Search

Introduction/purpose: In the realm of development and use of computer vision and AI methodologies, this research introduces a combination and advanced method using YOLOv9, a deep learning concept of whole image processing in one pass through a convolutional neural network (CNN) and the OpenCV Python image processing library to determine the geometry of planar coils. These geometric parameters are the main parameters used to calculate the inductance value using Mohan's formula, which exclusively utilizes only geometric data to estimate inductance values. This method significantly speeds up the verification and calculation processes, while also playing a role in improving quality control after manufacturing. Methods: The methodology is divided into two main phases. Initially, a YOLOv9 model was trained for object recognition using a generated synthetic dataset of coil shapes created with Python's Turtle graphics library. Then, after the detection phase, OpenCV was used to identify the geometric parameters of the images. The pixels were converted into millimeters using a ratio method to calculate the inductance value accurately. Results: The YOLOv9 model successfully identified various planar coil shapes, and the geometric parameters were identified through OpenCV. Subsequently, the inductance was successfully calculated. Conclusion: The results show that the proposed method is a novel and effective way of calculating inductance.

Abstract Background Bone scintigraphy (BS) is established as an accurate, non-invasive method for the diagnosis of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). In a real-life setting, however, some patients with no cardiac uptake on BS turn out to have cardiac-biopsy-confirmed ATTR-CM. We retrospectively included all patients diagnosed at the French Referral Center for ATTR-CM and who had data for BS and a cardiac biopsy. Results Of 271 patients with positive cardiac biopsy, 14 (5%) had no cardiac uptake on 99mTc-hydroxymethylene diphosphonate BS. Cardiac uptake was found in four of the seven patients who had a second BS assessment with 99mTc-3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid (DPD). A retrospective review of the BS data found low cardiac uptake in four patients (two with HMDP and two with both radiotracers). Ultimately, six of the 14 patients with a biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of ATTR-CM did not show any cardiac radiotracer uptake. Conclusions An endomyocardial biopsy may be necessary for confirming the diagnosis of ATTR-CM in patients with clinical and imaging signs of cardiac amyloidosis but no cardiac radiotracer uptake in BS.

The research was carried out to determine the physicochemical quality aspects of three samples of honey that were collected from different regions of Setif and one imported honey sample was purchased in store. The statistical design adopted in this study is one way completely randomized with three repetitions. Water content, total sugar, refractive index, Density, Total soluble solids, Potential of hydrogen (pH), Conductivity, Ash, and free acidity were assessed for evaluating honey samples. This study aims to compare the quality parameters between the local products (three samples) and imported honey (one sample). The values of all physic-chemical parameters of both local and imported honey samples are within the quality limits set in world legislation and the ANOVA analysis proved a significant difference (p

Abstract Aims The primary objectives of this study were to analyse the nationwide healthcare trajectories of heart failure (HF) patients in France, 2 years after their first hospitalization, and to measure sequence similarities. Secondary objectives were to identify the association between trajectories and the risk of mortality. Methods and results A retrospective, observational study was conducted using data extracted from the Echantillon Généraliste des Bénéficiaires database, covering the period from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2018. Follow‐up concluded upon death or at the end of the study. We developed a methodology specific to healthcare data by extracting frequent healthcare trajectories and measuring their similarity for use in a survival machine learning analysis. In total, 11 488 HF patients were included and followed up for an average of 2.9 ± 1.3 years. The mean age of the patients was 78.0 ± 13.2 years. The first‐year mortality rate was 31.7% and increased to 78.8% at 5 years. Fifty per cent of patients experienced re‐hospitalization for reasons related to cardiovascular diseases. We identified 1707 hospitalization sequences, and 21 sequences were associated with survival, while 15 sequences were linked to mortality. In all our models, age and gender emerged as the most significant predictors of mortality (permutation feature importance: 0.099 ± 0.00078 and 0.0087 ± 0.00018, respectively; weights could be interpreted in relative terms). Specifically, the age at initial hospitalization for HF was positively associated with mortality. Gender (male: 49.5%) was associated with poorer prognoses. Healthcare trajectories, including non‐surgical device treatments, valve replacements, and atrial fibrillation ablation, were associated with a better prognosis (permutation feature importance: 0.0047 ± 0.00011, 0.0014 ± 0.000073, and 0.00095 ± 0.000097, respectively), except in cases where these invasive treatments preceded or followed hospitalization for cardiac decompensation. The predominant negative prognosis sequences were mostly those that included HF‐related hospitalizations before or after other‐related hospitalizations (permutation feature importance: 0.0007 ± 0.000091 and 0.00011 ± 0.000045, respectively). Conclusions We highlight the value of healthcare trajectories on frequent hospitalization sequences, mortality, and prognosis and indicate the necessary prognostic value of HF re‐hospitalization. Our work may be an essential tool for better identification of at‐risk patients in order to increase and improve personalized care in the future.

