bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of ligand-free modification strategy to obtain water-stable up-converting nanoparticles with bright emission and high reaction yield
Authors: Jurga Natalia , Przybylska Dominika , Kamiński Piotr , Grzyb Tomasz
Published: September 2021

Water-dispersible up-converting nanoparticles (UCNPs) are known to be very effective in biomedical applications. Research groups have paid special attention to the synthesis of hydrophilic UCNPs with good physicochemical properties. Being aware of this, we decided to improve the ligand-free modification method of OA-capped NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+/NaYF4 UCNPs prepared by precipitation in high-boiling-point solvents as the thus-far reported methods do not provide satisfactory results. Different molarities of hydrochloric acid and various mixing times were selected to remove the organic ligand from the NPs’ surface and to discover the most promising modification approach. Highly water-stable colloids were obtained with a very high reaction yield of up to 96%. Moreover, the acid treatment did not affect the morphology and the size of the product. All of the crystals exhibited a bright up-conversion emission under 975-nm excitation, which confirmed the two-photon excitation and effective energy transfer between the used dopant ions. Thus, we could establish the most successful ligand-free modification procedure.
High-fat diet increases the severity of Giardia infection in association with low-grade inflammation and gut microbiota dysbiosis
Authors: Allain Thibault , Fekete Elena , Sosnowski Olivia , Desmonts de Lamache Dimitri , Motta Jean-Paul , Leger Dezirae , Feener Troy , Reimer Raylene A. , Buret André G.
Published: September 2021

Exogenous factors that may influence the pathophysiology of Giardia infection remain incompletely understood. We have investigated the role of dietary fat in the pathogenesis of Giardia infection. Male 3 to 4-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed either a low fat (LF) or a high fat (HF) diet for 12 days and challenged with G. duodenalis. In infected animals, the trophozoite burden was higher in HF + Giardia mice compared to the LF + Giardia group at day 7 post infection. Fatty acids exerted direct pro-growth effects on Giardia trophozoites. Analysis of disease parameters showed that HF + Giardia mice exhibited more mucosal infiltration by inflammatory cells, decreased villus/crypt ratios, goblet cell hyperplasia, mucus disruption, increased gut motility, and elevated fecal water content compared with LF + Giardia. HF diet-dependent exacerbation of Giardia-induced goblet cell hyperplasia was associated with elevated Atoh1 and Muc2 gene expression. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that the HF diet alone induces a taxonomic shift. HF + Giardia mice exhibited microbiota dysbiosis characterized by an increase of Firmicutes and a decrease of Bacteroidetes and significant changes in α- and β-diversity metrics. Taken together, the findings suggest that a HF diet exacerbates the outcome of Giardia infection. The data demonstrate that elevated dietary fat represents an important exogenous factor promoting the pathophysiology of giardiasis.
Localization to delocalization probed by magnetotransport of hBN/graphene/hBN stacks in the ultra-clean regime
Authors: Iwasaki Takuya , Moriyama Satoshi , Ahmad Nurul Fariha , Komatsu Katsuyoshi , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Wakayama Yutaka , Hashim Abdul Manaf , Morita Yoshifumi , Nakaharai Shu
Published: September 2021

We report on magnetotransport in a high-quality graphene device, which is based on monolayer graphene (Gr) encapsulated by hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) layers, i.e., hBN/Gr/hBN stacks. In the vicinity of the Dirac point, a negative magnetoconductance is observed for high temperatures >  ~ 40 K, whereas it becomes positive for low temperatures ≤  ~ 40 K, which implies an interplay of quantum interferences in Dirac materials. The elastic scattering mechanism in hBN/Gr/hBN stacks contrasts with that of conventional graphene on SiO2, and our ultra-clean graphene device shows nonzero magnetoconductance for high temperatures of up to 300 K.
Faceting of Si and Ge crystals grown on deeply patterned Si substrates in the kinetic regime: phase-field modelling and experiments
Authors: Albani Marco , Bergamaschini Roberto , Barzaghi Andrea , Salvalaglio Marco , Valente Joao , Paul Douglas J. , Voigt Axel , Isella Giovanni , Montalenti Francesco
Published: September 2021

The development of three-dimensional architectures in semiconductor technology is paving the way to new device concepts for various applications, from quantum computing to single photon avalanche detectors. In most cases, such structures are achievable only under far-from-equilibrium growth conditions. Controlling the shape and morphology of the growing structures, to meet the strict requirements for an application, is far more complex than in close-to-equilibrium cases. The development of predictive simulation tools can be essential to guide the experiments. A versatile phase-field model for kinetic crystal growth is presented and applied to the prototypical case of Ge/Si vertical microcrystals grown on deeply patterned Si substrates. These structures, under development for innovative optoelectronic applications, are characterized by a complex three-dimensional set of facets essentially driven by facet competition. First, the parameters describing the kinetics on the surface of Si and Ge are fitted on a small set of experimental results. To this goal, Si vertical microcrystals have been grown, while for Ge the fitting parameters have been obtained from data from the literature. Once calibrated, the predictive capabilities of the model are demonstrated and exploited for investigating new pattern geometries and crystal morphologies, offering a guideline for the design of new 3D heterostructures. The reported methodology is intended to be a general approach for investigating faceted growth under far-from-equilibrium conditions.
Primate-specific stress-induced transcription factor POU2F1Z protects human neuronal cells from stress
Authors: Stepchenko Alexander G. , Portseva Tatiana N. , Glukhov Ivan A. , Kotnova Alina P. , Lyanova Bella M. , Georgieva Sofia G. , Pankratova Elizaveta V.
Published: September 2021

