bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new model to identify node importance in complex networks based on DEMATEL method
Authors: Fan Wentao , He Yuhuan , Han Xiao , Feng Yancheng
Published: November 2021

It is still a hot research topic to identify node importance in complex networks. Recently many methods have been proposed to deal with this problem. However, most of the methods only focus on local or path information, they do not combine local and global information well. In this paper, a new model to identify node importance based on Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) is presented. DEMATEL method is based on graph theory which takes the global information into full consideration so that it can effectively identify the importance of one element in the whole complex system. Some experiments based on susceptible-infected (SI) model are used to compare the new model with other methods. The applications in three different networks illustrate the effectiveness of the new model.
On how the mechanochemical and co-precipitation synthesis method changes the sensitivity and operating range of the Ba2Mg1-xEuxWO6 optical thermometer
Authors: Vu Quan T. H. , Bondzior Bartosz , Stefańska Dagmara , Miniajluk-Gaweł Natalia , Winiarski Maciej J. , Dereń Przemysław J.
Published: November 2021

The suitability of Ba2MgWO6 (BMW) double perovskite doped with Eu3+ for the construction of an optical thermometer was tested. It has been shown that by controlling the conditions of BMW synthesis, the sensitivity of the optical thermometer and the useful range of its work can be changed. Pure BMW and doped with Eu3+ samples were prepared using the mechano-chemical and co-precipitation methods. Both the absolute sensitivity and the relative sensitivity in relation to the synthesis route were estimated. The findings proved that the relative sensitivity can be modulated from 1.17%K−1 at 248 K, to 1.5%K−1 at 120 K for the co-precipitation and the mechanochemical samples, respectively. These spectacular results confirm the applicability of the Ba2MgWO6: Eu3+ for the novel luminescent sensors in high-precision temperature detection devices. The density-functional theory was applied to elucidate the origin of the host emission.
Nasopharyngeal microbiota in hospitalized children with Bordetella pertussis and Rhinovirus infection
Authors: Tozzi A. E. , Del Chierico F. , Pandolfi E. , Reddel S. , Gesualdo F. , Gardini S. , Guarrasi V. , Russo L. , Croci I. , Campagna I. , Linardos G. , Concato C. , Villani A. , Putignani L.
Published: November 2021

Despite great advances in describing Bordetella pertussis infection, the role of the host microbiota in pertussis pathogenesis remains unexplored. Indeed, the microbiota plays important role in defending against bacterial and viral respiratory infections. We investigated the nasopharyngeal microbiota in infants infected by B. pertussis (Bp), Rhinovirus (Rv) and simultaneously by both infectious agents (Bp + Rv). We demonstrated a specific nasopharyngeal microbiome profiles for Bp group, compared to Rv and Bp + Rv groups, and a reduction of microbial richness during coinfection compared to the single infections. The comparison amongst the three groups showed the increase of Alcaligenaceae and Achromobacter in Bp and Moraxellaceae and Moraxella in Rv group. Furthermore, correlation analysis between patients’ features and nasopharyngeal microbiota profile highlighted a link between delivery and feeding modality, antibiotic administration and B. pertussis infection. A model classification demonstrated a microbiota fingerprinting specific of Bp and Rv infections. In conclusion, external factors since the first moments of life contribute to the alteration of nasopharyngeal microbiota, indeed increasing the susceptibility of the host to the pathogens' infections. When the infection is triggered, the presence of infectious agents modifies the microbiota favoring the overgrowth of commensal bacteria that turn in pathobionts, hence contributing to the disease severity.
Mechanical analysis and failure modes prediction of composite rock under uniaxial compression
Authors: Li Jianguang , Yu Zhuoqun , Zhou Ziyi , Wang Yanchun , Li Jiwei
Published: November 2021

Composite rocks are easily encountered in a wide range of geotechnical construction projects. Understanding their mechanical properties and failure modes is very important to ensure project quality and safety. This study conducted a mechanical analysis to assess the stress distribution in composite rock with a horizontal interlayer and predicted the possible failure modes. Uniaxial compression tests were carried out on the composite rock samples to reveal their mechanical properties. It was concluded that a composite rock with a thick interlayer failed more easily than a composite rock with a thin interlayer. Four potential failure modes were related to the internal stress distribution under compression and the differences in deformation capacity and strength among the constituent components. The stress distribution derived from the mechanical analysis could explain the failure mechanism very well. These results verified the validity of the mechanical analysis results and improved understanding of the mechanical properties of composite rock with a horizontal interlayer.
Risk factors for the development of bronchiectasis in patients with asthma
Authors: Ma Donghai , Cruz María-Jesús , Ojanguren Iñigo , Romero-Mesones Christian , Varona-Porres Diego , Munoz Xavier
Published: November 2021

