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Understanding the response and damage evolution of structures subjected to multiple impact events is essential for designing resilient structures capable of withstanding complex loading scenarios, such as impacts from hail, gravel or foreign object debris. This article presents the development and characterization of a novel test bench, the “Compressed air multi-cannon”, designed specifically for studying the multi-impact behavior of composite materials. This test bench offers advantages over traditional impact testing methods by enabling controlled and adjustable impact parameters, including number of impacts, spatial and temporal lag, energy, angle and impactor dimensions. The primary objective of this work is to provide a detailed description of the test bench design, construction, and validation procedures. Key components such as the pressurized air system, projectile launch mechanism, target mounting arrangement, and data acquisition system are discussed. Experimental methodologies for assessing multi-impact response, specimen preparation, instrumentation, and data analysis techniques are outlined. Through a series of single-impact and multi-impact tests, distinctive damage mechanisms and energy absorption characteristics were observed in composite structures, revealing significant differences in how composites respond under single- and multi-impact conditions. It was found that the single-impact configuration remains particularly critical compared to multi-impact configurations with a high number of impacts. However, further testing is required to determine whether this result holds true under varying impact parameters, highlighting the unique value of this machine for exploring new, realistic questions in the literature.

Fungal infections significantly threaten public health, and many strains are resistant to antifungal drugs. Marine Actinobacteria have been identified as the generators of powerful bioactive compounds with antifungal activity and can be used to address this issue. In this context, strains of Actinomycetes were isolated from the marine area of Rachgoun Island, located in western Algeria. The isolates were phenotypically and genetically characterized. The most potent antifungal isolate was selected, and its crude extract was purified and characterized by the GC/MS method. The results revealed that the STR2 strain showed the strongest activity against at least one target fungal species tested on a panel of fungal pathogens, including Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium oxysporum. The molecular assignment of the STR2 strain based on the 16S rRNA gene positioned this isolate as a Streptomyces bacillaris species. The presence of safranal (2,3-dihydro-2,2,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde) in the crude chloroform extract of Streptomyces bacillaris STR2 strain was discovered for the first time in bacteria using chromatographic analysis of its TLC fractions. Moreover, certain molecules of biotechnological interest, such as phenols, 1,3-dioxolane, and phthalate derivatives, were also identified. This study highlights the potential of marine actinomycetes to produce structurally unique natural compounds with antifungal activity.

As solar photovoltaic power generation becomes increasingly widespread, the need for photovoltaic emulators (PVEs) for testing and comparing control strategies, such as Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), is growing. PVEs allow for consistent testing by accurately simulating the behavior of PV panels, free from external influences like irradiance and temperature variations. This study focuses on developing a PVE model using deep learning techniques, specifically a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) Artificial Neural Network (ANN) with backpropagation as the learning algorithm. The ANN is integrated with a DC-DC push-pull converter controlled via a Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) strategy. The ANN emulates the nonlinear characteristics of PV panels, generating precise reference currents. Additionally, the use of a single voltage sensor paired with a current observer enhances control signal accuracy and reduces the PVE system's hardware requirements. Comparative analysis demonstrates that the proposed LQR-based controller significantly outperforms conventional PID controllers in both steady-state error and response time.

This study is dedicated to an experimental investigation of a passive two-phase ejector used as an expander in a transcritical CO2 heat pump. The investigation focused on the impact of the evaporating temperature (Tevap) and the CO2 gas cooler outlet temperature (Tgc-out) on the ejector and the overall cycle performance. The basic cycle without an ejector was also tested as a baseline for comparison. Two ejectors designed with different modeling approaches were tested and compared. The ejector with an enlarged mixing section diameter was selected for subsequent testing due to its improved pressure lift. The optimum primary nozzle position was found to be 4 times the mixing section diameter (Dmix). Although the ejector was designed for specific conditions, the results demonstrate its ability to remain operational under varying conditions with some changes in performance. The ejector’s performance was observed to be dependent on the Tevap, and particularly on the Tgc-out. The pressure lift recorded was in the range of 3.7-6.5 bar, and the lowest value was obtained with the low Tgc-out value (29 °C). Under the tested conditions, the integration of the ejector enhances the performance and the capacity of the heat pump. The ejector cycle improvement is primarily based on improved mass flow rates due to increased compressor suction pressure, reduced compression ratio, and consequently, improved compressor operating conditions. Improvements of up to 18% in heating COP and 20.5% in heating capacity were observed. The study provides valuable insights into enhancing the performance of transcritical CO2 heat pump system by refining ejector design. It explores the behavior of the system across varying conditions, highlighting the significant impact of the ejector-compressor interaction on overall performance.

