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Background. Despite the extensive literature focused on propolis extract, few data exists on the bioactive compounds and biological activities in the Moroccan propolis and its economic value is low. Objective. In this research, the aim was to evaluate the total content of phenols and flavonoids as well as the antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activities of Moroccan propolis. Material and Methods. The polyphenol and flavonoid content of the Moroccan propolis from three geographic regions, was quantified in the ethanolic extract by colorimetric methods using folin-ciocalteu and aluminum chloride. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH test and expressed as IC50. Disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods were used to examine in vitro antimicrobial activity against known human microorganism pathogens. Results. The obtained data revealed that Moroccan propolis samples presented significant variations in total polyphenols and flavonoids. All samples showed significant antioxidant activity with IC50 values ranging from 4.23±0.5 to 154±0.21 μg/ mL. A strong correlation between total phenolic activity, flavonoids and antioxidant activity was found. The in vitro study of antibacterial activity showed that the propolis samples exhibited a range of growth inhibitory actions against all bacterial strains tested with the highest activity against gram-positive bacteria. Only propolis from the Sidi Bennour region demonstrated an antifungal activity. Conclusion. The study data show that Moroccan propolis extracts have a promising content of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds that could be exploited to prevent certain diseases linked to oxidative stress and pathogenic infections.

This study explores novel applications of combining natural products by integrating Ziziphus lotus L. (Z. lotus), honey, and argan oil to create a product similar to traditional Moroccan Amlou (a mixture of almonds, honey, and argan oil). Five formulations were developed with varying percentages of these three ingredients, alongside two formulations of traditional Amlou. The nutritional value, mineral composition, fatty acid profile, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities of the products were analyzed using standard analytical methods such as gas chromatography and spectrophotometry. Additionally, sensory evaluations were conducted to assess consumer preferences. The results showed that the new formulations are rich in oil (45.15–52.24 g/100 g), carbohydrates (40.26–46.81 g/100 g), and protein (3.15–3.92 g/100 g). Mineral analysis revealed significant amounts of potassium (443–578 mg/100 g), calcium (98–124 mg/100 g), phosphorus (50–65 mg/100 g), and magnesium (38–50 mg/100 g). The Z. lotus-based products exhibited higher phenolic content (7–12 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (7.10–10.18 mg QE/g), and stronger antioxidant activities using DPPH radical scavenging activity (3.55–11.14 mg AAE/g) and FRAP (5.39–8.55 mg AAE/g). Moreover, the new product retains the beneficial fatty acid profile of argan oil, with a high content of oleic acid (48 %) and linoleic acid (32 %). Sensory evaluation indicated that the formulation consisting of 45 % Z. lotus powder, 50 % argan oil, and 5 % honey was the most appreciated for taste and texture. These findings suggest that incorporating Z. lotus into traditional Amlou recipes not only enhances nutritional and antioxidant properties but also meets consumer acceptance in terms of flavor and texture.

ackground. The bacterial infections treatment is complicated by antibiotic resistance. In this fact, the need for new therapeutic approaches to control bacterial infections is crucial. Therefore, discovering new antibiotics from medicinal plants, able to kill drug-resistant bacteria, is essential to saving modern medicine. Objective. This study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of Salvia officinalis essential oil (SoEO) growing in Morocco. Material and methods. The essential oil was extracted by hydro distillation, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by agar dilution method. The essential oil was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and fractionated/purified using column chromatography followed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Results. The results revealed that SoEO showed higher antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and Citrobacter freundii. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, and purification/fractionation of SoEO, indicates that the most polar fraction F6 is the active fraction of SoEO. This finding can be explained by the existence of polar compounds in this fraction including alcohols, and phenols as thymol, eugenol, globulol, and spathulenol. Conclusions. It can be conclude that alcohols and phenols from Salvia officinalis essential oil (SoEO) have promising antibacterial activity. This action can offer a great possibility of the application of SoEO in the treatment of bacterial diseases.

