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This paper investigates the predictive relationships among climate policy uncertainty (CPU), oil prices, and renewable energy (RE) stock market returns, particularly highlighting the challenges posed by the varying data frequencies of these variables. The study utilizes a comprehensive dataset comprising monthly CPU, daily oil prices, and RE stock returns, sourced globally. By applying a mixed-frequency causality test (MFCT), the analysis reveals significant predictability across different time horizons, particularly highlighting the strong influence of oil prices on RE stock returns over short-term horizons, while CPU demonstrates a more pronounced effect over medium to long-term horizons. In contrast, the application of the classical Granger causality test on low-frequency (monthly) data indicates an insignificant relationship between CPU and RE stocks, suggesting that traditional models may overlook important predictive dynamics. The analysis was conducted using Matlab code, and the findings provide valuable insights for policymakers in designing effective climate policies and for investors in optimizing portfolio strategies and hedging against risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraflat metal foils are essential for semiconductor nanoelectronics applications and nanomaterial epitaxial growth. Numerous efforts have been devoted to metal surface engineering studies in the past decades. However, various challenges persist, including size limitations, polishing non-uniformities, and undesired contaminants. Thus, further exploration of advanced metal surface treatment techniques is essential. Here, we report a physical strategy that utilizes surface acoustic wave assisted annealing to flatten metal foils by eliminating the surface steps, eventually transforming commercial rough metal foils into ultraflat substrates. Large-area, high-quality, smooth 2D materials, including graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), were successfully grown on the resulting flat metal substrates. Further investigation into the oxidation of 2D-material-coated metal foils, both rough and flat, revealed that the hBN-coated flat metal foil exhibits enhanced anti-corrosion properties. Molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory validate our experimental observations. Ultraflat metal foils are important for the growth of high quality 2D materials, but their fabrication remains challenging. Here, the authors report a surface-acoustic-wave-assisted annealing method to flatten the surface of commercial Cu foils, leading to the growth of 2D graphene and hexagonal boron nitride with enhanced anti-corrosion properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), as one of the few two-dimensional insulators, holds strategic importance for advancing post-silicon electronic devices and circuits. Achieving wafer-scale, high-quality monolayer hBN is essential for its integration into the semiconductor industry. However, the physical mechanisms behind the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthesis of hBN are not yet well understood. Investigating morphology engineering is critical for developing scalable synthetic techniques for the large-scale production of high-quality hBN. In this study, we explored the underlying mechanisms of the CVD growth process of hBN and found that the involvement of a small amount of oxygen effectively modulates the shape of the single-crystal hBN islands. By tuning the oxygen content in the CVD system, we synthesized well-aligned hexagonal hBN islands and achieved a continuous, high-quality single-crystal monolayer hBN film through the merging of these hexagonal islands on conventional single-crystal metal-foil substrates. Density functional theory was used to study the edges of hBN monolayers grown in an oxygen-assisted environment, providing insights into the formation mechanism. This study opens new pathways for controlling the island shape of 2D materials and establishes a foundation for the industrial-scale production of high-quality, large-area, single-crystal hBN. The large-scale synthesis of insulating hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) plays an important role for the development of 2D electronics. Here, the authors report the oxygen-assisted chemical vapor deposition of wafer-scale single-crystal monolayer hBN films by merging aligned hexagonal hBN islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Separations are core processes in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Several steps of fractionation and purification of multicomponent mixtures are required. Membrane technology can operate at fair temperatures, saving energy and processing sensitive compounds. However, breakthroughs require high stability and selectivity beyond those available today. Here, we propose membranes constituted by fully crosslinked crown ethers using interfacial polymerization. The 24 nm-thick nanofilms on robust porous supports exhibit up to 90% higher selectivity than commercially available membranes, with a 90% increase in solvent permeance. The membranes are tested with a complex mixture of structurally diverse solutes containing active pharmaceutical ingredients. The membranes are effective for the total retention and concentration of active pharmaceutical ingredients with molecular weights around 800 g mol–1. The ability to distinguish between smaller molecules in the range between 100 and 370 g mol–1 is confirmed with high separation factors, which