bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Megavolt bremsstrahlung measurements from linear induction accelerators demonstrate possible use as a FLASH radiotherapy source to reduce acute toxicity
Authors: Sampayan Stephen E. , Sampayan Kristin C. , Caporaso George J. , Chen Yu-Jiuan , Falabella Steve , Hawkins Steven A. , Hearn Jason , Watson James A. , Zentler Jan-Mark
Published: August 2021

Recent studies indicate better efficacy and healthy tissue sparing with high dose-rate FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) cancer treatment. This technique delivers a prompt high radiation dose rather than fractional doses over time. While some suggest thresholds of > 40 Gy s−1 with a maximal effect at > 100 Gy s−1, accumulated evidence shows that instantaneous dose-rate and irradiation time are critical. Mechanisms are still debated, but toxicity is minimized while inducing apoptosis in malignant tissue. Delivery technologies to date show that a capability gap exists with clinic scale, broad area, deep penetrating, high dose rate systems. Based on these trends, if FLASH-RT is adopted, it may become a dominant approach except in the least technologically advanced countries. The linear induction accelerator (LIA) developed for high instantaneous and high average dose-rate, species independent charged particle acceleration, has yet to be considered for this application. We review the status of LIA technology, explore the physics of bremsstrahlung-converter-target interactions and our work on stabilizing the electron beam. While the gradient of the LIA is low, we present our preliminary work to improve the gradient by an order of magnitude, presenting a point design for a multibeam FLASH-RT system using a single accelerator for application to conformal FLASH-RT.
Correlation between levels of airborne endotoxin and heavy metals in subway environments in South Korea
Authors: Hwang Sungho , Kim So-Yeon , Choi Sangjun , Lee Sangwon , Park Dong-Uk
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the exposure levels and variation in airborne endotoxin and heavy metals such as aluminum, chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), zinc, and lead (Pb) in the three different South Korean subway environments (driver room, station office, and underground tunnel) and identify subway characteristics influencing endotoxin and heavy metals levels. Air samples were collected and analyzed using the kineticLimulus Amebocyte Lysateassay and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers. The geometric mean was determined for endotoxin levels (0.693 EU/m3). It was also found that Fe (5.070 µg/m3) had the highest levels in subway environments while Pb (0.008 µg/m3) had the lowest levels. Endotoxin levels were higher in the underground tunnel and lower in the station office; the total heavy metal levels showed the same pattern with endotoxin levels. Endotoxins and total heavy metal levels were higher in the morning than at night. Positive correlations were found between endotoxin and Cr, Fe, Mn, and Ni levels. Given the correlation between airborne endotoxins and heavy metals, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to identify the correlation between levels of airborne endotoxin and heavy metals.
Mitogenomic analysis of extant condor species provides insight into the molecular evolution of vultures
Authors: De Panis D. , Lambertucci S. A. , Wiemeyer G. , Dopazo H. , Almeida F. C. , Mazzoni C. J. , Gut M. , Gut I. , Padró J.
Published: August 2021

The evolution of large vultures linked to mountainous habitats was accompanied by extreme physiological and behavioral specializations for energetically efficient flights. However, little is known on the genetic traits associated with the evolution of these obligate soaring scavengers. Mitochondrial DNA plays a vital role in regulating oxidative stress and energy production, and hence may be an important target of selection for flight performance. Herein, we characterized the first mitogenomes of the Andean and California condors, the world’s heaviest flying birds and the only living representatives of the Vultur and Gymnogyps genus. We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships and evaluated possible footprints of convergent evolution associated to the life-history traits and distributional range of vultures. Our phylogenomic analyses supported the independent evolution of vultures, with the origin of Cathartidae in the early Paleogene (~ 61 Mya), and estimated the radiation of extant condors during the late Miocene (~ 11 Mya). Selection analyses indicated that vultures exhibit signals of relaxation of purifying selection relative to other accipitrimorph raptors, possibly indicating the degeneration of flapping flight ability. Overall, our results suggest that the extreme specialization of vultures for efficient soaring flight has compensated the evolution of large body sizes mitigating the selection pressure on mtDNA.
Self-beneficial belief updating as a coping mechanism for stress-induced negative affect
Authors: Czekalla Nora , Stierand Janine , Stolz David S. , Mayer Annalina V. , Voges Johanna F. , Rademacher Lena , Paulus Frieder M. , Krach Sören , Müller-Pinzler Laura
Published: August 2021

Being confronted with social-evaluative stress elicits a physiological and a psychological stress response. This calls for regulatory processes to manage negative affect and maintain self-related optimistic beliefs. The aim of the current study was to investigate the affect-regulating potential of self-related updating of ability beliefs after exposure to social-evaluative stress, in comparison to non-social physical stress or no stress. We assessed self-related belief updating using trial-by-trial performance feedback and described the updating behavior in a mechanistic way using computational modeling. We found that social-evaluative stress was accompanied by an increase in cortisol and negative affect which was related to a positive shift in self-related belief updating. This self-beneficial belief updating, which was absent after physical stress or control, was associated with a better recovery from stress-induced negative affect. This indicates that enhanced integration of positive self-related feedback can act as a coping strategy to deal with social-evaluative stress.
Determination of permeation properties of hydrogen gas in sealing rubbers using thermal desorption analysis gas chromatography
Authors: Jung Jae Kap , Kim In Gyoo , Chung Ki Soo , Kim Yong-Il , Kim Dae Ho
Published: August 2021

