bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing upconversion emissions and temperature sensing properties by incorporating Mn2+ for KLu2F7:Yb3+/Er3+ nanocrystals based on thermally and non-thermally coupled levels
Authors: Peng Yan , Cheng Zhiyuan , Khan Wasim Ullah , Liu Tong , Shen Menghan , Yang Shenghong , Zhang Yueli
Published: February 2021

Pure phase KLu2F7:Yb3+/Er3+/Mn2+ nanocrystals were obtained for which the temperature sensitivity reached up to 45.11 × 10−3 K−1 employing non-thermally coupled levels.
Mechanistic insights into the thermal decomposition of ammonia borane, a material studied for chemical hydrogen storage
Authors: Demirci Umit B.
Published: February 2021

We have now a better understanding of the mechanisms of thermal decomposition of ammonia borane, a widely studied hydrogen storage material.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Investigation of dielectric constants of water in a nano-confined pore”’ by S. Mondal and B. Bagchi, RSC Adv., 2020, 10, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA02726J
Authors: Zhu Haochen , Hu Han , Hu Bo , He Wenzhi , Huang Juwen , Li Guangming
Published: February 2021

It is true that dielectric constant is a tensor and exhibits a strong dependence on the shape and the size of the enclosure in a confined phase. Thus, dielectric behavior of water become anisotropic in nature and exhibits a diverse range of anomalies.
Ruthenium-catalyzed formal sp3 C–H activation of allylsilanes/esters with olefins: efficient access to functionalized 1,3-dienes
Authors: Dethe Dattatraya H. , Beeralingappa Nagabhushana C. , Das Saikat , Nirpal Appasaheb K.
Published: February 2021

Ru-catalysed oxidative coupling of allylsilanes and allyl esters with activated olefins has been developed via isomerization followed by C(allyl)–H activation providing efficient access to stereodefined 1,3-dienes in excellent yields.
Dynamical heterogeneity in the gelation process of a polymer solution with a lower critical solution temperature
Authors: Dai Yingkang , Zhang Runlin , Sun Weixiang , Wang Tao , Chen Yunhua , Tong Zhen
Published: February 2021

The gelation of a hydrophobically modified hyaluronic acid aqueous solution which shows a lower critical solution temperature of about 25 °C was investigated by multi-particle tracking microrheology.
Activated penetrant dynamics in glass forming liquids: size effects, decoupling, slaving, collective elasticity and correlation with matrix compressibility
Authors: Mei Baicheng , Schweizer Kenneth S.
Published: February 2021

We employ the microscopic self-consistent cooperative hopping theory to study penetrant activated dynamics in glass-forming viscous liquids and colloidal suspensions prior.
A-site deficient chromite with in situ Ni exsolution as a fuel electrode for solid oxide cells (SOCs)
Authors: Amaya-Dueñas Diana-María , Chen Guoxing , Weidenkaff Anke , Sata Noriko , Han Feng , Biswas Indro , Costa Rémi , Friedrich Kaspar Andreas
Published: February 2021

A-site deficient chromite La0.65Sr0.3Cr0.85Ni0.15O3−δ (L65SCrN) decorated by in situ Ni exsolution was implemented as fuel electrode on 5 cm × 5 cm reversible electrolyte-supported solid oxide cells (rSOCs).
Selective nitrogen reduction to ammonia on iron porphyrin-based single-site metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Cong Meiyu , Chen Xuyang , Xia Kai , Ding Xin , Zhang Linlin , Jin Yu , Gao Yan , Zhang Lixue
Published: February 2021

Constructing efficient catalysts for N2 reduction into value added ammonia under ambient conditions is a considerable challenge.
A versatile nanoplatform based on multivariate porphyrinic metal–organic frameworks for catalytic cascade-enhanced photodynamic therapy
Authors: Ren Shen-Zhen , Zhu Xiao-Hua , Wang Bin , Liu Ming , Li Shu-Kai , Yang Yu-Shun , An Hailong , Zhu Hai-Liang
Published: February 2021

A versatile nanoplatform could realize a catalytic cascade reaction in a tumor microenvironment, and thus, relieve hypoxia and enhance PDT efficacy.
New insights on the substantially reduced bandgap of bismuth layered perovskite oxide thin films
Authors: Seyfouri Mohammad Moein , Liu Qianluan , Yang Jack , Sun Yunlong , Dai Xinchen , Shi Junjie , Tan Xin , Li Sean , Wu Tom , Wang Danyang
Published: February 2021

The underlying mechanism of bandgap reduction and enhanced photo-response in cobalt-doped bismuth layered perovskite oxide has been reported via the framework of density functional theory and experimental study.
Improving the hole transport performance of perovskite solar cells through adjusting the mobility of the as-synthesized conjugated polymer
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Ma Yiming , Wang Zongrui , Mu Zhao , Gao Weibo , Fan Weijun , Li Wei-Shi , Zhang Qichun
Published: February 2021

The as-fabricated PSC with the as-synthesized HTL P5NH maintained a very high fill factor of 83.1% with an efficiency of 18.1%.
Impact of noncovalent interactions on structural and photophysical properties of zero-dimensional tellurium(iv) perovskites
Authors: Nicholas Aaron D. , Walusiak Benjamin W. , Garman Leah C. , Huda Mehrun N. , Cahill Christopher L.
Published: February 2021

