bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CuII/CuI decorated N-doped carbonaceous electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Kossmann Janina , Ortíz Sánchez-Manjavacas María Luz , Zschiesche Hannes , Tarakina Nadezda V. , Antonietti Markus , Albero Josep , López-Salas Nieves
Published: November 2021

Copper- and nitrogen-doped carbonaceous materials, obtained by a simple synthetic procedure are highly efficient and fast catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. It is shown, that Cu(i) containing materials perform with faster reaction kinetics.
Design and performance of an ultra-sensitive and super-stretchable hydrogel for artificial skin
Authors: Luo Chunhui , Deng Xinyue , Xie Shuai
Published: November 2021

Based on flowerlike micelles, super-stretchable (strain = 150 mm mm−1) conductive hydrogels were obtained. The dipole–dipole interactions between NaCl and polymers led to ultra-sensitivity (gauge factor = 54.5).
Memristor modeling: challenges in theories, simulations, and device variability
Authors: Gao Lili , Ren Qingying , Sun Jiawei , Han Su-Ting , Zhou Ye
Published: November 2021

The recent developments of analytical memristive mechanisms and simulation methods/tools for different structures and materials have been reviewed.
Revisiting the contribution of mitochondrial biology to the pathophysiology of skeletal muscle insulin resistance
Authors: Frangos Sara M. , Bishop David J. , Holloway Graham P.
Published: November 2021

While the etiology of type 2 diabetes is multifaceted, the induction of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle is a key phenomenon, and impairments in insulin signaling in this tissue directly contribute to hyperglycemia. Despite the lack of clarity regarding the specific mechanisms whereby insulin signaling is impaired, the key role of a high lipid environment within skeletal muscle has been recognized for decades. Many of the proposed mechanisms leading to the attenuation of insulin signaling — namely the accumulation of reactive lipids and the pathological production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), appear to rely on this high lipid environment. Mitochondrial biology is a central component to these processes, as these organelles are almost exclusively responsible for the oxidation and metabolism of lipids within skeletal muscle and are a primary source of ROS production. Classic studies have suggested that reductions in skeletal muscle mitochondrial content and/or function contribute to lipid-induced insulin resistance; however, in recent years the role of mitochondria in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance has been gradually re-evaluated to consider the biological effects of alterations in mitochondrial content. In this respect, while reductions in mitochondrial content are not required for the induction of insulin resistance, mechanisms that increase mitochondrial content are thought to enhance mitochondrial substrate sensitivity and submaximal adenosine diphosphate (ADP) kinetics. Thus, this review will describe the central role of a high lipid environment in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance, and present both classic and contemporary views of how mitochondrial biology contributes to insulin resistance in skeletal muscle.
Exosomal miR-150 partially attenuated acute lung injury by mediating microvascular endothelial cells and MAPK pathway
Authors: Xu Jiaxin , Xu Dan , Yu Zhizhong , Fu Zhaohui , Lv Zheng , Meng Lei , Zhao Xin
Published: November 2021

Background: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a respiratory disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. Currently, there is no effective treatment to complement mechanical ventilation. Exosomes and microRNAs (miRNAs) are promising agents for the management of this disease.

Methods: Exosomes were isolated from mouse bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs). The levels of two miRNAs, miR-542-3P and miR-150, in exosomes were determined using RT-PCR, and miR-150 was selected for further study. ALI model was established in mice using lipopolysaccharides, and then, they were treated with saline, exosomes, miRNA agomirs, or miRNA antagomirs. The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and the number of neutrophils and macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured. The wet/dry weight ratio of the lung tissue was calculated, and tissue pathology and apoptosis were observed using hematoxylin and eosin and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling staining. CD34 and VE-cadherin expression was detected using immunofluorescence. Proteins associated with apoptosis and MAPK signaling were detected using Western blotting, and miR-150 expression in lung tissue was evaluated using RT-PCR.

Results: We successfully isolated BMSCs and exosomes and showed that the level of miR-150 was significantly higher than that of miR-542-3p. Exosomes and miR-150 reduced inflammation and lung edema while maintaining the integrity of the alveolar structure. They also mitigated microvascular endothelial cell injury by regulating the caspase-3, Bax/Bcl-2, and MAPK signaling.

Conclusions: Exosomal miR-150 attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI through the MAPK pathway.
Recent advances in understanding ion transport mechanisms in polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Sudarikova Anastasia V. , Vasileva Valeriia Y. , Sultanova Regina F. , Ilatovskaya Daria V.
Published: November 2021

This review focuses on the most recent advances in the understanding of the electrolyte transport-related mechanisms important for the development of severe inherited renal disorders, autosomal dominant (AD) and recessive (AR) forms of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). We provide here a basic overview of the origins and clinical aspects of ARPKD and ADPKD and discuss the implications of electrolyte transport in cystogenesis. Special attention is devoted to intracellular calcium handling by the cystic cells, with a focus on polycystins and fibrocystin, as well as other calcium level regulators, such as transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) channels, ciliary machinery, and purinergic receptor remodeling. Sodium transport is reviewed with a focus on the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), and the role of chloride-dependent fluid secretion in cystic fluid accumulation is discussed. In addition, we highlight the emerging promising concepts in the field, such as potassium transport, and suggest some new avenues for research related to electrolyte handling.
Angiotensin II inhibition: a potential treatment to slow the progression of sarcopenia
Authors: Kingsley Jeffrey , Torimoto Keiichi , Hashimoto Tomoki , Eguchi Satoru
Published: November 2021