The emergence of new primate-specific genes is an essential factor in human and primate brain development and functioning. POU2F1/Oct-1 is a transcription regulator in higher eukaryotes which is involved in the regulation of development, differentiation, stress response, and other processes. We have demonstrated that the Tigger2 transposon insertion into the POU2F1 gene which occurred in the primate lineage led to the formation of an additional exon (designated the Z-exon). Z-exon-containing primate-specific Oct-1Z transcript includes a short upstream ORF (uORF) located at its 5’-end and the main ORF encoding the Oct-1Z protein isoform (Pou2F1 isoform 3, P14859-3), which differs from other Oct-1 isoforms by its N-terminal peptide. The Oct-1Z-encoding transcript is expressed mainly in human brain cortex. Under normal conditions, the translation of the ORF coding for the Oct-1Z isoform is repressed by uORF. Under various stress conditions, uORF enables a strong increase in the translation of the Oct-1Z-encoding ORF. Increased Oct-1Z expression levels in differentiating human neuroblasts activate genes controlling stress response, neural cell differentiation, brain formation, and organogenesis. We have shown that the Oct-1Z isoform of the POU2F1/Oct-1 transcription factor is an example of a primate-specific genomic element contributing to brain development and cellular stress defense.
The relationship between major dietary patterns and fertility status in iranian men: a case–control study
Authors: Haeri Farahnaz , Pourmasoumi Makan , Ghiasvand Reza , Feizi Awat , Salehi-Abargouei Amin , Marvast Laleh Dehghan , Clark Cain C. T. , Mirzaei Masoud
Published: September 2021

In this case–control study, we aimed to investigate the association between major dietary patterns and fertility status in Iranian men. The study population included 400 newly diagnosed infertile men and 537 healthy individuals without a history of infertility in Yazd, Iran. Infertility was confirmed clinically, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Dietary intake was assessed using a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and dietary patterns were determined based on a principal component analysis. Four major dietary patterns were found in this study, including healthy, Western, mixed, and traditional dietary patterns. After adjustments for potential confounders, men above the median of a healthy dietary pattern showed a reduced risk of infertility compared to those below the median (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.33–0.83). In contrast, men with greater adherence to Western and mixed dietary patterns were more likely to be infertile (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.70–4.17 and OR 2.82; 95% CI 1.75–4.56, respectively). Also, there was no significant association between the traditional dietary pattern and the odds of infertility. The present study suggests that greater adherence to a healthy dietary pattern may have an inverse association with the odds of infertility; however, Western and mixed dietary patterns may be associated with an increased risk of infertility.
Fabrication of a state of the art mesh lock polymer for water based solid free drilling fluid
Authors: Wang Chaoqun , Ding Wei
Published: September 2021

Polymers are used widely in various kinds of drilling fluid to maintain the proper rheological properties. However, most of them are not available for high-temperature or salt solutions due to poor temperature and salt resistance. To ameliorate the temperature and salt resistance of polymer used in the solid-free water-based drilling fluid, a novel polymer with a kind of "Mesh-Lock" reinforced network cross structure, named PLY-F [main monomer acrylic acid (AA), acrylamide (AM), functional monomers 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS)N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) and C16DMAAC] were prepared through free radical polymerization of an aqueous solution of organic cross-linking agent pentaerythritol triallyl ether (PTE) as a cross-linking system, Potassium persulfate (KPS) and sodium bisulfite as the initiator for the first time. The surface morphology, crosslinking architecture and temperature and salt resistance of the PLY-F were fully characterized with several means including SEM, FT-IR,13CNMR, dynamic rheology, and long-term thermal stability. The SEM observation indicated that the PLY-F exhibits a regular “Mesh-Lock” reinforced network cross structure. FT-IR,13CNMR analysis indicated that the characteristic functional groups of each monomer such as AM, AA, AMPS and NVP were all together in the polymer. The results show that the apparent viscosity retention rate of the PLY-F in the potassium formate solution (with a density of 1.3 g/cm3) was more than 80% after heat rolling for 72 h at 200 °C and the plastic viscosity retention rate reached 90.3%. Moreover, the salt resistance of the polymer can reach the density of 1.4 g/cm3(potassium formate solution) under 200 °C and the temperature resistance can reach 220 °C under the density of 1.3 g/cm3(potassium formate solution). Besides, the PLY-F still has good rheological properties in other saturated solutions (NaCl, HCOONa) under 210 °C.
Experimental and empirical investigation of a CI engine fuelled with blends of diesel and roselle biodiesel
Authors: Verma Tikendra Nath , Rajak Upendra , Dasore Abhishek , Afzal Asif , Manokar A. Muthu , Aabid Abdul , Baig Muneer
Published: September 2021