could provide a significant advance for the pharmaceutical industry. Separation membranes with high stability and selectivity are desired for application in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Here, the authors report the formation of nanofilms composed by fully crosslinked crown ethers supported on robust porous materials as separation membranes for structurally different compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The intensification and expansion of human activities have caused profound changes in global wetlands and their associated aquatic bird communities. Understanding the mechanisms that drive the spatial assemblages of wetland birds is important for the development of effective conservation and management strategies. Objectives: The overall objective was to evaluate the influence of wetland features such as size and distance to the nearest coastline, and landscape composition, configuration, and function in shaping waterbird richness and abundance in 43 Tunisian Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). Methods: Systematic waterbird surveys on species abundance and richness at each IBA were carried out between December and January in 2020/2021 and 2021/2022. Satellite remote sensing indices were used to map wetlands and characterize the vegetation condition in the landscape surrounding them. Landscape metrics were used to describe the habitat configuration around the wetlands. Results: Our results show that landscape composition, configuration and function have significant effects on waterbirds (i.e., shorebirds, waterfowl, wading birds, and open-water birds). We found that wetland surface area and distance to the coast were important factors influencing the richness and abundance of waterbirds. Our results also indicate that landscape diversity is an important predictor of waterbird richness and abundance, and that there is a significant interaction between wetland surface area and distance to the nearest wetland in explaining the richness and abundance of waterbirds. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that the richness and abundance of waterbirds are robustly dependent on the interaction between wetland surface area and distance to the nearest wetland. Furthermore, local wetland characteristics (wetland surface area and distance to the nearest coastline), landscape composition (forest area and urban area), landscape configuration (spatial heterogeneity), and landscape function (maximum and minimum NDVI), significantly affect wintering waterbird communities. This study also highlights the importance of large and connected wetlands in conserving various bird communities in Tunisian IBAs and provides recommendations for their conservation and sustainable management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, a bibliographical survey of the toxicity of some plants of the southern Tunisia’s flora was conducted on several methanoic extracts from miscellaneous toxic plants of the southern Tunisian flora and chosen from among the most used plants in traditional medicine. In Tunisia, a host of extracts from about twenty plants have shown spasmolytic properties, while several extracts from some plants showed a high toxicity and 3 extracts from 2 plants proved curative properties. In this article, we present about ten poisonous plants, classified in alphabetical order of the vernacular name, for which severe poisoning, even fatal, have been reported. It mainly consists in plants with cardiac and/or neurological toxicity. Following a succinct description of the plant, we approach the clinical, therapeutic and analytical aspects [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Artemisia campestris L. (AC) leaves are widely recognized for their importance in traditional medicine. Despite the considerable amount of research conducted on this plant overworld, the chemical composition and the biological activity of the leaves grown in Tunisia remains poorly investigated. In this study of AC, a successive extraction method was employed (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol) to investigate its bioactive constituents by LC-MS analysis, and their antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities. Results: Data analysis revealed diverse compound profiles in AC extracts. Methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited higher polyphenolic content and antioxidant activities, while Hexane showed superior phytosterol extraction. Ethyl acetate extract displayed potent antibacterial activity against multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, all extracts demonstrated, for the first time, robust antifungal efficacy against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. Cytotoxicity assays revealed the significant impact of methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts on metastatic breast cancer and multiple myeloma, examined for the first time in our study. Moreover, further analysis on multiple myeloma cells highlighted that the ethyl acetate extract induced apoptotic and necrotic cell death and resulted in an S phase cell cycle blockage, underscoring its therapeutic potential. Conclusions: This investigation uncovers novel findings in Tunisian AC, notably the identification of lupeol, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. The study sheds light on the promising role of AC extracts in therapeutic interventions and underscores the need for continued research to harness its full potential in medicine and