Sarcopenia is defined as the progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, which is associated with increased likelihood of adverse outcomes including falls, fractures, physical disability, and mortality. The etiology of sarcopenia has been postulated to be multifactorial with genetics, aging, immobility, nutritional deficiencies, inflammation, stress, and endocrine factors all contributing to the imbalance of muscle anabolism and catabolism. The prevalence of sarcopenia is estimated to range from 13 to 24% in adults over 60 years of age and up to 50% in persons aged 80 and older. As the population continues to age, the prevalence of sarcopenia continues to increase and is expected to affect 500 million people by the year 2050. Sarcopenia impacts the overall health of patients through limitations in functional status, increase in hospital readmissions, poorer hospital outcomes, and increase in overall mortality. Thus, there exists a need to prevent or reduce the occurrence of sarcopenia. Here, we explore the potential mechanisms and current studies regarding angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on reducing the development of sarcopenia through the associated changes in cardiovascular function, renal function, muscle fiber composition, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, metabolic efficiency, and mitochondrial function.
Effects of Bolus Holding on Respiratory–Swallow Coordination in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Curtis James A. , Huber Jessica E. , Dakin Avery E. , Troche Michelle S.
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of bolus holding on respiratory–swallow coordination (RSC) in people with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Method:

People with PD were prospectively recruited to undergo RSC assessment using simultaneous respiratory inductive plethysmography and flexible laryngoscopy. During RSC assessment, participants swallowed 5-ml thin liquid boluses during held and nonheld swallowing tasks. Measures of RSC were analyzed for each swallow, which included respiratory pause duration, lung volume at swallow initiation, respiratory phase patterning, and the presence of paradoxical respiratory movements. Multilevel statistical modeling was used to determine if differences in RSC were present between the held and nonheld tasks.

Results:

Thirty-three participants were enrolled. When compared to the nonheld swallows, the held swallows exhibited shorter respiratory pauses (p= .001,R2= .019), lower lung volumes at swallow initiation (p< .001,R2= .116), more frequent exhale–swallow–exhale patterns (p< .001,OR= 4.30), and less frequent paradoxical respiratory movements (p= .001,OR= 0.43).

Conclusions:

Findings from this study revealed that bolus holding significantly influences RSC in people with PD. This demonstrates that bolus holding may be an efficacious strategy to immediately improve RSC in PD. However, clinicians and researchers should consider avoiding bolus holding during swallowing evaluations if attempting to assess RSC behaviors that are most typical for the examinee.
Enhanced gradient learning for deep neural networks
Authors: Yan Ming , Yang Jianxi , Chen Cen , Zhou Joey Tianyi , Pan Yi , Zeng Zeng
Published: November 2021

Deep neural networks have achieved great success in both computer vision and natural language processing tasks. How to improve the gradient flows is crucial in training very deep neural networks. To address this challenge, a gradient enhancement approach is proposed through constructing the short circuit neural connections. The proposed short circuit is a unidirectional neural connection that back propagates the sensitivities rather than gradients in neural networks from the deep layers to the shallow layers. Moreover, the short circuit is further formulated as a gradient truncation operation in its connecting layers, which can be plugged into the backbone models without introducing extra training parameters. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the deep neural networks, with the help of short circuit connection, gain a large margin of improvement over the baselines on both computer vision and natural language processing tasks. The work provides the promising solution to the low‐resource scenarios, such as, intelligence transport systems of computer vision, question answering of natural language processing.
A low‐noise current‐reused CMOS active inductor by exploiting Gm‐boosting technique
Authors: Sabbaghi Abdollah , Ebrahimi Emad
Published: November 2021

This work introduces a new low‐noise current‐reused CMOS active inductor (AI) based on Gyrator‐C configuration. In the proposed AI, a simple common‐source amplifier is utilised for boosting effective Gm and improving noise performance of the AI. While the Gm‐boosting technique improves the noise performance as well as the quality factor of the inductor, a resistor is also added to the feedback path for more quality factor improvement. Rigorous analysis of the proposed circuit shows a significant noise performance and quality factor enhancement. In order to verify the concept and confirm the mathematical analysis, the AI is designed and simulated in a commercial 0.18 μm RF‐CMOS technology. The simulation results show that the proposed inductor operates in 1 to 7.2 GHz frequency range, has a 9 nH inductance at 2.864 GHz frequency and 650 μW total power dissipation at 1.8‐V supply voltage. Maximum quality factor of 90 is achieved at 2.864 GHz frequency and a quality factor greater than 40 is obtained from 2.4 to 3.3 GHz. The input‐referred current noise of the proposed inductor is as low as 22  showing 30.5% improvement compared to the conventional AI. The proposed AI is also tunable and sweeping the tuning voltage results in changing extracted inductance from 4.35 to 15.2 nH with only a chip area of 0.003 mm2. Post‐layout and different Monte Carlo simulation results also confirm the robust operation of the proposed AI against different process non‐idealities.
The role of asymmetries in coronal rain formation during thermal non-equilibrium cycles
Authors: Pelouze Gabriel , Auchère Frédéric , Bocchialini Karine , Froment Clara , Mikić Zoran , Soubrié Elie , Voyeux Alfred
Published: November 2021

