Exploring the effects of dietary inulin in rainbow trout fed a high‑starch,100%plant‑based diet

Background High dietary carbohydrates can spare protein in rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss)but may affect growth and health.Inulin,a prebiotic,could have nutritional and metabolic effects,along with anti-inflammatory properties in teleosts,improving growth and welfare.We tested this hypothesis in rainbow trout by feeding them a 100%plant-based diet,which is a viable alternative to fishmeal and fish oil in aquaculture feeds.In a two-factor design,we examined the impact of inulin(2%)as well as the variation in the carbohydrates(CHO)/plant protein ratio on rainbow trout.We assessed the influence of these factors on zootechnical parameters,plasma metabolites,gut microbiota,production of short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid,as well as the expression of free-fatty acid receptor genes in the mid-intestine,intermediary liver metabolism,and immune markers in a 12-week feeding trial.Results The use of 2%inulin did not significantly change the fish intestinal microbiota,but interestingly,the high CHO/protein ratio group showed a change in intestinal microbiota and in particular the beta diversity,with 21 bacterial genera affected,including Ralstonia,Bacillus,and 11 lactic-acid producing bacteria.There were higher levels of butyric,and valeric acid in groups fed with high CHO/protein diet but not with inulin.The high CHO/protein group showed a decrease in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines(il1b,il8,and tnfa)in liver and a lower expression of the genes coding for tight-junction proteins in mid-intestine(tjp1a and tjp3).However,the 2%inulin did not modify the expression of plasma immune markers.Finally,inulin induced a negative effect on rainbow trout growth performance irrespective of the dietary carbohydrates.Conclusions With a 100%plant-based diet,inclusion of high levels of carbohydrates could be a promising way for fish nutrition in aquaculture through a protein sparing effect whereas the supplementation of 2%inulin does not appear to improve the use of CHO when combined with a 100%plant-based diet.

Design of New Thiadiazole Derivatives with Improved Antidiabetic Activity

Diabetes is a serious, long-term (or chronic) disease that occurs when a person’s blood sugar levels are high because their body cannot produce enough insulin, or does not produce enough insulin or that it cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. According to the literature, this disease has several causes, but certain types of diabetes such as type 2 diabetes are most closely linked to a metabolic disorder due to abdominal obesity. Thus, the number of individuals with type 2 diabetes is increasing. It is with this in mind that we work to improve human health. The aim of this study is to design new derivatives of 1,3,4-thiadiazole with improved antidiabetic activity by the mathematical model of multiple linear regression (MLR) established previously. The analysis of the effect on the substituents influencing the antidiabetic activity, fourteen (14) new molecules coded CDTH were generated and presenting values of the potential of inhibitory concentration higher than that of the base compound (pIC50 = 2.526). But thirteen (13) of these new compounds belong to the domain of applicability of the MLR model established previously. In addition, the thermodynamic quantities of formation formed at 298K have been calculated. Lipinski’s rule and pharmacokinetic properties proved that five (5) (TH4, TH9, TH10, TH13 and TH14) new molecules can be used as diabetes medicine.

Nonaqueous potassium-ion full-cells:Mapping the progress and identifying missing puzzle pieces

This review addresses the growing interest for potassium-ion full-cells(KIFCs)in view of the transition from potassium-ion half-cells(KIHCs)toward commercial K-ion batteries(KIBs).It focuses on the key parameters of KIFCs such as the electrode/electrolyte interfaces challenge,major barriers,and recent advancements in KIFCs.The strategies for enhancing KIFC performance,including interfaces co ntrol,electrolyte optimization,electrodes capacity ratio,electrode material screening and electrode design,are discussed.The review highlights the need to evaluate KIBs in full-cell configurations as half-cell results are strongly impacted by the K metal reactivity.It also emphasizes the importance of understanding solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)formation in KIFCs and explores promising nonaqueous as well as quasiand all-solid-state electrolytes options.This review thus paves the way for practical,cost-effective,and scalable KIBs as energy storage systems by offering insights and guidance for future research.

Identification of Phenolic Compounds from K.ivorensis by Selected Chromatographic and Spectrometric Techniques

A complementary approach using Liquid Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric analysis was proposed to characterize phenolic compounds from the methanol-water extracts of K.ivorensis A.Chev.Two High Performance Liquid Chromatography(HPLC)complementary methods were used for the determination of phenolic compounds from the bark,sapwood and heartwood of K.ivorensis.Methods employed involved direct analysis after filtration at 0.20μm,using a RP C18 column and UV-VIS/ESI-FTMS detection.The methods used were different by their elution gradient and allowed analyzing the chemical composition of three parts of African mahogany extracts.In this study,22 phenolic compounds and derivatives from K.ivorensis were separated,determined or tentatively characterized for the first time based on their methanol/water/formic acid extract mass spectra.The difference of gradients eluted various compounds,8 were obtained with the first method and 14 with the second one.The main products were hydroxybenzoic acid and derivatives,resorcinol,esterified compounds,mannitol,quercetin and derivatives,dihydroxyflavan,and trihydroxyflavan.

