeding Grace
Published: February 2024

We model the role of demographic, neuropsychological and speech variables in characterizing iconic gesture use in
speakers with aphasia, especially gestures that supplement speech and are essential for understanding the spoken message. Using
backward regression modelling with cross validation in 37 speakers with aphasia, literature-derived demographic (e.g., age),
neuropsychological (e.g., aphasia and anomia severity), and speech (e.g., speaking duration) variables were used to predict
frequency and rate (per minute) of iconic, supplementary, and essential gesturing. We identified that nearly 60% of iconic
gestures produced by speakers were supplementary to speech with 38% being essential for understanding the speech. Generally, those
with more severe aphasia, anomia, and with nonfluent aphasia tended to produce fewer tokens and a slower rate of speech, and these
were the speakers who produced more and a higher rate of supplementary and essential gestures. These findings underline the
importance of iconic gestures to improve communication.
Towards online audiovisual translation of videos
Authors: Cambria Mariavita
Published: February 2024

The paper reports on the progress made by second-year language degree university students as regards their use of
online corpus construction, annotation and search tools when exploring video genres (Baldry
and Thibault 2010, 2020; Jablonkai and
Csomay 2022). Through first-hand experiences undertaken with students using the OpenMWS platform (Taibi 2020;
http://mws.pa.itd.cnr.it/
), the paper describes the ways in which, through the creation of new interactive
communities, participation in the Messina OVP (Online Video Project) has empowered these students with regard to their acquisition
of textual competences and, above all, their preparation for more intensive AVT studies in their third and final year. As such,
the paper is a first-step towards online audiovisual translation that lays the bases for subsequent translation work and which is
thus concerned with the underlying cohesion and coherence of the overall text as well as the analysis of specific textual
formations in these videos.
ZnO/Ti3C2T
x
composite photoanodes for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: He Lei , Li Yuanlin , Liu Yanxiang , Li Aijun , Wang Xiao-Feng
Published: February 2024

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) have gained significant attention as a promising photovoltaic technology due to their simple fabrication methods and low cost. To improve the competitiveness of DSSC against other photovoltaic devices, enhancing the efficiency is crucial. In this study, we explore the incorporation of Ti3C2T
x
, a two-dimensional (2D) material known for its excellent conductivity, into the fabrication of composite photoanode films for DSSC. We prepared ZnO/Ti3C2T
x
composite films with different concentration of 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4 wt%. The optimal photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.65% was achieved at a Ti3C2T
x
concentration of 0.2 wt%, representing a 41.4% improvement compared with 4.70% conversion efficiency of pure ZnO films. The introduction of Ti3C2T
x
facilitated electron transport and increased electron transfer pathways, which enhanced photoelectric performance. These findings highlight the potential of Ti3C2T
x
based composite photoanode for advancing the efficiency of DSSC.