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Abstract By employing a synergistic blend of experimental and theoretical methodologies, we investigated the corrosion inhibition efficacy of a synthesized pyrazole derivative (BM-01) in a solution of hydrochloric acid (1 M). We utilized molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), density functional theory (DFT), complexation, plus electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). We conducted weight loss (WL) measurements from 298 to 328 K. Inhibition efficacy reached a maximum at a BM-01 concentration of 10−3 M, achieving 90.0% (EIS), 90.40% (WL), and 90.38% (potentiodynamic polarization (PDP)). SEM unveiled the shielding of the carbon-steel surface from acid-induced damage by BM-01. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm exhibited a robust fit with a low sum of squares, standard deviation, and a high correlation coefficient. PDP findings indicated that BM-01 acted as a mixed-type inhibitor, predominantly favoring the cathodic process, suggesting potential corrosion-mitigation properties. Theoretical analyses involving DFT, MD simulations, and radial distribution function were conducted to postulate a mechanism and identify an inhibitory layer. Theoretical outcomes aligned closely with experimental data, thereby reinforcing the validity of our findings.

Abstract Benign cystic mesothelioma is a very rare and uncommon lesion, first reported by Plaut in 1928. It affects young women of reproductive age. It is usually asymptomatic or has non-specific symptoms. Diagnosis remains difficult despite the evolution of imaging, and the histopathological study is the key examination to make the diagnosis. Surgery remains the only curative treatment, regardless of significant rate of recurrence, and until today, no consensus on the therapeutic strategy is established. Keywords: Appendicular mucocoele, benign cystic mesothelioma, laparoscopy, surgery, Author(s): Hamza Sekkat (corresponding author) [1,2]; Jihane El Hamzaoui [1,2]; Kouassi Serge Kouamé Armel [1,2]; Jaouad Naddouri [1,2]; Ahmed Jahid [2,3]; Ihssan Elouarith [2,3]; Youness El Bakali [1,2]; Mohammed Raiss [...]

Résumé : Le domaine de la communication politique constitue un terrain fertile pour approfondir l'analyse du discours – tissant ensemble la politique et le langage d'une manière qui laisse des marques indélébiles. En effet, dans la sphère du discours politique, le langage devient se métamorphose en un instrument puissant utilisé non seulement pour informer mais aussi pour persuader, convaincre et mobiliser les citoyens. Bien plus qu’une simple transmission de mots ; le discours politique exerce une influence sur les attitudes, les croyances et les actions des individus. Cet article se penche sur l'un des discours du président français Emmanuel Macron du 12 juillet 2021 face à la vague de coronavirus, un cas où le chef de l'État occupe le devant de la scène en utilisant des arsenaux linguistiques spécifiques alors qu'il élabore son message soigneusement afin d'influencer l'opinion publique en transmettant son message de manière persuasive. Le présent travail examine l'impact négatif de l'ingérence de la politique sur la fonction performative du langage en analysant le discours présidentiel d'Emmanuel Macron concernant la pandémie de coronavirus. Nous visons à évaluer dans quelle mesure l'analyse du discours politique peut être un outil d'évaluation de la performance politique du président. Il s'agit de décrypter les différentes stratégies argumentatives employées par le président pour atteindre son objectif et de d'exposer les failles et les incongruités qui ont sapé la performance de son discours. Cette étude qualitative soulève ainsi l'importance de distinguer la politique du langage pour atteindre une communication efficace dans les situations critiques. Mots-clés : communication politique, analyse du discours, langage performatif, pandémie de coronavirus, stratégies argumentatives.

The mycorrhizal association represents a crucial symbiotic bond necessary for the vitality of the majority of plants. This report aims to investigate the impact of endomycorrhizal fungi on the production of fig trees from cuttings. The research took place in a nursery environment by inoculating fig cuttings sourced from three sites in Morocco with a composite inoculum of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The mean root and vegetative masses of the inoculated plants after 140 days were 33.1 g and 35 g compared with 1.8 g and 6.4 g in the control. The mean shoot length and number of leaves developed from treated cutting were 98.5 cm and 17, respectively 29 cm and 4 leaves in control. Thus, the newly formed roots showed a well-established mycorrhizal colonization and contained different structures characteristic of arbuscular endomycorrhizae: arbuscules, vesicles, endophytes, hyphae and spores. The frequency and intensity of root mycorrhization were approximately 80% and 15.5%, respectively. The contents of arbuscules and vesicles were 2.5% and 5.5%. The study of formed spores showed a combination of 52 spores per 100 g of soil, belonging to 11 species and 3 genera: Glomus, Acaulospora and Rhizophagus with dominance of the genus Glomus (85%). Glomus macrocarpum and Glomus deserticola were the most abundant species, appearing at 30.77% and 19.23%, respectively. The results demonstrate a pronounced stimulating effect on both root formation and vegetative shoot development in the inoculated cuttings. Specifically, the early inoculation of fig cutting with the AMF inoculum significantly enhanced rhizogenesis end root system development. Consequently, the gradual establishment of mycorrhizal symbiosis at the root level of inoculated plants led to good development of the root mass and the vegetative mass. The inoculated plants showed good root and vegetative mass development due to the installation and the progressive development of mycorrhizal symbiosis at their roots.

Abstract During the last few years Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) have become one of the most active and very promising therapeutic weapons. Lessons learned from the traditional chemical conjugations (via lysine or cysteine residues of the antibodies) and the clinical studies of the developed ADCs have recently paved the way to the improvement of the conjugation technologies. Use of site-specific conjugation is considered as the promising path for improving the design and development of homogeneous ADCs with controlled Drug-Antibody ratio (DAR). Moreover, some of these conjugations can be applied to antibody fragments such as Fab, scfv and VHH for which random and chemical conjugation showed significant limitations. In this study, we identified a novel small peptide substrate (Q-tag) with high affinity and specificity of bacterial transglutaminase which can be genetically fused to different formats of antibodies of interest for the development of enzymatic site-specific conjugation we named “CovIsolink” platform. We describe the synthesis of chemically defined drugs conjugation in which the site and stoichiometry of conjugation are controlled using a genetically encoded Q-tag peptide with specific amino acids which serves as a substrate of bacterial transglutaminase. This approach has enabled the generation of homogeneous conjugates with DAR 1,7 for full IgG and 0,8 drug ratio for Fab, scfv and VHH antibody fragments without the presence of significant amounts of unconjugated antibody and fragments. As a proof of concept, Q-tagged anti Her-2 (human IgG1 (Trastuzumab) and the corresponding fragments (Fab, scfv and VHH) were engineered and conjugated with different aminated-payloads. The corresponding Cov-ADCs were evaluated in series of in vitro and in vivo assays, demonstrating similar tumor cell killing potency as Trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla®) even with lower drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR).

This paper evaluates the performance and potential of a full-scale hybrid multi-soil-layering (MSL) system for the treatment of domestic wastewater for landscape irrigation reuse. The system integrates a solar septic tank and sequential vertical flow MSL and horizontal flow MSL components with alternating layers of gravel and soil-based material. It operates at a hydraulic loading rate of 250 L/m2/day. Results show significant removal of pollutants and pathogens, including total suspended solids (TSS) (97%), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (88.57%), total phosphorus (TP) (79.93%), and total nitrogen (TN) (88.49%), along with significant reductions in fecal bacteria indicators (4.21 log for fecal coliforms and 3.90 log for fecal streptococci) and the pathogen Staphylococcus sp. (2.43 log). The principal component analysis confirms the effectiveness of the system in reducing the concentrations of NH4, COD, TP, PO4, fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci, and fecal staphylococci, thus supporting the reliability of the study. This work highlights the promising potential of the hybrid MSL technology for the treatment of domestic wastewater, especially in arid regions such as North Africa and the Middle East, to support efforts to protect the environment and facilitate the reuse of wastewater for landscape irrigation and agriculture. HIGHLIGHTS High removal of TSS (97%), COD (88.57), TN (88.49), TP (79.93) achieved by MSL system.; Significant removal rates of fecal coliforms (4.21 log) and fecal streptococci (3.90 log).; Principal component analysis showed a positive correlation between COD, NH4+, TP removal, and pathogens.; Treated water met Moroccan and FAO guidelines for safe irrigation.; MSL sustainably reduces the environmental impact and health hazards of wastewater.;

Résumé : Dans son roman Le Tunnel, Ernesto Sabato porte un regard saisissant sur la condition humaine et sur le sens de l’être à travers l’expérience de son personnage principal Juan Pablo Castel. Cet article propose d’approcher la question du tragique en s’appuyant sur l’analogie entre l’essentiel et l’existentiel dans l’œuvre selon une approche sémiolinguistique. En proie à une profonde solitude, le Sujet Castel évolue dans un récit à structure circulaire, illustrant ses deux quêtes principales : l'affirmation de son existence et le témoignage de sa perte. L’étude met l’accent sur les interactions des éléments sémiotiques et sur les configurations figuratives, énonciatives et modales du discours, révélant ainsi la complexité psychologique du protagoniste. La dimension spatiale, évoquant un espace carcéral, symbolise non seulement l'enfermement physique et psychologique du narrateur, mais accentue également la présence du tragique, en soulignant les analogies entre son expérience individuelle et des thèmes universels de la souffrance et de l'angoisse existentielle. Cette analyse permet de mieux comprendre comment l'analogie et l'ontologie enrichissent la représentation du tragique dans l'œuvre de Sabato. Mots-clés : analogie ; ontologie ; Le Tunnel ; le tragique ; approche sémiolinguistique ;

AbstractAfter a disruptive event, such as the pandemic, it is reasonable to re-assess the status of past educational disparities. Re-assessment is particularly important for female college students from a traditionally patriarchal society attempting to promote gender equity in education. During the pre-pandemic era, such students preferred non-STEM programs over STEM programs at disproportionate rates. The present study examined indices of performance during the freshman year before and after the pandemic to determine whether choice and performance differences exist between female students enrolled in STEM and non-STEM programs. Comparisons involved the number of courses completed and the grades obtained in mandatory general education courses devoted to communication, computational, and professional competencies. In the pre-pandemic period, STEM students outperformed non-STEM students in all three competencies. In the post-pandemic period, STEM students outperformed non-STEM students only in communication competencies and professional competencies. Yet, in both student groups, post-pandemic performance was lower, even though STEM students completed fewer general education courses. These findings suggest that female students’ re-adjustment to on-campus instruction was challenging, particularly in STEM majors. Although female STEM learners remained a minority and faced performance challenges in the post-pandemic environment, their numbers increased. Because the pursuit of gender equity in education and employment rests on the academic success of such students, these results along with qualitative data obtained from on-campus interviews demand a retooling of academic support systems. A discussion of the available options for early interventions is put forth.

In the present field experiment, we examined the effects of a self-assessment exercise conducted in the middle of the semester on metacognitive awareness (i.e., the accuracy of self-assessment and its subjective confidence) and final test performance of college students of Middle Eastern descent. Effects were measured in the classroom against a business-as-usual control condition. It was hypothesized that if the exercise focuses students' attention on internal causes (e.g., effort) in response to specific task demands, metacognitive awareness, metacognitive control, and, ultimately, final test performance would be enhanced. In poor performers, the exercise indeed improved the accuracy of self-assessment (as measured by grade estimates) and final performance. There was no evidence of the illusion of knowing phenomenon (i.e., the unrealistic belief that one knows or is able to perform a given task) among poor-performing students as their confidence in estimates remained low. Furthermore, the exercise did not change students' causal attribution preferences, thereby suggesting that other dynamics are responsible for the effects of the self-assessment exercise.

The present pilot study examines the extent to which particular individual differences (i.e., general self-efficacy, goal orientation, and decision-making styles) may shape academic success in courses conforming to the principles of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy ("CRP"). End-of-semester course grades were used as a coarse, institutionally mandated measure of academic success. Gender differences were observed. For female students, a learning orientation was related to academic success. However, female students' academic success was also related to their reliance on specific decision-making styles (i.e., vigilance and hypervigilance). Male students' academic success was not significantly related to any of the individual difference measures. These findings suggest that applications of "CRP" may benefit from the recognition of students' preexisting dispositions and that such dispositions may differ between sexes. A discussion follows regarding how information regarding students' preexisting differences may benefit "CRP" instruction.

The present study examines the challenges and the rewards of assessing learning in a seminar on corruption which is taught in a country (Iraq) where political corruption is seen as the main source of structural instability and sectarian tensions. It specifically focuses on the role of culturally relevant pedagogy in defining the most suitable summative assessment. To this end, essay test questions were developed concerning the relevance of political corruption, the impact of investigative journalism, the role of humor in investigative journalism, and the appropriate remedies (besides journalism) to political corruption. In students' responses, investigative journalism (with or without humor) was consistently reported to be a dangerous undertaking, but disagreement emerged on its effectiveness as one of the possible remedies for corruption. Dishonesty was seen as the universal cancer of political systems and thus difficult to extirpate, albeit some systems (e.g., Al-Muhasasa) were seen as tolerating it more than others. In our study, the qualitative examination of students' responses served three objectives: (1) it offered evidence about the extent to which culturally relevant pedagogy was realized in the course; (2) it served to put forth a proposal on how students' test responses can inform teaching and assessment in future offerings of the course; and more broadly (3) it synopsized the views of a sample of college students who represent the population upon whom the country heavily relies for its economic and political recovery.

Abstract Background Chickpea plant (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important legume crop that is vulnerable to various fungal pathogens causing significant yield losses. Among them, Fusarium equiseti is a pathogen that has started to raise concern. In contrast, Trichoderma species have been explored for their ability to control such pathogens. In this study, the efficacy of a novel seed treatment formulation was explored for controlling F. equiseti in chickpea plants. The formulation was designated to enhance growth in chickpea plants as well as the ability to protect plants from infection. In addition, this formulation was tested for its effectiveness in maintaining the conidia of the antagonist in the soil after sowing. Results Applying the Trichoderma asperellum-based formulation promoted growth, as well as root and aerial biomass. In seedlings derived from treated seeds, the shoot length increased by 36.8%, and the average number of leaves also increased than the control. Following evaluation of disease severity and the foliar alteration index (FAI), a protective effect was noted, as the symptoms of Fusarium were significantly reduced in treated plants than the infected control. Re-isolation from plants infected with F. equiseti was successful in the roots (72.7%), root crown (84.5%), stem (64.4%), and even in petioles (36.1%). Conclusions Due to both direct antagonist activity and indirect growth promotion ability, the findings suggested that tested formulation can be a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for managing F. equiseti in chickpea seeds.

Recommender systems have witnessed a great shift in leveraging contextual information as an auxiliary resource to improve the quality of the recommendations. These recommendation problems are addressed as link prediction tasks within bipartite graphs, where user and item nodes are connected by edges labeled with binary values or rating information. This paper introduces a new architecture: Dynamic Graph Attention Network with Adaptive Edge Attributes (DGAT-AEA). Comprising multiple layers of dynamic Graph Attention Networks, designed to efficiently handle contextual recommendations. Our method is distinguished by its ability to update user and item representations while adapting the attributes of the connections between them during learning. This enables the capture of complex relationships within user-item interactions using contextual information. By optimizing model parameters and adapting edge features according to the user-item-context relationship, our approach outperforms existing methods regarding recommendation accuracy and novelty, as demonstrated by experiments on benchmark datasets.

Benign cystic mesothelioma is a very rare and uncommon lesion, first reported by Plaut in 1928. It affects young women of reproductive age. It is usually asymptomatic or has non-specific symptoms. Diagnosis remains difficult despite the evolution of imaging, and the histopathological study is the key examination to make the diagnosis. Surgery remains the only curative treatment, regardless of significant rate of recurrence, and until today, no consensus on the therapeutic strategy is established.

The inhibiting effect of chloroquine compounds (ChCs) on the SARS-CoV-2 virus represents a highly debated form of study owing to the emerging proposals of mechanistic implications for exploring the mode of action of ChCs on the virus. Keeping in view the emerging significance of chloroquine derivatives, the present study was performed to screen one hundred and ninety known chloroquine derivatives for their interaction with several SARS-CoV-2 target proteins by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to obtain an in-depth understanding of the potential hits of these compounds against SARS-CoV-2. A total of 190 molecules from the chloroquine family were screened for the identification of potential new inhibitors of the three therapeutic target proteins of SARS-CoV-2, namely Mpro (master protease), PLpro (papain-like protease) and SGp-RBD (spike glycoprotein receptor binding domain). The ChCs bound to SARS-COV-2 Mpro, PLpro, and SGp-RBD were generated by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Herein, a comparative analysis of chloroquine family products and a well-known drug against SARS-CoV-2, called Remdesivir, has also been presented. This investigation is intended to study the mechanism of interaction between ChCs and the SARS-CoV-2 virus and explore the unprecedented areas associated with the inhibitory activity of ChCs against this virus.