pharmaceutical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the quest for advanced materials with diverse applications in optoelectronics and energy storage, we delve into the fascinating world of halide perovskites, focusing on SiAuF3 and SiCuF3. Employing density functional theory (DFT) as our guiding light, we conduct a comprehensive comparative study of these two compounds, unearthing their unique structural, electronic, elastic, and optical attributes. Structurally, SiAuF3 and SiCuF3 reveal their cubic nature, with SiCuF3 demonstrating superior stability and a higher bulk modulus. Electronic investigations shed light on their metallic behavior, with Fermi energy levels marking the boundary between valence and conduction bands. The band structures and density of states provide deeper insights into the contributions of electronic states in both compounds. Elastic properties unveil the mechanical stability of these materials, with SiCuF3 exhibiting increased anisotropy compared to SiAuF3. Our analysis of optical properties unravels distinct characteristics. SiCuF3 boasts a higher refractive index at lower energies, indicating enhanced transparency in specific ranges, while SiAuF3 exhibits heightened reflectivity in select energy intervals. Further, both compounds exhibit remarkable absorption coefficients, showcasing their ability to absorb light at defined energy thresholds. The energy loss function (ELF) analysis uncovers differential absorption behavior, with SiAuF3 absorbing maximum energy at 6.9 eV and SiCuF3 at 7.2 eV. Our study not only enriches the fundamental understanding of SiAuF3 and SiCuF3 but also illuminates their potential in optoelectronic applications. These findings open doors to innovative technologies harnessing the distinctive qualities of these halide perovskite materials. As researchers seek materials that push the boundaries of optoelectronics and energy storage, SiAuF3 and SiCuF3 stand out as promising candidates, ready to shape the future of these fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eosinophilic ascites is a rare disorder, reported in both adult and pediatric patients, characterized by high eosinophil counts in the peritoneal fluid. Eosinophilic ascites appears as a manifestation of various diseases such as parasitic and fungal infections, malignancy, and hypereosinophilic syndrome. It also represents an uncommon manifestation of eosinophilic gastroenteritis, usually treated with corticosteroids. We present the case of a 16-year-old woman with abdominal distention related to abundant ascites. Further work-up concluded that it was eosinophilic gastroenteritis complicated with eosinophilic ascites. The patient was on oral steroids for three weeks, but various abdominal relapses were observed, leading to the introduction of benralizumab, as a steroid-sparing therapy with a favorable outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of heterogeneous Ti(IV)-based catalysts for ethylene polymerization following surface organometallic chemistry concepts is described. The unique feature of this catalyst arises from the silica support, KCC-1700. It has (i) a 3D fibrous morphology that is essential to improve the diffusion of the reactants, and (ii) an aluminum-bound hydroxyl group, [(≡Si–O–Si≡)(≡Si–O–)2Al–OH] 2, used as an anchoring site. The [(≡Si–O–Si≡)(≡Si–O–)(Al–O–)TiNp3] 3 catalyst was obtained by reacting 2 with a tetrakis-(neopentyl) titanium TiNp4. The structure of 3 was fully characterized by FT-IR, advanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy [1H, 13C], elemental and gas-phase analysis (ICP-OES and CHNS analysis), and XPS. The benefits of combining these morphological (3D structure) and electronic properties of the support (aluminum plus titanium) were evidenced in ethylene polymerization. The results show a remarkable enhancement in the catalytic performance with the formation of HDPE. Notably, the resulting HDPE displays a molecular weight of 3 200 000 g mol−1 associated with a polydispersity index (PD) of 2.3. Moreover, the effect of the mesostructure (2D vs. 3D) was demonstrated in the catalytic activity for ethylene polymerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of rainwater harvesting systems on biodiversity in hyperarid North African areas has not been assessed to date despite its demonstrated usefulness. The present study investigated this impact by considering the richness of wintering birds (RWB) in the Tataouine region (pre-Saharan Tunisia). We used data from three sets of variables—rainwater harvesting system type, microhabitat conditions, and topography—to determine the best predictors causing variation in the RWB by means of generalized linear mixed models. Our results show that the jessour system is the most attractive for the wintering bird species, followed by the tabia system, and lastly by the control areas. In the jessour system, RWB is influenced positively by slope and shrub cover and quadratically by tree cover, whereas this richness is affected positively by the extent of the herbaceous layer in the tabia system. In the control areas, RWB is negatively affected by elevation and quadratically affected by tree cover. Variation partitioning (VP) analysis reveals that (i) space is the most robust factor explaining the RWB in control areas (adj. R2 = 0.15, p = 0.001), (ii) microhabitat is central in the tabia system (adj. R2 = 0.10, p = 0.001), and (iii) the shared fraction between microhabitat and space is relevant in the jessour systems (adj. R2 = 0.20). Specific management actions, especially