Though asthma and bronchiectasis are two different diseases, their coexistence has been demonstrated in many patients. The aim of the present study is to compare the characteristics of asthmatic patients with and without bronchiectasis and to assess risk factors for the development of this condition. Two hundred and twenty-four moderate-severe asthmatic patients were included. The severity of bronchiectasis was assessed by Reiff and FACED parameters. Logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis was identified in 78 asthma patients. In severe asthma patients, its prevalence was 56.9%. Bronchiectasis was defined as mild in81% of patients using modified Reiff criteria and in 74% using FACED criteria. Asthmatic patients with bronchiectasis had decreasing FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC (p = 0.002, 0.005 and 0.014 respectively), presented more frequent asthma exacerbations (p < 0.001) and worse asthma control (ACT 21 vs 16pts, p < 0.001). Factors independently associated with bronchiectasis were older age (42–65 years: OR, 3.99; 95% CI 1.60 to 9.95, P = 0.003; ≥ 65 years: OR, 2.91; 95% CI 1.06 to 8.04, P = 0.039), severe asthma grade (OR, 8.91; 95% CI 3.69 to 21.49; P < 0.001) and frequency of asthma exacerbations (OR, 4.43; 95% CI 1.78 to 11.05; P < 0.001). In patients with severe asthma, age of asthma onset (OR, 1.02; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04; P = 0.015) and asthma exacerbations (OR, 4.88; 95% CI 1.98 to 12.03; P = 0.001) were independently associated with the development of bronchiectasis. The prevalence of bronchiectasis in severe asthmatic patients is high. Age of asthma onset and exacerbations were independent factors associated with the occurrence of bronchiectasis.
Superconductivity in In-doped AgSnBiTe3 with possible band inversion
Authors: Mitobe Tsubasa , Hoshi Kazuhisa , Kasem Md. Riad , Kiyama Ryosuke , Usui Hidetomo , Yamashita Aichi , Higashinaka Ryuji , Matsuda Tatsuma D. , Aoki Yuji , Katase Takayoshi , Goto Yosuke , Mizuguchi Yoshikazu
Published: November 2021

We investigated the chemical pressure effects on structural and electronic properties of SnTe-based material using partial substitution of Sn by Ag0.5Bi0.5, which results in lattice shrinkage. For Sn1−2x(AgBi)xTe, single-phase polycrystalline samples were obtained with a wide range of x. On the basis of band calculations, we confirmed that the Sn1−2x(AgBi)xTe system is basically possessing band inversion and topologically preserved electronic states. To explore new superconducting phases related to the topological electronic states, we investigated the In-doping effects on structural and superconducting properties for x = 0.33 (AgSnBiTe3). For (AgSnBi)(1−y)/3InyTe, single-phase polycrystalline samples were obtained for y = 0–0.5 by high-pressure synthesis. Superconductivity was observed for y = 0.2–0.5. For y = 0.4, the transition temperature estimated from zero-resistivity state was 2.4 K, and the specific heat investigation confirmed the emergence of bulk superconductivity. Because the presence of band inversion was theoretically predicted, and the parameters obtained from specific heat analyses were comparable to In-doped SnTe, we expect that the (AgSnBi)(1−y)/3InyTe and other (Ag, In, Sn, Bi)Te phases are candidate systems for studying topological superconductivity.
Spatial distribution of loose connective tissues on the anterior hip joint capsule: a combination of cadaveric and in-vivo study
Authors: Tsutsumi Masahiro , Nimura Akimoto , Utsunomiya Hajime , Kudo Shintarou , Akita Keiichi
Published: November 2021

Recently, pathological changes in the fat pad on the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS), between the proximal rectus femoris and joint capsule, have been highlighted as a cause of anterior hip pain. However, precise fat pad features, such as the spatial distribution distal to the AIIS, histological features, and in vivo tissue elasticity, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the morphological characteristics of the fat pad on the AIIS. Four hips from four cadaveric donors were both macroscopically and histologically investigated, and eight hips from four volunteers were assessed using ultrasonography. The fat pad on the AIIS was also surrounded by the iliopsoas and gluteus minimus, extending distally to the superficial portion of the vastus lateralis, and the anterior portion of the gluteus maximus tendon. Histological analysis revealed that the fat pad was composed of loose connective tissue. Based on the ultrasonography, the shear wave velocity in the fat pad was significantly lower than that in the joint capsule. Conclusively, the pathological adhesion between the joint capsule and pericapsular muscles, if caused by fat pad fibrosis, may occur following the abovementioned fat pad spatial distribution.
Phosphorus supply affects long-term carbon accumulation in mid-latitude ombrotrophic peatlands
Authors: Schillereff Daniel N. , Chiverrell Richard C. , Sjöström Jenny K. , Kylander Malin E. , Boyle John F. , Davies Jessica A. C. , Toberman Hannah , Tipping Edward
Published: November 2021

Ombrotrophic peatlands are a globally important carbon store and depend on atmospheric nutrient deposition to balance ecosystem productivity and microbial decomposition. Human activities have increased atmospheric nutrient fluxes, but the impacts of variability in phosphorus supply on carbon sequestration in ombrotrophic peatlands are unclear. Here, we synthesise phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon stoichiometric data in the surface and deeper layers of mid-latitude Sphagnum-dominated peatlands across Europe, North America and Chile. We find that long-term elevated phosphorus deposition and accumulation strongly correlate with increased organic matter decomposition and lower carbon accumulation in the catotelm. This contrasts with literature that finds short-term increases in phosphorus supply stimulates rapid carbon accumulation, suggesting phosphorus deposition imposes a threshold effect on net ecosystem productivity and carbon burial. We suggest phosphorus supply is an important, but overlooked, factor governing long-term carbon storage in ombrotrophic peatlands, raising the prospect that post-industrial phosphorus deposition may degrade this carbon sink.
Kyropoulos growth and characterization of monoclinic α-Bi2B8O15 single crystal with a noncentrosymmetric structure
Authors: Fan Mengdi , Wu Guangda , Wang Xinle , Yu Fapeng , Wang Chun , Zhao Xian
Published: November 2021