Living systems allometric scaling laws

The spatial and temporal structuring and functioning of living systems are associated with scaling independent qualitative characteristics (gauge invariance) and quantitative laws (power laws). This is allowed by the emergence of new blueprints through the systems merging into ‘Associations for the Reciprocal and Mutual Sharing of Advantages and Dis-Advantages’(ARMSADA). The local actors become more and more mutually integrated into their new global Whole. Then they are more and more independent from their previous local situations of emergence. Reversely (systemic constructal law), the global Whole is more and more integrating local parceners. The relationship between actors within a living system was described using allometric laws, e.g. the metabolic rate of a lot of species was supposed to be proportional to its mass according to a 3/4 exponent power-law (Kleiber’s law). But, according to the gauge invariance paradigm, an other explanation of the invariant scaling of living systems is proposed with a 2/3 power-law. Whatever its level of organization, a living system,‘system of systems’ emerging by embedments and juxtapositions of previous ones, effectively functions in 4 dimensions (VA: the Adult system Volume, and tg: the time of generation, the duration that is necessary to acquire the capacity of reproduction). Looking at the gauge invariance paradigm as a ‘factual’ system, from the quantum of Planck to the Universe as a Whole, a meta-analysis of a database of the systems internal (endophysiotope) and external (ecoexotope) interactions can allow to quantify 45-18 allometric relationships. This allows to evidence a ‘grammar’: 1. Invariant independent processes (power-laws with exponent e= 0);2. Simultaneous limiting interactions regulation processes (e=+1);3. Feedback (e=-1);4. Competition between actors (e= 1/2);5. Optimal exchanges flow (e= 2/3) processes. Brownian motion is the basic fundamental process that governs all functions. From the Monera to the ecosystem levels the increasing of regulation processes allows more and more autonomy of the endophysiotope from the ecoexotope dependence. From the point of view of matter and energy flows, living systems optimize the input and output exchanges at their interface. The greater diversity of regulation processes occurs for the endophysiotope throughput flows. Whatever the organization level, living systems optimize their survival by adjusting ‘the capacity to be hosted’ of their endophysiotope (HOSTED) to the changes of ‘the hosting capacity’ of their ecoexotope (HOSTING).

Effects of soil metal(loid)s pollution on microbial activities and environmental risks in an abandoned chemical smelting site

Abandoned chemical smelting sites containing toxic substances can seriously threaten and pose a risk to the surrounding ecological environment.Soil samples were collected from different depths(0 to 13 m)and analyzed for metal(loid)s content and fractionation,as well as microbial activities.The potential ecological risk indices for the different soil depths(ordered from high to low)were:1 m(D-1)>surface(S-0)>5 m(D-5)>13 m(D-13)>9 m(D-9),ranging between 1840.65-13,089.62,and representing extremely high environmental risks,of which Cd(and probably not arsenic)contributed to the highest environmental risk.A modified combined pollution risk index(MCR)combining total content and mobile proportion of metal(loid)s,and relative toxicities,was used to evaluate the degree of contamination and potential environmental risks.For the near-surface samples(S-0 and D-1 layers),the MCR considered that As,Cd,Pb,Sb,and Zn achieved high and alarming degrees of contamination,whereas Fe,Mn,and Ti were negligible or low to moderate pollution degrees.Combined microcalorimetry and enzymatic activity measurements of contaminated soil samples were used to assess the microbial metabolic activity characteristics.Correlation analysis elucidated the relationship between metal(loid)s exchangeable fraction or content and microbial activity characteristics(p<0.05).The microbial metabolic activity in the D-1 layer was low presumably due to heavy metal stress.Enzyme activity indicators and microcalorimetric growth rate(k)measurements were considered sensitive indicators to reflect the soil microbial activities in abandoned chemical smelting sites.