The valid deciduous Quercus L. species from North Africa have been largely discussed by many authors. The current species remain yet uncertain. In this study, we compare several populations of presumably Q. canariensis Willd. and Q. faginea Lam. from Algeria with pure populations of these species from the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. Different morphological characters from leaves have been analyzed. Principal components analysis and a canonical analysis of principal coordinates have been used to observe the relationship between samples, groups and the seven quantitative variables. Distances among centroids have been reported and a SIMPER procedure has also been executed to better explain the different variability within and between groups. PERMANOVA has been applied to test for significant differences between the groups. For the trichomes study, ANOVA models have been used. From our analysis, we conclude that in Algeria, we have a single Q. canariensis Willd. population, different from the Iberian population we examined. It probably corresponds morphologically to Q. mirbeckii Durieu, currently considered a synonymy of Q. canariensis Willd., and for the “Q. faginea” group we have two Algerian populations: Q. faginea Lam. subsp. faginea, found in the northeast Iberian Peninsula, and Q. tlemcenensis (A.DC.) Maire and Weiller ex Greuter and Burdet. Previous results from other authors have also been discussed.

ABSTRACT: Female leadership and its impact on organizational management have garnered increasing interest over the decades. With the evolution of workplace environments and societal expectations, research increasingly focuses on the traits that characterize women leaders and their management styles. Empathy is a critical element among these traits, often associated with more inclusive and people-oriented leadership approaches. However, despite growing recognition of the importance of empathy in management, few studies have specifically examined the profile of female managers who actively integrate empathy into their management style. This research gap creates a lack of thorough understanding of how empathy influences the management practices of women leaders. Our study aims to address this gap by closely examining the profile of female managers who demonstrate a high level of empathy in their management approach. Previous research on female leadership has often addressed general aspects of women's management styles, but few have specifically examined the role of empathy. Additionally, some studies have been limited by small sample sizes or weak methodologies, hindering the generalization of results. Furthermore, the specific impact of empathy in the management of women leaders is often underestimated or misunderstood. Our study contributes significantly to the literature by identifying and analyzing the characteristics of female managers who actively integrate empathy into their management style. We can provide more profound and generalizable insights into this issue by using rigorous methodology and expanding our sample to include diversity across sectors and hierarchical levels. Our results highlight several key aspects of the profile of empathic female managers, including their ability to create inclusive work environments, foster collaboration, and promote employee well-being. Additionally, we identify specific strategies these managers use to integrate empathy into their decision-making and problem-solving. Ultimately, our article offers valuable insights for practitioners and researchers interested in developing female leadership and enhancing organizational management practices. Keywords: Female leadership; Empathy; Organizational management; Team dynamics; Organizational performance.

Eleven new differently substituted N,7-diphenylpyrimido [4,5-d]pyrimidin-4-amines 4a–k were synthesized from readily available reagents in a simple and inexpensive two-step procedure with yields up to 57%. Neuroprotective analysis against H2O2 and analysis using ORAC assays identified compounds 4g, 4i and 4j as promising antioxidant compounds. These compounds also showed potent inhibition of Aβ1–42 self-aggregation, and suitable physicochemical properties predicted by Datawarior software V6.1.0, this biological activity and physicochemical property being of great interest for pathologies linked to oxidative stress, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Thiabendazole (TBZ), a recalcitrant fungicide, is frequently applied in postharvest fruit treatment and generates significant volumes of industrial wastewater (WW) that conventional treatment plants cannot handle. This explores a bioelectrochemical system (BES) for TBZ degradation using Tunisian hypersaline sediments (THSs) as inoculum. Four sets of BES, along with biological controls, were tested using THS subjected to different levels of TBZ biostimulation. Sediments underwent one, two, or three biostimulation phases with increasing TBZ concentrations (0, 10, 100, and 300 mg kg−1). Potentiostatic control was applied to BES, polarized at 0.1 V vs. saturated calomel reference electrode (SCE), with a carbon felt working electrode (72 cm2 L−1) and maintained at 25°C. While current production was very low, sediments biostimulated with 100 mg kg−1 kg TBZ produced the highest current density (3.2 mA m−2), a 5-fold increase over untreated sediments (0.6 mA m−2). GC-FID analysis showed >99% TBZ degradation in all reactors. The TBZ half-elimination time from 27 days with biological treatments to 19 days in BES and further to 6 days following biostimulation. Bacterial analysis revealed a substantial microbial community shift after biostimulation, with a reduction in Bacillota (−64%) and an increase in Proteobacteria (+62%), dominated by Pseudomonas (45%) and Marinobacter (16%). These findings provide insight into the selective potential of biostimulation cycles to enhance microbial community composition and improve BES performance for TBZ wastewater treatment.