Context. Thermal non-equilibrium (TNE) produces several observables that can be used to constrain the spatial and temporal distribution of solar coronal heating. Its manifestations include prominence formation, coronal rain, and long-period intensity pulsations in coronal loops. The recent observation of abundant periodic coronal rain associated with intensity pulsations allowed for these two phenomena to be unified as the result of TNE condensation and evaporation cycles. On the other hand, many observed intensity pulsation events show little to no coronal rain formation.

Aims. Our goal is to understand why some TNE cycles produce such abundant coronal rain, while others produce little to no rain.

Methods. We reconstructed the geometry of the periodic coronal rain event, using images from the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUVI) onboard the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO), and magnetograms from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI). We then performed 1D hydrodynamic simulations of this event for different heating parameters and variations of the loop geometry (9000 simulations in total). We compared the resulting behaviour to simulations of TNE cycles that do not produce coronal rain.

Results. Our simulations show that both prominences and TNE cycles (with and without coronal rain) can form within the same magnetic structure. We show that the formation of coronal rain during TNE cycles depends on the asymmetry of the loop and of the heating. Asymmetric loops are overall less likely to produce coronal rain, regardless of the heating. In symmetric loops, coronal rain forms when the heating is also symmetric. In asymmetric loops, rain forms only when the heating compensates for the asymmetry.
Migration of Jupiter mass planets in discs with laminar accretion flows
Authors: Lega E. , Morbidelli A. , Nelson R. P. , Ramos X. S. , Crida A. , Béthune W. , Batygin K.
Published: November 2021

Context. Migration of giant planets in discs with low viscosity has been studied recently. Results have shown that the proportionality between migration speed and the disc’s viscosity is broken by the presence of vortices that appear at the edges of the planet-induced gap. Under some conditions, this ‘vortex-driven’ migration can be very slow and eventually stops. However, this result has been obtained for discs whose radial mass transport is too low (due to the small viscosity) to be compatible with the mass accretion rates that are typically observed for young stars.

Aims. Our goal is to investigate vortex-driven migration in low-viscosity discs in the presence of radial advection of gas, as expected from angular momentum removal by magnetised disc winds.

Methods. We performed three dimensional simulations using the grid-based code FARGOCA. We mimicked the effects of a disc wind by applying a synthetic torque on a surface layer of the disc characterised by a prescribed column density ΣA so that it results in a disc accretion rate of ṀA = 10−8 M⊙ yr−1. We have considered values of ΣA typical of the penetration depths of different ionising processes. Discs with this structure are called ‘layered’ and the layer where the torque is applied is denoted as ‘active’. We also consider the case of accretion focussed near the disc midplane to mimic transport properties induced by a large Hall effect or by weak Ohmic diffusion.

Results. We observe two migration phases: in the first phase, which is exhibited by all simulations, the migration of the planet is driven by the vortex and is directed inwards. This phase ends when the vortex disappears after having opened a secondary gap, as is typically observed in vortex-driven migration. Migration in the second phase depends on the ability of the torque from the planet to block the accretion flow. When the flow is fast and unimpeded, corresponding to small ΣA, migration is very slow, similar to when there is no accreting layer in the disc. When the accretion flow is completely blocked, migration is faster (typically ṙp ~ 12 AU Myr−1 at 5 au) and the speed is controlled by the rate at which the accretion flow refills the gap behind the migrating planet. The transition between the two regimes, occurs at ΣA ~ 0.2 g cm−2 and 0.65 g cm−2 for Jupiter or Saturn mass planets at 5.2 au, respectively.

Conclusions. The migration speed of a giant planet in a layered protoplanetary disc depends on the thickness of the accreting layer. The lack of large-scale migration apparently experienced by the majority of giant exoplanets can be explained if the accreting layer is sufficiently thin to allow unimpeded accretion through the disc.
The throughput calibration of the VERITAS telescopes
Authors: Adams C. B. , Benbow W. , Brill A. , Buckley J. H. , Christiansen J. L. , Falcone A. , Feng Q. , Finley J. P. , Foote J. , Fortson L. , Furniss A. , Giuri C. , Hanna D. , Hassan T. , Hervet O. , Holder J. , Hona B. , Humensky T. B. , Jin W. , Kaaret P. , Kleiner T. K. , Kumar S. , Lang M. J. , Lundy M. , Maier G. , Moriarty P. , Mukherjee R. , Nievas Rosillo M. , O’Brien S. , Park N. , Patel S. , Pfrang K. , Pohl M. , Prado R. R. , Pueschel E. , Quinn J. , Ragan K. , Reynolds P. T. , Ribeiro D. , Roache E. , Ryan J. L. , Santander M. , Weinstein A. , Williams D. A. , Williamson T. J.
Published: November 2021

Context. The response of imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes to incident γ-ray-initiated showers in the atmosphere changes as the telescopes age due to exposure to light and weather. These aging processes affect the reconstructed energies of the events and γ-ray fluxes.

