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The increasing demand for green spaces in cities underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to reduce the ecological impact of urban areas. This research focuses on converting unused rooftops into extensive green roofs in Nador, Morocco, offering an innovative approach to enhancing outdoor thermal comfort in this region. Several advanced techniques were used, including photogrammetric restitution (for creating land use maps), integration of light detection and ranging data (for three-dimensional urban modeling), and meteorological data collection (for modeling urban climate conditions). The urban-multiscale-environmental-predictor solar and longwave environmental irradiance geometry (UMEP-SOLWEIG) model was crucial for precisely evaluating the thermal performance of green roofs and their influence on urban microclimates. This model considers considered various parameters, such as the sky view factor, wall height and aspect, and shading conditions, for accurate, comprehensive analysis. Additionally, for accurate, comprehensive analysis, a comparative evaluation was performed between the UMEP-SOLWEIG and ENVI-met models to assess the UMEP-SOLWEIG results. The findings were notable, demonstrating a substantial reduction (averaging over 3 °C) in the mean radiant temperature on 60% of rooftops, covering 55% of the total surface area. This highlighted the effectiveness of green roofs in improving outdoor thermal comfort. Furthermore, green roofs were closely associated with reductions in air-conditioning energy consumption, with considerable reductions ranging from 17.53% to 43.82%. These savings translated to estimated financial benefits ranging from USD 1.63–4.07 million. These figures clearly verified the notable economic impact of green roofs despite their initially high costs (approximately USD 84.44 million). These potential long-term savings indicated that these investments are financially viable in the long run. The collected data were used to create thermal maps of the area using geographic-information-system tools. A thermal cadaster specific to green roofs was also developed, accessible online through Web mapping. Overall, this approach facilitates decision-making in urban planning by providing visual information on thermal variations, thereby aiding in the precise planning of measures against urban heat and promoting the use of green roofs to reduce environmental impact.

Citrus cultivation plays a vital role in both the national and global economies. However, this agricultural heritage faces significant threats from various pathogens, transmitted either naturally or mechanically, among which viruses and virus-like organisms are predominant. In the Mediterranean basin, the most prevalent pathogens affecting citrus include Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV), Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd), Hop stunt viroid (HSVd), and Spiroplasma citri (S. citri). Developing effective control strategies against these agents is essential for ensuring sustainable citrus production. The success of these strategies relies on a comprehensive understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of these pathogens. Within this framework, a study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of citrus virus and virus-like diseases in the Berkane region. Between December 2022 and January 2023, a total of 100 citrus leaf samples were collected from seven orchards. These samples underwent testing with specific monoclonal antibodies for CTV, CPsV, and S. citri using the DAS-ELISA technique. Findings revealed the presence of S. citri with a low prevalence of 2%, while CTV and CPsV were undetected. RT-PCR assays confirmed the results for CTV and CPsV, and further RT-PCR tests targeting CEVd and HSVd showed that these viroids were widespread in the orchards surveyed, with prevalences of 18% and 55%, respectively. An investigation into aphid vectors of CTV indicated the absence of Toxoptera citricida Kirkaldy, the primary vector of CTV, while Aphis gossypii Glover and Myzus persicae Sulzer were detected. This study underscores the significant prevalence of viroids, particularly HSVd and CEVd, in the citrus orchards of Berkane. The absence of primary vectors, such as T. citricida, may reduce the risk of CTV transmission, though ongoing surveillance and enhanced management practices remain crucial to safeguarding citrus production.

Crop production stands as a pivotal pillar of global food security, but its sustainability faces complex challenges from plant diseases, which pose a substantial threat to agricultural productivity. Climate change significantly alters the dynamics of plant pathogens, primarily through changes in temperature, humidity, and precipitation patterns, which can enhance the virulence and spread of various plant diseases. Indeed, the increased frequency of extreme weather events, which is a direct consequence of climate change, creates favorable conditions for outbreaks of plant diseases. As global temperatures rise, the geographic range of many plant pathogens is expanding, exposing new regions and species to diseases previously limited to warmer climates. Climate change not only affects the prevalence and severity of plant diseases but also influences the effectiveness of disease management strategies, necessitating adaptive approaches in agricultural practices. This review presents a thorough examination of the relationship between climate change and plant pathogens and carefully provides an analysis of the interplay between climatic shifts and disease dynamics. In addition to insights into the development of effective strategies for countering the adverse impacts of climate change on plant diseases, these insights hold significant promise for bolstering global crop production resilience against mounting environmental challenges.