A family of eight new halotellurate(iv) compounds displaying tunable band gap energies as a function of noncovalent interactions.
Design of earth-abundant Z-scheme g-C3N4/rGO/FeOOH ternary heterojunctions with excellent photocatalytic activity
Authors: Arif Nayab , Wang Zhao-Xu , Wang Yan-Tao , Dou Yi-Chuan , Li Kui , Liu Shi-Quan , Liu Fu-Tian
Published: February 2021

A ternary Z-scheme g-C3N4/rGO/FeOOH heterostructure photocatalyst for H2 production was designed and fabricated, which exhibited photocatalytic H2 production of 124.9 and 869.8 μmol h−1 g−1 under visible and UV-Vis light irradiation, respectively.
Surface peptide functionalization of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 for autonomous homing and enhanced delivery of chemotherapeutic agent to lung tumor cells
Authors: Kamal Nurul Akmarina Mohd Abdul , Abdulmalek Emilia , Fakurazi Sharida , Cordova Kyle E. , Abdul Rahman Mohd Basyaruddin
Published: February 2021

This work demonstrates a new one-pot strategy for realizing a surface-functionalized zeolitic imidazolate framework that actively targets cancer cells via an autonomous homing peptide system to deliver a chemotherapeutic payload effectively.
Retraction: CircBANP acts as a sponge of let-7a to promote gastric cancer progression via the FZD5/Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: February 2021

Retraction of ‘CircBANP acts as a sponge of let-7a to promote gastric cancer progression via the FZD5/Wnt/β-catenin pathway’ by Jin Xun et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 7221–7231, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA09887A.
Retraction: Long noncoding RNA PCA3 regulates glycolysis, viability and apoptosis by mediating the miR-1/CDK4 axis in prostate cancer
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: February 2021

Retraction of ‘Long noncoding RNA PCA3 regulates glycolysis, viability and apoptosis by mediating the miR-1/CDK4 axis in prostate cancer’ by Shuo Gu et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 37564–37572, DOI: 10.1039/C8RA08083F
Metallasilsesquioxane-derived ultrathin porous carbon nanosheet 3D architectures via an “in situ dual templating” strategy for ultrafast sodium storage
Authors: Lin Xieji , Dong Yue , Chen Xiaohong , Liu Haiyan , Liu Zhaobin , Xing Tao , Li Ang , Song Huaihe
Published: February 2021

It is the first time that metallasilsesquioxanes are introduced into the synthesis of porous carbon nanosheets. Lithium hepta(i-butyl)silsesquioxane trisilanolate is a multifunctional precursor for both carbon sources and templates with different dimensions.
The potential use of metal–organic framework/ammonia working pairs in adsorption chillers
Authors: Liu Zhilu , An Guoliang , Xia Xiaoxiao , Wu Shaofei , Li Song , Wang Liwei
Published: February 2021

The adsorption cooling performance of nine MOF/ammonia working pairs were evaluated, among which MIL-101(Cr) displayed the outstanding cooling performance and excellent recyclability, indicating its great potential in adsorption chillers.
Reliability of Speech-Language Pathologists' Categorizations of Preschoolers' Communication Impairments in Practice
Authors: Cunningham Barbara Jane , Oram Cardy Janis
Published: February 2021

Purpose

An efficient and reliable way to categorize children's communication impairments based on routine clinical assessments is needed to inform research and clinical decisions. This preliminary study assessed interrater reliability of speech-language pathologists' categorization of preschoolers' speech, language, and communication impairments using a clinical consensus document.

Method

Six speech-language pathologists at three community sites worked in pairs to assess 38 children aged 1–5 years, then used the clinical consensus document to categorize children's communication impairments broadly. Identified language and speech sound impairments were further subcategorized.

Results

Speech-language pathologists had substantial to almost perfect agreement for three broadly focused impairment categories. Agreement for whether language difficulties/disorders were developmental or associated with a biomedical condition was almost perfect, but moderate for whether difficulties impacted receptive or expressive language, or social communication skills. Agreement was fair for rule-based speech delays/disorders, but low for motor-based and mixed speech impairments.

Conclusions

Results support use of the clinical consensus document to collect data for reliable categories. Additional work is needed to confirm reliability for some broadly focused impairment categories and for subcategorization of speech impairments.
Morphological Errors in Spanish-Speaking Bilingual Children With and Without Developmental Language Disorders
Authors: Castilla-Earls Anny , Pérez-Leroux Ana Teresa , Fulcher-Rood Katrina , Barr Christopher
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to find morphological markers with good diagnostic accuracy to identify developmental language disorders (DLD) in Spanish–English bilingual children.

Method

The participants in this study included 66 Spanish–English bilingual children between the ages of 4;0 and 6;11 (years;months) with (
n
= 33) and without DLD (
n
= 33). We employed a comprehensive production task in Spanish to elicit morphological structures that have been previously found to be problematic for Spanish-speaking children with DLD. These structures included elements of nominal morphology (articles, direct object pronouns, adjectives, and plurals) and verbal morphology (verbs and the subjunctive mood). Logistic regression was used in this study to find a set of grammatical structures that most accurately predicted group membership.