Aims. This work discusses the implementation of signal calibration methods for the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS) to account for changes in the optical throughput and detector performance over time.

Methods. The total throughput of a Cherenkov telescope is the product of camera-dependent factors, such as the photomultiplier tube gains and their quantum efficiencies, and the mirror reflectivity and Winston cone response to incoming radiation. This document summarizes different methods to determine how the camera gains and mirror reflectivity have evolved over time and how we can calibrate this changing throughput in reconstruction pipelines for imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes. The implementation is validated against seven years of observations with the VERITAS telescopes of the Crab Nebula, which is a reference object in very-high-energy astronomy.

Results. Regular optical throughput monitoring and the corresponding signal calibrations are found to be critical for the reconstruction of extensive air shower images. The proposed implementation is applied as a correction to the signals of the photomultiplier tubes in the telescope simulation to produce fine-tuned instrument response functions. This method is shown to be effective for calibrating the acquired γ-ray data and for recovering the correct energy of the events and photon fluxes. At the same time, it keeps the computational effort of generating Monte Carlo simulations for instrument response functions affordably low.
Antibiotic resistance profiling of Uropathogenic Enterobacteriaceae, Casablanca, Morocco
Authors: Rafik Aniba , Abouddihaj Barguigua , Asmaa Dihmane , Kaotar Nayme , Mohammed Timinouni
Published: November 2021

Introduction:the urinary tract infection is a pathology frequents as well in community as at the hospital. In last years, there has been increased the incidence of antibiotic resistance in Uropathogenic Enterobacteriaceae. This development explains the need for periodic regional surveillance of this resistance to antibiotics, which poses a real problem of public health, because it affects several molecules ranging from β-lactam to quinolones.

Objective:the aims of this study is to determine the profile of antibiotic resistance of Uropathogenic Enterobacteriaceae isolated from medical analysis laboratories in Casablanca, Morocco.

Materials and methods:This is a prospective study that was conducted on patients who visited medical analysis laboratories in Casablanca city, for urinalysis test from 01 January 2017 to 30 December 2018 (a two full years). The culture was performed according to the usual techniques, and the antibiogram was done according to the recommendations of the Antibiogram Committee of the French Society of Microbiology. The statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 2016).

Results: During our study, we reported 18% of urinary tract infections, Sex ratio F/M was 1.79. In addition, Enterobacteriaceae were the most common germs. Of all the strains isolated, we noted a predominance ofEscherichia coliwith 75.41%) andKlebsiella sspwith 17.05%.

In the course of this study period, we observed high rates of resistance to the main classes of antibiotics, and an overall increase between 2017 and 2018 in this resistance to the majority of β-lactam antibiotics, quinolones and aminoglycosides for almost all species of Uropathogenic Enterobacteriaceae. However, amikacin was the most active molecule against the Uropathogenic Enterobacteriaceae strains isolates.

Conclusion:The development of resistance of Uropathogenic Enterobacteriaceae to antibiotics is a worrying phenomenon that exposes us to difficulties in the therapeutic management of infections. The current control of antimicrobial resistance is a real emergency and requires the involvement of public awareness before government instructions.
Evaluation of adherence to gluten-free diets in Moroccan celiac patients and factors of adherence failure
Authors: Guennouni Morad , Bourrhouate Aicha , El Khoudri Noureddine , Admou Brahim , El Qadiry Rabiy , Hakmaoui Abdelmalek , Hilali Abderraouaf
Published: November 2021

The prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is increasing in the world. In Morocco, its incidence is also increasing considerably. The gluten-free diet (GFD) remains the only effective treatment so far. Its effectiveness depends essentially on good adherence to this diet. However, several factors hinder adherence by contributing to diet failure. Within this framework, this study aims to evaluate adherence to this diet in celiac children and adolescents continuing in a tertiary health center. The article also looks to identify the different factors influencing adherence to GFD in Morocco. The results show from serological and/or biopsy tests on 238 celiac patients that half had good adherence and 13% had poor adherence. The questionnaire aimed at 127 parents or proxies of celiac children and adolescents shows that several factors are responsible for the failure to adhere to the diet such as the role of the mass media, cultural and psychological factors. The exorbitant price, nutritional quality, and low availability of gluten-free products play a major role in GFD failure. Low socio-economic factors have a negative influence on the adherence to the GFD.
Description of four cases of death by methanol: the experience of the toxicology and pharmacology laboratory of Moroccan Poison Control Centre
Authors: Aït daoud Naima , Ghandi Mohamed , Chaoui Hanane , El Bouazzi Omaima , Zalagh Fatima , Abkari Asma , Soulaymani Abdelmajid , Soulaymani Bencheikh Rachida , Badrane Narjis , Benali Doha
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Methanol intoxication is a public health problem that mainly affects poor populations in developed and developing countries. Despite all the advanced treatment methods, high mortality rates are still observed due to late admission to hospital and late diagnosis and treatment. Many mass poisoning have been described, following the misuse of methanol in the manufacture of adulterated alcohol in some Eastern European, Asian and African countries, resulting in several hundred each year. Objective: The objective of our study was to describe four cases of methanol intoxication that were received by the au toxicology and pharmacology laboratory of the Moroccan poison control centre CAPM-LAB. Materiel and methods: The epidemiological characteristics of patients intoxicated and dying by methanol in a collective setting were described as well as the results. Ethanol and methanol were determined in whole blood by gas chromatography with a flame ionisation detector coupled to the Head speace (CPG-FID-HS). Results: Following the consumption of adulterated alcohol (locally prepared alcohol); the CAPM-LAB received three samples from the city of El-Hajeb. The patients were aged of 46, 58 and 26 years and presented visual and consciousness disorders and vomiting, they presented average methanolemia of 1,34g/l. The CAPM-LAB also received samples from another patient from the city of Marrakech, aged 44 years, following a collective intoxication (three people) with adulterated alcohol, with methanol level of 2,52g/l. The patients died as a result of heart failure. Conclusion: Methanol can cause fatal intoxication, due to its easy availability in our country and the illegal production of alcoholic beverages.
Histo-epidemiological aspect of Helicobacter pylori chronic gastritis in a Moroccan population
Authors: El Gui Radia , Hechlaf Hajar , Ed-Day Soumia , Akhouayri Omar , Boulbaroud Samira , Azzaoui Fatima-Zahra
Published: November 2021

Helicobacter pylori(H. Pylori) is the best example of the implication of chronical infection in carcinogenesis. The World Health Organization recognized it as a class I carcinogen since it triggers the progression of premalignant gastric lesions. The aim of this study is to define the prevalence ofH. Pyloriinfection, related risk factors, and explore the histological features of the chronic gastritis. This is a retrospective study of 248 gastric specimens, examinated and evaluated according Sydney to system. The prevalence ofH. Pyloriis 67 %, chronic gastritis is observed in all the biopsies (100%). Age and gender were not a risk factors for the H. Pylori infection. Prevalence ofH. Pyloriwas 71.93% in low socio-economic class. The severity of the chronic gastritis increases if the colonization ofH. Pyloriincreases. In 74, 58% of cases chronic gastritis was active. Glandular atrophy presented 10.37% and in 80% was related toH. Pyloriinfection (p=0,004) and 12 % related to autoimmune diseases. The prevalence of Intestinal metaplasia is 10.53%, andH. Pyloriwas observed in 42.31% of cases (p=0.001). The dysplasia is detected in one case, in a 72 years old patient. We also observed one case of gastric adenocarcinoma, of an 80 years. Follicular gastritis are in 32% of cases, and they were more frequent inH. Pyloriinfected slides (82% of subjects) (p< 0.005).According to this study,H. PyloriChronic Gastritis is very common in our population, and a coherent relationship exists betweenH. Pyloricolonization and pre-cancerous lesions. An early eradicating should be considered as a health goal.
Factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding practices in rural areas in south Benin
Authors: Kossou Jahdiel , Amoussa Hounkpatin Waliou , Lokonon Jaures , Hounyo Clarisse , Flenon Aubierge , Goudjo Frejus , Ait Lachguer Sara , Benkirane Hasnae , El Kari Khalid , Aguenaou Hassan
Published: November 2021

This study is part of the national programme for the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and was technically supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency. It aimed to determine the factors leading to the cessation of EBF among mothers living in areas benefiting from an important breastfeeding promotion actions in southern Benin. The practice of EBF was measured using “deuterium oxide dose to the mother” technique in 105 mothers during 6 month’s post-partum. Factors influencing the duration of this practice were investigated through an individual interview with the mothers and their relatives. The prevalence of EBF practice in lactating mothers was 58.7%, 29.1%, and 2.4% at 1, 3, and 6 months postpartum respectively. The main factor favoring this practice at 1 and 3 months was sufficient breastmilk supply. Continuation up to 6 months was due to the support of the family and belief in its benefits. On the other hand, the principal factors that led to its interruption at 1 and 3 months were insufficient breastmilk production and the giving of herbal teas and water to the babies. After 6 months, the drastic drop of EBF was due to the lack of the support from fathers. Integrating these factors into EBF promotion actions might increase practice.
Estimation of the prevalence of diabetes and study of some socio-demographic determinants among the diabetic population in Salé, Morocco-2021
Authors: Asraoui Abdelghani , Soulaymani Abdelmajid , Khassouani Chems Eddouha
Published: November 2021