We propose, in this paper, an advanced control strategies to enhance the efficiency and stability of grid-connected and off-grid photovoltaic (PV) systems. Utilizing a multilevel inverter and a DC/DC boost converter, we integrate a novel multi-objective control strategy that combines sliding mode control and LS-PWM techniques. The primary goals are to maximize energy production, ensure grid stability, and minimize total harmonic distortion (THD). The proposed approach leverages the nonlinear model of the PV system, which includes the photovoltaic field, boost converter, and multilevel inverter. The innovative control strategy is designed to achieve the following objectives: optimizing the performance of the PV system in terms of energy output and grid stability under varying weather conditions, controlling active and reactive power to ensure a unity power factor on the grid side, and adapting the power output to match the load demand in off-grid mode. Extensive simulations conducted in the MATLAB/Simulink environment demonstrate the robustness and stability of the proposed control methods. Results show significant improvements in energy production, power quality, and system efficiency, validating the effectiveness of our advanced control strategies in real-world scenarios.

This paper proposes an original hybrid control strategy for a three-phase multilevel flying capacitor inverter (FCI) used in wind energy conversion system (WECS). A state feedback law, computed using a Lyapunov function and an invariance principle, is designed to manage grid current control and capacitor voltage balancing, guaranteeing the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system. Additionally, a fractional-order extremum seeking control (FOESC) algorithm for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is introduced, which optimizes power capture by adjusting turbine speed from the DC side without requiring a detailed system model (model-free approach). The use of fractional-order calculus leads to improved convergence and more seamless performance while preserving the robust characteristics of the system. The proposed control strategies are validated through simulation, demonstrating improved transient response and stability under varying wind conditions and parameter uncertainties. These results highlight the potential of advanced control algorithms to enhance the efficiency and reliability of wind energy systems, contributing to global efforts to achieve sustainable energy goals.

The ovule is a plant structure that upon fertilization, transforms into a seed. Successful fertilization is required for optimum crop productivity and is strongly affected by environmental conditions including temperature and precipitation. Climate change refers to sustained changes in global or regional climate patterns over an extended period, typically decades to millions of years. These shifts can result from natural processes like volcanic eruptions and solar radiation fluctuations, but in recent times, human activities—especially the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial emissions—have accelerated the pace and scale of climate change. Human-induced climate change impacts the agricultural sector mainly through global warming and altering weather patterns, both of which create conditions that challenge agricultural production and food security. With food demand projected to sharply increase by 2050, urgent action is needed to prevent the worst impacts of climate change on food security and allow time for agricultural production systems to adapt and become more resilient. Gaining insights into the female reproductive part of the flower and seed development under extreme environmental conditions is important to oversee plant evolution, agricultural productivity, and food security in the face of climate change. This review summarizes the current knowledge on plant reproductive development and the effects of temperature and water stress, soil salinity, elevated carbon dioxide, and ozone pollution on the female reproductive structure and development across grain legumes, cereal, oilseed, and horticultural crops. It identifies gaps in existing studies for potential future research and suggests suitable mitigation strategies for sustaining crop productivity in a changing climate.

Terrestrial nematodes are important soil microorganisms that modulate biological processes in soil ecosystems. Thus, these microorganisms have strong potential as soil health bioindicators. This study aimed to investigate their distribution patterns in Moroccan olive agroecosystems and to evaluate their structural and functional dynamics shaping soil disturbance status. An extensive survey was conducted across 65 representative olive fields (orchards and nurseries combined) located in 7 distinct regions during the 2023 season. For each region, several indices were calculated to assess nematode biodiversity alongside their involvement in soil food web diagnostics. The results revealed 63 nematode genera that were detected and classified into different trophic groups: 21 bacterial feeders, 7 fungal feeders, 6 omnivores, 6 predators, and 22 plant feeders. Most soil ecosystems showed low to moderate disturbance with maturing food web conditions, whereas a few showed notable soil disturbance with bacterial and conducive properties. Structural and functional dynamics revealed that both bacterial and plant feeders effectively contributed to undisturbed and disturbed soils, respectively. This study provides novel insights into the biodiversity and dynamics of terrestrial nematodes associated with Moroccan olive agroecosystems and their contribution as effective soil health bioindicators.

Rhizoctonia solani is recognized as one of the most economically significant pathogens that can cause both crown root rot (CRR) and damping-off (DO) in the sugar beet (SB) plant. This report details the first investigative study on R. solani as a fungus causing DO of SB in Morocco. The identification of the fungal pathogen was done both based on morphological features as well as on molecular tools utilizing internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA (ITS rDNA) and specific primers. In vitro evaluation of the antifungal effect of four commonly used fungicides, tebuconazole, azoxystrobin, trifloxystrobin, and difenoconazole, revealed their effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic strains on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. Bacillus subtilis Y1336, available in the market, was tested as a potential biocontrol agent (BCA) against R. solani-induced DO. The effectiveness of the BCA was confirmed through double culture tests on PDA, in vitro seed inoculation with both B. subtilis and R. solani, and by employing the antagonist agent as a seed coat in greenhouse settings. This marks the first instance of the effectiveness of B. subtilis Y1336 against R. solani-induced DO in SB. B. subtilis Y1336 should be integrated into SB damping-off control strategies, in conjunction with the fungicides that have been shown to be more effective.