Results

Spanish–English bilingual children with and without DLD significantly differed from each other in their accurate production of articles, clitics, adjectives, verbs, and the subjunctive mood. Clitics, verbs, and the subjunctive mood in isolation had adequate diagnostic accuracy. A combination of verb and subjective mood accuracy best predicted group membership in this study (sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 91%).

Conclusion

In addition to clitics, verbs, and the subjunctive mood, both elements of verbal morphology should be considered grammatical markers of DLD in Spanish–English bilingual children.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.13641320
Iterative algorithm for designing asymptotically optimal uniform scalar quantisation of the one‐sided Rayleigh density
Authors: Jovanović Aleksandra , Perić Zoran , Nikolić Jelena
Published: February 2021

Design of optimal and asymptotically optimal quantisation subject to the mean squared error (MSE) criterion is a complex issue, even in the case of uniform scalar quantisation (USQ). The reason is that the MSE distortion dependence on the key designing parameter of USQ for source densities with infinite supports are complex and limit analytical optimisation of USQs. This issue of USQ design has been addressed for some source densities derived from the generalised gamma density. However, to the best of our knowledge, USQ for the one‐sided Rayleigh density has not been studied in detail. This has prompted our research so that this study provides a detailed analysis of USQ for the one‐sided Rayleigh density and proposes an iterative algorithm for its asymptotically optimal design. To estimate signal to quantisation noise ratio, we derive an asymptotic formula having reasonable accuracy for rates higher than 3 bits/sample. Our analysis can be useful in digital‐to‐analogue and analogue‐to‐digital conversion in diversity systems, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems and medical image processing.
Extreme-ultraviolet bursts and nanoflares in the quiet-Sun transition region and corona
Authors: Chitta L. P. , Peter H. , Young P. R.
Published: February 2021

The quiet solar corona consists of myriads of loop-like features, with magnetic fields originating from network and internetwork regions on the solar surface. The continuous interaction between these different magnetic patches leads to transient brightenings or bursts that might contribute to the heating of the solar atmosphere. The literature on a variety of such burst phenomena in the solar atmosphere is rich. However, it remains unclear whether such transients, which are mostly observed in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV), play a significant role in atmospheric heating. We revisit the open question of these bursts as a prelude to the new high-resolution EUV imagery expected from the recently launched Solar Orbiter. We use EUV image sequences recorded by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) to investigate statistical properties of the bursts. We detect the bursts in the 171 Å filter images of AIA in an automated way through a pixel-wise analysis by imposing different intensity thresholds. By exploiting the high cadence (12 s) of the AIA observations, we find that the distribution of lifetimes of these events peaks at about 120 s. However, a significant number of events also have lifetimes shorter than 60 s. The sizes of the detected bursts are limited by the spatial resolution, which indicates that a larger number of events might be hidden in the AIA data. We estimate that about 100 new bursts appear per second on the whole Sun. The detected bursts have nanoflare-like energies of 1024 erg per event. Based on this, we estimate that at least 100 times more events of a similar nature would be required to account for the energy that is required to heat the corona. When AIA observations are considered alone, the EUV bursts discussed here therefore play no significant role in the coronal heating of the quiet Sun. If the coronal heating of the quiet Sun is mainly bursty, then the high-resolution EUV observations from Solar Orbiter may be able to reduce the deficit in the number of EUV bursts seen with SDO/AIA at least partly by detecting more such events.
Distinguishing AGN from starbursts as the origin of double-peaked Lyman-alpha emitters in the reionization era
Authors: Padmanabhan Hamsa , Loeb Abraham
Published: February 2021

We discuss the possible origin of the double-peaked profiles recently observed in Lyman-alpha emitters (LAEs) at the epoch of reionization (z  ≳  6.5) from obscured active galactic nuclei (AGN). In combining the extent of the Lyman-α near-zones estimated from the blue peak velocity offset in these galaxies, with the ionizing emissivity of quasars at z ≳ 6, we forecast the intrinsic UV and X-ray luminosities of the AGN needed to give rise to their double-peaked profiles. We also estimate the extent of the obscuration of the AGN by comparing their luminosities to those of similar quasar samples at these epochs. Future X-ray and radio observations, as well as those with the James Webb Space Telescope, will be valuable tools to test the AGN contribution to the intergalactic-scale ionization zones of high-redshift LAEs.
Environmental migration and country security: Theoretical analysis and empirical research
Authors: Didenko Iryna , Volik Kseniia , Vasylieva Tetiana , Lyeonov Serhiy , Antoniuk Nataliia
Published: February 2021

The article considers the impact of environmental changes on population migration and security of countries. Theoretical aspects of Environmental migration, in particular its essence and types, are studied. The main directions of scientific research in this field are considered. In particular, much attention is about finding ways to adapt to changes in the environment and minimize the negative consequences of these changes to achieve sustainable development in both regions and countries. The study found that internal population movements are mainly due to climatic factors such as storms and floods. It was determined that in 2019, about 52% of new mixing was caused by storms and 40% - by floods. Countries for which the phenomenon of ecological migration is most characteristic are India, the Philippines, the United States, China, and Indonesia. The main problems that arise in the study of Environmental mobility of the population are identifiedThey are mainly related to the lack of information and statistical base for conducting qualitative and diverse research.
Combined electricity pricing model taking into account the “green tariff” and traditional factors
Authors: Halynska Yuliia , Bondar Tetiana
Published: February 2021