preserving, maintaining, and promoting these traditional systems, are suggested to improve the attraction of wintering bird species to the Tataouine region. The implementation of a scientific watch system is recommended to understand how changes take place in such an arid environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the covid pandemic, universities propose online education to ensure learning continuity. However, the insufficient preparation led to a major drop in the learner's performance and his/her dissatisfaction with the learning experience. This may be due to several reasons, including the insensitivity of the virtual learning environment to the learner's preferences. We propose to address the issue of student's dissatisfaction and lack of interaction, by integrating learning style theory into the analysis of the learner's online behavior. Our work differentiates itself from the rest of researches that employed learning style theory by its two step process. First, we classify the learning activities into learning categories based on learning style theory. Second, we define behavioral features that quantify the learner's behavior across the learning categories. The analysis of the learner's online behavior based on the behavioral features revealed new aspects of the learner's preferences. We consider these findings to be best useful for developing learning style-sensitive adaptive learning environments. Nevertheless, the behavioral features could be beneficial in different contexts. In fact, when applied to course outcome prediction, the behavioral features enhanced the results by 10%. The latter indicates that behavioral features reflected the correlation between behavior and academic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The α-molybdenum trioxide has attracted much attention for proton storage owing to its easily modified bilayer structure, fast proton insertion kinetics, and high theoretical specific capacity. However, the fundamental science of the proton insertion mechanism in α-molybdenum trioxide has not been fully understood. Herein, we uncover a three-proton intercalation mechanism in α-molybdenum trioxide using a specially designed phosphoric acid based liquid crystalline electrolyte. The semiconductor-to-metal transition behavior and the expansion of the lattice interlayers of α-molybdenum trioxide after trapping one mole of protons are verified experimentally and theoretically. Further investigation of the morphology of α-molybdenum trioxide indicates its fracture behavior upon the proton intercalation process, which creates diffusion channels for hydronium ions. Notably, the observation of an additional redox behavior at low potential endows α-molybdenum trioxide with an improved specific discharge capacity of 362 mAh g−1. The proton insertion mechanism in α-molybdenum trioxide remains incompletely elucidated. Herein, the authors uncover a three-proton intercalation mechanism within α-molybdenum trioxide using a specially designed electrolyte, which endows α-molybdenum trioxide with an improved specific discharge capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Point defects in nanoparticles have long been hypothesized to play an important role in governing the particle's electronic structure and physicochemical properties. However, single point defects in material systems usually exist with other heterogeneities, obscuring the chemical role of the effects. Herein, we report the synthesis of novel atomically precise, copper hydride nanoclusters (NCs), [Cu28H10(C7H7S)18(TPP)3] (Cu28; TPP: triphenylphosphine; C7H7S: o‐thiocresol) with a defined defect in the gram scale via a one‐pot reduction method. The Cu28 acts as a highly selective catalyst for C−C cross‐couplings. The work highlights the potential of defective NCs as model systems for investigating individual defects, correlating defects with physiochemical properties, and rationally designing new nanoparticle catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Point defects in nanoparticles have long been hypothesized to play an important role in governing the particle's electronic structure and physicochemical properties. However, single point defects in material systems usually exist with other heterogeneities, obscuring the chemical role of the effects. Herein, we report the synthesis of novel atomically precise, copper hydride nanoclusters (NCs), [Cu28H10(C7H7S)18(TPP)3] (Cu28; TPP: triphenylphosphine; C7H7S: o‐thiocresol) with a defined defect in the gram scale via a one‐pot reduction method. The Cu28 acts as a highly selective catalyst for C−C cross‐couplings. The work highlights the potential of defective NCs as model systems for investigating individual defects, correlating defects with physiochemical properties, and rationally designing new nanoparticle catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is being conducted to learn more about various compounds and their potential uses in various fields such as renewable energy, electrical conductivity, the study of optoelectronic properties, the use of light-absorbing materials in photovoltaic device thin-film LEDs, and field effect transistors (FETs). AgZF3 (Z = Sb, Bi) compounds, which are simple, cubic, ternary fluoro-perovskites, are studied using the FP-LAPW and low orbital algorithm, both of which are based on DFT. Structure, elasticity and electrical and optical properties are only some of the many features that can be predicted. The TB-mBJ method is used to analyze several property types. An important finding of this