The continuous rise in demand, combined with the depletion of the world's fossil fuel reserves, has forced the search for alternative fuels. The biodiesel produced from Roselle is one such indigenous biodiesel with tremendous promise, and its technical ability to operate with compression ignition engines is studied in this work. To characterize the fuel blends, researchers used experimental and empirical approaches while operating at engine loads of 25, 50, 75, and 100%, and with fuel injection timings of 19°, 21°, 23°, 25°, and 27° before top dead center. Results indicate that for 20% blend with the change of injection timing from 19° bTDC to 27° bTDC at full load, brake specific fuel consumption and exhaust gas temperature was increased by 15.84% and 4.60% respectively, while brake thermal efficiency decreases by 4.4%. Also, an 18.89% reduction in smoke, 5.26% increase in CO2, and 12.94% increase in NOx were observed. In addition, an empirical model for full range characterization was created. With an r-squared value of 0.9980 ± 0.0011, the artificial neural network model constructed to characterize all 10 variables was able to predict satisfactorily. Furthermore, substantial correlation among specific variables suggested that empirically reduced models were realistic.
Mechanism of the fungal-like particles in the inhibition of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Authors: Jakkawanpitak Chanawee , Inafuku Masashi , Oku Hirosuke , Hutadilok-Towatana Nongporn , Bunkrongcheap Ruthaiwan , Sermwittayawong Natthawan , Aiemchareon Piyapat , Sermwittayawong Decha
Published: September 2021

The dynamic ability of adipocytes in adipose tissue to store lipid in response to changes in the nutritional input and inflammatory elicitors has a major impact on human health. Previously, we established laminarin-coated beads or LCB as an inflammatory elicitor for adipocytes. However, it was not clear whether LCB inhibits lipid accumulation in adipocytes. Here, we show that LCB acts in the early stage of adipogenesis through both interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinases (IRAK) and spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) pathways, resulting in the activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) complexes, which subsequently cause cell cycle arrest, downregulation of the key transcription factors and enzymes responsible for adipogenesis, inhibition of adipogenesis, and stimulation of an inflammatory response. While LCB could effectively block lipid accumulation during the early stage of adipogenesis, it could stimulate an inflammatory response at any stage of differentiation. Additionally, our results raise a possibility that toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and C-type lectin domain family 7 member A (CLEC7A/Dectin-1) might be potential β-glucan receptors on the fat cells. Together, we present the mechanism of LCB, as fungal-like particles, that elicits an inflammatory response and inhibits adipogenesis at the early stage of differentiation.
Multimodal deep learning models for the prediction of pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer
Authors: Joo Sunghoon , Ko Eun Sook , Kwon Soonhwan , Jeon Eunjoo , Jung Hyungsik , Kim Ji-Yeon , Chung Myung Jin , Im Young-Hyuck
Published: September 2021

The achievement of the pathologic complete response (pCR) has been considered a metric for the success of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and a powerful surrogate indicator of the risk of recurrence and long-term survival. This study aimed to develop a multimodal deep learning model that combined clinical information and pretreatment MR images for predicting pCR to NAC in patients with breast cancer. The retrospective study cohort consisted of 536 patients with invasive breast cancer who underwent pre-operative NAC. We developed a deep learning model to fuse high-dimensional MR image features and the clinical information for the pretreatment prediction of pCR to NAC in breast cancer. The proposed deep learning model trained on all datasets as clinical information, T1-weighted subtraction images, and T2-weighted images shows better performance with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.888 as compared to the model using only clinical information (AUC = 0.827, P < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that the multimodal fusion approach using deep learning with both clinical information and MR images achieve higher prediction performance compared to the deep learning model without the fusion approach. Deep learning could integrate pretreatment MR images with clinical information to improve pCR prediction performance.
Refining surgical techniques for efficient posterior semicircular canal gene delivery in the adult mammalian inner ear with minimal hearing loss
Authors: Zhu Jianliang , Choi Jin Woong , Ishibashi Yasuko , Isgrig Kevin , Grati Mhamed , Bennett Jean , Chien Wade
Published: September 2021

Hearing loss is a common disability affecting the world’s population today. While several studies have shown that inner ear gene therapy can be successfully applied to mouse models of hereditary hearing loss to improve hearing, most of these studies rely on inner ear gene delivery in the neonatal age, when mouse inner ear has not fully developed. However, the human inner ear is fully developed at birth. Therefore, in order for inner ear gene therapy to be successfully applied in patients with hearing loss, one must demonstrate that gene delivery can be safely and reliably performed in the mature mammalian inner ear. In this study, we examine the steps involved in posterior semicircular canal gene delivery in the adult mouse inner ear. We find that the duration of perilymphatic leakage and injection rate have a significant effect on the post-surgical hearing outcome. Our results show that although AAV2.7m8 has a lower hair cell transduction rate in adult mice compared to neonatal mice at equivalent viral load, AAV2.7m8 is capable of transducing the adult mouse inner and outer hair cells with high efficiency in a dose-dependent manner.
Structural basis of human PDZD8–Rab7 interaction for the ER-late endosome tethering
Authors: Khan Haider , Chen Lin , Tan Lingchen , Im Young Jun
Published: September 2021