Abstract Aims Predicting mortality in severe AL cardiac amyloidosis is challenging due to elevated biomarker levels and limited thresholds for stratifying severe cardiac damage. Methods and results This prospective, observational, cohort study included de novo, confirmed cardiac AL amyloidosis patients at the Henri Mondor National Reference Centre. The goal was to identify predictors of mortality to enhance prognostic stratification and improve informed decision‐making regarding therapy. Over the 12‐year study period, among the 233 patients included, 133 were NYHA III‐IV and 179 Mayo 2004 III. The independent predictors for mortality identified were hsTnT, NT‐proBNP, cardiac output, and conjugated bilirubin. A novel prognostic, conditional stratification, Mondor amyloidosis cardiac staging (MACS) was developed with biomarker cut‐off values for Stage 1: hsTnT ≤ 107 ng/L and NT‐proBNP ≤ 3867 ng/L (n = 77; 33%); for stage 2 NT‐proBNP > 3867 ng/L (n = 72; 30%). For stage 3, if troponin >107 ng/L, regardless of NT‐proBNP then CB 4 μmol/L, was added (n = 41; 17.5%) and stage 4: CB > 4 μmol/L (n = 43; 18.5%). The median overall survival was 8 months 95% CI [2–24]. At 1 year, 102 (44%) patients died and the Kaplan–Meier median survival with MACS Stage 1 was not reached, while stage 2 was 15.2 months (95% CI [11–18]) and stage 3, 6.6 months (95% CI [1–13]). Notably, among European stage II patients, 17.1%, n = 8 were MACS stage 3 and European stage IIIb 21.4% (n = 23) were MACS stage 4. Importantly, among European stage IIIb patients 42.2% (n = 29) were classified MACS stage 4 and 12.5% n = 9 were only MACS stage 2. Conclusions The Mondor prognostic staging system, including conjugate bilirubin may significantly improve prognostic stratification for patients with severe cardiac amyloidosis.

The quality of four samples of honey, from the eastern of Algeria, was evaluated by determining the physicho-chemical characteristics of honey. In this study, water content (%), Total sugar (%), Proline (mg/Kg) and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) (mg/Kg) were determined in different types of four flora honey. The main components of honey are sugar and water, the dominant types of carbohydrate are glucose and fructose which contains approximately 70–83 %, the results of analysis showed that the total sugar estimated by the refractometre ranged from 79 to 80.5%. The water content ranged from 16.5 to 18 % within the accepted range proposed by Codex Alimentarius of no more than 20 %. In addition, HMF values confined between 0.248 and 49.30 mg/Kg, the highest value registered in the imported honey indicate that this sample was stored for longer time at elevated temperatures. Proline content of honey constantly decreases during storage therefore the proline might be indicator of honey ripeness, the proline content in the four honey samples tested varied between 205 and 1161 mg/kg, within the accepted d range proposed by Codex Alimentarius of more than 180 mg/kg. Overall, the local different flora honeys revealed that eastern Algeria honey is fulfils national and International standards.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) originated in the Andean region of South America; is a dicotyledonous species for seeds and, therefore, is not known as a cereal grain and is a pseudograin, which is introduced nowadays as a new crop in the world. Quinoa is an annual herbaceous plant belongs to Amaranthaceae family, but formerly placed in Chenopodiaceae family. It’s well adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions and has significant potential for increased production as a new crop in the Mediterranean region and in other parts of the world, including northern Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. Quinoa is associated with exceptional grain nutritional quality and is highly valued for its ability to tolerate abiotic stresses. The protein content of quinoa grains is higher than other cereals while it has better distribution of essential amino acids. It can be used as an alternative to milk proteins. Additionally, quinoa contains a high amount of essential fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, dietary fibers, and carbohydrates with beneficial hypoglycemic effects while being gluten-free. e. In addition, it is found to contain a number of bioactive chemical compounds whose various therapeutic properties are actively studied in the scientific field. Quinoa is sought in several industries whether it is the food industry, pharmacology, cosmetics, etc., as a plant (use of leaves, seeds, or stem) or these extracts (saponins, vegetable oil and essential).