A high-quality crystalline α-Bi2B8O15 crystal is grown by the Kyropoulos method that might have potential for opto-electric applications.
Ammonium ionic liquid cation promotes electrochemical CO2 reduction to ethylene over formate while inhibiting the hydrogen evolution on a copper electrode
Authors: Ummireddi Ashok Kumar , Sharma Shilendra Kumar , Pala Raj Ganesh S.
Published: November 2021

The tetraethylammonium cation promotes the CO2RR to ethylene over formate and inhibits the HER on a copper electrode.
Occurrence, human exposure, and risk of microplastics in the indoor environment
Authors: Ageel Hassan Khalid , Harrad Stuart , Abdallah Mohamed Abou-Elwafa
Published: November 2021

Pathways of human exposure to MPs and associated risks.
Ligand biodegradation-induced surface reconstruction of magnetite nanoparticles: potentially overlooked toxicity
Authors: Zhao Huiru , Meng Hongyan , Zhang Qiurong , Wu Yining , Chen Haotian , Jiang Xiaoman , Zhang Chengdong
Published: November 2021

The coating of nanoparticles (NPs) with biodegradable ligands has been considered an efficient way to improve the biocompatibility of NPs and to decrease their biopersistence.
In vitro dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory activity and in situ insulinotropic activity of milk and egg white protein digests
Authors: Santos-Hernández Marta , Cermeño Maria , Recio Isidra , FitzGerald Richard J.
Published: November 2021

Gastrointestinal digests of milk and egg white proteins inhibited DPP-IV activity. The absorbable fraction from the intestinal digests induced insulin secretion in BRIN-BD11 cells.
Piperine, as a TAS2R14 agonist, stimulates the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 in the human enteroendocrine cell line Caco-2
Authors: Huang Ting-Ting , Gu Pan-Pan , Zheng Ting , Gou Ling-Shan , Liu Yao-Wu
Published: November 2021

Piperine is reported to ameliorate common metabolic diseases, however, its molecular mechanism is still unclear.
4D-quantitative proteomics signature of asthenozoospermia and identification of extracellular matrix protein 1 as a novel biomarker for sperm motility
Authors: Yang Jie , Liu Qunlong , Yu Bohai , Han Baoquan , Yang Bo
Published: November 2021

4D mass spectrometry quantifies 1430 differential abundant proteins in asthenozoospermic sperm samples. Further, integrative analysis identifies ECM1 as a novel biomarker related to sperm motility.
A DFT study of the aldol condensation reaction in the processing of ethanol to 1,3-butadiene on a MgO/SiO2 surface
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Fan Dan , Yu Yingzhe
Published: November 2021

The ETB process on different sites of MgO/SiO2.
Tuning the Schottky barrier height in a multiferroic In2Se3/Fe3GeTe2 van der Waals heterojunction
Authors: Javaid M. , Taylor Patrick D. , Tawfik Sherif Abdulkader , Spencer Michelle J. S.
Published: November 2021

Our work presents a tuneable and switchable Schottky barrier without the need to apply any external electric field or strain, which promotes the controllability of carrier transport in high-density memory devices.
Hydroxyl ions: flexible tailoring of Cu2O crystal morphology
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Li Jia , Yao Jianhua , Ren Tianrui , Zhang Bo
Published: November 2021

A series of Cu2O crystals with different shapes were obtained by adjusting the amount of OH− ions. Density functional theory proved that OH− ions can selectively adsorb onto the positively charge facets, which helps to clarify the directions of crystal growth.
Formation mechanism of zigzag patterned P(NIPAM-co-AA)/CuS composite microspheres by in situ biomimetic mineralization for morphology modulation
Authors: Yang Juxiang , Hu Daodao , Li Wei , Jia Yuan , Li Pengna
Published: November 2021

P(NIPAM-co-AA)/CuS composite microspheres with zigzag patterned surfaces were synthesized, and a mechanism for “the deformed shrinkage of the surface texture” was proposed. The surface morphology is sensitive to factors such as Ksp, pH, temperature, deposition amount, etc.
Study of the structural, electronic, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of La0.5Ca0.5Mn0.9V0.1O3 sample: first-principles calculation (DFT–MFT)
Authors: Mabrouki A. , Messaoudi O. , Mansouri M. , Elgharbi S. , Bardaoui A.
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a correlation between experimental and theoretical approaches to study the structural, electronic, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of La0.5Ca0.5Mn0.9V0.1O3.
Non-enzymatic electrochemical determination of salivary cortisol using ZnO-graphene nanocomposites
Authors: Rison Sherin , Rajeev Rijo , Bhat Vinay S. , Mathews Agnus T. , Varghese Anitha , Hegde Gurumurthy
Published: November 2021