Despite their highly recognized ecological values and ecosystem services, approved by the scientific community, wetlands are in perpetual degradation and their global spatial extension in significant regression. The conservation and sustainability of such ecosystems begins with their monitoring and delimitation. This study aims to develop an approach using open access remote sensing data to make this delineation. Applied to the coastal wetland complex of the lower Loukkos in the Mediterranean area, the methodology followed a two-step process. Firstly, it predicted the spaces favourable for water accumulation conditions, and secondly, it identified the presence of water and its response on the soil and vegetation. The approach was based on a theoretical modelling adopting the potential, existing, efficient wetland (PEEW) approach. The approach was based on a theoretical modelling adopting the potential, existing, efficient wetland (PEEW) approach. The recordings from Sentinel sensors served as the basis for calculating indices Beven-Kirkby Index (BKI), Buffer zone Index (BZI), Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Modified Normalized water difference index (MNDWI) to pre-locate and model potential wetland areas (PW). Photointerpretation was used to map the existing wetland areas (EW). The estimated area of wetlands in the lower Loukkos region is 379 km2 for potential areas identified from topographic data and the hydrographic network, 120 km2 for areas dominated by wetlands detected by remote sensing of water bodies , vegetation and soil moisture, and 33 km2 for natural wetlands identified by photo-interpretation. As a result, the area of current wetlands is only about 9.5% of their theoretical past extent. The validity of this method was confirmed through a comparison of the results with field investigations and hydromorphic traits in soil surveys, as well as external soil mapping data, showing an 84% concordance.

The Mediterranean pond turtle Mauremys leprosa is widely distributed in Morocco. Significant variations could be observed in this species due to the fact that it occupies a vast and environmentally diverse area. Thus, the analysis of population parameters is crucial in elucidating the differences between populations. Differences between individuals may be linked to environmental factors, including many habitat characteristics. In the present study, variation in population structure, body condition, morphology and sexual dimorphism, were examined for the Sahara Desert blue-eyed turtle M. l. saharica in southern Morocco from seven distinct localities distributed in four different drainages in southern Morocco. A total of 224 turtles were captured, sexed, weighed and then measured for their carapace and tail dimensions before being released. Among the studied populations, four were dominated by adult individuals (Taakilt: 96%, Oued Guir: 87%, Oued Ziz: 75%, Sidi ElMehdaoui: 70%), two comprised 100% of adults (Oued Noun and Tarmigt) and one population consisted of 50% adults (Lower Draa). The sex ratio was significantly different between populations, being balanced in two populations (Tarmigt and Sidi El Mehdaoui), male-biased in three populations (Oued Zizi, Oued Noun, Lower Draa) and female-biased in the two remaining populations (Oued Guir and Taakilt). Body Condition Index (BCI, g/cm3) was significantly different among populations but not between sexes, or for the Sex × Locality interaction. The Sexual Size Dimorphism (SSD), females being larger than males, varies among population with the greatest degree observed in Oued Guir population (SSD = 0.41) and the lowest in Sidi El Mehdaoui population (SSD = -0.14). Length-Weight Relation (LWR) shows that M. l. saharica has isometric growth for both male and female of Oued Guir and Tarmigt, for female of Oued Ziz, Taakilt, Oued Noun and lower Draa and hypo-allometric for male of Oued Ziz, Taakilt, Oued Noun, Lower Draa and for both male and female of Sidi El Mehdaoui. Morphological variation of carapace is shown in this species associated with population variation among basins. Increased understanding of population characteristics and their fitness status must be considered in conservation and management action plans for the species and its habitat.

This article outlines the impact of eddy current non-destructive testing (ECT) on steel pipes, and discusses the importance of utilizing numerical analysis to enhance its accuracy. Our research proposes the use of finite element modeling for eddy current testing of cracked pipes. The paper concludes by presenting the results of our finite element modeling and numerical analysis for eddy current testing of cracked steel pipes, wich closely align with experimental data. Our findings demonstrate that the simulation method is not only effective for this application but also applicable to other related work.

Background. The vine is considered one of the most important and popular fruits in the world thanks to its high nutritional value and high fiber content. Objective. This study aim was to evaluate the nutritional composition in a local variety ‘Doukkali’ grape (Vitis vinifera L.) in the perspective of their suitability for pharmaceutical and agri-food use. Material and methods. The proximate composition and minerals were determined using AOAC methods, the total sugar by HPLC method. The total phenolic compounds using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, the total flavonoids using aluminum chloride colorimetric method and tannins by the method of vanillin. Results. The analysis of the raisin of this variety revealed a high carbohydrate content of 61% with high levels of glucose (31.6%), fructose (30.4%), dietary fiber (13.92%) and minerals including potassium (445.50 mg/100 g DM), calcium (193.26 mg/100 g DM), sulfur (171.63 mg/100 g DM), sodium (137.50 mg/100 g DM), phosphorus (99.79 mg/100 g DM), magnesium (54.74 mg/100 g DM) and iron (2.39mg/ g DM). Analysis of bioactive compounds showed significant content of polyphenols varying from 43 to 309.1 mg GAE/g DM, flavonoids from 1.0 to 23.8 mg CEQ/g DM and tannins from 2.5 to 50.45 mg TAE/g DM. Conclusions. The study shows that the local variety of Doukkali grape has an important nutritional potential that can contribute to the nutritional needs and the fight against malnutrition as well as to the dietary diversity of the local population.

