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Accurate dose estimation in computed tomography (CT) scans is crucial and relies on precise normalization of output dose, typically measured by the volume CT dose index (CTDIvol). Key metrics, including effective diameter (Deff) and water-equivalent diameter (Dw), play pivotal roles in characterizing patient size. However, a notable gap exists in delineating the specific relationships between age and head patient size (Deff and Dw) for pediatric patients in Morocco. The primary objective of this study was to establish these critical associations between patient age and head patient size (Deff and Dw), providing a foundation for calculating size-specific dose estimates (SSDE) in pediatric head CT examinations. A retrospective analysis of data from 134 pediatric patients, aged 0–13 yr, comprising 71 males and 63 females who underwent head CT scans, was conducted. Utilizing the Radiant DICOM Viewer, patient sizes were measured in terms of both lateral and anterior-posterior dimensions for Deff and Dw calculations based on CT images in DICOM format. Our analysis revealed robust correlations between patient size (Deff and Dw) and the patient’s age, with R2values ranging from 0.65 to 0.86. Notably, larger Dw values were consistently observed compared to Deff. For male patients, Deff measurements ranged from 9.02 to 18.77 cm, with Dw values spanning 9.83 to 20.16 cm. Female patients exhibited Deff values ranging from 8.77 to 17.41 cm and Dw values ranging from 8.92 to 18.37 cm. These findings shed light on the crucial relationship between age and patient size, facilitating more precise dose calculations.

Purpose: This paper aims to present a numerical investigation into heat transfer and entropy generation resulting from magnetohydrodynamic laminar flow through a microchannel under asymmetric boundary conditions. Furthermore, the authors consider the effects of viscous dissipation and Joule heating. Design/methodology/approach: The finite difference method is used to obtain the numerical solution. Simulations are conducted across a broad range of Hartmann (Ha = 0 ∼ 40) and Brinkman (Br = 0.01 ∼ 1) numbers, along with various asymmetric isothermal boundaries characterized by a heating ratio denoted as ϕ. Findings: The findings indicate a significant increase in the Nusselt number with increasing Hartmann number, regardless of whether Br equals zero or not. In addition, it is demonstrated that temperature differences between the microchannel walls can lead to substantial distortions in fluid temperature distribution and heat transfer. The results reveal that the maximum entropy generation occurs at the highest values of Ha and η (a dimensionless parameter emerging from the formulation) obtained for ϕ = −1. Moreover, it is observed that local entropy generation rates are highest near the channel wall at the entrance region. Originality/value: The study provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between magnetic fields, viscous dissipation and Joule heating in microchannel flows, particularly under asymmetric heating conditions. This contributes to a better understanding of heat transfer and entropy generation in advanced microfluidic systems, which is essential for optimizing their design and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiroplasma citri, the causal agent of citrus stubborn disease (CSD), causes significant losses in citrus crops. An efficient pathogen detection system is critical for epidemiology studies, particularly when a large sample size is involved. In this study, we report the development of an immunomolecular assay, immunocapture real-time polymerase chain reaction (IC-qPCR), targeting the spiralin gene for direct detection of S. citriwithout DNA isolation. This method can use either plant sample extracts or media in which S. citriwas cultivated. The IC-qPCR protocol demonstrated a limit of detection for pure S. citriculture at a Ct value of 36.523 with a 103-fold dilution factor, making it equally sensitive as qPCR, which exhibited signal disappearance at a 10–3dilution (Ct value of 37.484). In contrast, the immunological double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) test produced positive results up to a 10–2dilution only. For S. citri-infected citrus samples, the established IC-qPCR protocol had a limit of detection at 36.46 Ct with a 1/64-fold dilution factor, matching the sensitivity of qPCR, where signal disappearance occurred at a 1/64 dilution (Ct value of 37.21). On the other hand, the immunological DAS-ELISA test yielded positive results only up to a 1/16 dilution, with optical density (OD) values of 0.364 and 0.113 for 1/16 and 1/32 dilutions, respectively. The IC-qPCR assay shows no cross-reaction for any other highly related spiroplasma species and bacteria affecting citrus trees including Candidatus liberibacter, Xylella fastidiosa, and Xanthomonas campestrispv. citri. Therefore, IC-qPCR assay provides an alternative quick and very sensitive method to screening S. citri, with the advantage of not requiring any concentration or DNA purification steps while still allowing an accurate diagnosis of CSD.

For decades, the grapevine has been produced as a commercial fruit crop in Morocco. From 2004 to 2022, the area dedicated to cultivating and producing grapes has increased across the country. Despite the implementation of adequate agricultural practices, grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) lead to significant yield losses and a remarkable reduction in viticultural quality. Many grape growers encounter this issue in their vines each year and seek strategies to cope with it. In the most significant grape-growing regions globally, including Morocco, grapevine decline is a common and significant disease that is brought on by a multitude of latent fungal plant diseases. Due to the use of poorly informative markers in phylogenetic analyses and the lack of relevant morphological characteristics, the classification of these pathogens has proven to be challenging. Numerous genera and families have not yet been extensively studied, especially in Morocco. To identify the dieback-causing agents, surveys were carried out in 152 Moroccan vineyards in Marrakech-Safi, Casablanca-Settat, Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, and Fez- Meknes regions between 2019-2021. Samples of symptomatic trunks were collected and processed for mycological analysis. Afterward, fungal identification of representative isolates was performed combining morphological characterization and phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA and protein-coding gene (β-TUB). Pathogenicity tests were fulfilled under greenhouse conditions for 15 days. Among the fungi collected in the current study, 54 fungal isolates were obtained belonging to different genera and families namely: Botryosphaeria(11 species), Fusarium(10 species), Pestialiotiopsis(4 species), Clonostachys(3 species), Entoleuca mammata, Phaeoacremonium hungaricum, Trichothecium roseum, Diaporthe ampelina, Epicoccum nigrum, Alternaria alternata,and Rosellinia convexa.Pathogenicity test revealed that Diplodia mutila, Neoscytalidium novaehollandiae, Neopestalotiopsis vitis,and Trichothecium roseumisolates are the most pathogenic. This is the first detailed report of species associated with GTDs in Morocco where new records of species worldwide are highlighted.

ABSTRACT:The “Manzanar Project,” initiated in the 1980s by late Dr. Gordon Hisashi Sato, brought new approaches to restoring ecosystem services in coastal regions. Although initially controversial, these innovative practices culminated with the planting of approximately 700,000 mangrove trees on the muddy coast of Eritrea and helped restore mangrove ecosystems on the Mauritanian side of the Senegal River Delta. Moreover, it formulated the daring proposal in early 2011 that irrigating the deserts with seawater and growing mangroves trees and Spartina grasses could be a giant step in combating hunger and poverty in many parts of the world. Subsequent field work at Nouakchott Autonomous Seaport, Mauritania, suggested the truthfulness of the proposal. Through trial and error at an inland sabkha (supratidal mudflat or generally flat salt-encrusted desert) in Nouakchott, we learned to grow mangrove trees on a sabkha without any irrigation water inputs. Moreover, we grew other halophyte species in the desert (Sesuvium portulacastrum, Nitraria retusa, Spartina maritima), and demonstrated that deserts can be converted into mangrove forests and grassy meadows. Based on the success of these projects, we believe large desert areas can be afforested using simple technology with a minimum carbon footprint. This paves the way for new initiatives to curb climate change and could constitute a major solution for providing key ecosystem services such as carbon storage, soil erosion control, water conservation, and wood production in desert areas.

This observational cross-sectional study aims to assess the exposure levels during mammography examinations in Morocco and provide an international comparative analysis. Patient data from 1100 mammographic examinations conducted in five units, comprising both digital radiography (DR) and computed radiography (CR) systems from various brands and models in the Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaër region, were collected. The mean glandular dose (MGD) and technical parameters, including exposure factors and breast thickness, were analyzed. The collected data were compared with findings from international studies to provide valuable context. The overall median MGD was 1.34 ± 0.36 mGy for craniocaudal (CC) and 1.48 ± 0.38 mGy for mediolateral oblique (MLO) incidences. It’s essential to note that these values were calculated based on the median compressed breast thickness. The MGD varied among different units and anode/filter combinations. The Rh/Rh anode/filter combination was most commonly used, resulting in the lowest radiation dose. The study findings also highlighted the relationship between MGD and breast thickness, with higher doses observed for thicker breasts. This study provides valuable insights into radiation exposure during mammography breast cancer screening in Morocco. The results underscore the importance of future dose optimization strategies to ensure patient safety without compromising diagnostic image quality. Implementing optimized technical parameters, conducting regular quality assurance programs, and promoting education and awareness are essential in achieving dose reduction and minimizing radiation risks. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies, and international organizations is crucial for sharing best practices and advancing radiation dose optimization in mammography.

This research paper explores the awareness, perceptions, and beliefs of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students at the South East European University regarding Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences (MI) theory. Focusing on the dynamic landscape of contemporary education, the study aims to understand the extent to which students acknowledge and identify with different intelligences and the potential implications for language learning strategies and overall educational experiences. The research employs an exploratory mixed-methods approach, including a case study design, surveys, and qualitative analysis, to gather insights from bachelor's and master's-level students. Findings indicate a moderate level of familiarity with MI theory among the participants, with significant agreement on the utility of the theory in understanding learning abilities. The study underscores the importance of recognizing linguistic intelligence and suggests implications for pedagogical practices, curriculum development, and the creation of inclusive learning environments. Recommendations include fostering collaboration among educators to share best practices and seeking institutional support for initiatives related to MI theory integration in teaching. The research contributes to the ongoing discourse on effective language education and its alignment with theories of cognitive diversity, providing actionable insights for educators and institutions.

The objective of this study was to establish local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs) for breast cancer computed tomography imaging in radiotherapy (CT-RT) at a single hospital in Morocco. Data were collected from 106 adult breast cancer patients aged between 33 and 78 yr during five months. Data were obtained using a Hitachi Supria 16-slice CT simulator at a regional oncology center in Morocco. CT-RT images are intended for 3D conformal radiotherapy treatment planning. Dose length product (DLP) and volumetric computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) were evaluated by determining the 75th percentile as diagnostic reference levels for CT-RT breast cancer. LDRLs for CT-RT breast cancer have been determined in terms of DLP and CTDIvol, and they were 330.4 mGy.cm and 6.8 mGy, respectively. The DRLs were compared with other Europeans study. DRLs for this study were lower than those for the United Kingdom (UK), Croatia and Slovenia. The results of this study can be a reference for the establishment of local and national DRLs in Morocco and the optimization of CT-RT breast cancer procedures.

Recent advances in imaging technologies have led to a significant increase in the adoption of stereoscopic images. However, despite this proliferation, in-depth research into the complex analysis of the visual content of these stereoscopic images is still relatively rare. The advent of stereoscopic imaging has brought a new dimension to visual content. These images offer a higher level of visual detail, making them increasingly common in a variety of fields, including medicine and industrial applications. However, exploiting the full potential of stereoscopic images requires a deeper understanding. By exploiting the capabilities of octonion moments and the power of artificial intelligence, we aim to break new ground by introducing a novel method for classifying stereoscopic images. The proposed method is divided into two key stages: The first stage involves data preprocessing, during which we strive to construct a balanced database divided into three distinct categories. In addition, we extract the stable Octonion Krawtchouk moments (SOKM) for each image, leading to a database of moment images with dimensions of 128 × 128 × 1. In the second step, we train a convolutional neural network (CNN) model using this database, with the aim of discriminating between different categories. Standard measures such as precision, accuracy, recall, F1 score, and ROC curves are used to assess the effectiveness of our method. These measures provide a quantitative assessment of the performance of our object classification approach for stereoscopic images.

Urban Population growth coupled with human activities are the main drivers inducing land use and land cover changes (LU/LCC), which impact earth’s landscapes dynamics. In the era of global challenges, a comprehensive modelling of past and future prediction of LU/LCC is therefore essential. In this regard, the current study aims to model LU/LCC and predict its changes by 2030, 2050 and 2100. Moreover, determine the main driver of these changes, and assess the impact of urbanization on natural ecosystems. For doing so, a three-decade times series (1992–2020) data have been used, including LU/LC, environmental, societal, and auxiliary data to conduct a statistical analysis and modelling using hybrid Multi-Layer-Perceptron Markov-Chain model (MLP-MC). The analyses results showed that urbanization has significantly increased between 1992 and 2020, mainly in the outskirts of the Casablanca metropolis, where economic dynamic, population growth, and territorial infrastructure takes place. This increase was at the expense of barren and agricultural land. Concerning the future projection, the MLP-MC model showed satisfactory results with an overall accuracy (OA) and Cohen’s Kappa greater than 0.98 Revealing that the model has batter reliability to predict LU/LC maps that are identical to observed ones. Consequently, the Future projection indicates that urban areas will persistently sprawl, especially in satellite cities of the economic capital which adversely affect biodiversity, local climate, water, and public health. These findings remain so promising that can guide decision-making and stakeholders to improve sustainable territorial and urban development.

The aim of the present study was to determine the optimal culture medium for the growth of Isochrysis galbana, Tetraselmis suecicaand Chaetoceros calcitrans. These microalgae were cultured in three replicates using seven different culture media, including commonly used agricultural fertilizers in hatcheries. The study was conducted in 20 L polycarbonate aquariums, with 15 L of culture under standard experimental conditions of temperature, light intensity, photoperiod, and salinity. The performance of the microalgae was evaluated based on various parameters such as cell concentration, growth rate, division rate, doubling time, cell biovolume, and pH. The results showed that different culture media significantly affected (p < 0.05) the cell concentration of the microalgae. The culture medium based on Kw-21 liquid fertilizer produced the best cell concentrations for Isochrysis galbanaand Chaetoceros calcitrans, while the culture medium based on CE fertilizer was the most suitable for Tetraselmis suecica. Other parameters were also significantly affected (p < 0.05) by the experimental factors, except for cell biovolume in Tetraselmis suecicaat the stationary phase. The study suggests that using agricultural fertilizers is a viable and cost-effective alternative for mass production of microalgae.

Potato virus Y (PVY) is considered one of the ten most significant plant viruses owing to its economic impact in the potato cultivating areas of the world. It wasn't until the 1930s that PVY was first reported. It is considered a type species of the genus Potyvirus, belonging to the family Potyviridae. PVY genome comprises of a positive sense single-stranded RNA (+ ssRNA) encapsidated by a 30 kDa coat protein (CP). Virions of PVY assume the shape of a flexuous filament. PVY can be detected using a variety of quick, sensitive immunoenzymatic methods as well as molecular-based detection techniques. Infected seeds are the primary source of infection. Several aphid species (Aphididae; Hemiptera) support the natural propagation of PVY in a non-persistent manner. Many strains and variants have been identified since the discovery of PVY, and recent world population shifts have been driven by the emergence of novel recombinant strains. This review summarizes the current status of research on PVY by the research community across the world, highlighting recent advances in PVY detection, characterization, and management to prevent or limit the spread of the virus through the implementation of best practices.

This work investigates the effect of the notch on fatigue behavior by combining two methods: the extended finite element method (XFEM) and the averaged strain energy density (ASED) method, which considers the combined action of bending and shear loading. The ASED method has already been proven accurate for assessing the failure of components in the presence of sharp and blunt notches, and several results are available in the literature for different materials. These results were compared with those obtained from the experimental tests reported here. The main purpose of this study was twofold: The first part is an experimental study of fatigue in rotary bending of specimens weakened by U and V notches made of polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) material. Two values for the radius were used for the U-notches (0.2 and 2 mm) and two angles for the V-notches (20° and 140°). The second part of the study consisted of performing several simulation tests using the Cast3m software for different angles and radii. The local approach based on the mean value of the ASED acted over a finite-sized volume surrounding the highly stressed regions. The maximum principal stress located at the notch edge defined the center of the control volume. If the notch is blunt, the control volume assumes a crescent shape with its width measured along the notch bisector line. When the notch is considered pointed (V-notched) or is a crack, the control volume becomes a circle with its center at the notch tip. The presence of geometric discontinuities in structures affects their lifetime by reducing it, producing a high concentration of local energy around the notch tip. Good convergence was obtained between the numerical simulation and experimental results for the ASED in a finished zone surrounding the notch tip.

Lipid accumulation in oleaginous organisms is initiated by AMP deaminase (AMPD) after nitrogen depletion because it mediates the concentration of intracellular adenosine monophosphate (AMP). However, the role of AMPD in lipogenesis in the oleaginous fungus Mucor circinelloidesis largely unknown. Therefore, we identified the genes (ampd1and ampd2) encoding AMPD and investigated the role of AMPD in lipid synthesis in this fungus by overexpressing and deleting ampdgenes. Deletion of ampd1and ampd2caused 21 and 28% increments in lipid contents under N-limited conditions, respectively. These increases were correlated with the activation of enzymes involved in lipogenesis and the alteration of energy balance. Unexpectedly, overexpression of ampdgenes affected nitrogen consumption in both N-limited and N-excess media, which resulted in an increase in cell growth and lipid accumulation compared with the control strain when nitrogen was available. Furthermore, the increased lipid accumulation in the ampd-overexpressing mutants in N-excess media was accompanied by enhanced activities of lipid biosynthetic enzymes. These data suggested that nitrogen metabolism and energy metabolism are affected by AMPD, and overexpression of ampdgenes induced lipid accumulation under nitrogen-rich conditions by mimicking the nitrogen limitation response. This highlights an intriguing function of AMPD in M. circinelloides.

Sugar beet is an important sugar crop that supplies approximately 35% of the sugar in the world. Sugar beet root rot, caused by fungal pathogens, significantly reduces yield, juice purity, and sugar concentration. Studies have revealed that sugar beet root rot (SBRR) is mainly caused by soil fungi like Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, Fusariumspp., Macrophomina phaseolina, Aphanomyces cochlioidesand Phytophthoraspp. Given the wide host spectrum, the great influence by environmental conditions, and the resistant structures of fungi causing SBRR, the management of this disease which begins with invisible symptoms remains a difficult task. Therefore, further studies are needed to correctly identify the causative agents and to understand more about conditions and factors favoring disease incidence. This will greatly contribute to designing and adopting appropriate control methods to manage this economically important disease. Hence, this review concentrates on key symptoms and current advances in morphological and molecular means used for the precise designation of the fungus associated with SBRR, and control procedures designed to manage this disease in recent years. This work also exposes the new alternative approaches exploited to manage root rot in the context of sustainable sugar beet production.

The present study investigates the effects, of V and/or N-doped CaZrO3on the electronic and optical properties using spin-polarized density functional theory calculations. It was found that the obtained results of the pure CaZrO3are in complete agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, the V and N impurities decrease and transform the sizeable electronic band gap from an indirect insulator (4.964 eV for the pure CaZrO3) to a direct semiconductor (1.369 eV for CaZr0.8750V0.1250O2.9584N0.0416). Hence, the absorption coefficient of CaZr0.8750V0.1250O2.9584N0.0416structure is enhanced in the visible region which is quite remarkable for solar cells. In addition, the calculated enthalpies of formation confirm that all studied structures are thermodynamically stable.

This study was aimed to assess future climate changes in the Bouregreg watershed using the outputs from the Canadian Earth System Model version 2 (CanESM2). The large-scale atmospheric data were downscaled to fine-scale resolution using the Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM). The future climate changes were evaluated through precipitation and mean temperatures on annual and seasonal scales for four weather stations located at the basin. The projections were concerned three future periods: 2030–2050 (near term), 2051–2070 (medium term) and 2071–2090 (long term) relative to the present climate using two representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 emission scenarios. The study results showed that the performance of the SDSM can be well acceptable in the downscaling of daily precipitation and mean temperatures during the calibration and validation step. The annual mean temperature projections indicated an increase by a range of 2–6 °C with respect to the reference period 1975–2005 for the Rabat-Sale station. On the seasonal scale, the most important rise is noticed in the summer and spring while the annual cumulative rainfall showed a decrease by 18–30% for the RCP4.5 scenario and by 20–40% for the RCP8.5 scenario for the three rain gauge stations compared to the baseline periods. The magnitudes of reduction are more pronounced in the winter and autumn. Those future climate changes may cause substantial impacts in the hydrology of watershed. Efficient adaptation measures should be implemented to mitigate the climate change effects on water resources.

In Morocco, the radiation protection of patients undergoing medical imaging examinations using ionizing radiation sources is now governed by specific provisions of Chapter VII of Law no142-12 (Loi no142-12 – AMSSNuR, 2015). The principle of justification of procedures and the principle of optimization of doses delivered constitute the basis of the legislation governing medical exposure. DRLs are considered as an important optimization tool encouraging healthcare professionals to optimize their practice and assure a better patient safety. In this survey, Local Diagnostic Reference Levels (LDRLs) were established for the eight most frequent examinations in Morocco. Data from 1747 patients were collected from seven regional hospitals. The proposed LDRLs were defined as the 75th percentile of the mean entrance surface dose distribution (ESD) in mGy using the indirect dosimetry method according to the IAEA Report Series No. 457. The LDRLs values reported in this study were for the eight examinations: skull (PA) 2.8 mGy, chest (PA) 0.51 mGy, abdomen (AP) 7.6 mGy, pelvis (AP) 6.45 mGy, lumbar (AP) 7.8 mGy, lumbar (Lat) 10.7 mGy, cervical (AP) 2.2 mGy, and cervical (Lat) 2.4 mGy. The DRLs reported in Morocco were compared with those of international authorities and other countries: IRSN (France), NRPB (UK), Japan, Sudan, and Iran. The present work assesses the local DRLs in Morocco and constitutes a starting point that will provide professionals with a tool to help them optimize the doses delivered to patients. Furthermore, the definition of national DRLs by radiography is an essential step in the process of optimizing medical exposures.

In the present study, a clay-based membrane support (m-S), and X-type zeolite, and a composite clay/zeolite membrane (m-ZX) were prepared. Membrane supports in the form of a flat-disc were prepared by uniaxial pressing of a mixture of clay and starch (12.0%, w/w starch/clay). The results of X-ray diffraction confirms the formation of X-type zeolite. While the scanning electron microscopy analysis shows the formation of fine particles with a crystal size between 1.47 and 2.08 μm with an octahedral shape. The nitrogen adsorption analysis showed that the specific surface area of the membrane support was 0.7655 m2·g–1with an average pore diameter of 122.2 Å. While the specific surface area of X-type zeolite was 316.95 m2·g–1with an average pore diameter of 19.7127 Å. The initial water permeation fluxes begin with valued of 1,018 and 380 Lm–2·h–1for the membrane support (m-S) and the composite membrane (m-ZX), respectively. On the other hand, the filtration of the Eriochrome Black T (EBT) dye by m-S and m-ZX showed retention percentages of 38% and 69%, respectively. This clearly demonstrates the significant enhancement of retention of the dye on the m-ZX membrane. The points of zero charge (pzc) of the membrane support and X-type zeolite were pHpzc = 8.77 and pHpzc = 10.2, respectively. Filtration of the EBT dye was carried out at a pH of 8.2. This indicates that the membrane surface was positively charged while the EBT was negatively charged. The mechanism of the dye filtration was dominated by the size of the EBT molecule and that of the membrane pores, and also by the adsorption of the dye on the membrane due to the attraction between the negative charge of EBT and the positive charge on the membrane surface.

ABSTRACTSaffron (Crocus sativusL.) is the most expensive spice in the world. This plant species is propagated vegetatively through the formation of daughter corms from the mother one. Unfortunately, many factors hamper the efficient propagation of saffron through this traditional practice. For example, the low production rate of daughter corms and the risk of fungal infection, which also affect the daughter corm quality. Therefore, the conventional propagation method cannot meet the demand for planting material. The use of biotechnological tools, particularly the in vitroculture techniques, can be of great benefit for saffron propagation. Hence, in recent years, various regeneration systems through somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis were established for saffron using different explant types, medium components, plant growth regulators (PGRs), and culture conditions. In the present review, the most relevant advances and main achievements made in saffron micropropagation are reported, and the major bottlenecks encountered during in vitroculture of this species and that restrict the commercial production of saffron corms and plantlets are discussed.

This work describes how our abnormal behaviour detection system functions for seniors in their home. Our research is based on the data gathered by a domotic box that is available for purchase. The box was initially intended to continuously detect the owners' daily actions using non-intrusive home automation sensors. The enhancement of the detection of the health changes, deducted by the abnormal behaviour of the user, is closely related to the evolution of the activity recognition of the box. Our system aims to report a relevant context-aware alert to health care service experts. By refining the detection of the activity level of the occupants, we could identify warning manifestations for early intervention. In this paper, we will describe the process of pointing out irregularity in the daily activity pattern of a user or the detection of a malfunction of the box to maintain the accuracy of the service it offers.

Introduction: Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) and hyposmia are common in synucleinopathies and they tend to occur in connection to the prodromal development of these disorders. In this study, we sought to determine the prevalence of RBD and hyposmia and the timeline of their occurrence in a large cohort of Moroccan patients. Methods: We recruited 774 consecutive patients with synucleinopathy and tauopathy at Ibn Rochd University Hospital of Casablanca. A group of 100 healthy controls was also recruited. We relied on a questionnaire to collect general characteristics and clinical data filled by the patient and his companion under the supervision of a qualified health professional. Results: The study included 697 patients with PD, 37 with DLB and 40 had a tauopathy disorder (PSP or CBD). The proportion of patients who have RBD was 52% in PD, 100% in DLB, 0% in tauopathies and 12% among healthy controls. Hyposmia symptom was found in 47% of patients with PD, 68% in patients with DLB, 0% in tauopathy patients and in 10% of healthy controls. Moreover, 46% of PD patients and 75% of DLB patients developed RBD during the prodromal phase. Meanwhile, hyposmia occurred in association with the prodromal phase among 67% of PD cases and 85% of DLB patients. Conclusion: RBD and hyposmia are both prevalent among Moroccan patients with synucleinopathy and they occur frequently during the prodromal phase. Identifying these premotor signs will improve early and differential diagnosis and enhance our understanding of how a specific synucleinopathy progresses.

Forced population migration is not a modern phenomenon. It is often an integral part of totalitarian policies and has been used repeatedly to ensure the survival of political regimes or achieve specific political ambitions. Violent migration is present practically throughout history when considering the time scope and everywhere, practically in all continents of the world, with a specter of variations depending on the context imposed by the political circumstances, we can encounter it under different names. These variations have also reflections in the terminology used, among others, they are also indicators that speak of the different methods applied in order to achieve particular policies.

Objective Netrin-1 expression in articular cartilage is correlated with osteoarthritic changes. We aimed to investigate the contribution of Netrin-1 secreted by human osteoarthritic articular chondrocytes to angiogenesis process in vitro.Design Human articular chondrocytes were extracted from non-osteoarthritic (n= 10) and osteoarthritic (n= 22) joints obtained from surgical specimens and incubated for 24 hours. Medium conditioned by non-osteoarthritic and osteoarthritic articular chondrocytes were collected. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with control and conditioned medium and assessed using assays for cell adherence, migration, and tube formation. Netrin-1 expression and secretion was compared between non-osteoarthritic and osteoarthritic chondrocytes by qPCR, Western blot, and ELISA. The role of chondrocyte-secreted Netrin-1 on HUVEC functions was assessed by immunological neutralization using an anti-Netrin-1 monoclonal antibody.Results As compared with medium conditioned by non-osteoarthritic chondrocytes, medium conditioned by osteoarthritic chondrocytes permitted tube formation by HUVEC. Both non-osteoarthritic and osteoarthritic chondrocytes expressed Netrin-1 at the RNA and protein levels. At the RNA level, Netrin-1 expression did not differ between non-osteoarthritic and osteoarthritic chondrocytes. At the protein level, Netrin-1 appeared as a full protein of 64 kDa in non-osteoarthritic chondrocytes and as two cleaved proteins of 55 kDa and 64 kDa in osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Immunological neutralization of endogenous Netrin-1 reduced the pro-angiogenic and pro-inflammatory transcriptional profile of HUVEC treated with the medium conditioned by osteoarthritic chondrocytes, as well as their capacities to form tubes.Conclusions Medium conditioned by osteoarthritic chondrocytes permits tube formation by HUVEC in vitro. This permissive effect is mediated by Netrin-1.

Fig (Ficus caricaL.) is one of the most emblematic trees in the Mediterranean region. Over time its propagation is carried out via stem cuttings, a procedure that favors the occurrence of varietal confusion among genotypes when it is not controlled. DNA fingerprinting using molecular primers such as simple sequence repeats (SSR) has become an important tool for germplasm characterization and authentication of varieties. To assess the intra-varietal genetic diversity among four main varietal types that are widely cultivated in northern Morocco, we performed SSR analysis of many prospected clones of each cultivar. Using six SSR loci that revealed 30 alleles, we distinguished between the four varietal types. The number of alleles per SSR varied from three to ten and the heterozygosity rate ranged from 85% to 96%. Hierarchical classification has shown that clones having the same denomination belong to the same group despite their geographical origins, except “Ghouddan” clones that were classified into two different groups with a similarity coefficient ranging from 0.35 to 0.92. Factorial analysis of correspondence confirmed the presence of an obvious phylogeographical structuring based on geographical locations (Ouazzane and Taounate). Polyclonality or varietal confusion was confirmed for the “Nabout” and “Ghouddan” types and the authenticity for the “El Qouti” and “Massari” types. These outputs may be referred to somaclonal variations or synonymies/homonymies confusion.

The exponential use of chemicals in scientific research generates considerable quantities of various chemical wastes (Chemical waste is generated by harmful chemicals. This type of waste may or may not be hazardous. A hazardous chemical waste may be liquid, solid or gaseous and have hazardous characteristics such as toxicity, flammability, corrosiveness, and reactivity (Learning Program BYJU’S, Source and types of waste -types of waste, sources of waste and recycling of waste, 2022. https://byjus.com/chemistry/waste/ (accessed May 16, 2022)) in the form of liquid effluents, solid wastes and gaseous discharges forms. These chemical wastes have adverse effects on human health and are potential sources of pollution of air, water, and soil. Therefore, these products must certainly be managed and handled in the most appropriate way and in accordance with the national and international regulations. Several techniques and processes have been developed and applied; however, the legal and regulatory framework remains insufficient for the proper management of chemical products. In this article, we will present the main regulations, laws and mandatory standards applicable in Morocco and which govern the use of chemicals and the management of inherent waste. We will proceed to an analysis and the development of recommendations, which can serve as a guide for chemicals handlers. This work will also help policy makers, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) experts in Morocco and generally in Africa to develop appropriate strategies in order to improve working conditions in a healthy environment. This article is based on a qualitative study concerning the degree of knowledge and application of regulatory requirements by chemical handlers in scientific research laboratories in Morocco. The results of the study revealed major gaps and deficiencies in both knowledge and enforcement of the regulations related to chemicals and hazardous wastes (Hazardous waste is a waste with properties that make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful effect on human health or the environment (United States Environmental Protection Agency: Learn the basics of hazardous waste (US EPA, 2021. https://www.epa.gov/hw/learn-basics-hazardous-waste (accessed May 16, 2022)).

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The Berber languages of Morocco – regionally distributed differently: Tarifit, Tamazight and Tashelhit – were subjected to a standardization process only at the beginning of the 21st century. The so-called Amazighemerged as a standard language. The Institut Royal de la Culture Amazighe, founded in 2001 specifically for the preservation and promotion of Berber, was given the task of initiating and controlling the standardization process. In 2008, a reference grammar of standard Amazigh was published, which will be examined more closely in the following article with regard to the orthographic specifications for the spelling of nominal units. In doing so, the critical examination of orthography will be conducted in a relatively unconventional manner. The written form of Tarifit used within a Facebook group will be analyzed in order to compare the word spellings with the spelling rules of the standard Amazigh grammar. Tarifit is used extensively in social networks in certain contexts and the preferred writing system is Latin. The French-language grammar description of the standard Amazigh uses for the object language level the so-called Tifinagh. However, this writing system is hardly used in Moroccan society not only due to a lack of acceptance. Likewise, the use of standard Amazigh in society is almost non-existent. Lay transcriptions in social networks can be very informative with regard to word spellings. The grammar description for the standard Amazigh can be criticized from different perspectives and is in urgent need of a linguistically based revision.

The present work aimed to investigate the effect of potentially beneficial soil microorganisms in enhancing the tolerance of tomato plants against Verticillium wilt. The autochthonous mycorrhizal fungi "Rhizolive consortium" and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) boost the growth and development of plants by providing well-adopted strategies and mechanisms to ensure good-quality production and protection to resist different pathogens including Verticillium dahliae. The application of these bio-agents alone and/or in combination with the pathogen was studied to evaluate their impact on tomato crops. In this study, eight treatments were applied: (i) Control, (ii) Rhizolive consortium (M), (iii) ER10 strain (B), (iv) combination of M and B (MB), (v) V. dahliae(V), (vi) Rhizolive consortium + V. dahliae(MV), (vii) ER10 strain + V. dahliae(BV), and (viii) Rhizolive consortium + ER10 strain + V. dahliae(MBV). Co-inoculation of Rhizolive consortium and ER10 strain significantly improved mycorrhizal frequency and intensity, growth and mineral nutrition of tomato plants. Furthermore, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll fluorescence were improved compared to the control. Moreover, the combination of these biostimulants reduced the disease severity and incidence by 26 and 28%, respectively, and the leaf damage index by 69% compared to plants inoculated with V. dahliae. In addition, the Rhizolive consortium alone or combined with ER10 strain resulted in improved antioxidant activities and stress markers. The synergistic interaction between Rhizolive consortium and ER10 strain promoted tomato yield and fruit quality compared to the control. The results highlight the importance of considering these beneficial soil microorganisms to promote plant resistance to Verticillium wilt disease.

The fire blight disease caused by Erwinia amylovorais a major threat to apple and pear production worldwide. After its first detection in Morocco in 2006, the disease was widely spread in the following years in the region, causing severe losses in quince, pear and apple productions. Several approaches were then taken from early detection to the management of the disease. In this review, we emphasize some of the aspects of the fire blight disease symptoms, disease cycle, and pathogen development as well as control methods and measures undertaken against the fire blight outbreak. Detection and control methods employed by farmers and imposed by the government were having much attention for the disease management. Integrated control strategies using tolerant cultivars in combination with sanitation practices as well as cultural, physical, chemical, and biological controls were deeply discussed in this review. In conclusion, plant inspection authorities, farmers, and industries have learned many lessons from this unforgettable and devastating epidemic, and now they will be further prepared for a similar situation.