According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is the cause of 1.5 million deaths each year, 80% of which occur in low- and middle-income countries. It will become the principal cause of death by 2030. In Morocco, the situation is as alarming as at the global level. However, the prevalence of diabetes at the provincial level is unknown. This paper aims to present partial results obtained from a statistical study, carried out in February 2021, where we estimated the prevalence of diabetes and studied some socio-demographic determinants among the diabetic population living in Salé, Morocco. The investigation included a sample of 488 households selected according to a two-stage stratified probabilistic sampling plan (466 of which were surveyed (i.e. 1868 individuals) with a response rate of 466/488 =95.5%). The results showed that, in 2021, diabetes was affecting 5.5% (95% CI 4.5%, 6.6%) of the studied population (5.8% of women and 5.1% of men, 5.6% in urban areas and 4.5% in rural areas). The proportion of diabetics increases significantly with age (p-value=0.0001<0.05). It was 0.1% among young people (<18 years), 3.9% among individuals aged 18-59, and 26.9% among those aged 60 and above. A logistic model, making it possible to predict, with an accuracy of 91.7%, the risk of contracting diabetes among the population aged 18 and above (1,308 subjects, 7.8% of which were diabetic), was performed. The model included several socio-demographic determinants. Age, educational level, economic activity, average household income and smoking were significantly associated with diabetes.
Knowledge and Public Awareness of Cancer Risk Factors and Determinants among Yemeni adults- A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ibrahim Amran , El Rhazi Karima , Benazzouz Bouchra , Mohammed Sawson
Published: November 2021

Cancer is the second biggest cause of premature death after cardiovascular diseases. However, the majority of cancers are caused by risk factors that may be changed. Knowledge is frequently a component of the behavior modification process. Data on the target population’s level of knowledge is required. A cross-sectional survey about nine risk factors for cancer was conducted in four areas in Yemen. The data was analyzed using spss statistics (version20). Among the (571) subjects who took part in the research. The majority of respondents agreed that active smoking, alcohol consumptions are cancer risk factors and physical activity as a preventive factor for developing cancer. However, fewer respondents agreed that passive smoking, lack of fresh vegetables and fruits, sun overexposure, obesity, air pollution in cities and indoor smoke, physical inactivity are cancer risk factors. Participants’ responses were shown to have a strong relationship with their educational level, residency, and gender. The higher the educational level and whenever the gender was male and residency urban the higher the probability that respondents identified cancer risk factors including smoking and physical activity as a preventive factor (p<0.0005). The findings show that this community has little knowledge of prevalent cancer risk factors.
Epidemiological study of food poisoning during the period 2001-2018 in the province of Kenitra
Authors: Elkhal Asmaa , Attarassi Benaissa , Aujjar Nabila , Jayche Samira , Lahmam Mohamed
Published: November 2021

Foodborne illnesses can be the cause of morbidity or mortality. Collective foodborne illnesses (TIAC) are generally benign; their epidemic nature can have a significant impact in terms of public health and socio-economic aspects. The present study intends to establish a database inherent to food poisoning specific to the province of Kenitra during the period 2001-2018. These data will help inform about the current situation and the epidemiological evolution during the summer seasons of the study period. This is a retrospective case study of collective food poisoning. The consulted files include data relating to the number and characteristics of intoxicated persons in the study area, the seriousness of the cases (hospitalization, death), food and germ in question, and the factors that promote such an outbreak. The results show that, between 2001 and 2018, 43 outbreaks of TIAC were notified in the province of Kenitra, involved 367 patients (69 hospitalized and 2 deaths). The gender distribution of our sample shows a female predominance (sex ratio M/F = 0.65) with significant difference (p <0.01) (60.66% F; 39.34% M), and the age groups varied from 5 to + 30 years old of which 71.39% are under 25 years old.
Chemical composition, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Moroccan Daucus carota essential oils
Authors: Ihamdane Rachid , Haida Sara , Oubihi Asmaa , Zelmat Lamyaa , Tiskar Malika , Outemsaa Brahim , Chaouch Abdelaziz
Published: November 2021

Medicinal and aromatic plants have been widely used for their potential ability to curing diseases and injury. Numerous studies were focused nowadays on the pharmacological proprieties of these plants including the antibacterial and antioxidant activities. In this context, the present study aims to determine the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) from wild carrot (Daucus carota Linnaeus) and evaluate their and antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The essential oil was obtained by Clevenger apparatus hydro-distillation and analyzed, afterward, using Chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A diffusion technique on agar plates was applied to determine the EOs effect against Gram-positive bacteria, whereas the DPPH radical reduction (1,1-diphényl-2-picrylhydrazy) method was used to estimate the antioxidant activity. Findings analysis identified 57 volatile components during this experiment with a majority of α-Pinene (23,5%) and β-Asarone (16,70%). Therefore, the tested EOs revealed great inhibitory properties against the Gram-positive bacteria, and an antioxidant potential with IC50 = 73.31 ± 4.46 µg/mL.
Quality assessment of individual case safety reports in pharmacovigilance in Burkina Faso
Authors: Roamba Nazaire , Ouedraogo Emile Windné , Hoho Youl Estelle Noella
Published: November 2021