Introduction In current clinical practice, immediate coloanal anastomosis (ICA) remains the standard technique for restoring the gastrointestinal tract following coloproctectomy for low rectal cancer. This anastomosis still requires a temporary diverting stoma to decrease the postoperative morbidity, which remains significantly high. As an alternative, some authors have proposed a two-stage delayed coloanal anastomosis (TS-DCA). This article reports on the surgical technique of TS-DCA. Methods The case described is of a 53-year-old woman, without any particular history, in whom colonoscopy motivated by rectal bleeding revealed an adenocarcinoma of the low rectum. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a tumor ∼ 1 cm above the puborectalis muscle, graded cT3N + . The extension workup was negative. Seven weeks after chemoradiotherapy, a coloproctectomy with total mesorectal excision (TME) was performed. A TS-DCA was chosen to restore the digestive tract. Conclusion Two-stage delayed coloanal anastomosis is a safe and effective alternative for restoring the digestive tract after proctectomy for low rectal cancer. Recent data seem to show a clear advantage of this technique in terms of morbidity.

Collaborative filtering (CF), a fundamental technique in personalized Recommender Systems, operates by leveraging user–item preference interactions. Matrix factorization remains one of the most prevalent CF-based methods. However, recent advancements in deep learning have spurred the development of hybrid models, which extend matrix factorization, particularly with autoencoders, to capture nonlinear item relationships. Despite these advancements, many proposed models often neglect dynamic changes in the rating process and overlook user features. This paper introduces IUAutoTimeSVD++, a novel hybrid model that builds upon autoTimeSVD++. By incorporating item–user features into the timeSVD++ framework, the proposed model aims to address the static nature and sparsity issues inherent in existing models. Our model utilizes a contractive autoencoder (CAE) to enhance the capacity to capture a robust and stable representation of user-specific and item-specific features, accommodating temporal variations in user preferences and leveraging item characteristics. Experimental results on two public datasets demonstrate IUAutoTimeSVD++’s superiority over baseline models, affirming its effectiveness in capturing and utilizing user and item features for temporally adaptive recommendations.

The urban configuration of Algerian cities reflects the influence of French colonization (1883-1962). This is characterized by a collection of contrasts and overlays of different forms of architecture and urbanism. In all urban agglomerations in Algeria, the colonial section remains the most prominent and structured. This legacy of colonial architecture and urban planning has ignited a national debate in political and academic circles regarding its classification as heritage. This current study contributes to the debate by adopting a neutral and scientific approach in order to smooth things out and shed light on the role and creation of urban form and its image, specifically through the example of Jijel. The notion of urban image is explored through colonial architectural achievements, urban planning, and artistic endeavours that were emblematic of the city during the colonial period and continue to be so today. This article showcases various works created during the colonial period in Jijel, those that still convey an identity that defines the city. The concern for this identity is substantiated by a research project that seeks to identify the city's image through significant architectural works across different epochs and determine those that accurately convey the city's identity within the country.

Due to the growing global adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), there is a pressing demand for the development of charging infrastructure that offers enhanced performance while reducing the charging time of EVs. Combining innovative fast and smart charging technologies can result in cost-efficient charging solutions, optimized energy exploitation, and reduced charging time for EVs. This paper proposes a new design of a smart and fast charger for EV batteries. The charger is made of a PFC-based Vienna Rectifier (VR) and an isolated Dual Active Bridge (DAB) converter. The proposed charger enables intelligent data flow between the battery and the charger thanks to the Controller Area Network (CAN) communication employed by the CHAdeMO charging protocol. To validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed charger, the results of real-time simulations performed on RT-LAB platform, from OPAL-RT are presented and discussed.