The membrane contact sites (MCSs) between the ER and late endosomes (LEs) are essential for the regulation of endosomal protein sorting, dynamics, and motility. PDZD8 is an ER transmembrane protein containing a Synaptotagmin-like Mitochondrial lipid-binding Proteins (SMP) domain. PDZD8 tethers the ER to late endosomes and lysosomes by associating its C-terminal coiled-coil (CC) with the LE Rab7. To identify the structural determinants for the PDZD8–Rab7 interaction, we determined the crystal structure of the human PDZD8 CC domain in complex with the GTP-bound form of Rab7. The PDZD8 CC contains one short helix and the two helices forming an antiparallel coiled-coil. Two Rab7 molecules bind to the opposite sides of the PDZD8 CC in a 2:1 ratio. The switch I/II and interswitch regions of the GTP-loaded Rab7 form the binding interfaces, which correlates with the GTP-dependent interaction of PDZD8 and Rab7. Analysis of the protein interaction by isothermal titration calorimetry confirms that two Rab7 molecules bind the PDZD8 CC in a GTP-dependent manner. The structural model of the PDZD8 CC–Rab7 complex correlates with the recruitment of PDZD8 at the LE–ER interface and its role in lipid transport and regulation.
A three-dimensional statistical shape model of the growing mandible
Authors: Klop C. ,   MAGIC Amsterdam, Becking A. G. , Klop C. , Koolstra J. H. , Lobé N. H. J. , Maal T. J. J. , Mulder C. S. , Nolte J. W. , Schreurs R. , Vespasiano V.
Published: September 2021

Mandibular growth and morphology are important topics in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. For diagnostic and planning purposes, a normative database or statistical shape model of the growing mandible can be of great benefit. A collection of 874 cadaveric children’s mandibles with dental age between 1 and 12 years old were digitized using computed tomography scanning and reconstructed to three-dimensional models. Point correspondence was achieved using iterative closest point and coherent point drift algorithms. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to find the main modes of variation in the data set. The average mandible was presented, along with the first ten PCA modes. The first mode explained 78% of the total variance; combining the first ten modes accumulated to 95% of the total variance. The first mode was strongly correlated with age and hence, with natural growth. This is the largest study on three-dimensional mandibular shape and development conducted thus far. The main limitation is that the samples lack information such as gender and cause of death. Clinical application of the model first requires validation with contemporary samples.
High speed, complex wavefront shaping using the digital micro-mirror device
Authors: Ayoub Ahmed B. , Psaltis Demetri
Published: September 2021

Digital micro-mirror devices (DMDs) have been deployed in many optical applications. As compared to spatial light modulators (SLMs), they are characterized by their much faster refresh rates (full-frame refresh rates up to 32 kHz for binary patterns) compared to 120 Hz for most liquid crystal SLMs. DMDs however can only display binary, unipolar patterns and utilize temporal modulation to represent with excellent accuracy multiple gray-levels in display applications. We used the built-in time domain dynamic range representation of the DMD to project 8-bit complex-fields. With this method, we demonstrated 8-bit complex field modulation with a frame time of 38.4 ms (around 0.15 s for the entire complex-field). We performed phase conjugation by compensating the distortions incurred due to propagation through free-space and a scattering medium. For faster modulation speed, an electro-optic modulator was used in synchronization with the DMD in an amplitude modulation mode to create grayscale patterns with frame rate ~ 833 Hz with display time of only 1.2 ms instead of 38.4 ms for time multiplexing gaining a speed up by a factor of 32.
Synthesis and DNA interaction studies of Ru(ii) cell penetrating peptide (CPP) bioconjugates
Authors: Obitz Daniel , Miller Reece G. , Metzler-Nolte Nils
Published: September 2021

The synthesis and biological investigations of the first bioconjugates of ruthenium(ii) dipyridophenazine complexes with two different covalently attached cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) is described.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D status is associated with interleukin-6 methylation in adipose tissue from patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Boughanem Hatim , Ruiz-Limon Patricia , Crujeiras Ana B. , de Luque Vanessa , Tinahones Francisco J. , Macias-Gonzalez Manuel
Published: September 2021

A dysfunctional visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is characterized by increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, which may increase the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC).
Vanadium -mediated ultrafine Co/Co9S8 nanoparticles anchored on Co–N-doped porous carbon enable efficient hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction reactions
Authors: He Danyang , Cao Liyun , Huang Jianfeng , Wang Linlin , Li Guodong , Liu Zhenting , Feng Yongqiang , Liu Yijun , Pan Limin , Feng Liangliang
Published: September 2021

Vanadium-mediated ultrafine Co/Co9S8 nanoparticles anchored on a Co–N-doped porous carbon framework was fabricated via vacuum-assisted space-confined strategy, which exhibited prominent electrocatalytic performance for HER and ORR.
Ligand-free copper-catalyzed borylative defluorination: access to gem-difluoroallyl boronic acid derivatives
Authors: Gates Ashley M. , Jos Swetha , Santos Webster L.
Published: September 2021

We report a ligand-free copper-catalyzed β-borylation, defluorination of β-substituted, α-trifluoromethyl-α,β-unsaturated esters.
Tandem isonitrile insertion/azacyclopropylidene-annulated cyclohexenone–tropone rearrangement of p-QMs and TosMIC: de novo synthesis of pyrrolotropones with anti-cancer activity
Authors: Qu Chuan-Hua , Song Gui-Ting , Huang Jiu-Hong , Huang Run , Chen Yuan , Liu Tong , Tang Dian-Yong , Xu Zhi-Gang , Chen Zhong-Zhu
Published: September 2021