study is an increase in the bulk modulus value after switching Sb to Bi as the metallic cation designated as "Z" demonstrates the stiffness characteristic of a material. The anisotropy and mechanical balance of the underexplored compounds are also revealed. Our compounds are ductile, as evidenced by the calculated Poisson ratio, Cauchy pressure, and Pugh ratio values. Both compounds exhibit indirect band gaps (X-M), with the lowest points of the conduction bands located at the evenness point X and the highest points of the valence bands located at the symmetry point M. The principal peaks in the optical spectrum can be understood in light of the observed electronic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research concerns the study of the adsorption of methylene blue, used to stain living tissues and in several fields, on purified celluloses (CMFs) extracted from Schinus molle. The morphological and physico-chemical properties of the raw material and the extracted cellulose were determined. Adsorption experiments were performed to analyze initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, pH and contact time effects. The experiments showed that adsorption at pH 6–10 was appropriate and the equilibrium was established after 60 min. The adsorption was perfectly adjustable to the pseudo-second-order and fit well with Langmuir's mathematical models with maximum adsorption capacity of 125 mg g− 1. Moreover, it seems that Dubinin Radushkevich model gives a good fit with experimental data with adsorption energy of 5.49 kJ mol− 1, indicating a physical sorption process of methylene blue onto obtained cellulose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn1−xFexO films with x = 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% at. were created using an electron beam gun and high vacuum. It has been considered how the concentration of Fe doping will affect the films' structural, magnetic and optical properties. All films' XRD signals at different Fe concentrations revealed wurtzite-type structures. The results demonstrate that when Fe content increases, the size of nano-films decreases from 24 nm (%) to 11 nm (0.20%). This results from the distinction between Zn's and Fe's ionic radii. The XPS spectra showed peaks related to the components to be observed for precipitated 10% Zn1−xFexO nanoparticles and undoped ZnO nanoparticles: zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and oxygen (O). By using SE measurements, the optical constants (n, k) of the Zn1−xFexO films were determined use an ellipsometry model, allowing for the verification of the Fe3+ ions in Fe-doped ZnO. With the addition of Fe, from 3.44 to 3.28 eV, the energy band gap shrunk. Zn1−xFexO thin film was found to have ferromagnetism at normal temperature by M-H tests. As the Fe concentration rises, the magnetization increases until it reaches a concentration of 15%, at which point it starts to decrease. This decrease in magnetization was attributable to the spinel phase, which was seen in the XRD spectra. These findings imply that Zn1−xFexO is a highly suggested material for the creation of spintronic and optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma are the most prevalent malignancies of the adrenal medulla. They are currently diagnosed by measuring urinary catecholamines using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, which is expensive, bulky, and tedious. Electrochemical detectors stand out as low‐cost alternatives; however, further development of functional materials with adequate sensitivity is still required to attain clinically useful diagnostic devices. Here, Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets stabilized with iron single‐atom catalysts (Fe‐SACs), anchored on the surface, are synthesized and utilized as efficient electrocatalysts for the determination of catecholamine (dopamine (DA)) and its end‐products (vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA)). The Fe‐SACs/Ti3C2Tx exhibits low oxidation overpotentials with high signal amplifications up to 610%, 290%, and 420%, and sensitive detection limits of 1.0, 5.0, and 10 nM for DA, VMA, and HVA, respectively. The presence of the atomic Fe elements on the Ti3C2Tx nanosheets is confirmed using high‐resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The Fe‐SACs/Ti3C2Tx sensor tracks the in situ production of DA in PC12 cells and found practically useful in analyzing human urine samples. The Fe‐SACs/Ti3C2Tx stands out as a sensitive diagnostic platform for evaluating the progression of tumors and the quality of cellular DA communications [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popular metal‐ion batteries (MIBs) suffer from environmental and economic issues because of their heavy dependency on nonrenewable metals. Here, we propose a metal‐free ammonium (NH4+)‐based dual‐ion battery with a record‐breaking operation voltage of 2.75 V. The working mechanism of this sustainable battery involves the reversible anion (PF6−) intercalation chemistry in graphite cathode and NH4+ intercalation behavior in PTCDI (3,4,9,10‐perylenetetracarboxylic diimide) anode. This new battery configuration successfully circumvented the reduction susceptibility of NH4+ and the lack of mature NH4+‐rich cathodes for NH4+ ion batteries (AIBs). The customized organic NH4+ electrolyte endows the graphite||PTCDI full battery with durable longevity (over 1000 cycles) and a high energy density (200 Wh kg−1). We show that the development of AIBs should be high‐voltage‐oriented while circumventing low