Utilizing waste plastic and rubber in civil engineering is one of the most environmentally friendly and economically advantageous options. In this work, the aim was to study the relationship between porosity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and water absorption using waste plastic and rubber in ordinary concrete and analyze the results with a program called JMP, where cement was replaced with rubber as a mass substitute in proportions of 2% and 4% and sand was replaced with plastic as a mass substitute in proportions of 2%, 4%, and 6%. The tests used were ultrasonic speed at 28 days, porosity, water absorption by total immersion, and sorptivity. The findings reveal that as the amount of rubber and plastic increases, the speed of ultrasonic decreases. Additionally, higher amounts of rubber and plastic lead to increased porosity, water absorption by total immersion, and sorptivity. The speed of ultrasonic pulses varies between 4065.04 m/s and 3838.90 m/s, porosity levels range from 11.63% to 13.44%, water absorption by total immersion falls between 5.40% and 6.16%, and sorptivity ranges from 9.93 g/m2 to 13.99 g/m2. Furthermore, the addition of rubber and plastic waste causes large voids and cracks to form inside the concrete structure. These voids and cracks can increase the porosity of the concrete, which raises the rate of water absorption and lowers the ultrasonic pulse velocity, according to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data. After assessing the data, it was determined that the numerical simulations for various factors such as ultrasonic pulse velocity, porosity, water absorption by total immersion, and water absorption by capillary exhibited strong correlation, with calculated coefficients R² near 1.

The General Movement Assessment (GMA) is a validated evaluation of brain maturation essential to shaping early individual developmental trajectories of preterm infants. To ensure a reliable GMA, preterm infants should be recorded for 30 to 60 min before manually selecting at least three sequences with general movements. This time-consuming task of manually selecting short video sequences from lengthy recordings impedes its implementation within the Neonatal Unit. Moreover, an accurate pose estimation tool for preterm infants is paramount to developing the field of GMA automation. We introduce the AGMA Pose Estimator and Sequence Selector (AGMA-PESS) software, based on the state-of-the-art deep learning infant pose estimation network, to automatically select the video sequences for GMA at preterm and writhing ages and estimate the pose of infants in 2D. Its simplicity and efficiency make AGMA-PESS a valuable tool to promote GMA use within the Neonatal Unit, both for clinical practice and research purposes.

The TRPV1 receptor has been recognized to play a role in cancer development, being overexpressed in prostate, breast, lung, and colon cancers. Since TRPV1 activation promotes cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, TRPV1 antagonists may show potential as anti-cancer agents. Capsaicin and capsaicinoids are phytochemicals derived from homovanillic acid found in abundance in chili peppers and responsible for its pungent properties. Capsaicin acts as a potent agonist of TRPV1 with recognized antineoplastic properties. Here, we employ computational approaches including molecular modeling and docking to refine the 3D structure of human TRPV1 and assess its interaction with the newly synthesized N-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenylmethyl)ferrocenecarboxamide (VFC) and its cyclopentadienyl tricarbonyl rhenium and technetium analogs. Radiolabeling of VFC with 99mTc was achieved by double ligand exchange to afford 99mTc-VFC in high radiochemical purity and yield. Biodistribution studies in mice demonstrated preferential accumulation of 99mTc-VFC in the bladder, liver, kidney, and lung. These findings may contribute to developing efficient TRPV1-targeted radiotracers for molecular imaging of tumors by SPECT.