TosMIC causes ring expansion of p-QMs: highly substituted pyrrolotropones are rapidly assembled in a domino process mediated by DBU. The utility of the method was highlighted by follow-up transformation and biological activity identification.
Unraveling the site-specific energy transfer driven tunable emission characteristics of Eu3+ & Tb3+ co-doped Ca10(PO4)6F2 phosphors
Authors: Pathak Nimai , Chundawat Bhagyalaxmi , Das Pratik , Modak Pampa , Modak Brindaban
Published: September 2021

Various site specific energy transfer (ET) process such as Tb3+@Ca2 → Eu3+@Ca1, Tb3+@Ca1 → Eu3+@Ca2 and Tb3+@Ca1 → Eu3+@Ca1 were explored in Eu3+ and Tb3+ co-doped Ca10(PO4)6F2 phosphor, which are responsible for tunable colour characteristics.
Growth of narrow-bandgap Cl-doped carbon nitride nanofibers on carbon nitride nanosheets for high-efficiency photocatalytic H2O2 generation
Authors: Ji Tingshuo , Guo Yanzhen , Liu Huili , Chang Binbin , Wei Xuefeng , Yang Baocheng
Published: September 2021

The Cl-CNF/CNS heterostructure can efficiently boost the photocatalytic H2O2 generation activity.
An efficient synthesis of RNA containing GS-441524: the nucleoside precursor of remdesivir
Authors: Moorthy Ramkumar , Kennelly Samantha A. , Rodriguez Deborah J. , Harki Daniel A.
Published: September 2021

Remdesivir in RNA: An efficient synthesis of a GS-441524-containing phosphoramidite for solid-phase RNA synthesis is reported.
Boosting deionization capability by effectively improving sodium-ion storage capacity based on robust interfacial electronic interaction within 3D Na4Ti9O20/N-doped porous carbon heterostructures
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Yang Kun , Yu Haibiao , Shan Weijun , Lou Zhenning , Xiong Ying
Published: September 2021

A desalination battery system with ultrahigh desalination performance is built for the first time, in which 3D NTO/N-C-2 with robust interfacial electronic interaction is employed as the cathode.
Anisotropic anion exchange membranes with extremely high water uptake for water electrolysis and fuel cells
Authors: Xu Ziang , Wan Lei , Liao Yiwen , Wang Peican , Liu Kai , Wang Baoguo
Published: September 2021

Extremely high water uptake anion exchange membranes (HWU-AEMs) with anisotropic swelling (through-plane: 485.3%; in-plane: 7.8%) were successfully fabricated, promising an ideal compactness of the interface and mechanical strength simultaneously.
Revealing the asymmetric redox dynamics of a porous bismuth anode in an efficient Ni//Bi battery
Authors: Peng Ming , Lu Ying-Rui , Jiang Yao , Lan Jiao , Zhang Yanlong , Chan Ting-Shan , Tan Yongwen
Published: September 2021

A porous Bi electrode prepared by a chemical dealloying method shows asymmetric redox dynamics and contributes to an efficient Ni//Bi battery with high specific capacity, excellent rating performance and cycling stability.
A lingering mouthwash with sustained antibiotic release and biofilm eradication for periodontitis
Authors: Li Bohua , Shi Liuqi , Liu Ruixing , Li Zhanrong , Cao Shaokui , Li Jingguo
Published: September 2021

A lingering mouthwash is prepared for periodontitis. This mouthwash significantly prolongs the residence time for sustaining antibiotic release and disrupting plaque biofilms in vitro and in vivo.
Rank‐based energy scheduling strategy of networked microgrids in distribution systems
Authors: Funde Nitesh , Yoon Sung‐Guk
Published: September 2021

Microgrids (MGs) have emerged as a key platform for integrating distributed energy resources into distribution systems. However, a high penetration of renewable energy resources in an MG causes an imbalance frequently between energy generation and load. One solution to this problem is internal energy trading among MGs, where MGs trade (i.e. buy or sell) energy with other MGs in the network. In internal trading, multiple buyer MGs may compete to obtain energy from seller MGs with surplus energy. By contrast, seller MGs also compete to sell their surplus to those confronted with a deficit. Considering this scenario, we propose a novel rank‐based energy scheduling strategy for networked MGs in a distribution system to solve the competition between buyer and seller MGs. The technique for order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution method, which is a multi‐criteria decision‐making approach, is applied to prioritise the MGs. The proposed strategy determines the amount of internal energy to trade for each seller/buyer MG. Different from existing mechanisms, the proposed rank‐based approach evaluates each MG with respect to four criteria: ratio of energy, forecasting accuracy, contribution of supply, and historical performance. The proposed strategy is compared with existing no‐rank‐based scheduling and absolute contribution‐based method. Moreover, the effect of each criterion on the cost of each MG is illustrated by considering and disregarding the criterion in the proposed strategy that demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed strategy in reducing the cost of MGs according to their rank in the network.
Improved thermal conductivity and breakdown strength of PVDF‐based composites by improving the dispersion of BN
Authors: Li Yanxin , Wang Zhuo , Kong Menglei , Yi Zhihui
Published: September 2021