The article proposes a new optimization model of systemic relationships and effects in the formation of a pricing policy for electricity from combined sources of electricity, taking into account indicators of anthropogenic impact and non-renewable resources, socio-environmental and economic interests of society in the distribution of rental income. The model in the end result provides for the formation of a combined model of tariff setting in the energy sector, according to which electricity tariffs for the end user of the corresponding region will combine both market prices for energy generated from alternative sources and prices for energy generated from traditional sources. The authors improved the scientific and methodological approach to identify, formalize and quantify the multiplier effects that arise as a result of a combination of non-renewable and renewable sources of electricity. Also, the article improves the scientific and methodological approach to assessing the benefits of combining different sources of electricity and their advantages when forming a pricing policy within a single energy strategy.
The physicochemical characteristics and the pollution level of Dayet Er-Roumi Lake in Morocco
Authors: El Ghizi Sara , El Aadel Nezha , Sadik Mohamed , El Bouch Mohammed , Hasnaoui Mustapha
Published: February 2021

The management of natural surface water resources requires an understanding and knowledge of water quality. The Lake Dayet Er-Roumi (classified as a Site of Biological and Ecological Interest (SIBE)) is the only permanent continental lake of low altitude in Morocco, this international attraction site is subject to various sources of anthropogenic pollution, in addition to the effects of climate change (thermal variability, lack of precipitation, etc.). The objective of this work is to quantify and assess the quality of the waters lake, and its tributaries through Spatio-temporal monitoring of several physicochemical parameters during two seasons (winter and summer) of the year 2019. All the physicochemical analysis (such as temperature, hydrogen potential, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, orthophosphates, and chlorides) were carried out at 7 study stations (5 stations at lake level and 2 stations representing the tributaries). Statistical calculation of the data set revealed high concentrations of chlorides in both seasons and orthophosphates during the summer season, with average nitrate concentrations during the winter season. The results obtained show that the pH of the water is basic with a very high electrical conductivity showing a load of water in different minerals. These results greatly exceed the standards of fish water quality and surface water quality. They show that the lake Dayet Er-Roumi is polluted. Strategies to limit the pollution of the lake must be implemented by decision-makers at all levels, in order to avoid several ecological problems (fish mortality for example).
Obstacle avoidance behavior of an autonomous mobile robot in a radioactive environment based on fuzzy logic
Authors: Haddi Yassine , Kharchaf Amina
Published: February 2021

Five years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, many robots have been developed to enter areas that are too radioactive for humans, in the event of a nuclear accident, measuring the level of radioactivity can be difficult and risky. A new detection system has been developed to come to the aid of plant operators and managers in certain emergency situations. While navigating in a radioactive environment and looking for sources.to facilitate this operation and make it safer, we have to assess the autonomy of this system, which is a robot operating in a radioactive environment based and to guarantee autonomy and intelligence for obstacle avoidance behavior, we will use a tool such as Fuzzy Logic (LF). In this article, we present an obstacle avoidance approach using this tool. The approach is validated by a virtual simulation on Matlab Simulink.
Statistical study of wind speed variations by Weibull parameters for Socotra Island, Yemen
Authors: Serag Saif , Ibaaz Khalid , Echchelh Adil
Published: February 2021

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA-2013), Electricity alone does not create all the conditions for socioeconomic growth, but it is obviously essential to meet basic human needs and facilitate the development of economic activities. For the isolated areas with high wind potential and the island suffering from the electrification problems, the prospective solution is the use of renewable energies, especially wind energy. The present paper deals with a detailed statistical study on wind energy, its parameters, and variables on Socotra Island in Yemen, where that island is isolated from the main electricity grid in addition to the difficulty of providing electrical energy to this region in light of conditions in which Yemen has been living in recent times. The simulation results prove that the mean wind speed can reach a value ranging from 8.36 to 10.36 m/s, which is a large and enough speed to generate electricity using turbine farms. Based on the k and c Weibull parameters, the maximum probability at speeds 3 and 4 m/s is 0,052, while a value of 0,085 at speed 7 m/s is given by Rayleight distribution. Every result proved that Yemen has a good wind energy potential can utilize it for electrical energy production, and that strengthens the planning of economical wind turbines capacity for electricity production in the region.
Electrode material in electrochemical decolorization of dyestuffs wastewater: A review
Authors: El Aggadi Sanaa , Kaichouh Ghizlan , El Abbassi Zoubida , Fekhaoui Mohammed , EL Hourch Abderrahim
Published: February 2021

Tеxtile wastewater contains a variety of contaminants that are known to be hazardous. Synthetic dyes are one of the hazardous pollutants in the textile industry that are resistant to the photo/bio dеgradation. They cannot be dеstroyed under conventional wastewater treatment. This document presents a review on the electrochemical treatment of wastеwater containing synthetic organic dyes by anodic oxidation for environmental protection. The mechanisms of еlectrochemical oxidation in anodic oxidation processes are well explained. A largе number of electrodes have been tested by this method. Therefore, this papеr aims to summarize and discuss the most important and rеcent results available in the literature on anode application for the rеmoval of synthetic dyestuffs. Finally, the prospects of the process for futurе research are suggested.
A comparative study of the kinetics and isotherm of adsorption of a cationic dye by different natural wastes
Authors: Kerrou Meryem , Bouslamti Najia , Raada Abdelaziz , Elanssari Abdellah , Mrani Driss
Published: February 2021