Permeation properties of hydrogen gas (H2) into nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), and fluoroelastomer (FKM) which are the strong candidates for sealing material in H2 energy infrastructures, was quantified using a thermal desorption analysis gas chromatography (TDA GC) and a self-developed diffusion-analysis program. The samples were charged with H2 in a high-pressure chamber for 24 h then decompressed into atmosphere, and the mass of H2 released from the sample was measured as a function of elapsed time after decompression. The developed program calculated the total charging amount C0 and diffusivity D, which were then used to calculate the H2 solubility S and permeability P for variation of pressure. The samples were polymerized with and without carbon black (CB) filler in cylindrical shapes with different diameters. There was no appreciable pressure up to 12 MPa or diameter dependence investigated in this study on D, S and P. NBR and EPDM showed dual hydrogen diffusion with fast and slow diffusion behaviors caused by CB, whereas FKM showed a single diffusion behavior. The determined D are Dfast, NBR = (1.55 ± 0.28) × 10–10 m2/s, Dslow, NBR = (3.1 ± 0.5) × 10–11 m2/s, Dfast, EPDM = (3.65 ± 0.66) × 10–10 m2/s, Dslow, EPDM = (3.3 ± 0.5) × 10–11 m2/s, DFKM = (7.7 ± 0.8) × 10–11 m2/s. It appeared that the filler contributes to increase S and decrease D. The uncertainty analysis against the evaluated data was carried out, too, in order that the method could be applicable as a standard test for the permeation properties of various polymer membranes.
State and trait of finger tapping performance in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gulde Philipp , Vojta Heike , Hermsdörfer Joachim , Rieckmann Peter
Published: August 2021

Finger tapping tests have been shown feasible to assess motor performance in multiple sclerosis (MS) and were observed to be strongly associated with the estimated clinical severity of the disease. Therefore, tapping tests could be an adequate tool to assess disease status in MS. In this study we examined potential influencing factors on a maximum tapping task with the whole upper-limb for 10 s in 40 MS patients using linear mixed effects modelling. Patients were tested in three sessions with two trials per body-side per session over the course of 4–27 days of inpatient rehabilitation. Tested factors were the expanded disability scale (EDSS) score, laterality of MS, age, sex, hand dominance, time of day, session, trial (first or second), time between sessions, and the reported day form. A second model used these factors to examine the self-reported day form of patients. Linear mixed effects modelling indicated the tapping test to have a good inter-trial (proportional variance < 0.01) and inter-session reliability (non-significant; when controlling for time between sessions), an influence of hand-dominance (proportional variance 0.08), to be strongly associated with the EDSS (eta2 = 0.22, interaction with laterality of MS eta2 = 0.12) and to be not associated with the reported day form. The model explained 87% (p < 0.01) of variance in tapping performance. Lastly, we were able to observe a positive effect of neurologic inpatient rehabilitation on task performance obvious from a significant effect of the time between sessions (eta2 = 0.007; longer time spans between sessions were associated with higher increments in performance). Day form was only impacted by EDSS and the time of the day (p < 0.01, R2 = 0.57, eta2TIME = 0.017, eta2EDSS = 01.19). We conclude that the tapping test is a reliable and valid assessment tool for MS.
The chaperone HSPB1 prepares protein aggregates for resolubilization by HSP70
Authors: Gonçalves Conrado C. , Sharon Itai , Schmeing T. Martin , Ramos Carlos H. I. , Young Jason C.
Published: August 2021

In human cells under stress conditions, misfolded polypeptides can form potentially cytotoxic insoluble aggregates. To eliminate aggregates, the HSP70 chaperone machinery extracts and resolubilizes polypeptides for triage to refolding or degradation. Yeast and bacterial chaperones of the small heat-shock protein (sHSP) family can bind substrates at early stages of misfolding, during the aggregation process. The co-aggregated sHSPs then facilitate downstream disaggregation by HSP70. Because it is unknown whether a human sHSP has this activity, we investigated the disaggregation role of human HSPB1. HSPB1 co-aggregated with unfolded protein substrates, firefly luciferase and mammalian lactate dehydrogenase. The co-aggregates formed with HSPB1 were smaller and more regularly shaped than those formed in its absence. Importantly, co-aggregation promoted the efficient disaggregation and refolding of the substrates, led by HSP70. HSPB1 itself was also extracted during disaggregation, and its homo-oligomerization ability was not required. Therefore, we propose that a human sHSP is an integral part of the chaperone network for protein disaggregation.
Kinetic studies and homology modeling of a dual-substrate linalool/nerolidol synthase from Plectranthus amboinicus
Authors: Ashaari Nur Suhanawati , Ab. Rahim Mohd Hairul , Sabri Suriana , Lai Kok Song , Song Adelene Ai-Lian , Abdul Rahim Raha , Ong Abdullah Janna
Published: August 2021