A high-power electromagnetic source for disabling improvised explosive devices

Ultra-wideband(UWB)microwave sources driven by specialised pulsed power generators have experienced a considerable development in the last decade due to their wide domain of new applications such as defence or counter-terrorism activity.The authors present the main findings of a research dedicated to the development of a pulsed power-driven electromagnetic field source for disabling improvised explosive devices(IED).The pulsed power generator driving the source is a 13-stage compact Marx producing voltage pulses reaching an amplitude of 0.5 MV,with a pulse repetition frequency(PRF)of up to 100 Hz.The generator is coupled to a bipolar pulse forming line,providing bipolar pulses with a dV/dt of around 1.6 MV/ns.This pulsed power system feeds an array composed of 16 Koshelev-type UWB antennas through an impedance matching transformer.The resulting electromagnetic source is capable to produce pulsed electric fields(PEFs)having a figure-of-merit(FOM)of 1 MV.First,practical experiments were carried out to study the effects of the PEFs on targets.The targets used in the present study are M2B type flashbulbs,known to have the same susceptibility as the US army M6 detonator.Different configurations of wires(shielded,twisted,etc)with different lengths were used in connecting items inside these targets.The tests were performed by placing the flashbulbs at different distances to determine the essential parameters(i.e.,amplitude,duration,and frequency range)of the PEFs required to trigger them.An overview of the experimental campaign and the main findings are also presented followed by conclusions.

Characterization of Clay Materials from Ivory Coast for Their Use as Adsorbents for Wastewater Treatment

In order to contribute to the valorisation of the clay materials of Ivory Coast in the depollution of wastewater, the physicochemical and mineralogical characterization of three clay samples taken in Agboville (AGB), Bingerville (BIN) and Katiola (KAT) was carried out. The objective of this work was to compare the properties of the clays in order to identify the one that is likely to have interesting adsorptive capacities to clean up contaminated water. These clays were studied by chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and thermal analysis. In addition, their specific surface areas and cation exchange capacities were determined. The AGB clay is composed of 75.51% kaolinite, 14.20% illite and 9.26% quartz. The BIN clay contains 52.21% kaolinite, 6.23% illite, 17.50% quartz and 15.71% goethite. As for the KAT clay, it contains 48.08% kaolinite, 3.55% illite, 20.14% smectite, 6.11% quartz and 16.86% goethite. Their thermal behavior and microstructure are in agreement with their mineralogy. The measured specific surface areas and cation exchange capacities are consistent with literature values. The KAT clay has the highest specific surface and cation exchange capacity. In the light of the results obtained, the KAT clay appears to be more effective in depolluting water than the BIN and AGB clays.

Understanding the Assembly Mechanism of Proteins from Monte Carlo Simulations

Understanding the molecular mechanism of the protein assembly still remains a challenge in the case of many biological systems. In this frame, the mechanism which drives RodA hydrophobins to self-assemble onto the surface of the conidia of the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus into highly ordered nanorods known as rodlets, is still unresolved. Here, AFM investigations were combined with Monte Carlo simulations to elucidate how these small amphiphilic proteins self-assemble into tightly packed rodlets and how they are further organized in nanodomains. It becomes that the assembly of RodA hydrophobins into rodlets and their parallel alignment within nanodomains result from their anisotropic properties. Monte Carlo simulations allowed us to confirm that anisotropic interactions between macromolecules are sufficient to drive them to assembly into rodlets prior to nanodomains formation. Better knowledge of the mechanism of hydrophobins assembly into rodlets offers new prospects for the development of novel strategies leading to inhibition of rodlet formation, which should allow more rapid detection of the conidia by the immune system.

Feed Signal Influence and Potential Performances of a Compact Radiation Source Based on a Helical Antenna

In the class of emerging high power electromagnetic sources, a complete pulsed power source, named MOUNA (French acronym of “Module Oscillant Utilisant une Nouvelle Architecture”) has been developed. This device must transmit waveforms with a wide frequency band and a high figure-of-merit. To improve the overall performance of the MOUNA system while maintaining its compact size, two approaches are being explored in the paper: the replacement of the dipole antenna by a helical antenna and its feeding signal influence. Helical antenna is cylindrical shape and relatively compact. It offers relatively good gain factor and directivity. The waveform delivered to the antenna is directly related to the amplitude of the radiated electric field. Therefore, different waveforms (step pulse, Gaussian pulse, bipolar pulse and damped sinusoid) are compared to point out the feed signal influence on the radiated electric field. Switch oscillators appear to be considered as interesting resonant sources for driving an antenna. The novel radiating source consists of a primary power source, a resonant transformer, a coaxial transmission line damped oscillator (also termed as coaxial resonator), and a helical antenna. This high voltage pulsed source is very compact (volume of only 2500 cc without the antenna). Our study aims at designing the antenna (number of turns, size…) and a coaxial damped oscillator directly implemented at the output of the transformer. A CST-based simulation is proposed to predict the performances of this wideband source.