Electrochemically deposited ZnO nanoparticles on a pencil graphite electrode (PGE) coated with graphene generate a noteworthy conductive and selective electrochemical sensing electrode for the estimation of cortisol.
Regeneration of pristine HZSM-5 extrudates during the production of deeply deoxygenated bio-oil fromex situcatalytic fast pyrolysis of biomass in a bench-scale fluidised-bed reactor
Authors: Promsampao Nuttapan , Chollacoop Nuwong , Pattiya Adisak
Published: November 2021

Deeply deoxygenated bio-oil with ∼1 wt% oxygen is produced inex situcatalytic fast pyrolysis applying an unmodified HZSM-5 with good regeneration performance.
Size-controlled, hollow and hierarchically porous Co2Ni2 alloy nanocubes for efficient oxygen reduction in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Wang Wenyi , Wang Xueqin , Wang Yuanyuan , Jiang Bolong , Song Hua
Published: November 2021

Schematic illustration of the fabrication of CoxNiy alloy nanocubes (ANCs) and hollow CoxNiy alloy nanocubes (HANCs).
Multivalent supramolecular assembly with ultralong organic room temperature phosphorescence, high transfer efficiency and ultrahigh antenna effect in water
Authors: Zhou Wei-Lei , Lin Wenjing , Chen Yong , Dai Xian-Yin , Liu Zhixue , Liu Yu
Published: November 2021

An ultralong lifetime supramolecular assembly was constructed via multivalent supramolecular interactions and achieved phosphorescence light harvesting. Multicolor (including white) broad-spectrum outputs could be achieved in water and also on filter paper and a glass plate.
Quasi-two-dimensional coalescence of nematic and isotropic droplets and Rayleigh–Plateau instability in flat optical cells
Authors: Dolganov P. V. , Zverev A. S. , Baklanova K. D. , Dolganov V. K.
Published: November 2021

Different coalescence regimes are observed for isotropic droplets in a nematic environment and nematic droplets in an isotropic environment in flat cells. Wetting conditions on the cell surfaces play a key role in the development of instabilities.
Design, synthesis, and performance of adsorbents for heavy metal removal from wastewater: a review
Authors: Fei Yuhuan , Hu Yun Hang
Published: November 2021

The adsorption approach has attracted the most attention for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater, leading to the great development of adsorbents in the past decade (2011–2020).
A low resistance and stable lithium-garnet electrolyte interface enabled by a multifunctional anode additive for solid-state lithium batteries
Authors: Cao Chencheng , Zhong Yijun , Chandula Wasalathilake Kimal , Tadé Moses O. , Xu Xiaomin , Rabiee Hesamoddin , Roknuzzaman Md , Rahman Rajib , Shao Zongping
Published: November 2021

Limited reaction between Li0.3La0.5TiO3 and molten lithium sufficiently modifies the properties of the lithium anode, improving the overall performance of solid-state lithium batteries.
Influence of intrinsic defects on the structure and dynamics of the mixed Pb–Sn perovskite: first-principles DFT and NAMD simulations
Authors: Liu Qi , Li Akang , Chu Weibin , Prezhdo Oleg V. , Liang WanZhen
Published: November 2021

The mixed tin (Sn) and lead (Pb) perovskite compositions have shown great potential in perovskite photovoltaic devices due to the significantly enhanced material stability and prolonged carrier lifetime, compared to the pure Sn halide perovskites.
Promising spin caloritronics and spin diode effects based on 1T-FeCl2 nanotube devices
Authors: Han Jiangchao , Chen Xuefeng , Yang Wei , Lv Chen , Lin Xiaoyang , Wang Xinhe , Wei Guodong , Zhao Weisheng
Published: November 2021

The spin filtering effect, negative differential resistance, spin Seebeck effect and spin diode effect are found in homogeneous and heterogeneous 1T-FeCl2 nanotubes, which suggest their potential applications in spintronic devices.
The Complex Role of Utterance Length on Grammaticality: Multivariate Multilevel Analysis of English and Spanish Utterances of First-Grade English Learners
Authors: Castilla-Earls Anny , Francis David J. , Iglesias Aquiles
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

This study examined the relationship between utterance length, syntactic complexity, and the probability of making an error at the utterance level.

Method:

The participants in this study included 830 Spanish-speaking first graders who were learning English at school. Story retells in both Spanish and English were collected from all children. Generalized mixed linear models were used to examine within-child and between-children effects of utterance length and subordination on the probability of making an error at the utterance level.

Results:

The relationship between utterance length and grammaticality was found to differ by error type (omission vs. commission), language (Spanish vs. English), and level of analysis (within-child vs. between-children). For errors of commission, the probability of making an error increased as a child produced utterances that were longer relative to their average utterance length (within-child effect). Contrastively, for errors of omission, the probability of making an error decreased when a child produced utterances that were longer relative to their average utterance length (within-child effect). In English, a child who produced utterances that were, on average, longer than the average utterance length for all children produced more errors of commission and fewer errors of omission (between-children effect). This between-children effect was similar in Spanish for errors of commission but nonsignificant for errors of omission. For both error types, the within-child effects of utterance length were moderated by the use of subordination.

Conclusion:

The relationship between utterance length and grammaticality is complex and varies by error type, language, and whether the frame of reference is the child's own language (within-child effect) or the language of other children (between-children effect).