Amal A Mohamed,1 Dina M Abo-Elmatty,2 Omnia Ezzat,3 Noha M Mesbah,2 Nada S Ali,3 Aliaa Sayed Abd El Fatah,4 Eman Alsayed,5 Mahmoud Hamada,6 Alshymaa A Hassnine,7 Sherief Abd-Elsalam,8 Ahmed Abdelghani,9 Mohamed Badr Hassan,9 Shaimaa A Fattah2 1Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt; 2Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt; 3Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Cairo, Egypt; 4Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt; 5Department of Clinical Pathology, Minia University Hospital, Minia, Egypt; 6Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt; 7Department of Gastroenterology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt; 8Tropical Medicine Department, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt; 9Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, EgyptCorrespondence: Sherief Abd-Elsalam, Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, El-Bahr Street, Tanta, Egypt, Tel +201147773440, Email sherif.abdelbaky@med.tanta.edu.egBackground and Aims: Currently, liver biopsy is the gold standard method for diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver severity. It is critical to develop non-invasive diagnostic method to diagnose nonalcoholic fatty liver rather than invasive techniques. Our case–control study was to address the value of circulating miRNA-122 and serum pro-neurotensin as a potential non-invasive biomarker for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty acid diseases.Methods: Clinical assessment, laboratory investigations, and anthropometric measurements were reported for 157 patients with proven NAFLD. Apparently, healthy participants (n=100) were enrolled as a control group. Serum samples were tested for micro-RNAs− 122 and pro-neurotensin.Results: Compared with the control subjects, both mi-RNA-122 and serum proneurotensin levels were increased in NAFLD (p< 0.001) and at a cut-off ≥ 6.83, mi-RNA-122 had 51.0% sensitivity, 70.0% specificity to differentiate NAFLD from healthy controls, while serum proneurotensin had 80.0% sensitivity and 80.0% specificity at a cutoff ≥ 108.Conclusion: The circulating pro-neurotensin might be used as a novel biomarker for diagnosis of patients with NAFLD, wherefore the integration of a circulating mi-RNA-122 and serum pro-neurotensin could be beneficial to diagnose NAFLD cases. Large-scale studies are needed to investigate the possible role of mi-RNA-122 and pro-neurotensin in the development, progression, and prognosis of NAFLD and NASH.Keywords: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD, metabolic associated fatty liver disease, MAFLD, biomarker, proneurotensin, micro-RNA-122, noninvasive, diagnosis, fatty liver

To gather recipes for traditional sourdoughs used to bake traditional bread, a survey was conducted in Figuig, a town located in the southeast of Morocco. The data of this survey is collected from a random sample of 100 rural women using a structured questionnaire. The data shows a total of 17 different traditional recipes mentioned by the interviewed women. Among the ingredients used in these recipes, whole wheat flour and warm water had the highest percentage of citations (31 %). It was also observed that 9 local products were used in these sourdough recipes, including whey, locally called “leben” (19 %), dried beans (16 %) and dates (15 %). Lemon, garlic, dried figs, raisins, flax seeds and carob flour were also mentioned as ingredients (1%). The participants also stated that the sourdoughs are transferred to different shapes and types of utensils for incubation and were alive for a variable amount of time depending on climatic conditions.

Background. Despite the efforts of health systems, the prevalence of malnutrition reflected by weight status still poses challenges for many countries around the world. In fact, with the decrease in undernutrition, excess weight and obesity are gradually increasing in parallel with that of chronic diseases. Among school-going adolescents, however, weight status is less studied, particularly in developing countries. Objective. The objective of this research is to examine the situation and the determinants of the weight status of adolescents in the province of El Jadida in Morocco. Material and methods. The study was carried out on a sample of 463 students from the province of El Jadida of which 58.1% are boys and 41.9% girls, ages 9 and 17. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measurements including height, weight and waist and hip circumference. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated to determine underweight, overweight and general obesity and waist circumference and the waist circumference to hip circumference ratio were used to determine abdominal obesity. Results. The results indicate that only 59.6% of students had normal weight status, 40.4% had abnormal BMI values corresponding to thinness in 18.8% and overweight (overweight and obesity) in 21.6%. A significant difference in the prevalence of abnormal weight status by sex and level of physical activity was found. The results of the present study reveal an abnormal weight status in a large proportion of adolescents linked in addition to the peculiarities of the puberty phase to the sedentary lifestyle in the study population. Conclusions. The results obtained revealed the coexistence of over-nutrition and undernutrition which require a prevention policy based on regular monitoring of weight status as well as on nutritional education and the promotion of physical activity for children and parents.

