Université de Saida Dr.Moulay Tahar

Wearable antennas are essential for human body applications, requiring thorough analysis of radiation properties and current distribution. This study employs Characteristic Mode Analysis (CMA) to identify distinct modes, radiation characteristics, and polarization behavior, while utilizing a superstrate, shorting pins, and 45o slots to achieve miniaturization. A key contribution of this work is the use of CMA to strategically design a circularly polarized (CP) antenna, where polarization is achieved through carefully introduced slots. CMA reveals how these slots excite specific modes and provides control over their phase difference using modal significance and characteristic angles.enabling a targeted, mode-based approach to CP design. The proposed antenna features a circular patch with 45-degree slots, an Al.O. superstrate (εr = 9.8), and a 50 Ω-coaxial probe feed. The fabricated model has electrical dimensions of 0.32λ 0.32λ at 2.45 GHz. Tested in both vacuum and under human proximity, the antenna demonstrates impedance bandwidths of 4.16% and 4.2%, and axial ratio bandwidths of 4.0% and 4.02%. Specific absorption rates for 1g and 10g of human tissue are 0.231 W/kg and 0.35 W/kg, and for a complete human arm model, the SAR values are 0.274 W/kg (1g) and 0.396 W/kg (10g).all well below regulatory limits. A link budget analysis shows reliable communication over a range of 100 meters. The antenna exhibits an omnidirectional radiation pattern and operates within the 2.45 GHz ISM band. This work provides a compact, miniaturized solution for wearable CP antennas, overcoming challenges in flexibility, gain, and SAR compliance while ensuring effective communication and patient tracking.

Abstract This paper presents a new design for a third-order bandpass hexagonal substrate integrated waveguide-defected ground structure (SIW-DGS) filter for mobile communications applications. The proposed design operates at 7.90 GHz. It combines the flexibility of rectangular cavities and the efficiency of circular cavities to enhance the filter's electromagnetic (EM) performance and selectivity. To facilitate the filter analysis and improve its computational efficiency, the developed structure is decomposed into individual components and simulated separately using high frequency structure simulator (HFSS) and applied wave research (AWR) software that help extracting critical parameters based on a general coupling matrix (CM) using RT/Rogers 4003 substrate with a dielectric constant of ɛ r = 3.55, tan δ = 0.0027 and a thickness of 0.508 mm. The simulated EM filter response shows an insertion loss of up to 1.58 dB and a return loss of less than −23.5 dB over the operating frequency range from 7.77 GHz to 8.05 GHz, demonstrating a high EM performance. Accordingly, an efficient third-order bandpass hexagonal SIW-DGS filter prototype of a 17 × 22.9 × 0.542 mm 3 volume is realized and demonstrates an accurate EM response with a defined zero transmission, as expected. Measured results of the optimized third-order bandpass hexagonal SIW-DGS filter with a trisection cross-coupled structure and a fractional bandwidth ( FBW ) of 3.54 % show high agreement with the calculated and simulated results, which validates the efficiency of the developed design as a highly accurate candidate for modern communication systems requiring compact structures.

This research explores the structural and functional consequences of high-impact missense variants in three immune-related genes MMP8 (D253N, Y261S), GZMK (A42P, L122P), and OASL (W216C) with possible relevance to host response in epidemic viral infections. A layered computational workflow was implemented to predict pathogenicity, evaluate structural stability, and assess residue conservation. Subsequent modeling of protein dynamics included structural perturbation analyses, molecular docking, and long-timescale molecular dynamics simulations. Findings revealed that the D253N variant in MMP8 induces substantial deviations from native architecture, characterized by reduced molecular dimensions, lower solvent accessibility, and a broader conformational ensemble. Y261S, by contrast, preserved global folding features with restrained atomic fluctuations. In GZMK, the L122P mutation significantly increased local flexibility and altered compactness, while A42P had minor impact. The W216C substitution in OASL disrupted packing density and expanded surface exposure, indicating a relaxation of the native fold. Principal component analysis confirmed that D253N, L122P, and W216C drive enhanced structural variance relative to native forms. Despite retained ligand-binding capacity, structural rearrangements affected interaction patterns in docking complexes. These findings underscore the potential role of these variants in modifying protein behavior during immune responses. The results serve as a foundation for downstream validation studies on their involvement in infection susceptibility and immune dysregulation.

This article offers a comprehensive reexamination of The Golden Ass: Being the Metamorphoses of Lucius Apuleius by Apuleius as a profoundly hybrid and genre-defying narrative that integrates literary innovation with philosophical, religious, and cultural inquiry. The study foregrounds the novel’s autobiographical and “ego-narrative” dimension, emphasizing the deliberate overlap between the author and the protagonist, Lucius, whereby the boundaries between narrator and character become fluid. Through this narrative strategy, Apuleius constructs a text that simultaneously performs fiction and gestures toward experiential authenticity. Central to the analysis is the motif of metamorphosis as an ethical and ontological paradigm. The novel thus articulates a profound meditation on human fallibility, the tension between bodily desire and rational illumination, and the possibility of spiritual regeneration.

The antifungal activity of 2-Amino-5-(3-nitrophenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole is investigated against Aspergillus niger using combined experimental and computational approaches. The compound is synthesized via a one-step cyclization reaction and structurally characterized using FT-IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, confirming its chemical integrity. In vitro agar well-diffusion assays demonstrated significant, concentration-dependent inhibition of fungal growth, with the highest activity observed at 5000 µg/mL. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations revealed a HOMO–LUMO gap of 3.709 eV and intramolecular charge transfer characteristics, suggesting electronic stability and reactivity. Homology modeling of A. niger sterol 14-α-demethylase (CYP51) is performed using CYP51B from Aspergillus fumigatus (PDB ID: 6CR2) as the template, and model validation using MolProbity and QMEANDisCo confirmed high stereochemical quality. Molecular docking showed favorable binding interactions of the compound within the heme-containing active site, while QSAR analysis further supported structure-activity relationships correlating molecular features with antifungal potency. Collectively, these results highlight 2-Amino-5-(3-nitrophenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole as a promising lead for antifungal drug development against A. niger. From a nanotechnology perspective, the molecular size, electronic structure, and surface-interaction capability of 2-Amino-5-(3-nitrophenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole suggest its suitability for incorporation into nano-enabled antifungal systems. The compound’s favorable electronic properties, strong binding affinity to CYP51, and concentration-dependent biological activity support its potential use in nanoparticle-based delivery platforms or nano-structured coatings aimed at enhancing antifungal efficacy and selectivity. These findings highlight the relevance of the present study for the rational design of nanotechnology-driven antifungal therapeutics.

Recent outbreaks of the Zika virus (ZIKV) worldwide have underscored its growing epidemiological significance, leading to its recognition as an international health concern. The steady annual rise in ZIKV cases has transformed it into a major challenge for global public health systems. Despite ongoing efforts, the development of effective therapeutic agents against the virus remains difficult. Among the promising avenues for treatment are natural products, particularly those derived from medicinal and aromatic plants. These substances act as reservoirs of beneficial chemical compounds that can contribute to developing effective therapies. This work used computer methods to examine 26 bioactive molecules derived from plants as potential Zika inhibitors. Baicalin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, isoquercetin, and sophoroflavenone are plant-derived bioactive molecules that have demonstrated significant stability at the active site of the receptor examined (PDB code: 5TFR). They provided intense binding energies and were also stabilized at the active site of the target receptor by standard hydrogen bonds. These results were validated by molecular dynamics simulation at 500ns. The molecules chosen to meet essential therapeutic criteria, such as those of Lipinski, have good ADMET characteristics and are not toxic. As a result, they have excellent pharmacokinetic properties and appreciable bioavailability. The findings of this research strongly suggest that these five molecules could be potential inhibitors of anti-Zika action in the future.

Introduction/purpose: The structural integrity of pressurized pipelines is often threatened by surface cracks, especially in welded regions. This study evaluates the effectiveness of composite wrap reinforcement in repairing longitudinal semi-elliptical cracks in welded steel pipelines subjected to internal pressure. Although environmental effects such as temperature, moisture, and chemical exposure were not modeled, they are acknowledged as key factors influencing the long-term durability of composite repairs. Methods: A three-dimensional finite element model was developed for a welded pipeline (outer diameter = 1016 mm, thickness = 12.8 mm) containing an external semi-elliptical crack (2c = 10.24 mm, a = 2.56 mm). The Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) was applied to compute Mode I Stress Intensity Factors (SIFs) under internal pressures of 2-12 MPa. A parametric study assessed the influence of patch length (100-400 mm), thickness (6-12 mm), and circumferential coverage angle (30°-360°), as well as adhesive shear modulus, thickness, and debonding effects. Results: Increasing patch length, thickness, and coverage angle reduced SIFs, improving crack-tip stress attenuation. A higher adhesive shear modulus enhanced interfacial load transfer, while excessive adhesive thickness impaired efficiency. Localized adhesive debonding significantly increased SIFs under pressure, highlighting the sensitivity of repair performance to bonding quality. Conclusions: This study provides design insights for optimizing composite reinforcement in welded pipeline repairs. Although a rectangular patch was analyzed, future work should investigate alternative geometries to mitigate edge stress concentrations and incorporate fatigue and environmental effects to better predict long-term service performance.

The Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) represents a critical component within the Family of FACTS devices, employed to improve the stability, reliability, and controllability of electrical power systems under fluctuating load conditions. This research endeavors to assess various reaching laws within the paradigm of Sliding Mode Control (SMC) with the aim of enhancing the dynamic performance of a UPFC. Specifically, an examination and comparison of three distinct types of reaching laws—constant rate, exponential rate, and power rate—are conducted. The principal aim is to devise and implement robust control methodologies that guarantee precise tracking of reference power commands, as well as improved regulation of both active and reactive power flows within transmission lines. The proposed SMC-based controllers are incorporated into a simulated UPFC framework, with their performance being compared against that of a conventional PID controller. Simulation models have been constructed using MATLAB/Simulink, and performance metrics including overshoot, settling time, and rise time are utilized for quantitative analysis. The results demonstrate that the SMC utilizing the power rate reaching law significantly surpasses the conventional PID controller, achieving a minimal overshoot of approximately 0.5411%, a settling time of 0.1009 seconds, and a rapid rise time of 4.0720 × 10⁻⁴ seconds. These findings substantiate the efficacy of advanced reaching laws in augmenting UPFC control, thereby contributing to enhanced stability and operational efficiency within power systems.

Cet article se veut une lecture analytique du roman Une Valse de la romancière algérienne Lynda Chouiten à travers le prisme du discours sur l’exil, dans lequel l’errance géographique se double d’une errance intérieure. En abordant l’exil comme une expérience à la fois spatiale, identitaire et esthétique, nous mettons en exergue la façon dont l’autrice étale une écriture de l’entre-deux. L’exil y devient un espace d’impuissance, mais aussi de réinvention de soi, dans une écriture où le mouvement, la musique et la mémoire jouent un rôle structurant.