In many countries, water pollution from industrial wastewater is a serious problem. This type of pollution can have a harmful impact on the environment, to reduce the effects of these pollutants, several physico-chemical methods are implemented, in particular adsorption on bioadsorbents, it is a common process to remove traces of pollutants from water, the aim of our work is to realize a comparative experimental study of isotherms and adsorption kinetics of methylene blue (MB) on three substrates: sugar cane bagasse (SCB), almond shell (AS) and walnut shell (WS). The results of equilibrium kinetics show that walnut shell (WS) binds better to methylene blue than other substrates. The results also show that the adsorption kinetics are described by the expression of the pseudo-second order model. The isotherms of adsorption of methylene blue (MB) by sugarcane bagasse (SCB), walnut shell (WS) and almond shell are perfectly described by Langmuir's model and that walnut shell adsorbs methylene blue better than other substrates.
A study of the microbiological and physico-chemical quality of drinking water intended for human consumption in the town of Kenitra
Authors: Benakka Latifa , Zogaam Gharbi Loubna , Guennouni Morad , Bejjaji Zohra , Aouane Mahjoub
Published: February 2021

The quality of drinking water is highly dependent on physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics. This study envisaged to determine the physico-chemical and microbiological quality of the water consumed by the population of the town of Kenitra by analyzing the following parameters: Conductivity, Turbidity, Temperature, pH, Sulphates, Cadmium, Selenium, Arsenic, Fluorides, Total Iron, Manganese, Chloride Ions, Nitrates, Nitrites, Cadmium, Boron, Nickel, Trihalomethanes, Ammonium and Potassium Permanganate. On the other hand by analyzing the following microbiological parameters: Escherichia coli, intestinal enterococci, coliforms and revivifiable microorganisms at 22 ̊C and 37 ̊C. In general, biological contamination was not detected in the samples collected from Kenitra. At the same time, the results of some physico-chemical elements do not also show contamination in drinking water, which implies that the concentrations of these elements are perfectly in line with WHO requirements.Indeed, the physico-chemical parameters that were considered non-compliant in this work are temperature, pH, dissolved O2 and sulfate (SO42-) represent an impact on water. The results obtained were found to be below the values required by the Moroccan standard.
Preserving the Environment and Establishing Sustainable Development: An Overview on the Moroccan Model
Authors: Guaadaoui Abdelkarim , ElYadini Meryem , Chiat Khalid , Jdaini Tarik , El Hajjaji Souad
Published: February 2021

Over the past two decades, Morocco has been able to develop a political and strategic vision which has gradually considered the environment as a prerequisite for any public policies. The new approach aims to make the environment the cornerstone of sustainable development, and therefore, ultimately, of the birth of a new "green and inclusive" economy. This vision benefits from an exceptional impetus from His Majesty the King Mohammed VI. Morocco has therefore put in place a national environmental and sustainable development policy which breaks down into several priority areas, namely: strengthening the legal and institutional framework; environmental upgrading through programs dedicated to the preservation of the environment and providing financial instruments and systems in the service of environmental monitoring. In addition, Morocco, with its strategic north-south status, is actively engaged in the environmental diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. On the road to an integrated and sustainable human development, Morocco continues to deploy ambitious efforts in environmental communication, awareness and education. Based on the bidimensional classic model, Morocco has therefore developed a tridimensional/pyramidal model for the sustainable development. This, by integrating governance in the summit, and putting human being at the center of the new form, as an actor and a beneficiary at the same time. This manuscript presents an overview of the Moroccan model in all aspects of preserving the environment and establishing the second generation of the sustainable development.
A review of soil erosion modeling by R/USLE in Morocco: Achievements and limits
Authors: Manaouch Mohamed , Zouagui Anis , Fenjiro Imad
Published: February 2021

Soil erosion is a major cause of land degradation. It can be estimated with several models, such as empirical, conceptual and physical based. One of the empirical models used worldwide nowadays for soil erosion assessment is the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and its updated form, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). In Morocco, this model is being used to assess and quantify soil loss by water erosion. In spite of this, it was noted that limited studies employed correctly this important tool. The goal of this review paper was to identify potential usage of R/USLE models in Morocco. This was done by evaluating the conducted studies concerning these models and main gaps and challenges were determined accordingly. Improvement options and future requirements for using R/USLE models were recommended. In order to assess the statues of the R/USLE models applications, the 56 published documents related to R/USLE models conducted in Morocco during the first use till 2020 were collected and reviewed. These publications covered five main areas. The main benefits as well as gaps of the conducted studies were discussed for each area. Current concerns, need of future studies as well as related recommendations and suggestions were also presented.
A brief description of domestic water-use data in the city of Rabat-Salé (Morocco)
Authors: Saffi Mohamed , Achoubir Khalid , Bourich Hafid , Iqiqen Mouad
Published: February 2021

A small-scale experiment is conducted to estimate domestic water-use rate in the city of Rabat-Salé. Water consumption in 171 households has been closely monitored over a 24-month period. During this survey both the net monthly volume of tap water effectively used in each household and the exact number of people who have lived in the same household are observed. This has resulted in a series of reliable realizations of daily per-capita water rate (denoted q). A usual procedure for data summarizing is presented: It is observed that entity q, interpreted as a random variable, is satisfactorily represented by the log-normal distribution. Estimate for the expected value of q along with the corresponding 95% Cox confidence interval are given. Such estimates are (for instance) essential to future water system extension.
Sea surface temperature estimation using remotely sensed imagery of Landsat 8 along the coastline of Tangier - Ksar Sghir region
Authors: Bourouhou Imane , Salmoun Farida
Published: February 2021