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.17035916
Family Environmental Dynamics Differentially Influence Spoken Language Development in Children With and Without Hearing Loss
Authors: Holt Rachael Frush , Kronenberger William G. , Pisoni David B.
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether families of children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) are organized similarly to those of typically developing, typically hearing (TH) children and whether the dimensions of family dynamics and environment are related to spoken language development similarly in children with and without SNHL.

Method:

Primary caregivers of children with SNHL (
n
= 63) or TH (
n
= 65) completed the Family Environment Scale–Fourth Edition (FES-4) to assess multiple dimensions of family environment. Children's receptive vocabulary was assessed with the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test–Fourth Edition, and their receptive language was assessed by an age-appropriate version of the Concepts and Following Directions subtest of the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals and the Sentence Comprehension subscale of the Comprehensive Assessment of Spoken Language–Second Edition. Principal component analysis was used to examine the dimensional structure of the family environment.

Results:

Three higher order components were derived from FES-4 subscales for both families of children with SNHL and with TH: Supportive, Controlling, and Conflicted. However, the composition of the factors themselves differed between the two groups. For the TH group, most family environment measures on the FES-4 were not associated with language outcomes. In contrast, for children with SNHL, families who were more supportive, less controlling, and less conflicted had children with better language skills.

Conclusions:

Three well-accepted dimensions of family dynamics and functioning apply to families of children with SNHL, but their composition differs from those of families with TH children. Family environmental dynamics were much more strongly associated with language outcomes in children with SNHL than in their TH peers. The spoken language development of children with SNHL, in particular, is better in families that provide high levels of support for each other and, in particular, low levels of control, disorganization, and conflict, reflecting the fragile nature of their spoken language development.
Facial skin colour classification using machine learning and hyperspectral imaging data
Authors: Zhu Wanshan , Sang Peng , He Yifan
Published: November 2021

Facial skin colour is a primary indicator of human health, and skin care products aim to improve it. However, the beauty industry lacks accurate methods to automatically classify skin colour because it uses high granularity labels such as the Pantone scale, with up to 110 facial skin‐colour types. In this study, the automatic classification of facial skin colour based on hyperspectral imaging and machine learning is investigated. An experiment is conducted using hyperspectral imaging to collect multi‐dimensional big data on most of these skin‐colour types. Owing to the multi‐dimensionality of the data and the high granularity of skin‐colour types, classifying the colour type accurately is challenging. Nevertheless, various machine‐learning methods are applied and it is found that each had an advantage in categorizing a subset of colour types. Further, the features of the data are analysed and it is found that skin chromaticity and brightness could be classified separately to provide valuable information. Finally, to utilise this information and combine the advantages of various machine‐learning methods, a two‐stage integrated classifier is developed, which achieved 90.4% accuracy. This classifier can be used by the beauty industry to evaluate the effect of skincare products on facial skin colour.
Balanced multiple‐layer dual‐mode substrate integrated waveguide filters with controllable finite‐transmission zeros
Authors: Liu Qing , Liu Qikun , Li Jianbin , Wei Jinjin , Zhang Dewei
Published: November 2021

This paper proposes three balanced multiple‐layer dual‐mode substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) bandpass filters. The first balanced filter has two substrate layers, and two pairs of balanced feeding ports are located on the upper substrate layer. The lower and upper dual‐mode SIW cavities are coupled by two crossed slots in the middle metal layer. The second balanced filter has two substrate layers, and two pairs of balanced feeding ports locate parallelly on the upper and lower substrate layers, respectively. The third balanced filter has three substrate layers, and two pairs of balanced feeding ports locate vertically on the upper and lower substrate layers, respectively. The proposed three balanced filters can produce three, two and one finite‐transmission zeros (FTZs), respectively. Characteristics of the proposed multiple‐layer SIW filters with controllable FTZs' locations are analysed in detail. For the demonstration, some design examples with the centre frequency of 7.5 GHz and bandwidth of 240 MHz are presented, and three design examples are fabricated to verify the performance of the proposed balanced filters. The measured results agree well with simulated ones.
Development of a current source resonant inverter for high current MHz induction heating
Authors: Aunsborg Thore S. , Duun Sune Bro , Munk‐Nielsen Stig , Uhrenfeldt Christian
Published: November 2021

High frequency industrial induction heating processes typically employ resonant inverters to reach high efficiency at high power levels. Advancements in wide band gap (WBG) device technology has made it feasible to push the possible frequency of these processes into the MHz regime using solid state technology. Several topologies can be applied, each with advantages and drawbacks. This paper presents a current source resonant inverter (CSRI) employing a custom designed power module utilizing 1700V SiC MOSFETs for MHz operation of a high‐Q resonant tank for induction heating, which presents new challenges in the inverter module design. An integrated gate driver structure is demonstrated driving four MOSFETs in parallel in MHz operation. Theoretical analysis predicts substantial parasitic influence on inverter operation, and thus an inverter is constructed to provide experimental verification of MHz operation, while the challenges associated with high frequency CSRI operation are discussed. In the experimental inverter setup, the fabricated power module achieves efficiency for a calculated reactive power of 170 kVA and 2.3 kW output power during unloaded operation, validating the inverter design for extension to higher power loaded operation.
Turin-SyCAT: A multifrequency catalog of Seyfert galaxies
Authors: Peña-Herazo H. A. , Massaro F. , Chavushyan V. , Masetti N. , Paggi A. , Capetti A.
Published: November 2021

Aims.We present the first release of Turin-SyCAT, a multifrequency catalog of Seyfert galaxies.