Pharmacovigilance is based on individual case safety reports. Our study is intended to be a contribution to good practices by the quality assessment of individual case safety reports sent to the National Center for Vigilance in Burkina Faso. We carried out a cross-sectional study which concerned individual case safety reports sent to the Center between 2009 and 2014. 302 individual case safety reports forms were identified and the rate of notifications per year and per million inhabitants was 2,9. The sex ratio was 0,83 in favor of women and the average age was 14,3. 320 drugs were listed with a predominance of antimalarials (37.8%) and antibiotics (19%). Adverse reactions were mostly cutaneous-allergic (37.9%) and general (25.2%). More than half of individual case safety reports were sent by pharmacists (58.6%) followed by nurses (29.5%) then doctors (6.6%). An analysis of the quality of the files according to WHO criteria gave 25.8% for grade A, 67.2% for grade B and 7% for grade C. The files were transmitted within 15 days in 54% cases. The description of the adverse drug reactions was in accordance with WHO ART terminology in 93.5%. Underreporting is a reality and special attention should be paid to collecting information on adverse drug events.
Children’s poisoning profile during the Covid-19 pandemic – Experience of Hassan II University Hospital in Fez, MOROCCO
Authors: Sahar Amrani Hanchi , Hasnae Hoummani , Hajar Mourabiti , Mohammed Chebaibi , Sana Chaouki , Sanae Achour , Ilham Tadmouri , Moustapha Hida
Published: November 2021

Introduction. —The Covid-19 pandemic and the containment situation, has generated enormous risks for children. Indeed, with the closure of schools, children, forced to stay at home, found themselves in permanent contact with dangerous products (drugs, disinfectants, plants) exposing them to accidental poisoning. Objective. —To describe the epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary aspects of the cases of pediatric intoxications in the UHC during the period of Covid-19, in order to assess the repercussions of this pandemic on the profile of these intoxications, in terms of number and incriminated products. Material and method. — This is a retrospective descriptive comparative study of intoxication cases admitted to the pediatric emergency department of the University Hospital of Fez spread over 2 years; from March 1, 2019 to February 2021; comparing intoxications admitted during the period of Covid-19 with the previous year. Results. — The emergency department recorded 132 cases of intoxication during the Covid-19 period (compared to 104 cases in 2019). Fez was always the most concerned city (66.21% against 69.02% in 2019). The cases emanated from the urban environment in (58.78%). The accidental circumstance was the most frequent, with an increase from 77.88% in 2019 to 82.02%. The rate of cases of envenomation that consulted was almost similar; children are more exposed to scorpion stings (73.52%) than snake bites. The analysis of incriminated products was marked by the increase of Caustics (20.38% in 2019 to 24.24% in 2020), and the decrease of pesticides (19.41% in 2019 to 13.63%). The symptomatology was dominated by neurological signs in 25.75% of cases, followed by respiratory disorders (18.18%). The evolution was favorable in 95.46%, and death occurred in 4.54% of cases compared to 3.84% in2019. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the use of antidotes.
Health Vigilance for Medical Imaging Diagnostic Optimization: Automated segmentation of COVID-19 lung infection from CT images
Authors: Mohamed Chala , Nsiri Benayad , Abdelmajid Soulaymani , Abdelghani Mokhtari , Brahim Benaji
Published: November 2021

Covid-19 disease has confronted the world with an unprecedented health crisis, faced with its quick spread, the health system is called upon to increase its vigilance. So, it is essential to set up a quick and automated diagnosis that can alleviate pressure on health systems. Many techniques used to diagnose the covid-19 disease, including imaging techniques, like computed tomography (CT). In this paper, we present an automatic method for COVID-19 Lung Infection Segmentation from CT Images, that can be integrated into a decision support system for the diagnosis of covid-19 disease. To achieve this goal, we focused to new techniques based on artificial intelligent concept, in particular the uses of deep convolutional neural network, and we are interested in our study to the most popular architecture used in the medical imaging community based on encoder-decoder models. We use an open access data collection for Artificial Intelligence COVID-19 CT segmentation or classification as dataset, the proposed model implemented on keras framework in python. A short description of model, training, validation and predictions is given, at the end we compare the result with an existing labeled data. We tested our trained model on new images, we obtained for Area under the ROC Curve the value 0.884 from the prediction result compared with manual expert segmentation. Finally, an overview is given for future works, and use of the proposed model into homogeneous framework in a medical imaging context for clinical purpose.
Some Biological Characteristics of the Primorsky Scallop Cultivated in the Area of the Oil Terminal in Kozmino Bay (Nakhodka Bay, Sea of Japan)
Authors: Matrosova Inga Vladimirovna , Kovaleva Tatyana Sergeevna
Published: November 2021

Monitoring of the impact of the production activities of oil ports on the water area in general and on the hydrobionts living there, in particular, is a subject of the great attention. Some biological characteristics of the Primorsky scallop, grown by the hanging method at the experimental site in the conditions of the Kozmino bay were studied. Individuals of the same age of different generations were subjected to biological analysis. A comparative study of the size and weight characteristics showed that in the 2016 generation, the average shell height was higher, but the average total mass was higher in the 2015 generation of mollusks, which is due to the uneven growth of the shell of mollusks. Based on the research, it can be concluded that the size and weight characteristics correspond to the standard growth indicators for the scallop of the studied age groups, which indicates favorable living conditions for cultivated mollusks.
Improvement of Methodology for Assessing Fire-Protective Efficiency of Intumescent Coatings Applied on Metal Constructions
Authors: Ustinov Andrei , Babikova Anastasiia , Zybina Ol’ga , Lobov Denis , Printseva Marya , Klaptyuk Irina , Shkitronov Mikhail
Published: November 2021