Seawater temperature is an extremely important factor as it affects the ecological balance of marines ecosystems, the continental weather, and the earth's atmosphere. However, the pressure on both coastal and marine resources, the use of oceans as a wastes deposit, the increase of urbanization, and anthropogenic activities in coastal zones are all causes of thermal pollution. The degradation of water quality by any process that changes ambient water temperature constitutes a significant danger in many coastal areas in the world. The region of Tangier-Ksar Sghir overlooking the Mediterranean Sea is experiencing growth of population and increasing urbanization and human activities, in addition to the industrial and touristic activities along the coastline. These activities are the main sources of thermal pollution that have effects on human health and the environment in the region. So, it is very important to examine seawater temperature in order to protect the marine and coastal areas from thermal pollution. In the current study, an approach based on TIRS thermal band data was used to estimate sea surface temperature. The results showed a good correlation between in-situ measurements and the estimated values from Landsat8 images along the coastline of the study area.
Fitting the OCV-SOC relationship of a battery lithium-ion using genetic algorithm method
Authors: Elmahdi Fadlaoui , Ismail Lagrat , Noureddine Masaif
Published: February 2021

In response to the need of reducing fossil fuel dependence and environmental impacts for ground transportation, electric vehicles (EVs) powered by lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are being intensively researched and they have placed on the forefront as alternative vehicles. The state of charge (SOC) is one of the most important states of LIBs that is monitored online. However, the model-based method state of charge estimation requires an accurate Open circuit voltage (OCV), which is an important characteristic parameter of lithium-ion batteries, that is used to estimate battery state of charge (SOC). Therefore, accurate OCV modeling is a great significance for lithium-ion battery management. The polynomial OCV model uses the polynomial function to establish the relationship between OCV and SOC mapping. In this paper,8th degree polynomial fitting curve is considered and the genetic algorithm optimization method is proposed for estimating the parameters. The results show that the root mean square error can be decreased to 0.002. However, the best fitting OCV-SOC curve can increase the accuracy of the model and improve the accuracy of battery state estimation.
Medium optimization for exopolysaccharides production by Bacillus Zhangzhouensis BZ 16 strain isolated from Khnifiss Lagoon
Authors: Miri Mouna , Bergayou Hafida , Belmouden Ahmed , Moukrim Abdellatif , Baazizi Hakim , Boum’handi Naima
Published: February 2021

The increased demand for natural polymers for diverse industrial applications in last years has led to a renovated interest in exopolysaccharides (EPS) production by microorganisms. Ecological roles of EPS especially for those isolated from extreme habitats such as hypersaline ponds have been reported in several studies. A moderate halophilic strain producing exopolysaccharide (EPS) has been isolated earlier. However, the EPS production of the strain (2 g/L) was relatively low to exploit it at the industrial level. In the present work, the strain was identified as Bacillus zhangzhouensis and named as BZ 16 and the optimal medium was studied to boost the EPS production. Maximum EPS production was obtained in medium with 125 g/L sucrose, 30 g/L yeast extract. Phosphate source inhibited EPS production even if it increased the growth. Under optimal medium composition, EPS was produced at 12.37 g/L, which was 6 times greater than the production yield achievable without optimizing conditions.
Hurdle-Hop Simulation of Tilt-Rotor Aircraft Based on Optimal Control Theory
Authors: Chen Jinhe , Wang Zhengzhong , Tian Hongyuan
Published: February 2021

Aiming at simulating the hurdle-hop of tilt-rotor aircraft in forward flight near the ground, two models of numerical simulation and analysis based on optimal control theory were proposed. Firstly, Longitudinal flight dynamic model for tilt-rotor was modified considering the influence of ground effect. Secondly, the first model is combined with predicted trajectory from inverse simulation method, the inverse model of hurdle-hop of tilt-rotor is established based on optimal trajectory, and the second model is the optimal control model of unpredicted trajectory, which is formulated from the reasonable function of objective, path and boundary constraints for hurdle-hop with detailed analysis, solved two models by direct multiple shooting method and nonlinear programming algorithm. Finally, XV-15 as the sample vehicle. Two models for hurdle-hop based on optimal control theory was calculated, the history of optimal flight trajectory and control are given.
Path Planning Algorithm of Dijkstra-Based Intelligent Aircraft under Multiple Constraints
Authors: Cheng Ningyi , Liu Zhiqian , Li Yuqi
Published: February 2021