operation potential to avoid NH4+ reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popular metal‐ion batteries (MIBs) suffer from environmental and economic issues because of their heavy dependency on nonrenewable metals. Here, we propose a metal‐free ammonium (NH4+)‐based dual‐ion battery with a record‐breaking operation voltage of 2.75 V. The working mechanism of this sustainable battery involves the reversible anion (PF6−) intercalation chemistry in graphite cathode and NH4+ intercalation behavior in PTCDI (3,4,9,10‐perylenetetracarboxylic diimide) anode. This new battery configuration successfully circumvented the reduction susceptibility of NH4+ and the lack of mature NH4+‐rich cathodes for NH4+ ion batteries (AIBs). The customized organic NH4+ electrolyte endows the graphite||PTCDI full battery with durable longevity (over 1000 cycles) and a high energy density (200 Wh kg−1). We show that the development of AIBs should be high‐voltage‐oriented while circumventing low operation potential to avoid NH4+ reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of Triclosan coated suture in reducing surgical site infections (SSIs) rate after caesarian delivery (CD). Study design: Three hundred eighty patients were randomly assigned to closure with polyglactin non coated suture VICRYL, or with polyglactin coated suture VICRYL Plus after caesarian section. The primary outcome was the rate of SSIs within 30 days after surgery and secondary outcomes were the rate of wound healing complications. Results: SSI rate was 2.5% in Triclosan group compared to 8.1% with non-coated suture. Use of Triclosan coated suture (TCS) was associated with 69% reduction in SSI rate (p = 0.037; ORa:0.294; 95% CI:0.094–0.921). The use of Triclosan coated suture was associated with statistically lower risk of wound oedema (2.5% vs 10%), (p = 0.019; OR:0.595), dehiscence (3.8% vs 10.6%), (p = 0.023; OR:0.316) and hematoma (p = 0.035; OR:0.423). Conclusion: Our results confirm the effectiveness of Triclosan coated suture in reducing SSI rate and wound healing disturbances. Trial registration: Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov / ID (NCT05330650). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The personalization presents a key factor in the majority of web application. It improves the user experience by serving each user according to his desires and intentions. To ensure a good personalization process, the evaluation should be considered. However, in the literature, assessing this process is considered as a secondary purpose and treated as a lowcost test before the final deployment of a web application. Besides, the majority of assessments are domain dependent. They also report performance for a short time period and for specific users. Thus, we propose a solution, called RPMAS, designed with an adaptive architecture, based on agents. It is a reference system that attempts to personalize the same services offered by the assessed web application. Then, a comparison is performed to evaluate the results of the concerned web application. Following this comparison, RPMAS proposes improvements to the evaluated web application, or makes a self-evaluation to treat its proper weaknesses. In this article, we expose the detailed architecture of the proposed solution. Indeed, our solution is composed of three layers: the Observation Layer, the Modeling and Data Processing Layer and the Prediction, Recommendation and Evaluation Layer. Each layer has several intelligent and adaptive agents. We underline the various RPMAS advantages, compared to the state of the art. Then, we provide the proof of the efficiency of our contribution when evaluating different web applications. Finally, we developed a first scenario which illustrates the assessment made by our RPMAS regarding an online library. Also, we deploy a second scenario to assess an intelligent tutoring application. Regarding the accuracy measure, the gap between RPMAS and the first application is 17.316%. For the second scenario, using the AUC measure, the gap indicates 13.09%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Europium doped titanium dioxide thin films were synthesized by sol–gel method to enhance the photocatalytic activity and achieve efficient treatment for industrial pharmaceutical effluent, under solar irradiation. Thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction technique. X-ray diffraction pattern demonstrate that both pure and europium doped titanium dioxide thin films exhibit anatase phase of tetragonal structure. The crystallite size of europium doped titanium dioxide was reduced from 38.40 to 11.32 nm with an increase in europium doping percentage. Also, the thickness of the deposited films was in the range of 33.95–44.21 μm. The reflectance spectra change with dopant and the band gap values were gradually decrease from 3.75 to 3.5 eV with doping concentration increment. Further photocatalytic performances of europium doped titanium dioxide thin films for the remediation of a local industrial effluent were also investigated. The concentration of dopant was varied from 0 to 0.28 mol%. The results showed that 91% of the chemical oxygen demand was reduced. Moreover, the mineralization yield was achieved 95%, with 0.13 mol% of europium doped titanium dioxide, after 6 h under solar irradiation, confirming the efficiency of the europium doped titanium dioxide photocatalytic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent organic framework (COF) thin films have been successfully prepared and utilized as a channel material in electrical double‐layer (EDL) electrochemical transistors. 4,4′‐azodianiline (Azo) and 1,3,5‐triformylphloroglucinol(Tp) precursors are introduced to prepare azo (NN) functionalized ß‐keto‐enamine COF (Tp‐Azo) thin films. The EDL transistor exhibits a switching ratio of 103 times, a low threshold voltage of 0.6 V, and a field‐effect mobility of 0.53 cm2 V−1 s−1. The dynamic behavior of the transistor under different input signals shows responses, which are very similar to the biological synaptic behavior, indicating that the COF devices can be used as artificial synapses. This report opens a new direction in covalent–organic framework development in iontronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn-based oxides are promising for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx with NH3 at temperatures below 200 °C. There is a general agreement that combining Mn with another metal oxide, such as CeOx improves catalytic activity. However, to date, there is an unsettling debate on the effect of Ce. To solve this, here we have systematically investigated a large number of catalysts. Our results show that, at low-temperature, the intrinsic SCR activity of the Mn active sites is not positively affected by Ce species in intimate contact. To confirm our findings, activities reported in literature were surface-area normalized and the analysis do not support an increase in activity by Ce addition. Therefore, we can unequivocally conclude that the beneficial effect of Ce is textural. Besides, addition of Ce suppresses second-step oxidation reactions and thus N2O formation by structurally diluting MnOx. Therefore, Ce is still an interesting catalyst additive. The role of Ce one Mn-based catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction of NOx at low temperature is an ongoing debate. Here the authors demonstrate that Ce has a structural promoting effect but impacts negatively on the intrinsic catalytic activity of Mn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pan African Medical Journal is the property of Pan African Medical Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Obtaining p-type wide-bandgap semiconductors with a bandgap >3.5 eV is still challenging. Here, p–n junction devices based on wide-bandgap (≥4 eV) p-type MnO quantum dots (QDs) and n-type Si-doped GaN are fabricated. The p-MnO QDs are synthesized by cost-effective femtosecond laser ablation in liquid. A simple spray-coating method is used for fabricating the p-MnO/n-GaN-based solar-blind deep UV (DUV) photodetector. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy reveal the MnO QD crystal structure. X-ray photoelectron microscopy analysis reveals good band alignment between p-MnO QDs and n-GaN, demonstrating the (type-II) staggered band alignment p–n heterojunction-based device. Electrical and photocurrent measurements show a high photocurrent response with a low dark current, while superior photo-responsivity (∼2530 mA/W) is achieved, along with self-powered and visible-blind characteristics (265 nm cutoff), demonstrating a high-performance DUV device with high detection limit for low light level applications. This study provides insights into the potential of p-type MnO QDs for III-nitride p–n junction DUV devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical Spatial mode-division multiplexing that exploits the new few-mode fiber (FMF) technology is a promoted solution for the new optical communication systems. We work on the multilayers method of designing the new optical communication systems FMF. These systems suffer essentially from differential mode delay. In this article, we implement the multilayers method of designing an arbitrary fiber profiles with our own Matlab code and we proposed a fiber profile design with a full control of differential mode delay regions in the C-and L-bands, for six linearly polarized modes circulating in FMF with the cited method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) represent a promising technology for grid‐scale energy storage due to their innate safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, planar Zn foil intrinsically suffers from limited ion and electron transport pathways, poor wettability, and surface passivation, preventing the homogenous deposition of metallic Zn and poor durability of AZIBs. Herein, a 3D Zn foil with hierarchical porous architecture is developed through a facile non‐aqueous organic acid etching strategy. The 3D Zn anode is pore‐rich and cavity‐rich, leading to significantly enhanced accessibility to aqueous electrolytes. Accordingly, this 3D Zn anode enables preferential plating of Zn in the porous texture with suppressed dendrite growth, as confirmed by ex situ scanning electron microscopy and finite element analysis. The cycle life of the 3D Zn anode is sustained over 930 and 1500 h at 4.0 mA cm−2‐2.0 mAh cm−2 and 1.0 mA cm−2‐1.0 mAh cm−2, respectively. Furthermore, the assembled 3D Zn and α‐MnO2 full batteries demonstrate a prolonged cycle life of 3000 cycles with improved rate performance. The etching strategy using non‐aqueous organic acid paves a new way to fabricate 3D metal anodes for Zn and other metal anode batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Vanadium dioxide (VO2) has emerged as a promising micro-actuator material for its large amplitude and high work density across the transition between the insulating (M1 and M2) and metallic (R) phase. Even though M2–R transition offers about 70% higher transformation stress than M1–R structural phase