Background. In Morocco, fava beans are widely used as a main meal or as an ingredient in various traditional recipes, in the form of fresh ripe seeds or dry seeds. In the past, the tender skin of bean pods was also used in certain specific dishes, thus diversifying the diet. However, the peels of the tender bean pods are currently less or not used and considered waste. In Moroccan, fava bean pods peels, traditionally used in food in the past, are today considered as waste. The valorization of fresh fava bean pods could revitalize the use of the specific dishes and diversify the diet. For this reason, the research aimed to assess the nutritional values and biological compounds of the whole fresh fava bean pods (Vicia faba L.). Objective. Evaluate the content of nutrients, total phenolic, flavonoids and tannin contents and antioxidant activity in different extracts of the tender pods of the fava bean (Vicia faba L.). Material and methods. The proximate composition and minerals were determined using AOAC methods. The total phenolic compounds by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, the total flavonoids were analyzed using aluminum chloride colorimetric method, the tannins by method of vanillin in an acidic medium and the antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH method. Results. The results show that the fresh fava bean pods have a moisture content of 87.31 ± 0.25%, ash 4.67 ± 1.03, and protein 29.11 ± 3.20 g/100 g. The legume samples also contain potassium (1946.8±4.61), phosphorus (483.8 ± 3.14), and calcium (399.6 ±2.25) mg/100 g of dry matter representing at last 40-50% of the RDI. The content of the different extracts of (Vicia faba L) varied from 49.5 to 594.4 mg GAE/ g for the total phenols, from 0.7 mg to 3.4 mg QE/g for flavonoids, and from 4.9 mg to 73.91 mg TAE/g dry weight for tannins. The evaluation of the antioxidant activity in the various extracts revealed a better activity in the methanolic extract (IC50=491.2 μg/mL) compared to others extracts: the MeOH/water extract (IC50=606.61 μg/mL), DCM/ MeOH extract (IC50 = 642.67 μg/mL) and DCM extract below of 50%. Conclusions. This study shows that fava bean pods, traditionally used in food, are rich in macro and micronutrients and bioactive substances, which demonstrates their potential contribution to human food and nutritional security.

Background and Study Aim. There is no doubt that the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, and its related containment measures such as lockdown and social distancing, is affecting physical activity and sleep quality of the general population worldwide. Algeria, one of the most affected countries in Africa, entered the lockdown on March 9, 2020. Numerous studies have explored the interaction between physical activity and sleep quality showing the effect of physical activity levels on sleep, yet previous researches have not investigated the relationship between physical activity and sleep quality during lockdown. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between physical activity and sleep quality in quarantined individuals. Material and Methods. A national Google online survey was conducted between 16th April and 25th May 2020. 1002 Participants responded to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Of the 1002 participants who completed the survey, 358 were students. The final data were collected from the respondents. Results. The COVID-19 home confinement led to a decrease in physical activity levels. However, the majority of the study population had good sleep quality (61.9%), while only (38.1%) had poor sleep quality. In addition, women are less physically active than men (p < 0.01). Moreover, there was a significant difference in sleep quality between sufficient and insufficient physical activity groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Our results show that Algerian adults have low levels of physical activity, good sleep quality, and poor sleep quality is associated with insufficient physical activity in adults during lockdown.