Aiming at the rapid planning of the optimal flight path of the intelligent aircraft, considering the error constraints and correction probability constraints, a model for intelligent aircraft path planning under multiple constraints is constructed, and a global search algorithm based on Dijkstra algorithm is proposed to solve the model. By calculating the residual error and restricts flight distance, the basic Dijkstra algorithm is improved to make it more adaptable to solve the path planning under multiple constraints. At the same time, simulation experiment is conducted with the optimal goal of the shortest track length and satisfying the error constraints. The experimental results show that the aircraft passed a total of 18 correction points when it reached the destination. The total track length was 144 287.932 m, the vertical position error was 17.254 units, and the horizontal position error was 6.420 units. The results meet the error requirements. The results show that the intelligent aircraft path planning model and Dijkstra-based global search algorithm with multiple constraints are reasonable in solving such problems.
Reduced Thalamic Volume and Metabolites in Type 1 Diabetes with Polyneuropathy
Authors: Hansen Tine M. , Frøkjær Jens B. , Selvarajah Dinesh , Muthulingam Janusiya A. , Tesfaye Solomon , Juhl Anne , Drewes Asbjørn M. , Jakobsen Poul E. , Karmisholt Jesper , Brock Birgitte , Brock Christina
Published: February 2021

Objective Thalamus is essential in processing of sensory information. This study explored the associations between thalamic volume and intra-thalamic metabolites and associations to clinical and experimental characteristics of sensory function in adults with diabetic polyneuropathy.

Methods 48 adults with type 1 diabetes and confirmed distal symmetric peripheral neuropathy (DPSN) and 28 healthy controls participated in a cross-sectional study and underwent a brain magnetic resonance imaging scan. Estimates for thalamic volume were extracted using voxel-based morphometry and intra-thalamic N-acetylaspartate/creatine (NAA/cre) levels were assessed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Associations between thalamic volume and clinical measures, quantitative sensory testing and neuropathic phenotype were explored.

Results In diabetes, reduced gray matter volume was identified including bilateral thalamus (all p≤0.001) in comparison to healthy participants. Thalamic volume estimates were positively associated to intra-thalamic NAA/cre (r=0.4; p=0.006), however not to diabetes duration (p=0.5), severity of DSPN (p=0.7), or presence of pain (p=0.3). Individuals with the lowest thalamic volume had greatest loss of protective sensation (light touch using von Frey-like filaments, p=0.037) and highest pain tolerance to electric stimulation (tetanic stimulation, p=0.008) compared to individuals with the highest thalamic volume.

Conclusions In this cohort with type 1 diabetes and severe DSPN, thalamic atrophy was present and associated with reduced NAA/cre, indicating thalamic structural loss and dysfunction. Thalamic atrophy was associated to reduced sensory function involving large fiber neuropathy and sensation to tetanic stimulation that may reflect synaptic transmission. This may ultimately contribute to the current understanding of the pathophysiology behind the perception changes evident in DSPN.
Allergische Reaktionen auf COVID-19-Impfungen – Was HNO-Ärzte wissen sollten – Teil 1: Allgemeine Aspekte von Allergien auf Impfstoffe, immunologische Grundlagen von Allergien auf Impfstoffe, Immunmechanismen von allergischen und pseudoallergischen Reaktionen; Teil 2: Charakteristiken der mRNA-Impfstoffe BNT162b2 und mRNA-1273 zur Prophylaxe von COVID-19, weitere Impfstoff-Kandidaten und assoziierte Immunphänomene; Teil 3: Praktische Aspekte der Prophylaxe, Diagnostik und Therapie von Allergien auf COVID-19-Impfstoffe
Authors: Klimek L. , Chaker A. M. , Cuevas M.
Published: February 2021

Impfungen sind der Goldstandard zur Prophylaxe gefährlicher Infektionserkrankungen. Innerhalb weniger als 12 Monaten seit Entschlüsselung der kodierenden RNA-Sequenzen von SARS-CoV-2 wurden bereits 2 RNA-Impfstoffe gegen COVID-19 in wesentlichen Teilen der Welt zugelassen und seit Dezember 2020 eingesetzt. Der Herausforderung durch eine beispiellose globale Pandemie folgte in bisherig einmaliger Art und Weise der Zusammenarbeit und koordinierten Antwort die Entwicklung verschiedener Impfstoffe basierend auf unterschiedlichen Technologieplattformen. In diesem Artikel werden die verschiedenen Charakteristiken der in Prüfung befindlichen sowie bereits zugelassenen Impfstoffe dargestellt und erklärt, z. B. Subunit-Impfstoffe, inaktivierte Vollimpfstoffe, abgeschwächte Lebendimpfstoffe und Virus-like-Particle (VLP) -Impfstoffe. Die neuartigen rekombinanten Impfstoffstrategien basierend auf adenoviralen Vektoren sowie die durch die schnelle Entwicklung und erstmalige Zulassung in den Fokus gerückten RNA-Impfstoffe sowie ihre Biologie und Pharmakologie werden erläutert. Allergische Reaktionen gegen diese Impfstoffe und Bestandteile existieren, sind aber selten. Immunreaktionen sowie Nebenwirkungen sollten gut dokumentiert werden. In seltenen Fällen einer vermuteten Allergie gegen Impfstoffbestandteile, vor allem gegen PEGs, ist eine präemptive Hauttestung möglich. Die Entwicklung innovativer Impfstofftechnologien und antiviraler Medikamente ist von strategischer Bedeutung im Sinne einer zukünftigen „pandemic preparedness“.
Stereoselective Convergent Synthesis of Carbon Skeleton of Cotylenin A Aglycone
Authors: Sugita Kazuyuki , Kuwabara Motoi , Matsuo Ami , Kamo Shogo , Matsuzawa Akinobu
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the synthesis of the carbon skeleton of cotylenin A aglycone is described. The key reactions, including an intramolecular aldol reaction, an aldol coupling reaction, and a ring-closing meta­thesis, allow for the effective and stereoselective access to the carbon skeleton of cotylenin A aglycone. The stereochemistry was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analyses of related compounds.
India’s foreign economic policy under Modi: negotiations and narratives in the WTO and beyond
Authors: Narlikar Amrita
Published: February 2021