This paper explores the hybridization of a five-phase permanent magnet synchronous generator integrated with a photovoltaic generator. The hybrid configuration aims to maximize overall energy production and optimize system performance. The distinctive feature of the proposed structure lies in the parallel connection of a five-phase machine with a Vienna rectifier and a PV system directly linked to the inverter. This novel integration, associated with the designed controllers, significantly reduces switching losses, enhancing system efficiency and demonstrating robust performance despite the complexities associated with the control strategy. The paper delves into the design and evaluation of this nonlinear hybrid system, shedding light on its potential to contribute to sustainable and efficient renewable energy solutions.

We focus on the Saint-François River (Quebec), which is known for recurrent ice jam-induced floods. This study addresses monitoring deficiencies and proposes solutions by presenting a comprehensive large-scale ice cover monitoring approach using diverse remote sensing tools for managing ice-jam risks effectively on this watercourse. We achieved three sub-objectives: (1) gathering spatial characteristics of the ice jam by acquiring images during the ice jam with an RGB camera-equipped drone; (2) mapping river ice using radar and optical images; and (3) river segmentation based on the dominant ice process. The methodological approach integrates data remotely sensed before and during the ice jam event, employing various tools. By comparing remote sensing methods with traditional monitoring, we underscore the importance of spatial data acquisition in ice-jam risk management. Orthomosaic and summary maps illustrate ice evolution processes, highlighting remote sensing efficacy in discerning hydro-meteorological events and emphasizing the need to target specific areas for risk mitigation. River segmentation based on the dominant ice process provides insights into freeze and thaw sequences, thereby illustrating ice evolution processes.

The real-time operation of microgrids is crucial due to its ability to enhance energy resilience and efficiency. Continuous monitoring and adaptation to fluctuations in energy supply and demand ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply to local communities, even in the case of grid disturbances. This article presents an efficient and easily implementable real-time energy management and control system based on multi-agent systems for hybrid Low-Voltage Micro-Grids (LVMGs) using energy storage systems and renewable sources. The main objective of the proposed approach is to determine optimal setpoints for all microgrid components to improve overall efficiency and reduce electricity costs while satisfying multiple constraints. The well-defined flexibilities of all microgrid components to adjust their power are exploited to achieve optimal power allocation. The approach is tested and validated by developing a simulation environment using the Java Agent Development (JADE) framework, enabling the implementation of microgrid optimization through MATLAB/Simulink.

This work presents the study of the rheology ical behavior of Algerian kaolin (DD1) suspensions considering two types of electro-steric dispersants (Hypermer KD1 and Darvan 7) and the evaluation of their effectiveness at neutral pH. The results showed that Darvan 7 exhibits electro-steric behavior at neutral pH, whereas KD1 exhibits purely steric behavior. The addition of a dispersant strongly influenced the rheological behavior of kaolin suspensions. The DD1 suspensions without dispersant exhibited fluidifying plastic behavior (Casson model). The shear stresses decreased significantly with the addition of dispersant, while the significant decrease in viscosity indicated that the dispersant reduced the strength of the particle networks that make up the slurry. The suspensions with 1 wt.% dispersant were consistent with the Bingham model, with a very low yield point. The viscosity of the dispersion reached a minimum when the concentration of the dispersant was 1 wt.%. This value was lower with Darvan 7. The addition of aluminum slag as a source of alumina to KD1 increased its efficiency and lowered the viscosity of the kaolin suspensions.

In the comprehensive scope of this study in Nador, the adopted methodology is meticulously designed to assess the feasibility of introducing green roofs into the urban context with a holistic approach. The first phase is an assessment of ground vegetation cover by upervised classification of the city using satellite images. Concurrently, 3D modeling of structures is undertaken using LIDAR point cloud classification, combining the extraction of building footprints using photogrammetric restitution. This approach provides a precise three-dimensional depiction of the urban topography. The evaluation of the feasibility of each roof for the introduction of vegetation is based on a complicated Boolean multicriteria analysis. This technique includes essential elements such as minimum roof size, slope, and duration of sunshine, utilizing the linear model of Angstrom Prescott as a reference. These challenging criteria lead to a rigorous assessment of the effective area of each roof, therefore finding suitable roofs for the smooth integration of green roofs into the urban environment. The investigation showed a broad distribution of roofs in Nador in terms of potential for green roofs. The medium category, containing 18521 buildings with available space between 30% and 60%, demonstrates considerable potential, while the high level of quality is attributable to 2695 structures with over 60% available space, presenting substantial possibilities for greening. The combination of these groups constitutes 64% of the total roof area, showing a considerable percentage favorable to greening. Economically, the research comprises an in-depth examination of expenses connected with green roof installation, varied greatly depending on the style of roof (extensive or intense), ranging from $28.95 to $96 million. Concurrently, an evaluation of the economic advantages of urban agriculture on rooftops is done, with possible revenues estimated at $8.11 to $12.16 million depending on the variety of crops. Despite large initial expenses, this research demonstrates that investments in green roofs may offer long-term economic and environmental advantages, considerably contributing to ecological urban design. The collected findings are applied to construct a green cadastre, giving a strong platform for GIS mapping of ideal roofs, so permitting a planned and harmonic integration of green roofs into the urban fabric of Nador.