The article observes the possibility and feasibility of introducing new and improved methodology for assessing the performance of fire retardant intumescent coatings for steel structures. The results of a comparative assessment of coatings based on a set of parameters obtained in laboratory conditions are presented: swelling coefficient, adhesion coefficient, adhesion of the coating system under high temperature conditions, kinetic parameters of thermolysis, thermal insulation. The smallscale laboratory test was developed to evaluate thermal insulating ability of 4 intumescent coatings applied to small steel plates. An improvement of the control method for assessing the fire retardant efficiency of intumescent coatings is proposed – instead of one test plate with dimensions of 600x600x5 mm with intumescent coating applied, a design of a metal frame-holder is proposed, in which 4 plates with dimensions of 300x300x5 mm can be fixed, and a set of thermocouples can be installed on each of them; all 4 plates are heated in the same conditions, thus the contradictions which may occur between the results of separate experiments are avoided. Such improvements made in the methodology of investigating the properties of intumescent coatings appeared to be fruitful, as correlation can be established between the laboratory tests and large-scale tests.
Application of New Approaches to the Hydropower Combined Complex Creation for Autonomous Energy Supply
Authors: Volkov A. V. , Ryzhenkov A. V. , Druzhinin A. A. , Vikhlyantsev A. A. , Orakhelashvili B. M. , Baikov V. N. , Šoukal Jiří , Sedlař Milan , Komárek Martin , Pochylý František , Rudolf Pavel , Fialová Simona
Published: November 2021

The report examined new scientific approaches to the creation of a combined cogeneration energy complex based on small or micro-hydropower. The most effective approaches to micro-hydropower facilities were considered to create a workable structural layout. A criterion has been developed that allows to evaluate the energy efficiency of hydroturbines at an early stage of design using the calculation method, including a predictive estimate of the hydraulic resistance function ξHT = f(Re) of a particular penstock geometry. The results of the theoretical task of creating a technologically advanced configuration of a blade system using Zhukovsky theory. By calculating and numerically (CFD) simulating the hydrodynamic lattices of flat profiles, the theoretical nomograms for determining the coefficients Cx and Cy are confirmed and supplemented. A series of comparative results of computational and experimental studies of the combined energy complex hydraulic part – microhydroturbines with experimental blade systems, including those modified by the principle of biomimetics (nature imitation technologies) is presented. Based on the calculated and experimental studies, the prospects of the chosen direction of development of small and microhydroenergy are shown, as well as the effectiveness of the approaches that were used in the design of the working bodies of microhydroturbines.
Prediction of Runaway Characteristics of Kaplan Turbines Using CFD Analysis
Authors: Semenova A. V. , Chirkov D. V. , Ustimenko A. S.
Published: November 2021

In case of disconnection of generator from the network and failure of the governor, the rotational speed of the rotor rapidly increases and achieves maximum value, called the runaway speed. Prediction of the runaway speed at the stage of runner design would allow to select a runner considering this characteristic. Given in this paper is the numerical prediction of the runaway speed for a Kaplan turbine. Two approaches for numerical simulation were discussed. In the first one, the flow in the turbine flow passage was simulated using 3-D RANS equations of incompressible fluid using k-ε turbulence model. In the second approach, cavitation phenomena were taken into account using two-phase Zwart-Gerber-Belamri (ZGB) cavitation model. CFD calculations were carried out with using CADRUN flow solver. When setting the boundary conditions, the turbine head, being the difference of energies in the inlet and outlet cross-sections, is pre-set as a constant value, while the discharge and the runner torque are determined in the process of computation. The computed runaway speed is compared to that obtained in the model tests. It is shown that the numerical prediction of the runaway speed using the cavitation model achieves better matching with the experimental data.
Design and Fluid Dynamics Features of a Low-Flow High-Head Pump with Barske-Type Impeller
Authors: Knyazeva E. G.
Published: November 2021

The article presents the results of research devoted to the design and numerical calculation of a low-flow high-head centrifugal pump with Barske-type impeller using computer simulation methods. The main features of fluid flow hydrodynamics, as well as the influence of a number of design geometry on the energy and cavitation characteristics of the pump, are found. The focus is on the analysis of the influence of the end gap between the impeller blades and the casing, as well as the cavitation qualities of the pump. The issue of cavitation qualities of a pump with different geometry of the pump inlet area investigated. In addition, a comparison of different outlet types and the selection of the best option provided. Analysis of the importance of installing the ribs in the suction line, taking into account the vortex structure of the flow in the impeller, was carried out. In addition, the results of changes in energy characteristics when pumping a working fluid with high kinematic viscosity are given.