Methods.We selected Seyfert galaxies considering criteria based on radio, infrared, and optical properties and starting from sources belonging to hard X-ray catalogs and surveys. We visually inspected optical spectra available for all selected sources. We adopted homogeneous and stringent criteria in the source selection aiming at reducing the possible contamination from other source classes.

Results.Our final catalog includes 351 Seyfert galaxies distinguished in 233 type 1 and 118 type 2. Type 1 Seyfert galaxies appear to have mid-IR colors similar to blazars, but are distinguished from them by their radio-loudness. Additionally, Seyfert 2 galaxies have mid-IR colors more similar to quasars than BL Lac objects. As expected from their spectral properties, type 1 and 2 Seyfert galaxies show a clear distinction when using theu − rcolor. Finally, we found a tight correlation between the mid-IR fluxes at both 12 and 22 μm (i.e.,F12andF22, respectively) and hard X-ray fluxes between 15 and 150 keV. Both Seyfert types appear to follow the same trend and share similar values of the ratios ofF12andF22toFHXin agreement with expectations of the AGN unification scenario.

Conclusions.As future perspectives, the Turin-SyCAT will then be used to search for heavily obscured Seyfert galaxies among unidentified hard X-ray sources, given the correlation between mid-IR and hard X-rays, and to investigate their large-scale environments.
Estimating completeness of foodborne disease registration in North West Morocco
Authors: Hmimou Soumaia , Soulaymani Abdelmajid , Nekkal Nesma , Rhalem Naima , Mokhtari Abdelrhani , Nshimiyimana François Xavier , Soulaymani-Bencheikh Rachida , Hami Hinde
Published: November 2021

This study aims to estimate the total number of poisoning cases and completeness of foodborne disease surveillance in the region of Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima in North West Morocco. This retrospective study was conducted to assess the completeness of food poisoning surveillance system in the Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima region over a three-year period from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016. The data used for this study were obtained from two sources, including the national poisoning database of the Moroccan Poison Control Center (MPCC) and provincial hospital registries in the study area. The completeness of foodborne disease reporting was estimated using the capture-recapture method. During the study period, 235 cases of foodborne diseases were reported to the Moroccan Poison Control Center, 725 cases were notified to the provincial hospital registries and 98 cases were common to both sources. The estimated total number of poisoning cases was 1,739 (95% CI: 1,494-1,983). The completeness of foodborne disease surveillance for the national database of poisoning and hospital registries was estimated to be 13.5% and 41.7%, respectively. Improvement of the completeness of poisoning surveillance system is needed to estimate the true incidence of poisoning in Morocco.
Assessment of Salt status in the Moroccan population based on food frequency questionnaire & 24-hour dietary recall
Authors: Rami Anass , Bouziani Amina , Idrissi Mohamed , Assako Akom Arthur Georges , Kossou Jahdiel , El Mzibri Mohammed , Safsaf Naima , El Hamdouchi Asmae , Menachawy Benjelloun Imane , Benjeddou Kaoutar , El Kari Khalid , Saeid Naima , Aguenaou Hassan
Published: November 2021

Salt is an essential mineral to our health that, in its sodium form, is involved in many functional processes in human body. Excessive salt consumption increases the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) have identified salt reduction as one of the most cost-effective strategies to prevent the spread of non-communicable diseases. The objectives of the present study is to determine the salt status in the Moroccan population based on 24-hour dietary recall and food frequency.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 133 children and adolescents recruited from public schools in Rabat regions. The average total salt intake status was assessed by 24 h dietary recall. Food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate children’s nutritional habits and the consumption of food rich in salt.

The average total salt intake is 5264.5±2398.6mg/day. The knowledge of the study population on the health risks of excess salt, 81% of participants stated that high salt consumption is positively associated with health risks, while only 7% confirmed that there is no relationship between excess salt and health problems. For the use of iodized salt, about half (46.6%) of the study population uses iodized salt. For each variable, a significant difference is shown between the subgroups (p<0.001).

The current intake of salt is very high in both children and adults. Reducing salt intake is one of the most cost-effective measures to prevent CVD. A low-salt diet during childhood can prevent the development of CVD and hypertension later in life. However, there is no strategy to keep children and adults low in salt.
Deliberate self-poisoning with drugs among adolescents in Morocco
Authors: Boukhorb Sara , Hadrya Fatine , Amiar Latifa , Hmimou Soumaia , Soulaymani Abdelmajid , Rhalem Naima , Diallo Tidiane , Mokhtari Abdelrhani , Soulaymani-Bencheikh Rachida , Hami Hinde
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Suicide is a serious public health problem and one of the leading causes of adolescent death in the world. The aim of this study is to determine the epidemiological profile of suicidal poisoning with drugs among adolescents in Morocco. Methods: This is a retrospective study of deliberate self-poisoning cases, reported to the Moroccan Poison Control Center between 1980 and 2014. Results: A total of 3,856 cases of suicidal poisoning among adolescents 15 to 19 years old were recorded, with 13 cases of successful suicide and 41 repeated suicide attempts. The average age of the patients was 15.5 years. According to the results, 84.7% were female with a female-male ratio of 5.5. The majority of cases occurred at home (97.8%). The signs and symptoms presented by the patients were varied, depending on the amount of drug ingested and the delay before treatment. Conclusion: Suicide and suicide attempts in children and adolescents continue to be a major public health problem, and topical research and surveys have clearly highlighted suicide as one of the commonest causes of death among young people.
Study of Life Satisfaction and Determining Factors Among Yemeni Students Residing in Morocco
Authors: Omair Abdulrahman taresh yahya , Ali Alemad , Soulaymani Abdelmajid , Khadmaoui Aberrazzak
Published: November 2021