This paper examines gold and cryptocurrencies' hedge and safe-haven capabilities against various downturns, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Geopolitical Risks (GPR), across different market conditions. The study covers a sample period from 2013 to 2021 at a daily frequency, employing the GARCH model and quantile regression with binary variables.The empirical results indicate that neither gold nor cryptocurrencies can act as strong hedges against infectious disease pandemics. However, gold, Bitcoin, and Ethereum exhibit weak safe-haven abilities during geopolitical risks.Using regression quantiles, the study finds that gold demonstrates a strong safe-haven against low and high Infectious Disease Epidemic Market Volatility (IDEMV) during extremely bearish and bullish markets. In contrast, Bitcoin and Ethereum act as strong safe havens only against low IDEMV during extreme bearish markets. Gold also shows a strong hedge propriety against extreme geopolitical events, while cryptocurrencies provide a weak hedge.Overall, gold exhibits strong safe-haven properties against low and high Geopolitical tensions, while cryptocurrencies' hedging and safe-haven abilities vary across markets. These findings convey insights for investors and guidance to supervisors on the evolution of gold, Bitcoin, and Ethereum as safe-haven and hedge instruments during both bearish and bullish markets.

Robotic surgery has been widely adopted over the past two decades, because it offers significant advantages such as minimally invasive access, precision, ergonomic design, and enhanced safety [...]

Abstract Introduction Current treatment guidelines for patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) recommend EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as the standard of care for first-line treatment, with third-generation osimertinib the preferred choice. However, most patients develop resistance to targeted therapy, and subsequent systemic chemotherapy is recommended. The aim of this study was to characterize the subsequent line of therapy (LOT) following osimertinib in patients with EGFR-mNSCLC. Methods Medical and pharmacy claims of adults who initiated a subsequent LOT (index) after initial osimertinib discontinuation between November 2015 and September 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Results A total of 135 patients met the inclusion criteria. After metastatic diagnosis, 22.2% and 49.6% of patients were treated with osimertinib in the first and second line, respectively. After osimertinib discontinuation, most patients were treated with a platinum-based chemotherapy regimen (57%), of which 40.3% included immuno-oncology therapy. Reuse or continuation of EGFR TKIs was also common (24%). Overall, the median time to treatment discontinuation for the index LOT was 2.4 months. Proportions of patients with ≥ 1 inpatient or emergency department visit were 31.9% and 35.6%, respectively. Conclusions The duration of the LOT following osimertinib was short and associated with tolerability issues underscoring a high unmet need for new therapies to address EGFR TKI resistance.

Abstract : This research investigates the erosion of human identity due to the rapid advancements in biotechnology. These advancements utilize highly sophisticated and rigorous tools that are fundamentally altering what it means to be human. This study argues that advancements in biotechnology, despite their benefits, pose a serious threat to core human values and identity. Scientific exploration and experiments that alter the human form challenge our understanding of what it means to be human. The ability to manipulate physical characteristics raises profound ethical concerns about freedom, dignity, and the sanctity of human life. To the extent that genetically or cosmetically modified human is unrecognizable. In addition to the project of superhumanism, which eliminates the current human being, in order to produce a new superhuman being, thus eliminating human identity. Keywords : Identity ; Biotechnological Revolution; Humanity; Human Sacredness; Posthumanity.