Ammonia (NH3) is an important air pollutant which, as a precursor of fine particulate matter, raises public health concerns. This study analyzes 2.5 years of NH3 observations derived from ground-based (miniDOAS; differential optical absorption spectroscopy) and satellite (IASI; Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer) remote sensing instruments to quantify, for the first time, temporal variabilities (from interannual to diurnal) in NH3 concentrations in Paris. The IASI and miniDOAS datasets are found to be in relatively good agreement (R>0.70) when atmospheric NH3 concentrations are high and driven by regional agricultural activities. Over the investigated period (January 2020–June 2022), NH3 average concentrations in Paris measured by the miniDOAS and IASI are 2.23 µg m−3 and 7.10×1015 molec. cm−2, respectively, which are lower than or equivalent to those documented in other urban areas. The seasonal and monthly variabilities in NH3 concentrations in Paris are driven by sporadic agricultural emissions influenced by meteorological conditions, with NH3 concentrations in spring up to 2 times higher than in other seasons. The potential source contribution function (PSCF) reveals that the close (100–200 km) east and northeast regions of Paris constitute the most important potential emission source areas of NH3 in the megacity. Weekly cycles of NH3 derived from satellite and ground-based observations show different ammonia sources in Paris. In spring, agriculture has a major influence on ammonia concentrations, and, in the other seasons, multi-platform observations suggest that ammonia is also controlled by traffic-related emissions. In Paris, the diurnal cycle of NH3 concentrations is very similar to the one of NO2, with morning enhancements coincident with intensified road traffic. NH3 evening enhancements synchronous with rush hours are also monitored in winter and fall. NH3 concentrations measured during the weekends are consistently lower than NH3 concentrations measured during weekdays in summer and fall. This is further evidence of a significant traffic source of NH3 in Paris.

This paper presents the detailed design, construction and tests of a protype iron-free MRI-compatible electromagnetic actuator. The originality of this proposal lies in the use of the homogeneous static magnetic field B0, present in the MRI bore, to ensure the electromechanical energy conversion. The armature is composed of three rectangular coils in a three-phase arrangement, which makes the actuator very light-weight and compact. The operating principle is that of an AC synchronous motor with a rotating armature. In order to design the actuator, a 3D analytical electromagnetic model is developed to predict the magnetic field produced by the armature winding. Then, a 3D finite element (FE) computation is performed to validate the analytically calculated magnetic field. The developed analytical model is then inserted into an optimization routine based on Genetic Algorithms (GAs) to obtain the prototype dimensions to be realized. Finally, the prototype is constructed and tested inside an MRI research scanner. The results indicate that the reduction in the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and the geometrical distortion are less than 5% when the actuator is powered with a current of 10 times the rated one and when it is located very close to the subject to be imaged.

Export strategies are the means by which the country can dispose of its domestic production surpluses to bridge successive deficits in national balances of payments and achieve economic growth. These strategies are of particular importance to the economy of Saudi Arabia, as it has opted in the last decade to diversify its economy and migrate gradually away from an economy heavily reliant on oil exports. Given the importance of diversifying the economy, this study aims to examine the relationship between exports and economic growth in the Saudi Arabian economy. The multivariate Granger Causality Test and cointegration, which is the most common model, was used in examining the short-term and long-term patterns of exports, non-oil exports, GDP, GDP per capita, and government spending from 1991 to 2016. The findings support a long-standing connection involving Saudi exports and the country’s rate of economic expansion. Unidirectional causality exists between exports, non-oil exports, and economic growth expansion, which means the growth rate rises as exports grow. In addition, the findings revealed the presence of bidirectional causality between the variables. Indeed, export promotion strategies are imperative to fulfill Saudi Arabia’s aspiration of robust and long-term economic growth. AcknowledgmentThe authors acknowledge the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Faisal University (KFU) in Saudi Arabia for the financial support provided under (Grant No. 186183).

We examined the effects of a combined phonological and print intervention program on the enhancement of phonological awareness, text reading accuracy and comprehension in fourth grade Arabic-speaking children with severe difficulties in reading accuracy (dyslexia) and reading comprehension. We compared an experimental group (n = 22; mean age = 122.9 months) to a control group (n = 22; mean age = 124.65 months). The training program focused on two domains: phonological awareness and print knowledge. The results showed that the experimental group performed better in the post and follow-up assessments than in the baseline assessment on phonological awareness, reading accuracy, and comprehension. We discuss findings indicating the positive impact of phonological awareness and print knowledge on reading development in terms of decoding and comprehension abilities.

Abstract Production of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) vaccines in Russia is based on two attenuated virus strains (“45G37/35-k” and “ARRIAH”) of common origin. Here, the identity of the strain PPRV/45G37/35-k was investigated using a full genome, Illumina deep sequencing approach. Phylogenomic analysis showed that PPRV/45G37/35-k belongs to the same lineage as the widely used PPRV vaccine strain Nigeria/75/1 (lineage II). However, 248 nucleotide differences separate the genomes of these vaccine strains, indicating that the PPRV vaccine strains produced in Russia are new strains not yet recognised by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Detailed information on the safety and efficacy of these vaccines should be provided to the WOAH before further national and international distribution.