A student’s life satisfaction is marked by four themes: the relationship to studies, budget, housing and health state. The objective of our work is to establish a profile of life satisfaction and support of Yemeni students residing in Morocco. The choice is made on a prepared questionnaire, which the characteristics of reliability, loyalty are important. The results show that 13.8% (n = 25) of Yemeni respondents residing in Morocco showed great self-dissatisfaction against 16.5% (n = 32) who responded satisfied with their life. However, 14.8% (n = 29) of the respondents showed great dissatisfaction with the support against 13.8% (n = 27) who responded satisfied with the support of their family and friends. Two factors have been shown to be associated with this behavior, namely marital status and city of residence. Therefore, the Moroccan and Yemeni authorities should face these risk factors by presenting adequate solutions so that these students lead a normal life.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of market gardeners toward pesticide use in Bamako, Mali
Authors: Diara Abdourahamane , Diallo Tidiane , Coulibaly Sanou Khô , Tourè Alamine Alassane dit Papa , Hami Hinde , Soulaymani Abdelmajid , Maïga Ababacar
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Pesticides are used in market gardening to meet growing consumer demand and achieve economically viable production levels. These products inevitably leave residues that could harm human health and the environment if misused. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of market gardeners toward pesticide use in Bamako. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted among 120 market gardeners randomly sampled in the district of Bamako. Results: According to the results, 56.7% of market gardeners did not have a diploma and 84% said they never read the instructions for safe use. The personal protective equipment used were: masks (58%), gloves (18%), boots (8%), safety glasses (3%) and coveralls (1%). Empty pesticide packaging, in general, is discarded in the environment (35%). Headache and flu-like symptoms (fever, runny nose, tired) were the most cited symptoms after crop treatment (29% and 27%, respectively). After suspected poisoning, market gardeners took milk in 17% of cases. Conclusion: Pesticides can cause health and environmental risks. To stem this, the use of these products must be done in accordance with good agricultural practices in order to protect the health of market gardeners and ensure the protection of the environment.
Medication errors safety signals COVID-19-related Moroccan Pv database
Authors: Sefiani Houda , Benabdallah Ghita , Tebaa Amina , Soulaymani Bencheikh Rachida
Published: November 2021

On March 23, 2020, the Moroccan Ministry of Health issued a circular authorizing the off label use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine in combination with azythromycin as first-line treatment for all COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study is to detect, assess and manage safety signals from individual cardiovascular adverse events (AE) reported. Methods: During the COVID19 pandemic, pharmacovigilance surveillance was based on spontaneous targeted notification in all health facilities. Newsletters with a suitable reporting form were sent and reporting of AEs was mandatory. The AEs collected were analyzed for causality assessment using the WHO method and the Preventavility method was used to detect any preventable ADR. Safety signals were detected and analyzed using a qualitative pharmacovigilance method. Results: As of December 31, 2020, a total of 527 adverse events have been reported to the NPC related to Hydroxychloroquine or Chloroquine among the Covid 19 patients. We received 09 cases of preventable AEs related to medication error including one drug interaction for 3 cases, dose errors for 5 cases and one case with both errors, these cases have been validated ad managed as safety signals. Discussion and conclusion: The detected signal concerned the QT prolongation, hypokalaemia and arrythmias, due to high dose of azithromycin and to drug interactions with hypokalaemic drugs. The signal was analyzed and validated during the technical committee, and recommendations were established to avoid the occurrence of similar cases.
Bucket positioning and its load content during mining in inundated mineral deposit
Authors: Motyakov Nikolay , Iakupov Dmitrii , Ivanova Polina , Ivanov Sergey
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we discuss an issue of underwater mining and why modern mining equipment does not fit this purpose. Working in such complicated conditions often has an unsatisfying performance level. We analyzed the processes of mining materials that have not been preliminary dewatered. We also describe variations of positioning system and the importance of their use in underwater mining. A theoretical analysis of excavation process with a perforated bucket has been performed. We present a formula that allows assessing extent of bucket loading by parameters of the working face development. Another formula that allows determining the number of excavation cycles required to complete the bucket loading. A formula for parametric length of working face arc determining by the given stratum depth was introduced. Basing on the acquired formulae, we formulated another one that determines the number of excavation cycles necessary for complete face development for specified cutting parameters. An aggregated graph showing the dependency of the number of excavation cycles on peat shavings width and thickness variables. On the basis of the resulting graph, the best variant for the most complete bucket loading was chosen. In conclusion, we highlighted the peculiarities of underwater mining.
Influence of the main operational factors on the working capacity of a mining hydraulic excavator
Authors: Agaguena Abdelwahab , Chishegorov Danila , Ivanov Sergey , Mikhailov Alexander
Published: November 2021