In order to adapt to the development of electronic devices, it is necessary to improve the thermal conductivity and breakdown strength of composites. Boron nitride (BN) is an ideal candidate material with high breakdown strength and thermal conductivity. Therefore, the introduction of BN nanosheets into the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix can improve the thermal conductivity and breakdown strength of the composites at the same time. However, BN nanosheets can easily agglomerate in the matrix, which limits the improvement of the properties of the composites. To overcome this difficulty, appropriate water‐bath heating was used to improve the fluidity of PVDF. Therefore, the dispersion of the filler is improved. When the volume fraction of BN nanosheets is 3% and the preparation temperature is 45°C, the energy storage density of the composites reached 18.5 J/cm3 at 540 kV/mm. At this point, the thermal conductivity was 0.49 W/(m⋅K), 3.5 times that of the pure PVDF film.
Abundance of barium in the atmospheres of red giants in the Galactic globular cluster NGC 104 (47 Tuc)
Authors: Dobrovolskas V. , Kolomiecas E. , Kučinskas A. , Klevas J. , Korotin S.
Published: September 2021

Context. While most (if not all) Type I Galactic globular clusters (GGCs) are characterised by spreads in the abundances of light chemical elements (e.g. Li, N, O, Na, Mg, Al), it is not yet well established whether similar spreads may exist in s-process elements as well.

Aims. We investigated the possible difference in Ba abundance between the primordial (1P) and polluted (2P) stars in the Galactic globular cluster (GGC) 47 Tuc (NGC 104). For this purpose, we obtained homogeneous abundances of Fe, Na, and Ba in a sample of 261 red giant branch (RGB) stars, which comprises the largest sample used for Na and Ba abundance analysis in any GGC so far.

Methods. Abundances of Na and Ba were determined using archival GIRAFFE/VLT spectra and 1D non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) abundance analysis methodology.

Results. Contrary to the finding of Gratton et al. (2013, A&A, 549, A41), we did not detect any significant Ba–Na correlation or 2P–1P Ba abundance difference in the sample of 261 RGB stars in 47 Tuc. This corroborates the result of D’Orazi et al. (2010, ApJ, 719, L213), who found no statistically significant Ba–Na correlation in 110 RGB stars in this GGC. The average barium-to-iron ratio obtained in the sample of 261 RGB stars, ⟨[Ba/Fe]1D NLTE⟩ = −0.01 ± 0.06, agrees well with those determined in Galactic field stars at this metallicity and may therefore represent the abundance of primordial proto-cluster gas that has not been altered during the subsequent chemical evolution of the cluster.
Simulation and experimental study of novel cascade solar still
Authors: Mouhsin Nidal , Bouzaid Mariam , Taha-Janan Mourad , Oubrek Mohamed
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a new design of inclined solar still with steppe absorber plate, slope surfaces and baffles were proposed, fabricated, tested and modeled using ANSYS FLUENT software, in order to develop the simple and the cheapest type of desalination. The simulation has been carried out and validated with experimental data for climate conditions of Rabat-Morocco (34°47’N) obtained from our existing prototype. It has been found that the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data. It was also examined that the productivity of the cascade Solar Still was higher from 12:00 to 15:00 hrs. The results indicate that the new design ensures higher productivity.
A comparative study of thermal and acoustical insulations used for residential buildings
Authors: Lagtayi Rachid , Lairgi Lamya , Khouya Ahmed , Daya Abdelmajid
Published: September 2021

The aim of this paper is to study the thermal and acoustical insulation of four different buildings’ envelopes mostly used for residential buildings in Tetouan city. The thermal and the acoustical models were investigated during summer season, while a linear nonmonochromatic source of sound has been placed 1m away from the exterior side of each wall and it is emitted a low-frequency sound waves with a velocity of 200 m/s. The study shows that the double layers of hollow clay brick wall with a medium of air gap presents a good thermal resistance and soundproofing compared to the other walls under study, due to the insulation by air gap with a thickness of 0.06m. Moreover, the homogenous and thick walls are simultaneously performant as thermal and sound insulators.
Case Study Design of a Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Power System in Gaza-Strip and Genaralizing Aprogram Simulation
Authors: Awad Husam , Harb Naem , abu Al goboz Ghada , Shurrab Shareif
Published: September 2021

This paper considered the design of a stand-alone PV system that would be adequate to power a single residence and estimate the appropriate size of the solar panel. This system converts solar energy directly into electricity using photovoltaic principle in PV panel arrays. The electricity produced can be used to power most ac and dc electrical appliances. Inverter is used to convert the dc generated by the PV panels to ac for most domestic and industrial use. For continuous availability of power during days of autonomy (low insolation or cloudy days), battery storage system and charge controller (for battery charge and discharge control) are required. inverter, charge controller, battery, components interconnection wires. The sizing processes considered the quality of solar irradiation of the geographical location, effect of temperature de-rating, efficiency of components, system voltage selection, days of autonomy and load demand (in watt-hour). A residence in Gaza town was chosen as a case study. The minimum electrical load of 7.875kWh per day, household, Finally excel program simulation was designed to satisfy calculation equations process and generalize the program.
Effect of seasonal temperature on the heat transfer through a building envelope
Authors: Lairgi Lamya , Lagtayi Rachid , Daya Abdelmajid , Khouya Ahmed , Elotmani Rabie
Published: September 2021