Linalool and nerolidol are terpene alcohols that occur naturally in many aromatic plants and are commonly used in food and cosmetic industries as flavors and fragrances. In plants, linalool and nerolidol are biosynthesized as a result of respective linalool synthase and nerolidol synthase, or a single linalool/nerolidol synthase. In our previous work, we have isolated a linalool/nerolidol synthase (designated as PamTps1) from a local herbal plant, Plectranthus amboinicus, and successfully demonstrated the production of linalool and nerolidol in an Escherichia coli system. In this work, the biochemical properties of PamTps1 were analyzed, and its 3D homology model with the docking positions of its substrates, geranyl pyrophosphate (C10) and farnesyl pyrophosphate (C15) in the active site were constructed. PamTps1 exhibited the highest enzymatic activity at an optimal pH and temperature of 6.5 and 30 °C, respectively, and in the presence of 20 mM magnesium as a cofactor. The Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) and catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) values of 16.72 ± 1.32 µM and 9.57 × 10–3 µM−1 s−1, respectively, showed that PamTps1 had a higher binding affinity and specificity for GPP instead of FPP as expected for a monoterpene synthase. The PamTps1 exhibits feature of a class I terpene synthase fold that made up of α-helices architecture with N-terminal domain and catalytic C-terminal domain. Nine aromatic residues (W268, Y272, Y299, F371, Y378, Y379, F447, Y517 and Y523) outlined the hydrophobic walls of the active site cavity, whilst residues from the RRx8W motif, RxR motif, H-α1 and J-K loops formed the active site lid that shielded the highly reactive carbocationic intermediates from the solvents. The dual substrates use by PamTps1 was hypothesized to be possible due to the architecture and residues lining the catalytic site that can accommodate larger substrate (FPP) as demonstrated by the protein modelling and docking analysis. This model serves as a first glimpse into the structural insights of the PamTps1 catalytic active site as a multi-substrate linalool/nerolidol synthase.
High neutrophil to lymphocytes ratio is associated with nutritional risk in hospitalised, unselected cancer patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Siqueira Jéssika M , Soares Jéssika D P , Borges Thaís C , Gomes Tatyanne L N , Pimentel Gustavo D
Published: August 2021

Cancer patients possess metabolic and pathophysiological changes and an inflammatory environment that leads to malnutrition. This study aimed to (i) determine whether there is an association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and nutritional risk, and (ii) identify the cut-off value of NLR that best predicts malnutrition by screening for nutritional risk (NRS 2002). This cross-sectional study included 119 patients with unselected cancer undergoing chemotherapy and/or surgery. The NRS 2002 was applied within 24 h of hospitalisation to determine the nutritional risk. Systemic inflammation was assessed by blood collection, and data on C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophils, and lymphocytes were collected for later calculation of NLR. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the best cut-point for NLR value that predicted nutritional risk. Differences between the groups were tested using the Student’s t-, Mann–Whitney U and Chi-Square tests. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between NLR and nutritional risk. The ROC curve showed the best cut-point for predicting nutritional risk was NLR > 5.0 (sensitivity, 60.9%; specificity, 76.4%). The NLR ≥ 5.0 group had a higher prevalence of nutritional risk than the NLR < 5.0 group (NLR ≥ 5.0: 73.6% vs. NLR < 5.0: 37.9%, p = 0.001). The NLR group ≥ 5.0 showed higher values of CRP and NLR than the NLR < 5.0 group. In addition, patients with NLR ≥ 5.0 also had higher NRS 2002 values when compared to the NLR < 5.0 group (NLR ≥ 5.0: 3.0 ± 1.1 vs. NLR < 5.0: 2.3 ± 1.2, p = 0.0004). Logistic regression revealed an association between NRS and NLR values. In hospitalised unselected cancer patients, systemic inflammation measured by NLR was associated with nutritional risk. Therefore, we highlight the importance of measuring the NLR in clinical practice, with the aim to detect nutritional risk.
Ingestion of Lactobacillus rhamnosus modulates chronic stress-induced feather pecking in chickens
Authors: Mindus Claire , van Staaveren Nienke , Bharwani Aadil , Fuchs Dietmar , Gostner Johanna M. , Kjaer Joergen B. , Kunze Wolfgang , Mian M. Firoz , Shoveller Anna K. , Forsythe Paul , Harlander-Matauschek Alexandra
Published: August 2021

Feather pecking (FP) is a stress-induced neuropsychological disorder of birds. Intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation are common traits of these disorders. FP is, therefore, proposed to be a behavioral consequence of dysregulated communication between the gut and the brain. Probiotic bacteria are known to favorably modulate the gut microbiome and hence the neurochemical and immune components of the gut-brain axis. Consequently, probiotic supplementation represents a promising new therapeutic to mitigate widespread FP in domestic chickens. We monitored FP, gut microbiota composition, immune markers, and amino acids related to the production of neurochemicals in chickens supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus or a placebo. Data demonstrate that, when stressed, the incidence of FP increased significantly; however, L. rhamnosus prevented this increase. L. rhamnosus supplementation showed a strong immunological effect by increasing the regulatory T cell population of the spleen and the cecal tonsils, in addition to limiting cecal microbiota dysbiosis. Despite minimal changes in aromatic amino acid levels, data suggest that catecholaminergic circuits may be an interesting target for further studies. Overall, our findings provide the first data supporting the use of a single-strain probiotic to reduce stress-induced FP in chickens and promise to improve domestic birds' welfare.
Spin current distribution in antiferromagnetic zigzag graphene nanoribbons under transverse electric fields
Authors: Zhang Jie , Fahrenthold Eric P.
Published: August 2021