Our study focuses on plant diversity in the Allal El Fassi dam, a semi-arid continental bioclimate, to understand human-impacted aquatic ecosystems. We analyzed plant, soil, and water samples from 40 stations using various indices. We identified 55 plant species across 35 families, with Poaceae, Asteraceae, Asparagaceae, and Rosaceae being dominant. The transition zone (formerly Zone 2) is characterized by dense vegetation of hydrophytes, hemicryptophytes, and therophytes. The transformed (formerly Zone 1) and terrestrial zones (formerly Zone 3) have less diverse vegetation, dominated by phanerophytes, geophytes, and chamerophites. Phanerophytes, due to their developed root systems, are suited to dam soil types. Predominant species like Tamarix gallica L., Nerium oleander L., Juncus acutus L., and Arundo donax L. indicate the dam’s ecological transformation into a terrestrial ecosystem isolated from the river by sedimentary deposits following floods. These species are opportunistic, and adapted to water level variations.

Biotic stress significantly challenges the global citrus industry. Major post-harvest issues include diseases caused by Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium italicum, Geotrichum citri-aurantii, Alternaria alternata, and Phytophthora citrophthora. The negative impact of chemical fungicides on the environment and health necessitates eco-friendly alternatives. This study examines the effectiveness of sodium, potassium, and calcium silicates against common citrus diseases. In vitro tests evaluated mycelial growth inhibition using silicate concentrations from 0 to 10,000 ppm after 7 days at 25°C. Sodium silicate showed the highest efficacy, completely inhibiting P. digitatum and P. italicum at 2000 ppm. Potassium and calcium silicates achieved 100% inhibition against Penicillium spp. at a concentration of 1%. In vivo tests on Sidi Aissa clementines assessed the preventive and curative effects of 1, 2, and 6% silicate salt solutions. Sodium silicate prevented 41% of brown rot, 72% of sour rot, and 100% of green mold at 6%. Calcium silicate at 6% significantly reduced blue mold and black rot by 32% and 74%, respectively. Sodium silicate was most effective in curative treatments, suggesting its potential as a pre- or post-harvest spray to control P. digitatum, P. italicum, and G. citri-aurantii.

This article presents the complete design of a nonlinear control system for multiple stationary bikes connected to a mechanical energy conversion system equipped with squirrel cage induction generators (SIGs) linked to AC/DC converters. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of powering multiple treadmills using the DC bus via DC/AC converters. The novelty of our approach lies in the integration of a new strategy of control system to achieve multiple control objectives within a gym microgrid environment, and an energy management algorithm to ensure the energy flow between intermittent generation and the considered, somewhat random, demand. The system is composed of several subsystems: i) stationary bikes connected to the DC bus via inverters acting as intermittent power sources; ii) a Li-ion battery-based energy storage system interfaced through a Buck-Boost converter; iii) electromechanical loads, including treadmills, powered by DC/AC converters, in addition to other DC loads. The main control objectives are as follows: a) each stationary bike extracts energy from the DC network by regulating the torque applied by the athlete, ensuring that the torque follows the reference torque; b) the treadmill’s speed must follow the reference generated based on the athlete’s condition; c) ensuring the protection of the energy storage system by monitoring its current and voltage; d) all mentioned objectives are achieved while maintaining the DC bus voltage at a reference value. To achieve these objectives, a nonlinear control approach based on Lyapunov theory is used to design the controllers. A formal analysis is conducted to assess the performance of the studied system. The system’s performance is demonstrated using the MATLAB/Simulink environment. Numerous simulations demonstrate that every control objective is achieved. Specifically, the system maintained the DC bus voltage at 500 V with a maximum deviation of 1 V, and the treadmill speed followed the reference within a margin of 0.1 m/s.

This study addresses the issue of integrating renewable energy sources into the power grid by proposing advanced power management strategies based on an adaptive observer. The system comprises a wind turbine farm (WTF) connected to an energy storage system via a Vienna rectifier, which serves as the voltage source converter (VSC), and is linked to the DC grid through a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line. The main objective of this study is to design a nonlinear controller to improve energy extraction from the wind power frame and enhance the stability of the power grid. The system controller is designed to operate in two modes. The main feature of this controller is its ability to achieve multi-objective control using different references. In this study, we have four references but only two control laws. Furthermore, an adaptive observer is designed to estimate the power grid requirements, allowing us to produce depending on the grid state. Finally, simulation results using MATLAB/Simulink will be displayed to demonstrate the stability and efficiency of the proposed implementation.