The main objective of this work is to study the heat transfer through the exterior walls of an administrative building in Errachidia City. A numerical simulation by COMSOL software was made to analyse the impact of introducing three thermal insulators (air, hemp wool and glass wool) on the heat transfer through the building’s exterior walls in a winter period from January 1st to 8th, 2020. The physical model analyses wall layers’ temperature. It depends on the indoor and the outdoor temperature, solar radiations, and the thermal properties of the building’s envelope. The results show that the air gap is a good thermal insulator, it acts as a damper of temperature and heat flow.
Towards a user-oriented adaptive system based on sentiment analysis from text
Authors: Baqach Adil , Battou Amal
Published: September 2021

Sentiment analysis has known a big interest over recent years due to the expansion of data. It has many applications in different fields such as marketing, psychology, human-computer interaction, eLearning, etc. There are many forms of sentiment analysis, namely facial expressions, speech, and text. This article is more interested in sentiment analysis from the text as it is a relatively new field and still needs more effort and research. Sentiment analysis from text is very important for different fields, for eLearning it can be critical in determining the emotional state of students and therefore, putting in place the necessary interactions to motivate students to engage and complete their courses. In this article, we present different methods of sentiment analysis from the text that exist in the literature, beginning from the selection of features or text representation, until the training of the prediction model using either supervised or unsupervised learning algorithms and although there has been so much work done in this domain, there is still effort that can be done to improve the performance and to do that we first need to review the recent methods and approaches put in place on this field and then try to discuss improvements in certain approaches or even proposing new approaches.
State and Unknown Input Simultaneous Estimation for a Class of Discrete-Time Linear Implicit Models : A Heat Exchanger Pilot Process Application
Authors: Bouassem Karim , El Bouatmani El Mahfoud , El Assoudi Abdellatif , El Yaagoubi El Hassane
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the design problem of simultaneous estimation of unmeasurable states and unknown inputs (UIs) is investigated for a class of discrete-time linear implicit models (DLIMs). The UIs affect both state and output of the system. The approach is based on the separation between dynamic and static relations in the considered DLDM. First, the method permitting to separate dynamic equations from static equations is exposed. Next, an augmented explicit model which contains the dynamic equations and the UIs is constructed. Then an unknown inputs observer (UIO) design in explicit structure is developed. The exponential convergence of the state estimation error is studied by using the Lyapunov theory and the stability condition is given in term of linear matrix inequality (LMI). Finally, an illustrative application of a heat exchanger pilot process is given to show the good performances of the proposed method.
Validation of Monaco Treatment Planning System for Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT®) on ELEKTA Infinity™ Linear Accelerator
Authors: Zouiri Saad , Tantaoui Meriem , El Hassani Mounir , El Moutaoukkil Abdenbi , Ennakri Abdellatif , Sahraoui Souha , Benider Abdellatif , Krim Mustapha
Published: September 2021

The objective of this study is to evaluate the dosimetric precision of the Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm to validate the Monaco® (Elekta) treatment planning system for the two radiotherapy techniques IMRT and VMAT® on the Infinity™ Elekta linear accelerator. Several irradiation plans were created on the Monaco® treatment planning system (TPS) and calculated by the integrated MC algorithm for its validation. The same plans were applied experimentally using the Matrixx Evolution 2D array with its appropriate phantom. All measurements were performed by superimposition with those calculated on the Infinity™ linear accelerator (ELEKTA). The calculated and measured dosimetric data were overlaid to make the comparison of what is realistic and what was simulated using the MyQA (IBA) software associated with the Matrixx. Good agreement was observed between calculated and measured data using 3%, 3mm distance to agreement (DTA) and low dose threshold 5% criteria. Global gamma analysis passing rates for all tests are greater than 95%. An agreement less than 2 mm is shown for open fields and homogenous dose test. However, there was increase in the agreement criteria above 3 mm for chair and pyramid test as a result of high gradient dose regions especially at the edge of target volumes. Results obtained from this study allowed, in one hand to confirm the accuracy of our MC model dose calculation with Monaco® TPS, and in the other hand, the use of the matrix detector as a standard tool for IMRT/VMAT® patient quality control.
Factors Influencing the lead time of chicken transportation
Authors: El-ghardouf Narjice , Elakkary Ahmed , Sefiani Nacer
Published: September 2021

The paper’s purpose is to analyze thirteen variables behind the inappropriate lead time of chicken transportation and determine the factors affecting this distribution. Data, using the snowball sampling method, included 264 questionnaires collected from chicken truck drivers. First, we use the principal component analysis (PCA) to identify the factors contributing to the longest delivery time. We find through PCA that all the variables analyzed take part significantly in the transport time. The most important factors were Connectivity, Resources, Verification & Frisking, Road, and Planning. Improving these factors will optimize the lead time of transport, consequently; improving profitability and animal welfare and quality. The findings are useful to production companies of any fresh products looking to improve their delivery time and increase more benefits.
Control of a Photovoltaic-battery grid-connected multi-source system under different operating conditions
Authors: Chakiri Siham , Lamchich My Tahar
Published: September 2021