Assessment of Hybrid Concentrated Solar Power-Biomass Plant Generation Potential in Sahel: Case Study of Senegal

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) is non-existent in Sahel. Such a situation arises from the high investment costs required by these energy infrastructures and from a lack of information on the identification of suitable sites to accommodate them. Conversely, CSP-biomass plants due to lower investment may be an option for CSP penetration in Sahel where Direct Normal Irradiation (DNI) is between 1400 kWh/m2/year and 2000 kWh/m2/year and significant biomass potential. This work presents the results of an identification of suitable sites for hybrid CSP-Biomass in the Sahel, case study of Senegal, taking into account the Direct Normal Irradiation, the availability of water, space and biomass potential. The identified sites have a DNI > 1600 kWh/m2/year. The biogas production capacity is equivalent to 5,096,563 m3/year. The quantity of Typha Australis, invasive plant in Senegal river valley available is estimated at more than 3 million tons. The capacity of electrical energy in this zone is estimated at 6.89 GWe for an installation surface estimated at 275.61 km2. The establishment of CSP/hybrid plants can also contribute to combat the proliferation of Typha Australis.

Respiratory Symptoms Associated with Workplaces Located along a Road with High-Traffic at Cotonou, Benin

Objective: Air pollution is becoming one of the public concerns requiring urgent feasible response per local context. Defining accurately the level of exposure of outdoor air pollution effect on health of venders working along main roads and roundabouts with high traffic is important. This study was conducted to assess respiratory health risks on venders associated with different geographical positions in Cotonou. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted along the main road with high traffic including three roundabouts in Cotonou. The 194 study participants from all shops, one respondent per shop, were given a unique GPS data associated to indicate the shop’s geographical position. The study employed validated questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. Results: Study participants had mean age of 36.26 (±11.65) years with sex ratio of (M/F) 1.8. Majority (72.7%) of study participates reported to have at least one respiratory symptom and 69% of them were working in non-ventilated rooms. The proportion of having at least one respiratory symptom was significantly different (p Conclusion: Working in roundabout is associated with more respiratory symptoms than working in shops along main road. Air pollution mitigation efforts should focus in such settings, taking into account the sub-population of workers in resource limited countries.

FullApertureReconstruction of theAcoustic Far-Field Pattern from Few Measurements

We propose a numerical procedure to extend to full aperture the acoustic farfield pattern(FFP)when measured in only few observation angles.The reconstruction procedure is a multi-step technique that combines a total variation regularized iterative method with the standard Tikhonov regularized pseudo-inversion.The proposed approach distinguishes itself from existing solution methodologies by using an exact representation of the total variation which is crucial for the stability and robustness of Newton algorithms.We present numerical results in the case of two-dimensional acoustic scattering problems to illustrate the potential of the proposed procedure for reconstructing the full aperture of the FFP from very few noisy data such as backscattering synthetic measurements.

Third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility of crystalline oxide yttria-stabilized zirconia

Nonlinear all-optical technology is an ultimate route for the next-generation ultrafast signal processing of optical communication systems.New nonlinear functionalities need to be implemented in photonics,and complex oxides are considered as promising candidates due to their wide panel of attributes.In this context,yttria-stabilized zirconia(YSZ)stands out,thanks to its ability to be epitaxially grown on silicon,adapting the lattice for the crystalline oxide family of materials.We report,for the first time to the best of our knowledge,a detailed theoretical and experimental study about the third-order nonlinear susceptibility in crystalline YSZ.Via self-phase modulation-induced broadening and considering the in-plane orientation of YSZ,we experimentally obtained an effective Kerr coefficient of n2YSZ=4.0±2×10^-19 m^2·W^-1 in an 8%(mole fraction)YSZ waveguide.In agreement with the theoretically predicted n2YSZ=1.3×10^-19 m^2·W^-1,the third-order nonlinear coefficient of YSZ is comparable with the one of silicon nitride,which is already being used in nonlinear optics.These promising results are a new step toward the implementation of functional oxides for nonlinear optical applications.

Matched Asymptotic Expansions of the Eigenvalues of a 3-D Boundary-Value Problem Relative to Two Cavities Linked by a Hole of Small Size

In this article,we consider a domain consisting of two cavities linked by a hole of small size.We derive a numerical method to compute an approximation of the eigenvalues of an elliptic operator without refining in the neighborhood of the hole.Several convergence rates are obtained and illustrated by numerical simulations.