The spin current transmission properties of narrow zigzag graphene nanoribbons (zGNRs) have been the focus of much computational research, investigating the potential application of zGNRs in spintronic devices. Doping, fuctionalization, edge modification, and external electric fields have been studied as methods for spin current control, and the performance of zGNRs initialized in both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic spin states has been modeled. Recent work has shown that precise fabrication of narrow zGNRs is possible, and has addressed long debated questions on their magnetic order and stability. This work has revived interest in the application of antiferromagnetic zGNR configurations in spintronics. A general ab initio analysis of narrow antiferromagnetic zGNR performance under a combination of bias voltage and transverse electric field loading shows that their current transmission characteristics differ sharply from those of their ferromagnetic counterparts. At relatively modest field strengths, both majority and minority spin currents react strongly to the applied field. Analysis of band gaps and current transmission pathways explains the presence of negative differential resistance effects and the development of spatially periodic electron transport structures in these nanoribbons.
Comprehensive in situ mapping of human cortical transcriptomic cell types
Authors: Langseth Christoffer Mattsson , Gyllborg Daniel , Miller Jeremy A. , Close Jennie L. , Long Brian , Lein Ed S. , Hilscher Markus M. , Nilsson Mats
Published: August 2021

The ability to spatially resolve the cellular architecture of human cortical cell types over informative areas is essential to understanding brain function. We combined in situ sequencing gene expression data and single-nucleus RNA-sequencing cell type definitions to spatially map cells in sections of the human cortex via probabilistic cell typing. We mapped and classified a total of 59,816 cells into all 75 previously defined subtypes to create a first spatial atlas of human cortical cells in their native position, their abundances and genetic signatures. We also examined the precise within- and across-layer distributions of all the cell types and provide a resource for the cell atlas community. The abundances and locations presented here could serve as a reference for further studies, that include human brain tissues and disease applications at the cell type level.
The structure of a dimeric form of SARS-CoV-2 polymerase
Authors: Jochheim Florian A. , Tegunov Dimitry , Hillen Hauke S. , Schmitzová Jana , Kokic Goran , Dienemann Christian , Cramer Patrick
Published: August 2021

The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 uses an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) to replicate and transcribe its genome. Previous structures of the RdRp revealed a monomeric enzyme composed of the catalytic subunit nsp12, two copies of subunit nsp8, and one copy of subunit nsp7. Here we report an alternative, dimeric form of the enzyme and resolve its structure at 5.5 Å resolution. In this structure, the two RdRps contain only one copy of nsp8 each and dimerize via their nsp7 subunits to adopt an antiparallel arrangement. We speculate that the RdRp dimer facilitates template switching during production of sub-genomic RNAs.
Correction: Quantification of heterogeneous, irreversible lithium plating in extreme fast charging of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Paul Partha P. , Thampy Vivek , Cao Chuntian , Steinrück Hans-Georg , Tanim Tanvir R. , Dunlop Alison R. , Dufek Eric J. , Trask Stephen E. , Jansen Andrew N. , Toney Michael F. , Weker Johanna Nelson
Published: August 2021

Correction for ‘Quantification of heterogeneous, irreversible lithium plating in extreme fast charging of lithium-ion batteries’ by Partha P. Paul et al., Energy Environ. Sci., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d1ee01216a.
Nano-dry-salt deposition on electret nonwoven confers anticoronaviral effect while retaining aerosol filtration performance
Authors: Park Dae Hoon , Choi Jisoo , Piri Amin , Hwang Jungho , Byeon Jeong Hoon
Published: August 2021

Direct deposition of nano-dry-salt on nonwovens was developed as a process that can be incorporated into conventional nonwoven production for timely application of biosafe anticoronaviral surfaces and reliable aerosol filtration performance.
Synthesis of carbon nitride oligomer as a precursor of melon with improved fluorescence quantum yield
Authors: Miyake Yuto , Seo Goichiro , Matsuhashi Kotaro , Takada Noriyuki , Kanai Kaname
Published: August 2021

Melem tetramer, the newly synthesized carbon nitride compound is composed of oligomers with four melem units, is stable in air, and has improved optical properties compared to melon.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of bergenin derivatives as new immunosuppressants
Authors: Deng Lihua , Song Chengcheng , Niu Youhong , Li Qin , Wang Meng , Wu Yan-Fen , Ye Xin-Shan
Published: August 2021

A series of bergenin derivatives that may serve as new immunosuppressive agents have been synthesized. Among them, compounds 7 and 13 showed the strongest inhibition on mouse splenocyte proliferation (IC50= 3.52 and 5.39 μM, respectively).
Cooperative B-site octahedral tilting, distortion and A-site conformational change induced phase transitions of a 2D lead halide perovskite
Authors: Azeem Muhammad , Qin Yan , Li Zhi-Gang , Li Wei
Published: August 2021

Hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) can undergo diverse phase transitions which give rise to desirable properties such as ferroelectricity and piezoelectricity.
An online optimization strategy for a fluid catalytic cracking process using a case-based reasoning method based on big data technology
Authors: Ni Peng , Liu Bin , He Ge
Published: August 2021