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Mona A Hegazy,1 Rania Mohamed Lithy,2 Hoda M Abdel-Hamid,3 Mahmoud Wahba,1 Omar Ahmed Ashoush,1 Mohamed Tharwat Hegazy,1 Maha Hossam El-Din Ibrahim,1 Dalia Abdelfatah,4 Ahmed Abdelghani1 1Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; 2Endemic Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; 3Chest Diseases Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; 4Biostatistics and Cancer Epidemiology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, EgyptCorrespondence: Mona A HegazyInternal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, P.O. Box Number: 12566, 6th October City, Giza, EgyptTel +201001421551Email monahegazy@cu.edu.egBackground: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 presents an urgent threat to global health. As the epidemic grows, prognosis prediction is essential for monitoring risky patient. It is thus important to consider gastrointestinal manifestations and the duration of symptoms as predictors of prognosis. Our aim was to determine the correlation of gastrointestinal symptoms and laboratory markers with disease outcomes and whether symptom duration varies substantially between patients. We also undertook this study to determine the optimal time to predict COVID-19 outcome.Patients and Methods: A total of 190 patients with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 were followed up until recovery. We proposed a correlation between gastrointestinal symptoms and disease severity (based on clinical data, and diagnostic investigations) to estimate the duration of symptoms as a predictor of COVID-19 prognosis.Results: The prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms was 49.5%, consisting mainly of diarrhea in 27.9% of patients. In addition, a longer disease duration and higher temperature were observed in patients with diarrhea. Symptom duration was variable, with a median of 12 days and a range of 1– 55 days. Statistical analysis indicated that patients with a duration of symptoms ≥ 12 day had more severe symptoms and a worse prognosis. Patients who complained of diarrhea had 2.7 times the odds of a longer duration of symptoms, and those with a history of chronic lung disease have 7.2 times the odds of a longer duration of symptoms.Conclusion: GIT manifestations (mainly diarrhea) and the duration of symptoms of COVID-19 provide prognostic evidence of COVID-19 outcomes, irrespective of earlier categorization by the World Health Organization. Thus, patients with mild symptoms who present with diarrhea and a duration of symptoms longer than 12 days are expected to have a worse prognosis.Keywords: COVID-19, GIT manifestations, symptoms duration, prognosis

The ability of children to ask curiosity-driven questions is an important skill that helps improve their learning. For this reason, previous research has explored designing specific exercises to train this skill. Several of these studies relied on providing semantic and linguistic cues to train them to ask more of such questions (also called "divergent questions"). But despite showing pedagogical efficiency, this method is still limited as it relies on generating the said cues by hand, which can be a very long and costly process. In this context, we propose to leverage advances in the natural language processing field (NLP) and investigate the efficiency of using a large language model (LLM) for automating the production of key parts of pedagogical content within a curious question-asking (QA) training. We study generating the said content using the "prompt-based" method that consists of explaining the task to the LLM in natural text. We evaluate the output using human experts annotations and comparisons with hand-generated content. Results suggested indeed the relevance and usefulness of this content. We then conduct a field study in primary school (75 children aged 9-10), where we evaluate children's QA performance when having this training. We compare 3 types of content: (1) hand-generated content that proposes "closed" cues leading to predefined questions; (2) GPT-3-generated content that proposes the same type of cues; (3) GPT-3-generated content that proposes "open" cues leading to several possible questions. Children were assigned to either one of these groups. Based on human annotations of the questions generated, we see a similar QA performance between the two "closed" trainings (showing the scalability of the approach using GPT-3), and a better one for participants with the "open" training. These results suggest the efficiency of using LLMs to support children in generating more curious questions, using a natural language prompting approach that affords usability by teachers and other users not specialists of AI techniques. Furthermore, results also show that open-ended content may be more suitable for training curious question-asking skills.

IntroductionDuration of antibiotic treatment in acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) is most commonly based on expert opinion. Biomarker guided strategy is increasingly recommended to limit unnecessary antibiotic use. We performed a randomized controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of 2-day versus C-reactive protein (CRP)-guided treatment with levofloxacin in patients with AECOPD.MethodsPatients with AECOPD were randomized to receive oral levofloxacin daily for 7 days unless the serum CRP level decreased by at least 50% from the baseline value or levofloxacin for two days; thereafter, oral placebo tablet was prescribed according to the CRP. The primary outcome measure was cure rate, and secondary outcome included need for additional antibiotics, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, exacerbation rates and exacerbation free interval (EFI) within one-year follow-up.ResultsIn intention to treat (ITT) analysis, cure rate was 76.1% (n = 118) and 79.3% (n = 123) respectively in 2-day and CRP-guided groups. In per protocol (PP) analysis, cure rate was 73% (n = 92) and 70.4% (n = 88) respectively in 2-day and CRP-guided groups. The difference between the two groups was not significant. The need for additional antibiotics and ICU admission rates were not significantly different between the two groups. One-year exacerbation rate was 27% (n = 42) in 2-day group versus 30.3% (n = 47) in CRP-guided group (p = 0.53); the EFI was 125 days (interquartile range, 100-151) versus 100 days (interquartile range, 78-123) in 2-day and CRP-guided groups respectively (p = 0.45). No difference in adverse effects was detected.ConclusionLevofloxacin once daily for 2 days had similar efficacy compared to CRP-guided in AECOPD. This short course treatment decreased antibiotic consumption which would improve patient compliance and reduce adverse effects.