The analysis of factors influencing the failures of a mining excavator is substantiated. The classification of factors and methods of dealing with them will have a great importance in mining engineering. The article considers an example of the influence of various factors on the lifting mechanism of a hydraulic mining excavator. Thanks to the early identification of the most influencing factors on a mining excavator, it will be possible to manage the equipment maintenance and repair under actual conditions and operating conditions.
Investigation of Alardinskaya mine coal bumps causes using computer simulation of rock massif stress conditionals
Authors: Sidorenko Andrey , Alekseev Vyacheslav , Sirenko Yury
Published: November 2021

The purpose of the paper was to identify the causes of rock bumps that occurred at the Alardinskaya mine (Russia) in 2011. The research was carried out using the finite element method. The developed three-dimensional model of the rock mass included a coal seam, rocks bedding above and below, goaf, and a system of local preparatory workings. The situation that arose immediately before the first rock burst was modeled during the research - when the longwall crossed a diagonal entry. The performed investigations enabled the authors to make a conclusion about a high danger of using technological schemes for the development of seams by longwalls leaving pillars that have a width less than the length of the support pressure zone, especially due to diagonal entries. As a safe technology for the longwall development of seams prone to rock bursts, it is recommended to apply a technological scheme with the abandonment of wide barrier pillars and four preparatory workings in each section, which has proven itself in the processing of rock bump hazardous seams in the state of Utah (USA).
Numerical analysis of inter-panel pillars in the bump prone conditionals of the Alardinskaya mine
Authors: Sidorenko Andrey , Alekseev Vyacheslav , Ivanov Vladimir
Published: November 2021

The purpose of the paper is to substantiate the width of the barrier and yield pillars for the application of a new seam development scheme in the conditions of the Alardinskaya mine (Russia). The Alardinskaya mine develops gas-bearing coal seams that are prone to spontaneous combustion and are hazardous due to rock bumps, which leads to frequent accidents. The analysis of the world experience of mining seams being hazardous to rock bumps showed that safe mining with longwalls can be provided by a system of inter-panel pillars: very wide barrier pillar and two yield pillars. Numerical modeling using the finite element method was carried out to assess the possibility of reducing the barrier pillar width in order to decrease the volume of coal losses in the subsoil. The model of rock massif was created in Ansys mechanical software. Numerical modeling of the longwall panel development with longwalls was carried out at various widths of broad and yield pillars. The analysis outcomes of the vertical stresses diagrams in the seams are presented for different parts of the longwall panel. The rational parameters of the pillar system, ensuring the minimization of the reference pressure influence from the previously worked-out column and the reference pressure of the operating longwall, are determined as a result of numerical analysis. The conclusion is made about the expediency of the technological scheme application proposed by the authors in the conditions of the Alardinskaya mine to reduce the endogenous fire hazard and the danger of rock bumps.
Increase in the efficiency of water transport of bulk mineral cargo by the segregation of feedstock at the initial technological stage
Authors: Lyashenko Yuriy , Menshenina Elena , Revyakina Elena
Published: November 2021

The paper gives the analysis of the volume of transportation of bulk mineral cargoes by water transport. It is established that the problem of the use of technological processes for sorting non-metallic building materials and coals transported by water transport is relevant. It is revealed that in the applied beneficiation system of crushed stone it is possible to reduce energy consumption due to the segregation of material into commercial fractions at the crushing stage by combining operations. The developed design of the receiving - segregation hopper is considered which allows classifying the feedstock at the initial technological stage of the production of crushed sandstone. A patented design of a segregation hopper and a technological scheme with its use are described. The volume of material sent to the crushing process is reduced by up to 50% due to the separation of particles of commercial fractions, which helps to reduce the production cost of a unit of the finished product. The principle of operation of the hopper is based on the difference in the rolling speed of particles of various sizes. The influence of the geometrical parameters of the chute and the size of the initial material on the capacity of the hopper is investigated. The influence of the slope angle of the chute and the particle size on the production parameters of the installation is proved. The configuration at which the drain wall achieves the highest throughput is determined.
Synthesis of the parameters of the elastic-damping device in the excavator’s digging mechanism based on the use of the integral equation
Authors: Kuznetsov Nikolay , Iov Ivan , Dolgih Evgeniy
Published: November 2021

The article is devoted to the issues of the synthesis of the parameters of an elastic-damping device built into the excavator’s digging mechanism to reduce dynamic loads. The determination of the parameters of this device was carried out by solving the inverse problem of dynamics using the Volterra integral equation of the second kind, which allowed linking these parameters to the nature of the transition process without finding the frequencies of natural oscillations. The transition from the differential equation of the oscillatory motion of the digging mechanism to the corresponding integral equation has been carried out, and the parameters of its resolvent and the elastic-damping device that ensure a decrease in dynamic loads are determined. The results of numerical simulation of the elastic-damping device efficiency based on the use of the characteristics of the real excavator’s digging mechanism are presented.