Abstract Background The chemical composition and biological activities of Eucalyptus essential oils (EOs) have been documented in numerous studies against multiple infectious diseases. The antibacterial activity of individual Eucalyptus EOs against strains that cause ear infections was investigated in our previous study. The study's antibacterial activity was promising, which prompted us to explore this activity further with EO blends. Methods We tested 15 combinations (9 binary combinations and 6 combinations of binary combinations) of Eucalyptus EOs extracted by hydrodistillation from eight Tunisian Eucalyptus species dried leaves against six bacterial strains responsible for ear infections: three bacterial isolates (Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and three reference bacteria strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, ATTC 9027; Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC 6538; and Escherichia coli, ATCC 8739). The EOs were analyzed using GC/FID and GC/MS. The major compounds, as well as all values obtained from the bacterial growth inhibition assay, were utilized for statistical analysis. Results The antibacterial activity of the EO blends exhibited significant variation within Eucalyptus species, bacterial strains, and the applied methods. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), based on the diameters of the inhibition zone, facilitated the identification of two major groups and ten subgroups based on the level of antibacterial activity. The highest antibacterial activity was observed for the mixture of EOs extracted from E. panctata, E. accedens, and E. cladoclayx (paac) as well as E. panctata, E. wandoo, E. accedens, and E. cladoclayx (pwac) using the disc diffusion method. Additionally, significant activity was noted with EOs extracted from E. panctata, E. wandoo (pw) and E. panctata, E. accedens (pa) using the broth microdilution method. Conclusion Our findings suggest that certain EO combinations (paac, pwac, pw, and pa) could be considered as potential alternative treatment for ear infections due to their demonstrated highly promising antibacterial activities.

The observation of fibers in salvadora persica roots inspired us to consider the idea of using them as reinforcement to create an innovative composite. The current work focuses on the volumetric mass density, extraction, molding, and mechanical testing of composites and hybrid composites made from salvadora persica roots and glass fibers reinforced with two types of polyester matrix, chosen due their characteristics suitable for use in different orientations. Various extraction and combination methods have been used to identify an optimal approach for obtaining fibers from salvadora persica roots, considering its chemical composition (hemicellulose, pectin, and lignin). In this investigation, the hand lay-up method was used to mold specimens with different geometries. The composite and hybrid composite were combined with a polyester matrix and subjected to various mechanical tests namely; tensile, impact resistance, and water absorption. The results indicate that reinforcing polyester resins with SP fibers, whether long or short, enhances the overall mechanical properties of the composite. Additionally, improved adhesion between salvadora persica roots fibers and resin was observed.

Résumé: Cette étude vise à montrer l'étendue des relations et des liens scientifiques établis par les étudiants algériens résidant en Tunisie au sein de leur association étudiante connue sous le nom d'Association des étudiants algériens", fondée à l'Université d'Ez-Zitouna au cours du premier tiers du XXe siècle. Grâce aux efforts de Cheikh El Bachir El Ibrahimi, directeur adjoint de l'Association des savants musulmans d'Algérie. Cette organisation d'étudiants avait des liens scientifiques au sein de leur patrie « Algérie », représentée par l'attraction des savants algériens de l'Association des Oulémas algériens au cours des années 1936 et 1937, alors qu'elle célébrait l'anniversaire du Prophète en Tunisie, afin de motiver et guider les étudiants. En outre, ils ont également établi des liens scientifiques avec des savants d'Ez-Zitouna en Tunisie, les attirant dans leurs résidences à l'occasion de la commémoration de l'anniversaire de la mort du leader du savoir, « Abdelhamid Ben Badis », au cours des années 1946, 1947 et 1952. Ce document de recherche tente de découvrir la contribution qui a joué un rôle crucial dans leur développement intellectuel et politique, dans le but de défendre leur cause principale de libération de leur patrie, l'Algérie, de la colonisation française, un objectif recherché par Cheikh Ben Badis, que Dieu lui fasse miséricorde. Mots-clés : Association des étudiants ; Sheiban ; Mohammed Zeid ; Al-Naqache ; El-Khaldunia.

Abstract Well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLS) displays amplification of genes on chromosome 12 (Chr12) in supernumerary ring or giant marker chromosomes. These structures have been suggested to develop through chromothripsis, followed by circularization and breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) cycles. To test this hypothesis, we compared WDLSs with Chr12 amplification in rod-shaped chromosomes with WDLSs with rings. Both types of amplicons share the same spectrum of structural variants (SVs), show higher SV frequencies in Chr12 than in co-amplified segments, have SVs that fuse the telomeric ends of co-amplified chromosomes, and lack interspersed deletions. Combined with the finding of cells with transient rod-shaped structures in tumors with ring chromosomes, this suggests a stepwise process starting with the gain of Chr12 material that, after remodeling which does not fit with classical chromothripsis, forms a dicentric structure with other chromosomes. Depending on if and when telomeres from other chromosomes are captured, circularized or linear gain of 12q sequences will predominate.