The case-based reasoning (CBR) method based on big data technology proposed in this study provides a feasible solution for fluid catalytic cracking to achieve online process optimization.
Preparation of Mn2O3/MIL-100(Fe) composite and its mechanism for enhancing the photocatalytic removal of rhodamine B in water
Authors: Dung Nguyen Trung , Hue Tran Thi , Thao Vu Dinh , Huy Nguyen Nhat
Published: August 2021

Effective charge transfer enhances the persulfate activation of Mn2O3/MIL-100(Fe) for photocatalytic removal of RhB under LED-generated visible light.
Integration of Ni/NiO nanoparticles and a microfluidic ELISA chip to generate a sensing platform for Streptococcus pneumoniae detection
Authors: Weng Chang-Ching , Chao Chien-Yu , Wu She-Ting , Tsou Ping-Hsien , Chen Wei-Tin , Li Bor-Ran , Li Yaw-Kuen
Published: August 2021

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are tests that uses antibody recognition and enzyme catalytic activity to identify a substance, and they have been widely used as a diagnostic tool in the clinic.
Raw natural rubber latex-based bio-adhesive for the production of particleboard: formulation and optimization of process parameters
Authors: Islam Md Nazrul , Adib Abdullah , Dana Nabila Hasan , Das Atanu Kumar , Faruk Md Omar , Hasan Siddique Mohammad Raqibul , Agar David A. , Larsson Sylvia H. , Rudolfsson Magnus , Ashaduzzaman Md , Shams Md Iftekhar
Published: August 2021

In this study, bio-adhesives from natural rubber latex (NRL) were combined with starch and formic acid to fabricate jute stick-based particleboards (JSPs).
Unveiling the abnormal capacity rising mechanism of MoS2 anode during long-term cycling for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhu Yucheng , Li Haoyu , Wu Yuanming , Yang Liwen , Sun Yan , Chen Guang , Liu Yang , Wu Zhenguo , Zhang Chuhong , Guo Xiaodong
Published: August 2021

The capacity rising is due to the biphasic coexistence of MoS2 during the cycling and the progressive increase in the 1T-MoS2 content. Simultaneously, the layer spacing expanded from 0.62 nm to 1.03 nm during the cycling process.
A robust new tool for online solution-phase sampling of crystallizations
Authors: Kukor Andrew J. , Guy Mason A. , Hawkins Joel M. , Hein Jason E.
Published: August 2021

Dynamically flushed filter allows for sampling of crystallizations.
Fluorescent probes for visualizing ROS-associated proteins in disease
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Xin , Li Ping , Dong Mingyan , Yao Shao Q. , Tang Bo
Published: August 2021

Abnormal proteins, influenced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), are directly related to the development of various diseases.
A universal route with fine kinetic control to a family of penta-twinned gold nanocrystals
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Xuejiao , Sun Yiqiang , Liu Dilong , Li Cuncheng , Cai Weiping , Li Yue
Published: August 2021

We report the synthesis of linear ADPr oligomers of defined length up to a pentamer using an improved solid phase method. Binding study with human oncogenic helicase ALC1 shows that ADPr oligomers bind to ALC1 in a length-dependent manner.
Leveraging an enzyme/artificial substrate system to enhance cellular persulfides and mitigate neuroinflammation
Authors: Bora Prerona , Manna Suman , Nair Mrutyunjay A. , Sathe Rupali R. M. , Singh Shubham , Sreyas Adury Venkata Sai , Gupta Kavya , Mukherjee Arnab , Saini Deepak K. , Kamat Siddhesh S. , Hazra Amrita B. , Chakrapani Harinath
Published: August 2021

A persulfide/hydrogen sulfide generation strategy through artificial substrates for 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) is reported, which enhances cellular persulfides, attenuates reactive oxygen species (ROS), and alleviates inflammation.
Self-templated induced carbon-supported hollow WS2 composite structure for high-performance sodium storage
Authors: Luo Xiaomin , Huang Jianfeng , Huang Yixuan , Cao Liyun , Li Jiayin , Wang Yuhang , Xu Zhanwei , Wei Shiying , Kajiyoshi Koji
Published: August 2021

A carbon-supported hollow WS2 composite structure was constructed in one step by a self-templating method. The composite structure exhibits improved structural stability and enhanced sodium storage.
Supercapattery driven electrolyzer both empowered by the same superb electrocatalyst
Authors: Kavinkumar Thangavel , Seenivasan Selvaraj , Sivagurunathan Amarnath T. , Kim Do-Heyoung
Published: August 2021

3D core-double shell NiO@CuCo2O4/MoNi heterostructure with abundant active sites is successfully developed. NiO@CuCo2O4/MoNi heterostructure can act as the cathode and anode in a water-splitting electrolyzer.
A polymer acceptor containing the B←N unitfor all-polymer solar cells with 14% efficiency
Authors: Wang Yinghui , Wang Ning , Yang Qingqing , Zhang Jidong , Liu Jun , Wang Lixiang
Published: August 2021

A new polymer acceptor is designed by copolymerizing a small molecular acceptor with an electron-accepting building block based on the B←N unit. The all polymer solar cell with the polymer acceptor shows a power conversion efficiency of 14.3%.
A bacteria-resistant and self-healing spray dressing based on lyotropic liquid crystals to treat infected post-operative wounds
Authors: Yue Xiao , Zhang Xuejuan , Wang Chen , Huang Ying , Hu Ping , Wang Guanlin , Cui Yingtong , Xia Xiao , Zhou Ziqiang , Pan Xin , Wu Chuanbin
Published: August 2021

A bacteria-resistant and self-healing spray dressed designed for infected post-operative wounds.
Discovery and engineering of low work function perovskite materials
Authors: Ma Tianyu , Jacobs Ryan , Booske John , Morgan Dane
Published: August 2021

High throughput DFT simulations yield 7 low work function perovskites as promising cathode materials.
Photoluminescence properties of quinary Ag–(In,Ga)–(S,Se) quantum dots with a gradient alloy structure for in vivo bioimaging
Authors: Rismaningsih Nurmanita , Yamauchi Hiroki , Kameyama Tatsuya , Yamamoto Takahisa , Morita Saho , Yukawa Hiroshi , Uematsu Taro , Baba Yoshinobu , Kuwabata Susumu , Torimoto Tsukasa
Published: August 2021

Mixed-anion Ag–(In,Ga)–(S,Se) QDs exhibited a tunable band-edge PL peak with the S/Se ratio and had superior durability for near-IR in vivo bioimaging in comparison with single anion counterparts.
Printing of covalent organic frameworks using multi-material in-air coalescence inkjet printing technique
Authors: Teo Mei Ying , Kee Seyoung , Stuart Logan , Stringer Jonathan , Aw Kean C.
Published: August 2021

Multi-material in-air coalescence inkjet printing technique and the patterned COF using this printing method.
A Comparison of the Perceived Hearing Difficulties of Community and Clinical Samples of Older Adults
Authors: Humes Larry E. , Dubno Judy R.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the perceived hearing difficulties of a community sample of older adults to two clinical samples of older adults, one with no hearing aid experience and the other with hearing aid experience.

Method

Scale scores from the Communication Profile for the Hearing Impaired (CPHI) were analyzed for a community sample of older adults (N= 243) and compared to scores from two clinical samples, one without (N= 342) and one with prior hearing-aid experience (N= 179). General linear model (GLM) analyses were performed to examine the effects of data sample type and other factors on CPHI scale scores. Scores for the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) were also available for most participants and were analyzed.

Results

GLM analyses of each of the 20 CPHI scale scores showed significant effects of sample type with hearing-loss severity and age most frequently showing significant effects as well. GLM analyses controlling for hearing-loss severity and age across sample types found significant differences on most CPHI scales between the community sample and each of the two clinical samples. Significant differences between the two clinical samples were also found on several CPHI scales and on the HHIE.

Conclusions

Older adults from the community who did not seek help for hearing difficulties self-reported less difficulty and a greater denial or lack of awareness of communication problems than those who sought assistance at an audiology clinic. For those presumed to have sought a hearing evaluation, those acquiring hearing aids perceived greater communication difficulties in all environments, had greater awareness of communication difficulties, were more accepting of their hearing loss, but tended to allocate more responsibility for their difficulties to others, compared to those who sought clinical assistance but did not acquire hearing aids.
Sécurité alimentaire et durabilité urbaine des modèles alimentaires alternatifs : analyse multicritère basée sur les objectifs de développement durable et l’aménagement urbain durable
Authors: Saci Houda , Berezowska-Azzag Ewa
Published: August 2021

Cet article présente une évaluation théorique de la performance urbaine des modèles alimentaires alternatifs dans la prise en charge des objectifs de développement durable (ODD) en vue d’améliorer la sécurité alimentaire urbaine. Elle concerne les modèles des systèmes alimentaires les plus relatés dans la littérature, à savoir le système alimentaire territorialisé (SAT), le City-Region Food System (CRFS) et le système alimentaire urbain intelligent (SAUI) en émergence. Ce travail s’ancre dans le champ du développement urbain durable et pose comme hypothèse l’existence d’une corrélation entre la proximité urbaine des modèles alimentaires alternatifs et leur performance dans l’intégration des objectifs de développement durable. L’évaluation est basée sur une analyse multicritère à scores qui croise deux approches évaluatives déclinées en cibles : une approche normative par les objectifs de développement durable et une autre opérationnelle par l’aménagement urbain durable (AUD). La méthode proposée se veut holistique et systémique contrairement aux méthodes d’évaluation de durabilité agricole existantes. Les scores sont interprétés par des taux d’adéquation des cibles de l’aménagement urbain durable aux objectifs de développement durable et d’appropriation de ces derniers par les domaines de l’écosystème urbain. Les résultats montrent des profils de durabilité des modèles laissant supposer une complémentarité fonctionnelle entre eux. Cependant, c’est le système alimentaire urbain intelligent qui serait le modèle le plus performant avec des taux supérieurs au seuil minimum global de durabilité, suivi par le City-Region Food System, ce qui confirme notre hypothèse de départ. La discussion des résultats pointe les limites de l’évaluation en termes d’objectivité de l’approche, de contextualisation de l’analyse et des contraintes d’applicabilité du système alimentaire urbain intelligent. Enfin, l’étude ouvre une perspective de recherche sur la modélisation d’un système alimentaire urbain intelligent opérationnel, dont ce travail constitue le premier pas.
Subjectivity in journalistic discourse: the case study of issue 810 in the Moroccan weekly TEL QUEL
Authors: Zahidi Ismail , Zighighi Zouhir
Published: August 2021

This research is part of the theoretical framework of discourse analysis and was designed within an enunciative approach. It represents a cross-domain of linguistics and information science. It focuses on media communication, particularly the question of enunciative positioning within the journalistic discourse. Indeed, this work proposes to study the subjectivity in the issue entitled: « Boycott, les raisons d’un ras-le-bol », published on May 4th, 2018, by the Moroccan weekly TEL QUEL.
Analysis of the determinants of bank liquidity risk: The case of Islamic banks in the UAE
Authors: Addou Khadija Ichrak , Bensghir Afaf
Published: August 2021

This article aims to examine the principal parameters that impact the liquidity risk incurred by Islamic banks in the UAE. The study examines annual data from four Islamic banks in the UAE. The Data is extracted from their annual activity reports and financial results. A multiple linear regression model is used to assess the impact of six bank-specific variables (Return on Equity, return on assets, size of the bank, liquidity gaps, non-performing loans and capital adequacy ratio) on the liquidity risk of UAE Islamic banks. The designed model shows that ROA and NPL negatively impact the liquidity risk of the studied banks, while the other determinants, namely size, ROE, liquidity gaps and CAR contribute to the improvement of liquidity of UAE banks. Thus, our empirical results complement the existing studies related to the analysis of liquidity risk determinants incurred by Islamic banks operating in the MENA region, especially Emirati banks.
The Representation of Yemeni Culture in Early 20th Century British Travel Writings
Authors: Mannaa Bandar , Benlarabi Naima
Published: August 2021

The present article seeks to analyze the representation of Yemeni culture in early 20th century British travel writings. It questions the British travel writings as merely stereotypical texts or regard them as vital historical documents. This article also tries to locate different themes that have been deploying by British writers in the respective period. The chosen works are by Harold Ingrams (1937) and Freya Stark (1948), which have shown different features about the relationship between Yemeni culture and the British attitude. I used the postcolonial theory and Orientalism as approaches to analyze the works under examination. In the analysis, I argued that a writer’s choice for language and content entails a lot of differences, which reflects the location of Yemeni culture in the eyes of the Western encounters, particularly British travelers’ accounts. Finally, I revealed how two writers have portrayed Yemeni culture, its land, people, and presented diverse images of Yemen to emphasize my assumption that British travel writings on Yemen are both diverse and complex in their representation.
Corporate social responsibility: a roadmap toward customer loyalty – Proposing a research framework
Authors: Jiddi Fatima Ezzahra
Published: August 2021

This paper seeks to explore the path that links corporate social responsibility (CSR) to customer loyalty as previous studies have confirmed that no direct link seems to exist between the two variables. Considering the literature gap, this research provides future researchers an opportunity to thoroughly understand the road that ties CSR and customer loyalty, especially in the hospitality industry. The research uses a newly proposed CSR conceptualization, customer loyalty dimensions, customer loyalty antecedents, and the relationship between them. In addition to the mediators, this study considers sociodemographic variables (age, gender, and education) as moderators. The new research framework proposed contributes to advance the existing knowledge of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and customer loyalty.
ERP Adoption by Moroccan ICT companies: Human Factor vs. technological change
Authors: Slimani Hajar , Moumen Aniss
Published: August 2021

Nowadays, a new vision of change management becomes a real challenge when companies introduce an ERP Project. This article aims to discuss the changes and the otherorganizational evolutions that can impact the company and establish an inventory of the different variables that underlie performance and promote or block the success of ERP project into ICT in companies.
Sodium and Potassium Intakes assessed by 24-h Urine among Moroccan University students in Casablanca, Morocco: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Elarbaoui Maria , Jafri Ali , Elkardi Younes , Makhlouki Houria , Ellahi Basma , Derouiche Abdelfettah
Published: August 2021

In Morocco, the high consumption of dietary sodium increases the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and predisposes to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and hypertension. This study aims to assess the dietary sodium and potassium intake in a random sample of Moroccan adult students as a benchmark informing a national strategy for reducing salt intake. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 103 adults aged 18 to 25 years recruited in Casablanca. The 24-hour urinary excretion was used to measure the sodium and potassium. Creatinine excretion was used to validate the completeness of the urine collections. The average urinary sodium excretion was 3125.77 ± 121.99 mg/day, 13.5% consumed less than 5g/day, while 69% consumed more than 5 g/day of which 17.5% consumed more than twice the recommendations. For the average urinary potassium excretion was 1826.1 ± 61.2 mg/day, and more than 98% of the students consumed less than the adequate intake. The results of this pilot study show that the population studied has a high sodium intake and low potassium intake which does not meet World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, which requires implementing an action plan to reduce salt.
The investigative approach in the framework of the new programs: study of two cases in France and Morocco
Authors: Abderrahim Lougman , el Merabet Youssef
Published: August 2021

In France as in Morocco, the teaching of science in schools has been subject to various evolutions for many years, and not only to those brought by the new official instructions of each country. For example, the implementation of the “investigation approach” is as much a new approach for the teacher as it is an approach that aims to give more space to the student, which consequently influences the teaching practices. In a case study, we tried to understand what construction of scientific knowledge could be achieved within the framework of an inquiry approach. The analysis of these moments of science led us, in addition to the study of the difficulties of the implementation of an investigative approach and the nature of the knowledge obtained, to question the possible links between the resources mobilized by the teachers and the nature of the knowledge that they make the students construct. This observation converges between several didactic and pedagogical issues and are at the same time for the teacher and the pupil the means of different processes of knowledge construction.
The role of social networks in personality analysis for recruitment of laureates: A systematic review and exploratory study
Authors: Aniss Qostal , Aniss Moumen , Younes Lakhrissi
Published: August 2021

Today, the recruitment process has seen a drastic change in the measure of the personality aspect of the candidates. Accordingly, in the era of digitalization and the proliferation of the professional social network, the selection of valuable information provided from the candidate’s accounts has a primordial role in the selection of the profiles responding to job offers and to create a global vision on the personality and the capability of the job seekers from teamwork and leadership to meet the job requirements. The paper aims to discover the approaches applied in the personality analysis based on the professional networks. Beginning with a systematic review of previous works and exploratory analysis through interviews with stakeholders participated in the recruitment process.
The emotional state through visual expression, auditory expression and physiological representation
Authors: Abdellaoui Benyoussef , Moumen Aniss , El Bouzekri El Idrissi Younes , Remaida Ahmed
Published: August 2021

As emotional content reflects human behaviour, automatic emotion recognition is a topic of growing interest. During the communication of an emotional message, the use of physiological signals and facial expressions gives several advantages that can be expected to understand a person’s personality and psychopathology better and determine human communication and human-machine interaction. In this article, we will present some notions about identifying the emotional state through visual expression, auditory expression and physiological representation, and the techniques used to measure emotions.
How Do Trainee Teachers Conceptualize the Notion of Fossils?
Authors: Chmanti-Houari Imane , Oudrhiri Hassani Mohammed
Published: August 2021

This work in hand tends to identify the problems encountered by trainee teachers in constructing the concept of fossils. In this respect, the methodology adopted in the light of this research is based on a questionnaire survey. The results obtained allowed us to raise various obstacles most trainee teachers have indeed encountered challenges in identifying the fossil and, most of them do not manage to apply the principle of actualism.
Which actors influence student’s university orientation in Morocco? An exploratory study with civil engineering students
Authors: Harraki Youssef , Moumen Aniss , Remaida Ahmed , Gretete Driss
Published: August 2021

Orientation of students in universities is considered a key factor that affects students academic and professional paths. Indeed, many institutional and political discourse highlights the importance of “orientation” at the University as a palliative failure. However, in Morocco, the guidance procedures are based essentially on academic performance alone. This paper will present a literature review on “University guidance” and a qualitative study with 30 students from a public school of civil engineers in Casablanca. This work focuses on exploring various helpful factors which may improve academic guidance.
Comparative study of the implementation of the Lagrange interpolation algorithm on GPU and CPU using CUDA to compute the density of a material at different temperatures
Authors: Rtal Youness , Hadjoudja Abdelkader
Published: August 2021

Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) are microprocessors attached to graphics cards, which are dedicated to the operation of displaying and manipulating graphics data. Currently, such graphics cards (GPUs) occupy all modern graphics cards. In a few years, these microprocessors have become potent tools for massively parallel computing. Such processors are practical instruments that serve in developing several fields like image processing, video and audio encoding and decoding, the resolution of a physical system with one or more unknowns. Their advantages: faster processing and consumption of less energy than the power of the central processing unit (CPU). In this paper, we will define and implement the Lagrange polynomial interpolation method on GPU and CPU to calculate the sodium density at different temperatures Ti using the NVIDIA CUDA C parallel programming model. It can increase computational performance by harnessing the power of the GPU. The objective of this study is to compare the performance of the implementation of the Lagrange interpolation method on CPU and GPU processors and to deduce the efficiency of the use of GPUs for parallel computing.
Planning of one-way quay cranes using the genetic algorithm
Authors: Aidi Sanaa , Torbi Imane , Mazouzi Mohamed , Belassiria Imad
Published: August 2021

The quay crane scheduling problem plays an essential role in the port container terminal management paradigm, as it is closely related to the berthing time of ships. In this article, we focus on the quay crane scheduling problem based on a special strategy, which forces the quay crane to move in one direction during the process of unloading and loading the containers. The scheduling problem that arises when this strategy is applied is called the one-way scheduling problem of quay cranes in the literature. In this article, we seek a mathematical formula for the unidirectional scheduling problem of quay cranes that can be easily solved by genetic algorithms. This algorithm provides us with the best combination of containers to unload and load at the optimal time.
Business Intelligence Model to analyze Social Media through Big Data analytics
Authors: Mouyassir Kawtar , Hanine Mohamed , Ouahmane Hassan
Published: August 2021

Business Intelligence (BI) is a collection of tools, technologies, and practices that include the entire process of collecting, processing, and analyzing qualitative information, to help entrepreneurs better understand their business and marketplace. Every day, social networks expand at a faster rate and pace, which sees them as a source of Big Data. Therefore, BI is developed in the same way on VoC (Voice of Customer) expressed in social media as qualitative data for company decision-makers, who desire to have a clear perception of customers’ behaviour. In this article, we present a comparative study between traditional BI and social BI, then examine an approach to social business intelligence. Next, we are going to demonstrate the power of Big Data that can be integrated into BI so that we can finally describe in detail how Big Data technologies, like Apache Flume, help to collect unstructured data from various sources such as social media networks and store it in Hadoop storage.