The analysis and detection of sleep stages continue to preoccupy researchers, particularly bioinformaticians and neurologists aiming to understand various aspects and functioning of the brain during sleep cycles. This understanding is crucial for developing systems capable of early diagnosis of sleep disorders and adapting these systems for use in operating rooms to monitor the brain activity of patients under sedation or anesthesia. In this study, we apply a set of methods to process and decompose the single-channel EEG neural signal into different brain waves such as beta, alpha, theta, and delta. We then focus on the analysis and optimization of the extracted non-linear features using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to improve the performance and robustness of the classification of six sleep stages. Classifier validation is performed using the cross-validation method. The results show that when the dimensions of the combined non-linear features are reduced, the RF-PCA model achieves an accuracy of 95.2%, outperforming other models such as MLP, SVM, DT, and GB, as well as recent studies. These findings validate the effectiveness of the system, indicating its potential for embedded implementation in practical applications for sleep disorder diagnosis and monitoring.

This investigation aimed to assess the responsiveness of fourteen Moroccan bread wheat varieties to yellow rust induced by Puccinia striiformis tritici (Pst) in comparison with a susceptible variety ‘Amal’ through natural inoculation in the field, employing a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). A comprehensive evaluation, encompassing 20 variables related to epidemiological, phenological, morphological, and physicochemical parameters, was conducted. In elucidating the role of the leaf in wheat resistance to stripe rust, the mineral and organic composition was scrutinized using sophisticated molecular detection techniques—Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). These two methodologies, recognized for their efficacy, facilitated the measurement of varying concentrations of lipids and carboxylic esters in the epicuticular wax on the adaxial flag leaf. Additionally, the quantity of essential minerals was determined. The outcomes revealed distinct responses among bread wheat varieties to stripe rust, with ‘Faiza’, ‘Bandera’, and ‘Resulton’ demonstrating heightened resistance, manifesting severity values below 15%. Conversely, ‘Amal’ exhibited the lowest level of resistance. Furthermore, lipid concentration reached its pinnacle in ‘Faiza’, ‘Bandera’ and ‘Resulton’ while ‘Amal’ displayed the lowest lipid levels. Severity exhibited a very weak correlation with Zn, weak correlations with Cu, and moderate correlations with Ca and K (p

Spiroplasma citri, a bacterium from the class Mollicutes, is the causative agent of citrus stubborn disease, a serious threat to Moroccan citrus crops, with yield losses reaching 45%. Despite its long-standing presence since 1949 and regulations mandating disease-free citrus plants, data on S. citri in Morocco remain scarce. This study investigates the pathogenicity and symptom variability of Moroccan S. citri isolates using biological indexing and genetic mapping based on the Spiralin and P58 genes. Biological indexing through reverse inoculation revealed that seven out of ten isolates caused moderate to intense symptoms within 8 to 10 weeks, with symptom severity varying across citrus cultivars and regions. These findings suggest variations in pathogen titer. Molecular analysis showed that Moroccan isolates (27GH, 3GH, 8GH, 56MK, 16MK, 60MK, 2GLK, 13SS, and 30S1) exhibited complete (100%) sequence similarity with each other and the reference strain R2-A8. Furthermore, these isolates displayed a high degree of similarity (99.75%) to a Corsican isolate (U13995) and a 94% similarity to an Iranian isolate (KP666137). Analysis of the P58 gene confirmed a high level of homogeneity with Moroccan reference strain R8-A2, closely aligning (99.75%) with the American BR3-3X strain, and 98% similarity to isolates from Syria and Iran. This study lays a foundational insight into the molecular characterization of S. citri in Morocco and provides a groundwork for future research into managing citrus stubborn disease.

Plants continually encounter biotic and abiotic stresses, which threaten their growth, development, and productivity [...]

Uno de los varios oficios de la metáfora es el de nombrar realidades faltas de denominación; otro, de máximo interés aquí, el de tamizar lo nuevo a través de realidades familiares, menos disruptivas. Proyectando un dominio origen z, concreto e inmediato (abeja, por ejemplo), sobre un dominio meta x, abstracto, abstruso o extraño en exceso (es el caso de colibrí), se atenúa el impacto cognitivo que causa x, gracias a lo cual el colibrí no solo cobra visibilidad, sino que, ingresado en un orden común, se hace comprensible: pájaro abeja. Los bestiarios y las antiguas corografías estaban repletas de novedades, a menudo difíciles de concebir, para el público de la época: terra incognita, fauna y flora nunca vistas. Para poder hacerse idea, o mejor, una imagen de la realidad exótica descrita, se la asimilaba a una realidad reconocible con la que guardase algún parecido. Tal estrategia, observada en obras de tradiciones a priori muy dispares como el Shanhai jing y los bestiarios europeos, se intuye universal. Se revisan en este artículo las descripciones de las criaturas fuera de lo común del Shanhai jing y de los bestiarios europeos para verificar esta universalidad. Todos los extractos de bestiarios medievales provienen de la obra clásica de Ignacio Malaxecheverría: Bestiario medieval; los del Shanhai jing, del texto original en chino.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS), fatigue is among the leading clinical symptoms. It is one of the most disabling symptoms for most MS people. Objectives: This research measures the prevalence of fatigue and its impact on the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial abilities of individuals with MS in Morocco. Method: This cross-sectional and descriptive study included 152 participants. Data were collected via an online survey using the snowball method, incorporating sociodemographic characteristics and the Arabic version of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale. Results: According to the results, 89.4% of respondents experienced pathological fatigue, with an average score of 65.52 (± 18.00). There was a significant relationship between pathological fatigue, age (p = 0.0324), and clinical phenotype (p = 0.041). Fatigue negatively impacted participants’ physical, cognitive, and psychological capacities, with average scores of 70.38 (± 8.15), 62.28 (± 10.23), and 73.87 (± 1.86), respectively. Conclusion: The results of our study confirmed a high prevalence of fatigue among people with MS in Morocco. Sustained research in this field remains crucial, as it enables the formulation of strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those impacted by MS. Contribution: This study is the first in Morocco to examine fatigue prevalence in people with MS and its impact on their physical, cognitive, and psychosocial abilities. High fatigue levels hinder the integration of people with MS into professional and student life. The findings emphasize the need for effective symptom and fatigue management.

The integration of water electrolyzers and photovoltaic (PV) solar technology is a potential development in renewable energy systems, offering new avenues for sustainable energy generation and storage. This coupling consists of using PV-generated electricity to power water electrolysis, breaking down water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. While oxygen is a useful byproduct, the created hydrogen is used as a clean, storable energy carrier or feedstock for numerous businesses. It is possible to operate the device with or without battery storage. When solar energy is combined with batteries, excess solar energy may be stored for later use, maximizing energy efficiency and guaranteeing a steady supply of electricity even in the absence of direct sunlight. On the other hand, battery-free systems depend on the electrolyzer’s continuous power generation to convert solar energy into hydrogen during the day. In addition to allowing for the production of renewable hydrogen,this hybrid PV-solar and water electrolyzer setup contributes to grid stability by offering demand-side flexibility. Moreover, the modularity of these systems enables scalability to meet diverse energy requirements, spanning from residential to industrial applications, thereby fostering a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape. This review delves into various topologies for PV-driven electrolysis and conducts a thorough exploration of the dynamics of low-temperature water electrolyzers. Specifically, it examines their integration with three primary technologies: Proton Exchange Membrane, Alkaline, and Anion Exchange Membrane, shedding light on their implications for the broader integration landscape. Through detailed analysis and insights, this study enriches the understanding of the potential and challenges inherent in the convergence of PV solar, water electrolysis, and renewable energy systems.

Penicillium expansum causes blue mold, a major post-harvest disease affecting apples. This disease is commonly managed using fungicides, including Difenoconazole (Dif), a demethylation inhibitor (DMI) approved for its control. This investigation aims to evaluate the baseline sensitivity of 100 P. expansum isolates to Difenoconazole. The isolates were collected from symptomatic apples in 34 storage warehouses across the Fes-Meknes and Draa-Tafilalet regions over three years (2020, 2021, and 2022). The study revealed an increase in the percentage of inhibition of mycelial growth and spore germination of P. expansum proportional to the increasing concentration of the fungicide. Moreover, the results indicate that 46 isolates were able to develop even at a concentration of 5 µg/mL of Dif (the suggested discriminatory dose), indicating reduced sensitivity to this fungicide. The analysis of the values of the effective concentration to inhibit 50% (EC50) of mycelial growth of P. expansum ranging from 0.027 to 1.673 µg/mL (mean: 0.263 µg/mL, variation factor: 62.507) and for spore germination from 0.0002 to 0.787 µg/mL (mean: 0.048 µg/mL, variation factor: 4113.835). The wide variation in EC50 values indicates significant variability in the isolates’ responses to Dif, likely due to diverse sampling in space and time. Our results showed that some P. expansum isolates could grow even at high concentrations of Dif, indicating limited efficacy of this treatment. The EC50 of five isolates exceeded 0.92 µg/mL, suggesting potential resistance. This study indicates reduced sensitivity and possible emergence of resistant strains. Notably, it is the first evaluation of P. expansum sensitivity to Dif in Morocco.

Apple scab, caused by the pathogenic fungus Venturia inaequalis, can result in significant economic losses. The frequent use of fungicidal products has led to the emergence of isolates resistant to commonly used active substances. Therefore, biological control offers a sustainable alternative for managing apple scab. In this study, eight Trichoderma isolates were evaluated against five different isolates of V. inaequalis isolated from the Fes-Meknes region. The biocontrol potential of these Trichoderma isolates had previously been demonstrated against other pathogens. The results indicated that the inhibition rate of mycelial growth of V. inaequalis obtained with Trichoderma spp. isolates ranged from 50% to 81%, with significant differences observed among the pathogenic isolates after 5 and 12 days of incubation. In addition, the in vitro tests with Trichoderma cell-free filtrates showed inhibition rates ranging from 2% to 79%, while inhibition rates ranged from 5% to 78% for volatile compound tests. Interestingly, the inhibition of spore germination and elongation was approximately 40–50%, suggesting the involvement of antifungal metabolites in their biocontrol activities. The in vivo bioassay on detached apple leaves confirmed the biocontrol potential of these Trichoderma isolates and demonstrated their ability to preventively control apple scab disease. However, their efficacies were still lower than those of the fungicidal product difenoconazole. These findings could contribute to the development of an effective biofungicide based on these Trichoderma isolates for reliable and efficient apple scab control.

Rising global energy demand has intensified the need for sustainable building practices and reduced energy consumption in the construction sector. This study investigates the energy-saving potential of integrating innovative materials into building wall structures in semiarid climates. Specifically, we examine the combination of thermal insulation made from recycled textile waste and phase change materials (PCMs) in exterior walls. Using the dynamic simulation tool TRNSYS, we analyzed heat transfer through the modified wall assembly under semiarid climate conditions typical of Marrakech, Morocco. Our results show that this “bioclimatic” design significantly impacts cooling loads more than heating demands. The modified building achieved a 52% reduction in summer energy usage compared to a conventional reference building. This energy saving translates to a 39% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. Importantly, this study confirms that this configuration maintains thermal comfort for occupants, with particular effectiveness during the hot summer months when cooling demands are highest.

This study focused on the isolation of actinobacteria capable of producing extracellular keratinase from keratin-rich residues, which led to the selection of an actinobacterial strain referenced as Streptomyces strain DZ 06 (ES41). The Plackett–Burman screening plan was used for the statistical optimization of the enzymatic production medium, leading to the identification of five key parameters that achieved a maximum activity of 180.1 U/mL. Further refinement using response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box–Behnken design enhanced enzyme production to approximately 458 U/mL. Model validation, based on the statistical predictions, demonstrated that optimal keratinase activity of 489.24 U/mL could be attained with 6.13 g/L of chicken feather meal, a pH of 6.25, incubation at 40.65 °C for 4.11 days, and an inoculum size of 3.98 × 107 spores/mL. The optimized culture conditions yielded a 21.67-fold increase in keratinase compared with the initial non-optimized standard conditions. The results show that this bacterium is an excellent candidate for industrial applications when optimal conditions are used to minimize the overall costs of the enzyme production process.

Abstract We have previously shown that intracardiac delivery of autologous CD34+ cells after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is safe and leads to long term improvement. We are now conducting a multicenter, randomized, controlled Phase I/IIb study in post-AMI to investigate the safety and efficacy of intramyocardial injection of expanded autologous CD34+ cells (ProtheraCytes) (NCT02669810). Here, we conducted a series of in vitro studies characterizing the growth factor secretion, exosome secretion, gene expression, cell surface markers, differentiation potential, and angiogenic potential of ProtheraCytes clinical batches to develop a potency assay. We show that ProtheraCytes secrete vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its concentration is significantly correlated with the number of CD34+ cells obtained after expansion. ProtheraCytes also secrete exosomes containing proangiogenic miRNAs (126, 130a, 378, 26a), antiapoptotic miRNAs (21 and 146a), antifibrotic miRNAs (133a, 24, 29b, 132), and miRNAs promoting myocardial regeneration (199a and 590). We also show that ProtheraCytes have in vitro angiogenic activity, express surface markers of endothelial progenitor cells, and can differentiate in vitro into endothelial cells. After the in vitro characterization of multiple ProtheraCytes clinical batches, we established that measuring the concentration of VEGF provided the most practical, reliable, and consistent potency assay.

Energy consumption in the tertial sector is largely attributed to cooling/heating energy consumption. Thus, forecasting the building's energy consumption has become a key factor in long-term decision-making, reducing the huge energy demand and future planning. This manuscript outlines to use of the variance analysis method (ANOVA) to study the building's passive parameters' effect, such as the orientation, insulation, and its thickness plus the glazing on energy savings through the forecasting of the heating/cooling energy consumption by applying the Seasonal Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) and the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models. The presented methodology compares the predicted consumed energy of a baseline building with another efficient building which includes all the passive parameters selected by the ANOVA approach. The results show that the improvement of passive parameters leads to a reduction of heating energy consumption by 1,739,640 kWh from 2021 to 2029, which is equivalent to a monthly energy consumption of 181.2 kWh for an administrative building with an area of 415 m2. While the cooling energy consumption is diminished by 893,246 kWh from 2021 to 2029, which leads to save a monthly value of 93.05 kWh. Consequently, the passive parameters optimization efficiently reduces the consumed energy and minimizes its costs. This positively impacts our environment due to the reduction of gas emissions, air and soil pollution.

Apple crops are prone to several diseases that limit their production—in particular, root rot caused by a new genus of oomycetes, mainly Phytopythium vexans. This study aims to screen antagonistic bacteria that can play an important role in the biological control of this pathogenic oomycete and to evaluate their capacity to promote plant growth. The dual culture test revealed that, out of 200 bacterial isolates, 16 have been able to inhibit the mycelial growth of P. vexans with inhibition rates greater than 50%. The selected isolates were identified based on the 16S rDNA genes: 14 bacteria belonging to the genus Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas, and the family Enterobacteriaceae. Notably, two isolates, B1 and M2-6 (identified as Bacillus velezensis), demonstrated the highest inhibition rates of 70% and 68%, respectively. These selected isolates were examined for their ability to produce different compounds related to biocontrol and plant growth promotion. Furthermore, the 16 selected isolates were evaluated for their ability to produce compounds associated with biocontrol and plant growth promotion, including hydrolytic enzymes (cellulases, proteases, and amylases), HCN (hydrogen cyanide) production, phosphate solubilization, IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) production, pectinase production, and stimulation of sorghum bicolor growth in vivo. Variations were observed among the bacterial isolates in terms of their compound production and phytostimulation capabilities. However, the secretion of proteases was consistently detected in all antagonistic isolates. The presence of genes responsible for the production of antifungal lipopeptides (bacillomycin, fengycin, and iturin) in the selected bacterial isolates was determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, while the absence of genes involved in surfactin biosynthesis was also confirmed through PCR studies. These isolates demonstrated inhibitory activity through the production of proteases and antifungal lipopeptides. Further research is needed to explore their potential use in biological control strategies and to improve apple crop productivity.

The causal agent of tomato leaf mold, Cladosporium fulvum, is prevalent in greenhouses worldwide, especially under high humidity conditions. Despite its economic impact, studies on antifungal agents targeting C. fulvum remain limited. This study evaluates biocontrol agents (BCAs) as alternatives to chemical controls for managing this disease, alongside the strobilurin fungicide azoxystrobin. From a Moroccan collection of potential BCAs, five bacterial isolates (Alcaligenes faecalis ACBC1, Pantoea agglomerans ACBC2, ACBP1, ACBP2, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SF14) and three fungal isolates (Trichoderma spp. OT1, AT2, and BT3) were selected and tested. The in vitro results demonstrated that P. agglomerans isolates reduced mycelial growth by over 60% at 12 days post-inoculation (dpi), while Trichoderma isolates achieved 100% inhibition in just 5 dpi. All bacterial isolates produced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with mycelial inhibition rates ranging from 38.8% to 57.4%. Likewise, bacterial cell-free filtrates significantly inhibited the pathogen’s mycelial growth. Greenhouse tests validated these findings, showing that all the tested isolates were effective in reducing disease incidence and severity. Azoxystrobin effectively impeded C. fulvum growth, particularly in protective treatments. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed significant biochemical changes in the treated plants, indicating fungal activity. This study provides valuable insights into the efficacy of these BCAs and azoxystrobin, contributing to integrated management strategies for tomato leaf mold disease.

This study explores the potential of olive leaves, long integral to Mediterranean traditional medicine, as a rich source of valuable compounds. The challenge lies in their considerable water content, hindering these compounds’ full valorization. Four drying methods (air-drying, oven-drying, freeze-drying and solar-drying) were investigated for their impact on nutrient and bioactive compound content in the leaves of four olive varieties (“Arbequina”, “Koroneiki”, “Menara” and “Picholine Marocaine”) cultivated in Morocco. In their fresh state, “Picholine Marocaine” exhibited the highest protein levels (6.11%), “Arbequina” had the highest phenolic content (20.18 mg gallic acid equivalents/g fresh weight (FW)), and “Koroneiki” and “Menara” were highest in flavonoids (3.28 mg quercetin equivalents/g FW). Specific drying methods proved optimal for different varieties. Oven-drying at 60 °C and 70 °C effectively preserved protein, while phenolic content varied with drying conditions. Air-drying and freeze-drying demonstrated effectiveness for flavonoids. In addition, an analytical approach using high-performance liquid chromatography and diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was applied to investigate the effects of the different drying methods on the bioactive fraction of the analyzed samples. The results showed qualitative and quantitative differences depending on both the variety and the drying method used. A total of 11 phenolic compounds were tentatively identified, with oleuropein being the most abundant in all the samples analyzed. The freeze-dried samples showed the highest content of oleuropein in the varieties “Arbequina” and “Picholine Marocaine” compared to the other methods analyzed. In contrast, “Koroneiki” and “Menara” had higher oleuropein content when air dried. Overall, the obtained results highlight the importance of tailored drying techniques for the preservation of nutrients and bioactive compounds in olive leaves.

Irrigation scheduling, coupled with the use of biofertilizers, constitutes an effective management strategy to overcome soil drought. This study aimed to assess the individual and combined effects of three selected biofertilizers—(R) