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Copyright of Journal of Research in Language & Translation (JRLT) is the property of Journal of Research in Language & Translation (JRLT) 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.)

Objective: The aim of this research is to determine the effect of combined feedback and verbal encouragement on anaerobic performance, technical and physiological aspects during small-sided Basketball games for adolescent schoolgirls. Material and Methods: Sixty schoolgirls were divided into 3 groups of 20 girls: control group (G1) (mean ± standard deviation (M±SD); age:15.45 ± 0.41years), verbal encouragement group (G2) (M±SD; age:15.65 ± 0.61years) and combined feedback and verbal encouragement group (G3) (M±SD; age:15.55 ± 0.51 years). Muscle power (countermovement jump (CMJ); 5-Jump-Test (5JT)), agility (Illinois-test), sprint speed (10 and 30 m)]; technical skill and heart rate (HR) responses during 3 vs. 3 small sided basketball game (SSBG) were measured. Additionally, HR was continuously recorded and video analysis was used to quantify technical actions during SSBG. Results: The results showed greater improvements in muscle power of CMJ and 5JT for G3 compared to G2 (P<0.001, ES=1.21, moderate, p<0.001, ES= 4.74, large, respectively) and for G3 compared to G1 (P<0.001, ES= 1.72 large; p=0.001, ES =6.86 large respectively). The time in the 10 m, 30 m sprints and agility decreased more profoundly for G3 compared to G2 (p<0.001, ES=4.93, large; p<0.001, ES=3.27, large, p<0.001, ES=1.14, large, respectively).For technical skill, the ball contacts, successful balls, number of shots and successful shots were higher in G2compared with G1 (p<0.001, ES=1.48 moderate; p<0.001, ES=3.83, large; p<0.001, ES=1.99, large; p=0.001, ES=2.41, large respectively), higher in G3 compared with G2 (p<0.001, ES=-0.89, large, p=0.001, ES=-1.48 moderate; p=0.001, ES= 3.97, large; p<0.001, ES=4.93, large, respectively). Furthermore, average heart rate was higher in G3 compared with G2 and G1 (p<0.001, ES = 1.06, large; p<0.001, ES=4.64, large, respectively). Conclusion: These findings indicate that the combination of feedback and verbal encouragement are more effective for achieving better results in physical fitness and technical skill than verbal encouragement group and control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is one of the most serious contagions affecting domestic poultry and other avian species. It causes high morbidity and mortality, resulting in huge economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. Despite vaccination, NDV outbreaks increase the need for alternative prevention and control means. In this study, we have screened fractions of Buthus occitanus tunetanus (Bot) scorpion venom and isolated the first scorpion peptide inhibiting the NDV multiplication. It showed a dose dependent effect on NDV growth in vitro, with an IC50 of 0.69 µM, and a low cytotoxicity on cultured Vero cells (CC50 > 55 µM). Furthermore, tests carried out in specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs demonstrated that the isolated peptide has a protective effect on chicken embryos against NDV, and reduced by 73% the virus titer in allantoic fluid. The N-terminal sequence, as well as the number of cysteine residues of the isolated peptide, showed that it belongs to the scorpion venom Chlorotoxin-like peptides family, which led us to designate it "BotCl". Interestingly, at 10 µg/mL, BotCl showed an inhibiting effect three times higher than its analogue AaCtx, from Androctonus australis (Aa) scorpion venom, on NDV development. Altogether, our results highlight the chlorotoxin-like peptides as a new scorpion venom AMPs family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cybium: International Journal of Ichthyology is the property of Societe Francaise d'Ichtyologie (SFI) 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.)

This paper examines the effect of environmental change on inclusive finance in African countries during the period 1996–2020. It also investigates the moderating role of government quality on the association between environmental change and inclusive finance. We collected five-year average data from various sources such as the World Development Indicators, the World Governance Indicators, and the International Monetary Fund. Government quality is measured by six dimensions: political stability, voice and accountability, government effectiveness, regulation quality, the rule of law, and corruption control. Environmental change is measured by CO2 emissions. Inclusive finance is measured by the financial development index through depth, access, and efficiency ratios. These variables represent the most used in prior studies as they are published by international organizations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which represent a reputable source of timely information related to the business environment in which business executives operate in several countries. The results show a significant impact of environmental change on inclusive finance. Including economic governance induces a significant and positive effect on financial inclusion in all instances. Our results also show that the coefficients of the interaction between environmental change and governance dimensions are positive and significant. The moderator role of governance is improved when taking into account political, institutional, and economic governance. Our findings offer more motivation for regulators and governments to develop environmental policies that integrate inclusive finance to meet sustainable development goals. Our results are important as they can help regulators, investors, and policymakers to assess and better understand the potential moderation role of governance quality in the relationship between inclusive finance and environmental change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel series of benzimidazole ureas 3a–h were elaborated using 2-(1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl) aniline 1 and the appropriate isocyanates 2a–h. The antioxidant and possible antidiabetic activities of the target benzimidazole-ureas 3a–h were evaluated. Almost all compounds 3a–h displayed strong to moderate antioxidant activities. When tested using the three antioxidant techniques, TAC, FRAP, and MCA, compounds 3b and 3c exhibited marked activity. The most active antioxidant compound in this family was compound 3g, which had excellent activity using four different methods: TAC, FRAP, DPPH-SA, and MCA. In vitro antidiabetic assays against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes revealed that the majority of the compounds tested had good to moderate activity. The most favorable results were obtained with compounds 3c, 3e, and 3g, and analysis revealed that compounds 3c (IC50 = 18.65 ± 0.23 μM), 3e (IC50 = 20.7 ± 0.06 μM), and 3g (IC50 = 22.33 ± 0.12 μM) had good α-amylase inhibitory potential comparable to standard acarbose (IC50 = 14.21 ± 0.06 μM). Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of 3c (IC50 = 17.47 ± 0.03 μM), 3e (IC50 = 21.97 ± 0.19 μM), and 3g (IC50 = 23.01 ± 0.12 μM) on α-glucosidase was also comparable to acarbose (IC50 = 15.41 ± 0.32 μM). According to in silico molecular docking studies, compounds 3a–h had considerable affinity for the active sites of human lysosomal acid α-glucosidase (HLAG) and pancreatic α-amylase (HPA), indicating that the majority of the examined compounds had potential anti-hyperglycemic action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B cell activating factor (BAFF), a crucial factor for B cell survival and differentiation, has been linked to several autoimmune conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of BAFF gene's polymorphisms with its serum levels and to assess their effect on Graves' disease (GD) susceptibility and presentation. Sixty-two GD patients and 152 healthy controls have been enrolled to investigate BAFF rs9514827 (−2841 T/C), rs1041569 (−2701 T/A) and rs9514828 (−871 C/T) gene's polymorphism by PCR-RFLP and serum BAFF level's kinetics under medical treatment by ELISA. Median serum BAFF level at baseline was significantly higher in GD patients (841.7 pg/ml [685.23–1058.32]) comparatively to controls (495.75 pg/ml [383.17–595.7]), p = 7.29 E-25. A ROC curve was used to assess BAFF performances in GD diagnosis and revealed an AUC of 94.9% [0.919–0.979], p = 7.29 E-25. At a cutoff value of 654.9 pg/ml of BAFF at baseline, the sensitivity and the specificity were, respectively, 83.9% and 90.8%. BAFF level was significantly increased in smoking patients (1079.55 pg/ml [875.35–1203]) comparatively to nonsmokers (746.95 pg/ml [643.2–915.7]), p = 3.1 E-5. While −2841 T/C and −2701 T/A genotypes and alleles frequencies were similar between patients and controls, the −871*T allele was significantly more prevalent in patients (0.613) than in controls (0.477); p =.01, OR [95% CI] = 1.73 [1.13–2.65]. The three studied polymorphisms were not associated with serum BAFF level at baseline. Serum BAFF level is significantly increased in GD especially in smoking patients. rs9514828 − 871*T allele might be a susceptibility variant for GD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and simple approach has been developed for the synthesis of eight dialkyl/aryl[(5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-ylamino)(aryl)methyl]phosphonates through the Pudovik-type reaction of dialkyl/arylphosphite with imines, obtained from 5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine and aromatic aldehydes, under microwave irradiation. Five of them were hydrolyzed to lead to the corresponding phosphonic acids. Selected synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro antiviral activity against the avian bronchitis virus (IBV). In the MTT cytotoxicity assay, the dose-response curve showed that all test compounds were safe in the range concentration of 540–1599 µM. The direct contact of novel synthesized compounds with IBV showed that the diethyl[(5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-ylamino)(4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl)methyl]phosphonate (5f) (at 33 µM) and the [(5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-ylamino)(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)methyl] phosphonic acid (6a) (at 1.23 µM) strongly inhibited the IBV infectivity, indicating their high virucidal activity. However, virus titers from IBV-infected Vero cells remained unchanged in response to treatment with the lowest non-cytotoxic concentrations of synthesized compounds suggesting their incapacity to inhibit the virus replication inside the host cell. Lack of antiviral activity might presumably be ascribed to their polarity that hampers their diffusion across the lipophilic cytoplasmic membrane. Therefore, the interactions of 5f and 6a were analyzed against the main coronavirus protease, papain-like protease, and nucleocapsid protein by molecular docking methods. Nevertheless, the novel 1,3,4-oxadiazole-based α-aminophosphonic acids and α-amino-phosphonates hold potential for developing new hygienic virucidal products for domestic, chemical, and medical uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simultaneous occurrence of parathyroid carcinoma and nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma is unusual. We report the case of 60‐year‐old woman who was found to have concurrent parathyroid carcinoma with severe clinical manifestations of primary hyperparthyroidism in addition to an incidental papillary thyroid carcinoma. Parathyroid hormone level was 569 pg/ml (normal range 10–65), and the serum calcium concentration was 13.83 mg/dl (normal range, 8.8–10.4). Preoperative investigation found a large 3 cm anterior cervical nodule suggestive of parathyroid adenoma. Total thyroidectomy and left parathyroidectomy were performed, and the final anatomopathological examination of the operative specimen concluded the coexistence of papillary microcarcinoma and parathyroid carcinoma. Although parathyroid carcinoma is an uncommon cause of hypercalcemia, it should be considered when severe hypercalcemia is observed, and in case of coexistence of thyroid nodules. The possibility of both malignancies must also be considered since parathyroid and nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma rare cases have previously been reported. [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.)

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8), causes primary effusion lymphoma, multicentric Castleman's disease, and Kaposi's sarcoma. Few antiviral drugs are available to efficiently control KSHV infection, and therefore, the development of novel, effective anti-KSHV treatments is needed. The aim of this study was to determine the antiviral activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts, essential oils, and certain flavonoids (hesperidin, eupafolin, and vicenin) derived from Thymus capitatus (commonly known as thyme). We assessed the toxicity of these different extracts and components in RPE-1 cell cultures using the MTS test and evaluated their antiviral effect using the TCID50 method. The mechanism of action was determined through time-of-addition tests as well as viral entry, attachment, and virucidal assays. Additionally, western blot analysis was also used to assess their modes of action. Total treatment assay showed that the aqueous extract of T. capitatus has the highest inhibitory effect against KSHVLYT with an EC50 value of 0.2388 µgmL-1. Both hesperidin and eupafolin showed the ability to inactivate viral infection in a dose-response manner (EC50 values of 0.2399 and 1.396 µM, respectively). Moreover, they were able to inactivate KSHVLyt postinfection by reducing viral protein expression. In summary, the effective antiviral property of the aqueous extract is likely a result of the inhibition of viral growth within the host cells by both hesperidin and eupafolin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the impact of the corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic on the Saudi higher education system. The research focuses on the relationship between digital learning in COVID-19 time, life satisfaction, and stress among female students. The study discusses measures, practices, defense mechanisms, and coping strategies to face challenges. Using an online survey based on psychological effects and its role in defense mechanisms and coping strategies, findings show that digital learning provides flexibility in terms of time and offers resources at a lower cost compared to traditional learning. In addition, results show that the coping strategy perception is higher in obtaining a good score and succeeding than to get over the pandemic and recovering from the illness itself. Finally, results confirm that a positive attitude influences positively life satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study addresses the problem of fixed-time stabilization (FTS) of mobile robots (MRs). The study's distinguishing aspects are that the system under examination is subjected to external disturbances, and the system states are pushed to zero in a finite time. This paper suggests new control techniques for chained-form nonholonomic systems (CFNS) subjected to disturbances. First, a switching fractional-order (FO) control approach is proposed for a first-order subsystem (FOS) of an MR under complex disturbances. Secondly, an FO generic global sliding mode control approach is designed for the second-order system (SOS) of the MR in the presence of disturbances. The suggested sliding manifold for the SOS of the MR guarantees global system stability and reduces the chattering problem during control operations. A conventional quadratic Lyapunov function (QLF) is used to converge to the origin in a finite time (FnT). Through this study, a stabilizer for an MR in the presence of disturbances based on an FO switching time-varying controller that can stabilize immeasurable states in a fixed time is proposed. Finally, three case simulations are provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the control strategy proposed in this work against external disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intralenticular abscess is a very rare entity that has been described after penetrating trauma, intraocular surgery and metastatic spread. We report a case of intralenticular abscess treated surgically by phacoemulsification with good postoperative results. A 32-year-old patient presented with right eye redness and defective vision of 4 days following thorn injury. The visual acuity was limited to counting fingers. Anterior segment examination revealed healed lamellar corneal tear, 3+ cells in the anterior chamber, iris synechia and heterogeneous opacity of the crystalline lens. Vitreous and fundus were normal. Initially, we prescribed topic and systemic antimicrobial treatment. Lens extraction was performed 1 week later by phacoemulsification with primary intraocular lens implantation. The immediate postoperative recovery was uneventful. The visual acuity at last follow-up was 9/10. In the current case, lens extraction associated with systemic and local antimicrobial treatment allowed infection control and good visual outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Usually, the trapping phenomenon in insulating materials is studied by injecting charges using a Scanning Electron Microscope. In this work, we use the dielectric spectroscopy technique for showing a correlation between the dielectric properties and the trapping-charging ability of insulating materials. The evolution of the complex permittivity (real and imaginary parts) as a function of frequency and temperature reveals different types of relaxation according to the trapping ability of the material. We found that the space charge relaxation at low frequencies affects the real part of the complex permittivity ε' and the dissipation factor Tan(δ). We prove that the evolution of the imaginary part of the complex permittivity against temperature ε''=f(T) reflects the phenomenon of charge trapping and detrapping as well as trapped charge evolution Qp(T). We also use the electric modulus formalism to better identify the space charge relaxation. The investigation of trapping or conductive nature of insulating materials was mainly made by studying the activation energy and conductivity. The conduction and trapping parameters are determined using the Correlated Barrier Hopping (CBH) model in order to confirm the relation between electrical properties and charge trapping ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Polycomb Repressive complex 2 (PRC2) maintains a repressive chromatin state and silences many genes, acting as methylase on histone tails. This enzyme was found overexpressed in many types of cancer. In this work, we have set up a Computer‐Aided Drug Design approach based on the allosteric modulation of PRC2. In order to minimize the possible bias derived from using a single set of coordinates within the protein‐ligand complex, a dynamic workflow was developed. In details, molecular dynamic was used as tool to identify the most significant ligand‐protein interactions from several crystallized protein structures. The identified features were used for the creation of dynamic pharmacophore models and docking grid constraints for the design of new PRC2 allosteric modulators. Our protocol was retrospectively validated using a dataset of active and inactive compounds, and the results were compared to the classic approaches, through ROC curves and enrichment factor. Our approach suggested some important interaction features to be adopted for virtual screening performance improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major aims of discourse-processing literature is to understand whether and when readers form discourse-level representations online. To test this, two word-by-word, self-paced reading experiments investigated the time course of integrating incoming information about the protagonist into the unfolding discourse-level representation in Tunisian Arabic (L1) and the role played by task demands in such integration. Discourse-level anomalies related to character-attribute information of the protagonist were examined under the comprehension instruction alone (Experiment 1) and under the condition of adopting-the-protagonist-perspective instruction (Experiment 2). The present experiments revealed two major results: (1) Global coherence is not maintained online in the absence of specific goals in L1 text processing; that is, readers integrate incoming information into the unfolding discourse representation online when engaged in deep processing, which shows that task demands modulate L1 text processing. (2) Such online integration is delayed until wrap-up positions are formed. This resulted in a revisited model defining what might modulate the occurrence of online integrative discourse processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic hydrogels (ferrogels) are soft materials with a wide range of applications, especially in biomedicine because (i) they can be provided with the required biocompatibility; (ii) their heterogeneous structure allows their use as scaffolds for tissue engineering; (iii) their mechanical properties can be modified by changing different design parameters or by the action of magnetic fields. These characteristics confer them unique properties for acting as patterns that mimic the architecture of biological systems. In addition, and (iv) given their high porosity and aqueous content, ferrogels can be loaded with drugs and guided towards specific targets for local (nonsystemic) pharmaceutical treatments. The ferrogels prepared in this work contain magnetic particles obtained by precipitation of magnetite nanoparticles onto the porous surface of bentonite platelets. Then, the particles were functionalized by adsorption of alginate molecules and dispersed in an aqueous solution of sodium alginate. Finally, the gelation was promoted by cross-linking the alginate molecules with Ca2+ ions. The viscoelastic properties of the ferrogels were measured in the absence/presence of external magnetic fields, showing that these ferrogels exhibited a strong enough magnetorheological effect. This behaviour is explained considering the field-induced strengthening of the heterogeneous (particle-polymer) network generated inside the ferrogel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study involved a 28-year-old female patient with no particular past medical history. At 7 weeks of amenorrhea, she presented at the Gynecological Emergency Department with pelvic pain. Clinical examination showed good general condition; vaginal examination objectified that the cervix was very far back (posterior), closed, without metrorrhagias or latero-uterine mass. Ultrasound showed fetal cardiac activity and all around the sac several “lacunae” (empty spaces) without leakage of fluid. Molar pregnancy was suspected based on image examination; hCG level was 37920 UI. The diagnosis of embryonated mole was evoked and complementary thoracoabdominopelvic CT scan was performed to support the diagnosis and as staging evaluation. This showed partial hydatiform mole without signs of loco-regional or remote extension, with anterior intrauterine myoma. Ultrasound-guided aspiration was performed after availability of blood supply. During aspiration, vescicles were observed. Anatomo-pathological examination initially showed interrupted pregnancy with no chorionic villi. Given the strong suspicion of molar pregnancy, multiple sections were performed which showed rare large chorionic villi with edematous axis. These rare villi were lined with trophoblastic coverage of usual abundance and morphology, suggesting partial mole. The woman received effective contraception with weekly monitoring of BHCG levels. She was monitored until she experienced negative results from three consecutive tests (A, B, C, D). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare sporadic proliferative disorder of Langerhans cells. LCH rarely involves the thyroid gland. We report herein a case of a disseminated chronic form of LCH with a diagnosis established by histological examination of the thyroid gland. It is about a 37-year-old female who underwent total thyroidectomy for a thyroid nodule of the right lobe. Histological study showed a granulomatous thyroiditis, and the immunohistochemistry study revealed a strong positivity of histiocytes for the CD1 antigen and for the S100 protein. The incidence of LCH involving the thyroid gland, either as an isolated lesion or as a part of multisystemic disease, is extremely rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Over the past decade, the amount of migrant remittances received by developing countries has increased rapidly. Several studies have analysed the impacts on growth, investment, education, and health. However, the effect on food security has not received much attention. This paper contributes to the literature by exploring the linkage between food security and international remittances using panel data during the period of 1990–2013 in African countries. The study employs an econometric model to test the impact of remittances on food security through four channels: availability, access, utilization and stability. Results show a positive link for access, stability and utilization dimensions but a negative link for availability. Relationship between received remittances and the enhancement of food security seems to be mixed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Phytotherapy Research is the property of Wiley-Blackwell 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.)

A rapid one-pot reaction of epoxides with ethyl mercaptoacetate furnishing 1,4-oxathian-2-ones in the presence of a catalytic amount of eco-friendly triton B is reported. High regioselectivity is due to the nucleophilic attack on the less sterically hindered carbon atom of the aliphatic unsymmetrical epoxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-Bromo-2-perfluoroalkyl acids are converted into the corresponding esters by a reaction of alcoholysis in the 2-chloroethanol. The action of zinc on perfluoroalkylated bromo-esters resulted in the bromine reduction products formation via zinc organic intermediates. When heated at 100°C, for 48 h, in the presence of an excess of zinc, the bromo-esters produce the symmetrical bis(vinyl perfluoroalkyl ester) ethoxide compounds, resulting from the BrZnF elimination reaction, followed by a dimerization reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An efficient oxirane ring opening of polyoxyethylene diglycidyl ethers with sodium amide has been achieved for the first time under catalyst-free conditions. This reaction is highly regioselective and affords the corresponding bis (β-aminoalcohols) polyoxyethylene in good yields as a mixture of regioisomers. Various other advantages are associated with this novel protocol, including short reaction time, no need for catalysts, and a simple workup procedure. Here, the wide scope and utility of this method is demonstrated, and the stereochemistry is discussed. The regioisomeric ratio is determined from binomial calculation based on 1H NMR data and is confirmed by GC-MS.Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we address two challenging issues underlying spatial simulation using software agents immersed in virtual geographic environments (VGE). First, the way to describe virtual VGE models using accurate spatial decomposition approaches structured using graph theory techniques. Second, the use of graph abstraction techniques to support realistic and advanced navigation and path planning capabilities for software agents considering the VGE's characteristics. In order to illustrate our contributions to the growing field of spatial simulations, we present and discuss a case study involving an urban VGE model populated with agents who autonomously and differently interact with multiple abstractions of the same physical environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental Change and Inclusive Finance: Does Governance Quality Matter for African Countries? Reference 1 Borgi H., Mabrouk F., Bousrih J., Mekni M.M. Environmental Change and Inclusive Finance: Does Governance Quality Matter for African Countries? The changes are as follows: (1) Removing the affiliation: BESTMOD Laboratory, High Institute of Management Tunisia, Tunis 2000, Tunisia The authors state that the scientific conclusions are unaffected. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Effective donor skin disinfection is essential in preventing bacterial contamination of blood components with skin flora bacteria like Staphylococcus epidermidis. Cell aggregates of S. epidermidis (biofilms) are found on the skin and are resistant to the commonly used donor skin disinfectants chlorhexidine-gluconate and isopropyl alcohol. It has been demonstrated that essential oils synergistically enhance the antibacterial activity of chlorhexidine-gluconate. The objective of this study was to test plant-extracted essential oils in combination with chlorhexidine-gluconate or chlorhexidine-gluconate plus isopropyl alcohol for their ability to eliminate S. epidermidis biofilms.Study Design and Methods: The composition of oils extracted from Artemisia herba-alba, Lavandula multifida, Origanum marjoram, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Thymus capitatus was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A rabbit model was used to assess skin irritation caused by the oils. In addition, the anti-biofilm activity of the oils used alone or in combination with chlorhexidine-gluconate or chlorhexidine-gluconate plus isopropyl alcohol was tested against S. epidermidis biofilms.Results: Essential oil concentrations 10%, 20%, and 30% were chosen for anti-biofilm assays, because skin irritation was observed at concentrations greater than 30%. All oils except for O. marjoram had anti-biofilm activity at these three concentrations. L. multifida synergistically enhanced the anti-biofilm activity of chlorhexidine-gluconate and resulted in the highest anti-biofilm activity observed when combined with chlorhexidine-gluconate plus isopropyl alcohol. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that the main component contributing to the activity of L. multifida oil was a natural terpene alcohol called linalool.Conclusion: The anti-biofilm activity of chlorhexidine-gluconate plus isopropyl alcohol can be greatly enhanced by L. multifida oil or linalool. Therefore, these components could potentially be used to improve blood donor skin disinfection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the electrical safety beliefs and practices in Hail region, Saudi Arabia, have been assessed. Based on legislative recommendations and rules applied in Saudi Arabia, on official statistics regarding the electricity-caused accidents and on the analysis of more than 200 photos captured in Hail (related to electrical safety), a questionnaire composed of 36 questions (10 for the respondents information, 16 for the home safety culture and 10 for the electrical devices purchasing culture) has been devised and distributed to residents. 228 responses have been collected and analyzed. Using a scale similar to the one adopted for a university student GPA calculation, the electrical safety level (ESL) in Hail region has been found to be 0.76 (in a scale of 4 points) which is a very low score and indicates a poor electrical safety culture. Several recommendations involving different competent authorities have been proposed. Future work will concern the assessment of safety in industrial companies in Hail region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cu+ catalyzed, 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of polyoxyethylene di(azidoalkynes), yields a mixture of the polyoxyethylene 1,5-disubstituted fused di(1,2,3-triazole-1,4-oxazines) as the major product, and the 1,4-disubstituted mono-(1,2,3-triazolo) azidoalkyne crown ether. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical decomposition and fragmentation may limit the detection of ancient host and microbial DNA while some proteins can be detected for extended periods of time. We applied paleoproteomics on 300-year-old dental pulp specimens recovered from 16 individuals in two archeological funeral sites in France, comprising one documented plague site and one documented plague-negative site. The dental pulp paleoproteome of the 16 teeth comprised 439 peptides representative of 30 proteins of human origin and 211 peptides representative of 27 proteins of non-human origin. Human proteins consisted of conjunctive tissue and blood proteins including IgA immunoglobulins. Four peptides were indicative of three presumable Yersinia pestis proteins detected in 3/8 dental pulp specimens from the plague-positive site but not in the eight dental pulp specimens collected in the plague-negative site. Paleoproteomics applied to the dental pulp is a new and innovative approach to screen ancient individuals for the detection of blood-borne pathogens and host inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the physicochemical characteristics, phenolics content, and oil composition of pomegranate oil seeds (PSO). Quality indices, pigments, phenolics content, and antioxidant activity were determined. PSO was fractioned into polar lipids: glycolipids (GL) and phospholipids (PL). Sterols profile and fatty acids composition of total lipids (TL), GL, and PL were determined by GC/FID. The free acidity, the peroxide value, and the specific extinction coefficients were, respectively, 1.69%, 3.42 in milliequivalents of active oxygen per kilogram of oil, 4.15, and 3.95. PSO is rich in phenols (93.42 mg/Kg) but poor in pigments. The sterols markers were β-sitosterol (77.94%), Δ5-avenasterol (7.45%), and campesterol (6.35%). Oil content was 12.2%, wherein 23.9% were GL and 24.35% were PL. TL were rich in unsaturated fatty acids (63.17%), while saturated fatty acids were more present in PL and GL (71.97% and 66.29%, resp.). Conjugated fatty acids were about 13.30%, 2.03%, and 4.91%, respectively, in TL, PL, and GL. The cis/trans ratio of TL, PL, and GL was, respectively, 49.82%, 42.91%, and 27.39%. Monounsaturated fatty acids were more bound in PL, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids were more bound in GL. PSO is a good source of essential fatty acids, phenolics compounds, phytosterols, and lipid-soluble fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper opens up a new issue dealing with Luffa cylindrica (LC) lignocellulosic biomass recovery in order to produce 2G bioethanol. LC fibers are composed of three principal fractions, namely, α-cellulose (45.80%  ± 1.3), hemicelluloses (20.76%  ± 0.3), and lignins (13.15%  ± 0.6). The optimization of LC fibers hydrothermal and diluted acid pretreatments duration and temperature were achieved through the cubic central composite experimental design CCD. The pretreatments optimization was monitored via the determination of reducing sugars. Then, the 2G bioethanol process feasibility was tested by means of three successive steps, namely, LC fibers hydrothermal pretreatment performed at 96°C during 54 minutes, enzymatic saccharification carried out by means of a commercial enzyme AP2, and the alcoholic fermentation fulfilled with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. LC fibers hydrothermal pretreatment liberated 33.55 g/kg of reducing sugars. Enzymatic hydrolysis allowed achieving 59.4 g/kg of reducing sugars. The conversion yield of reducing sugar to ethanol was 88.66%. After the distillation step, concentration of ethanol was 1.58% with a volumetric yield about 70%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]