This paper deals with the control of a grid-connected multi-source power system based on a photovoltaic (PV) array and a battery energy storage system (ESS), taking into account the variable and intermittent characteristics of the solar irradiation level and the ambient temperature in Morocco. The PV generator is connected via a dc-dc boost converter to a common dc bus which is connected through a bidirectional dc-dc converter to the battery ESS. The dc bus output is connected to the mains via a PWM dc-ac converter with an LCL filter. The control technique consists of three parts: the PV array is considered as the primary source and the boost converter is controlled locally to generate the maximum power extraction (MPPT), while the bidirectional dc-dc converter of the ESS battery is controlled to ensure the energy balance according to the power flow under different solar irradiation and temperature conditions. The PWM inverter is controlled to regulate the DC bus voltage and maintain the power factor at the unit. The system is implemented in Matlab/Simulink environment. The effectiveness of the control strategy is carried out by simulation results.
Improving V2X-6G network capacity using a new UAV-based approach in a Cloud/ICN architecture, case Study: VANET network
Authors: Houari Abdeslam , Mazri Tomader
Published: September 2021

6G of mobile networks plays a crucial role in improving the capacity and enhancing the quality of services of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) based networks evolving in an intelligent environment. VANET is a promising project in the intelligent transportation field using V2X communications. The emergence of several 5G and 6G technologies has raised several challenges for scientists and researchers to allow vehicles and road users to enjoy several services while ensuring their safety on the road. Among these technologies, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which can perform different tasks for road users and vehicle drivers such as data caching, packet relaying and processing. In this article, we present a new approach based on 6G Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) technology on a vehicular cloud architecture while exploiting the exchange support of information-centric networking (ICN) for the improvement of network capacity.
A non-linear control strategy for a PV conversion system with energy storage
Authors: Traiki Ghizlane , El Magri Abdelmounime , Lajouad Rachid , Bouattane Omar
Published: September 2021

A nonlinear control of a PV Energy Conversion System (PVECS) with energy storage system and maximum power extraction is presented. The control strategy is designed in two steps. Firstly, a MPPT algorithm is designed to tracking the maximum power point in variable irradiations, battery state of charge (SOC) and load changes. Then, thanks to its many advantages such as simplicity against parameter uncertainties, a Sliding Mode Control approach (SMC) is applied to control the standalone PV energy conversion system. Finally, the performances of MPPT techniques and SMC controller in the closed loop are checked using the MATLAB/SIMULINK.
An intelligent lead-acid battery closed-loop charger using a combined fuzzy controller for PV applications
Authors: Rkik Iliass , El khayat Mohamed , Hamidane Hafsa , Ed-Dahhak Abdelali , Guerbaoui Mohammed , Lachhab Abdeslam
Published: September 2021

This paper presents the modeling of an intelligent combined MPPT and Lead-Acid battery charger controller for standalone solar photovoltaic systems. It involves the control of a DC/DC buck converter through a control unit, which contains two cascaded fuzzy logic controllers (FLC), that adjusts the required duty cycle of the converter according to the state of charge and the three stage lead acid battery charging system. The first fuzzy logic controller (FLC1) consists of an MPPT controller to extract the maximum power produced by the PV array, while the second fuzzy controller (FLC2) is aimed to control the voltage across the battery to ensure the three stage charging approach. This solution of employing two distinct cascaded fuzzy controllers surmounts the drawbacks of the classical chargers in which the voltage provided to the lead acid battery is not constant owing to the effects of the MPPT control which can automatically damage the battery. Thus, the suggested control strategy has the benefit of extracting the full power against the PV array, avoiding battery damage incurred by variable MPPT voltage and increasing the battery’s lifespan.
An efficient numerical method and new analytical model for the prediction of the five parameters of photovoltaic generators under non-STC conditions
Authors: Tifidat Kawtar , Maouhoub Noureddine , Benahmida Abdelaaziz
Published: September 2021

In this work, the single-diode model is used to model the PV generator. Then, a numerical method is introduced to extract its five parameters using just the values of the key-points. To this end, we apply the I-V characteristic on the three remarkable points to get three equations with five unknowns. To complete the necessary system of five equations, the two other remaining equations are extracted as follow; the first, from the derivative of the equation linking the generator's current to its voltage. Second, an expression linking the fill-factor to the four parameters: Is, Rp, Rs and n is used as the fifth equation. This method is serves to extract the five parameters using five equations, without using any approximation. The accuracy of this approach is evaluated using experimental data for a solar cell, and extracted data from datasheet for a PV panel. Then, using some statistical indicators, this method has shown a good accuracy. Moreover, to get the values of the five parameters for non-standard conditions, and predict the I-V curves and the maximum power, a new analytical model of open-circuit voltage as a function of the module temperature and irradiance is presented as well in this paper.
Management of battery charging and discharging in a photovoltaic system with variable power demand using artificial neural networks
Authors: Ezzitouni Jarmouni , Ahmed Mouhsen , Mohammed Lamhammedi , Ayoub Krari
Published: September 2021

The energy is the basis of all human activities. Nowadays, much of the world’s energy demand is taken from fossil fuels. However, fossil fuel reserves are limited. The use of solar photovoltaic energy is therefore a necessity for the future. With the rapid increase of photovoltaic or hybrid systems, solar batteries provide an unforgettable energy storage tool in this type of systems in order to ensure an energy supply to consumers. Due to the sensitivity of solar batteries and the random operation of photovoltaic systems that depend on solar irradiance, control and management strategies are quite important. In this paper, we present a technique based on artificial neural networks to control the charging and discharging of solar batteries in order to protect the batteries from overcharging and deep discharging. In addition, ensuring continuous supply to consumers. The proposed model is developed and simulated in Matlab/Simulink.