For all the complexities of India’s politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi seemed to have his economic path cut out for him. His ‘Achche din aane waale hein’ (good days are coming) campaign, which had won him a resounding election victory in 2014 for his first term, suggested that Modi’s primary goal was growth and development for his country and people, and hence also an agenda of economic reform. Focusing specifically on India’s negotiations in the context of the WTO, I show in this paper that India has continued to hold on to its former trade policy priorities and negotiation positions and adopted even more hard-line positions in some cases. Interestingly though, the same policy priorities and negotiation patterns that had ill-served India in the past may now no longer be a liability. This is only in part a credit to the Modi administration per se. Rather, it is mainly due to the rise of the phenomenon of “weaponized interdependence”, which in turn legitimizes—sometimes even necessitates—the securitization of foreign economic policy, and more specifically, trade politics. Taken in this changing context and as other countries also adopt a more market-cautionary approach, India’s historic and oft-reviled trade scepticism and reluctance to integrate in global value chains may yet allow it to have the last rhetorical laugh.
Do you smell what I smell? How nasal geometry affects airflow dynamics
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: February 2021

The relationship between nasal shape and the turbulence of airflow in the nose can help understand olfaction and improve nasal drug delivery.
Pitot probe response for pulsed supersonic gas flow characterization in beam profile monitor
Authors: Rosily Sherry , Dikshit B. , Krishnagopal S.
Published: February 2021

For beam profile measurement of high-intensity proton beams in the low-energy high-intensity proton accelerator at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, a recent noninvasive technique based on gas sheets will be explored. The gas sheet for this instrument needs to be characterized for calibration and fine tuning of the sheet properties to provide better profile measurements. Pulsed sheet generators for similar applications have been characterized using movable vacuum chambers with a small slit and a gauge mounted inside. Pitot probes are more compact instruments and have been used to measure gas jet profiles in molecular beam applications where the jet was not pulsed. The performance of Pitot probes in the measurement of pulsed supersonic gas flow in vacuum was, therefore, investigated in this work. A test system was developed to generate a pulsed supersonic gas jet in vacuum, and a Pitot probe was inserted into the flow at various axial locations with respect to the nozzle. Measurements taken along the nozzle axis using this probe, as well as the axial Mach number and impact pressure computed using computational fluid dynamics and direct simulation Monte Carlo algorithms, were compared with fitting formulas. Schlieren images of the jet with and without the Pitot tube were also taken under different vacuum conditions.
Effect of varying the TD-lc-DFTB range-separation parameter on charge and energy transfer in a model pentacene/buckminsterfullerene heterojunction
Authors: Darghouth Ala Aldin M. H. M. , Casida Mark E. , Zhu Xi , Natarajan Bhaarathi , Su Haibin , Humeniuk Alexander , Titov Evgenii , Miao Xincheng , Mitrić Roland
Published: February 2021

Atomistic modeling of energy and charge transfer at the heterojunction of organic solar cells is an active field with many remaining outstanding questions owing, in part, to the difficulties in performing reliable photodynamics calculations on very large systems. One approach to being able to overcome these difficulties is to design and apply an appropriate simplified method. Density-functional tight binding (DFTB) has become a popular form of approximate density-functional theory based on a minimal valence basis set and neglect of all but two center integrals. We report the results of our tests of a recent long-range correction (lc) [A. Humeniuk and R. Mitrić, J. Chem. Phys. 143, 134120 (2015)] for time-dependent (TD) lc-DFTB by carrying out TD-lc-DFTB fewest switches surface hopping calculations of energy and charge transfer times using the relatively new DFTBABY [A. Humeniuk and R. Mitrić, Comput. Phys. Commun. 221, 174 (2017)] program. An advantage of this method is the ability to run enough trajectories to get meaningful ensemble averages. Our interest in the present work is less in determining exact energy and charge transfer rates than in understanding how the results of these calculations vary with the value of the range-separation parameter (Rlc = 1/μ) for a model organic solar cell heterojunction consisting of a gas-phase van der Waals complex P/F made up of a single pentacene (P) molecule together with a single buckminsterfullerene (F) molecule. The default value of Rlc = 3.03 a0 is found to be much too small as neither energy nor charge transfer is observed until Rlc ≈ 10 a0. Tests at a single geometry show that the best agreement with high-quality ab initio spectra is obtained in the limit of no lc (i.e., very large Rlc). A plot of energy and charge transfer rates as a function of Rlc is provided, which suggests that a value of Rlc ≈ 15 a0 yields the typical literature (condensed-phase) charge transfer time of about 100 fs. However, energy and charge transfer times become as high as ∼300 fs for Rlc ≈ 25 a0. A closer examination of the charge transfer process P*/F → P+/F− shows that the initial electron transfer is accompanied by a partial delocalization of the P hole onto F, which then relocalizes back onto P, consistent with a polaron-like picture in which the nuclei relax to stabilize the resultant redistribution of charges.