ABSTRACT This research work is focused on analyzing the potential application of two leather wastes (wet-blue chrome shavings (CS) and leather buffing dust (BD)) and two carpentry wastes (wood shavings [...]

ABSTRACT This paper presents an experimental study of the effect of adding leather wastes, namely chrome shavings (CS) and buffing dust (BD), on mechanical and thermal properties of cement and [...]

La séquence de diffusion est la technique la plus sensible pour le diagnostic d’un AVCI à la phase aiguë. Elle détecte un foyer ischémique, plus précocement que les autres séquences IRM. Nous rapportons le cas d’un d’AVCI avec imagerie de diffusion négative.

In this article, the authors treat the problem of container storage in the export direction, exactly in the containership loading process. The authors propose an approach to the problem of container placement in a containership by describing a decision model to help decision-makers (handling operators) to minimize the total container movement. This is obtained by using a multicriteria decision method AHP (analytic hierarchy process) to identify the best location of any container. Here, the authors consider four criteria: the container destination, the container weight, the departure date of the container, and the container type.

La tomographie par cohérence optique (OCT) peropératoire est un outil prometteur dans la chirurgie de la cataracte. Cet article explore les dispositifs disponibles et les applications pratiques de l’OCT peropératoire dans cette intervention chirurgicale. Il met en lumière les avantages potentiels de cette technologie, notamment dans l’évaluation des incisions, la détection des fragments résiduels et la confirmation des décollements de la membrane de Descemet. Malgré ses avantages, l’OCT peropératoire rencontre des défis pratiques tels que son coût et la nécessité d’une courbe d’apprentissage. Toutefois, son utilisation judicieuse pourrait contribuer à améliorer la qualité et la sécurité de la chirurgie de la cataracte.

The removal of crystal violet (CV) and methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous solution was successfully accomplished using biochar derived from Moroccan sheep manure (SM). Process optimization revealed adsorption efficiencies of 96.77 % and 98.95 %, with maximum adsorption capacities of 244.08 mg/g and 295.14 mg.g−1for MB and CV dyes, respectively. This was achieved at pH 11, with an adsorbent dose of 0.5 g.L−1at 40 μm, over a 120 minutes at 25 °C. The results indicate that the Freundlich isotherm model is the best fit for both dyes. The pseudo-second-order model accurately describes the kinetics of the processes studied for both dyes. The thermodynamic characteristics clearly demonstrated the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the dye elimination. The ΔH° values of 34.3293 and 31.3338 KJ.mol−1

Education is at the core of developmental progress, necessitating the exploration and implementation of diverse contemporary methods to ensure the success of students across multiple levels. However, impediments to this success exist, categorized into three primary groups which are, individual factors, family factors and social factors. These factors can manifest as absenteeism and boredom, posing a threat to the future of both students and society at large. Addressing these challenges proves to be a complex task for educators and pedagogues, given the unique problems each student faces. This paper aims to employ a broad spectrum of feature selection and extraction methods, some unconventional in the education sector but proven reliable in other domains. By integrating machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models, we seek to predict student performance based on these identified factors. Subsequently, a comparative analysis will be conducted to determine the most effective model, considering the relevance of various factors.

Mucoralesare basal fungi that opportunistically cause a potentially fatal infection known as mucormycosis (black fungus disease), which poses a significant threat to human health due to its high mortality rate and its recent association with SARS-CoV-2 infections. On the other hand, histone methylation is a regulatory mechanism with pleiotropic effects, including the virulence of several pathogenic fungi. However, the role of epigenetic changes at the histone level never has been studied in Mucorales. Here, we dissected the functional role of Set1, a histone methyltransferase that catalyzes the methylation of H3K4, which is associated with the activation of gene transcription and virulence. A comparative analysis of the Mucor lusitanicusgenome (previously known as Mucor circinelloidesf. lusitanicus) identified only one homolog of Set1 from Candida albicansand Saccharomyces cerevisiaethat contains the typical SET domain. Knockout strains in the gene set1lacked H3K4 monomethylation, dimethylation, and trimethylation enzymatic activities. These strains also showed a significant reduction in vegetative growth and sporulation. Additionally, set1null strains were more sensitive to SDS, EMS, and UV light, indicating severe impairment in the repair process of the cell wall and DNA lesions and a correlation between Set1 and these processes. During pathogen-host interactions, strains lacking the set1gene exhibited shortened polar growth within the phagosome and attenuated virulence both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that the histone methyltransferase Set1 coordinates several cell processes related to the pathogenesis of M. lusitanicusand may be an important target for future therapeutic strategies against mucormycosis.

The increasing problem of water contamination worldwide highlights the critical need to introduce environmentally-friendly treatment approaches. This study focuses on the use of powdered Pistacia lentiscusleaves as a highly effective adsorbent for removing crystal violet dye from textile waste. The bio-adsorbent were examined using SEM/EDX, FT-IR techniques.