transition, the application of the M2 phase in the micro-actuators is hindered by the fact that previously, M2 phase can only stay stable under tensile stress. In this work, we propose and verify that by synthesizing the VO2 nanowires under optimized oxygen-rich conditions, stoichiometry change can be introduced into the nanowires (NWs) which in turn yield a large number free-standing single-crystalline M2-phase NWs stable at room temperature. In addition, we demonstrate that the output stress of the M2-phase NWs is about 65% higher than that of the M1-phase NWs during their transition to R phase, quite close to the theoretical prediction. Our findings open new avenues towards enhancing the performance of VO2-based actuators by using M2–R transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of heavy metals on measures of male fertility. One hundred and two infertile men with occupational exposure and thirty fertile men were included in this study. Blood and urinary levels of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Semen parameters and a motile sperm organelle morphology examination were also performed. Measures of hormonal levels, oxidation–reduction potential, DNA fragmentation index and chromatin condensation were assessed for all participants. Heavy metals levels, oxidative stress and DNA quality were significantly higher in the infertile group compared to controls. FSH and testosterone levels were lower in the infertile group. A urinary cadmium level was positively associated with abnormal sperm morphology (r =.225, p <.05). Normal morphology was inversely correlated with the duration of the exposure (r = −.227, p =.022). The blood lead level was positively related to the level of testosterone (r =.223, p =.031). Cadmium and lead blood levels were positively correlated with the level of chromatin decondensation (r =.528, p <.001; r =.280, p =.017). Our study showed that occupational exposure to heavy metals is very harmful to reproductive health. DNA quality and oxidative stress investigations must be recommended for reprotoxic exposed patients prior to in vitro fertilisation treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcoma (SMARCA4-DTS) is a recently identified aggressive subtype of sarcoma. We present the case of a 44-year-old man who underwent a surgery for a perforated small intestine. Compued tomography scan revealed a tissular mediastino–pulmonary mass. Histopathological examination of the intestinal mass shown a malignant tumour with a typical epithelioid and rhabdoid cells, numerous mitoses and large necrosis. A large panel of immunohistochemistry revealed loss of SMARCA4 and SMARCA2 and allowed the diagnosis of SMARCA4-DTS. It is important to consider SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcoma in the differential diagnosis of tumours showing suggestive morphologic features in patients of all ages, especially in the case of metastasis associated with thoracic mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D heterostructured materials combining ultrathin nanosheet morphology, defined pore configuration, and stable hybrid compositions, have attracted increasing attention for fast mass transport and charge transfer, which are highly desirable features for efficient energy storage. Here, the chemical space of 2D–2D heterostructures is extended by covalently assembling covalent organic frameworks (COFs) on MXene nanosheets. Unlike most COFs, which are generally produced as solid powders, ultrathin 2D COF‐LZU1 grows in situ on aminated Ti3C2Tx nanosheets with covalent bonding, producing a robust MXene@COF heterostructure with high crystallinity, hierarchical porosity, and conductive frameworks. When used as lithium hosts in Li metal batteries, lithium storage and charge transport are significantly improved. Both spectroelectrochemical and theoretical analyses demonstrate that lithiated COF channels are important as fast Li+ transport layers, by which Li ions can be precisely nucleated. This affords dendrite‐free and fast‐charging anodes, which would be difficult to achieve using individual components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrolyte additives have been widely used to address critical issues in current metal (ion) battery technologies. While their functions as solid electrolyte interface forming agents are reasonably well‐understood, their interactions in the liquid electrolyte environment remain rather elusive. This lack of knowledge represents a significant bottleneck that hinders the development of improved electrolyte systems. Here, the key role of additives in promoting cation (e.g., Li+) desolvation is unraveled. In particular, nitrate anions (NO3−) are found to incorporate into the solvation shells, change the local environment of cations (e.g., Li+) as well as their coordination in the electrolytes. The combination of these effects leads to effective Li+ desolvation and enhanced battery performance. Remarkably, the inexpensive NaNO3 can successfully substitute the widely used LiNO3 offering superior long‐term stability of Li+ (de‐)intercalation at the graphite anode and suppressed polysulfide shuttle effect at the sulfur cathode, while enhancing the performance of lithium–sulfur full batteries (initial capacity of 1153 mAh g−1 at 0.25C) with Coulombic efficiency of ≈100% over 300 cycles. This work provides important new insights into the unexplored effects of additives and paves the way to developing improved electrolytes for electrochemical energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]