Abstract. The aim of this study was to test the adaptability of seven (Triticum durum Desf.) genotypes grown under semi-arid conditions. The experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Experimental Station of Setif (Algeria), in a design of random blocks with three replications; the plant material used in this study consisted of seven genotypes (Triticum durum Desf.). At maturity, the following parameters were measured: grain yield; economic yield; above ground biomass; number of spikes per meter square; number of grain per spike; harvest index; thousand kernel weight and plant height. Number of days to heading was accounted from sown date. ANOVA showed that genotype and crop season effect were highly significant with all traits studied. MBB and Boussellem genotypes were the most suitable genotypes; they had good ranking under both crop seasons according to their results for all traits studied. 2016/2017 was the best crop season; it recorded the best values of grain yield and the majority of the traits studied. The interaction genotype X crop season was highly significant for all traits studied.The correlations among traits under both crop season showed that grain yield was significantly correlated with economic yield and number of grains per spike. A high significant correlation was observed between economic yield and above ground biomass under both crop seasons. Number of days to heading was significantly correlated with plant height under both crop seasons.

Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.), a crucial crop in the Mediterranean basin, faces challenges due to drought, resulting in substantial yield losses. This study was carried out during the winter (rabi) season of 2020–2021 to determine the influence of grain filling parameters on individual grain weight variation and their relationship to yield components in 3 durum wheat genotypes (Boussellam, Oued El-Bared and GTA-dur) grown at 3 different locations with varying rainfall patterns under a semi-arid condition of Algeria. Samples were collected from each genotype on 9 different dates to assess grain number, dry weight and grain filling parameters. The experimental results revealed significant genotype effects on grain yield, 1000-kernel weight and most grain filling parameters across all 3 locations, except for the parameter SFR (supreme fill rate). Boussellam recorded higher grain yield, kernel weight and maximum final weight parameter (MFW) due to its longer grain filling duration and higher rate of grain filling. Linear regression analysis indicated decrease of 0.001 mg/day in the rate of grain filling led to a loss of 0.9527 mg in the maximum final weight. Correlation analysis highlighted the interdependence between the rate and grain filling duration, which varied across different environments and influenced dry-matter accumulation, ultimately led to higher grain yield.

Although the plants of the genus Euphorbia are largely exploited by therapists in Morocco, the composition and antibacterial activities of propolis from these plants are still unknown. To address this gap, this study aimed to characterize the pollen type, the volatile compounds, and the phenolic and mineral profiles of three Euphorbia propolis samples collected in Morocco and evaluate their antimicrobial activities. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the propolis samples was determined by the microdilution method, and the anti-adherence activity was evaluated by the crystal violet assay. The examination of anti-quorum-sensing proprieties was performed using the biosensor Chromobacterium violaceum CV026. Pollen analysis revealed that Euphorbia resinifera pollen dominated in the P1 sample (58%), while E. officinarum pollen dominated in the P2 and P3 samples (44%). The volatile compounds were primarily composed of monoterpene hydrocarbons, constituting 35% in P1 and 31% in P2, with α-pinene being the major component in both cases, at 16% in P1 and 15% in P2. Calcium (Ca) was the predominant mineral element in both E. resinifera (P1) and E. officinarum (P2 and P3) propolis samples. Higher levels of phenols, flavonoids and dihydroflavonoids were detected in the E. officinarum P2 sample. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value ranged from 50 to 450 µL/mL against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Euphorbia propolis displayed the ability to inhibit quorum sensing in the biosensor C. violaceum CV026 and disrupted bacterial biofilm formation, including that of resistant bacterial pathogens. In summary, the current study evidences the potential use of E. officinarum propolis (P2 and P3) to combat important features of resistant pathogenic bacteria, such as quorum sensing and biofilm formation.

Natural bio-based insulation materials have been the most interesting products for good performance and low carbon emissions, becoming widely recognized for their sustainability in the context of climate change and the environmental impact of the building industry. The main objective of this study is to characterize a new bio-sourced insulation material composed of fibers and an adhesive based on cornstarch. This innovative material is developed from waste of the marine plant called Posidonia oceanica (PO), abundantly found along the Algerian coastline. The research aims to valorize this PO waste by using it as raw material to create this novel material. Four samples with different volumetric adhesive fractions (15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%) were prepared and tested. The collected fractions underwent a series of characterizations to evaluate their properties. The key characteristics studied include density, thermal conductivity, and specific heat. The results obtained for the thermal conductivity of the different composites range between 0.052 and 0.067 W.m−1.K−1. In addition, the findings for thermal diffusivity and specific heat are similar to those reported in the scientific literature. However, the capillary absorption of the material is slightly lower, which indicates that the developed bio-sourced material exhibits interesting thermal performance, justifying its suitability for use in building insulation in Algeria.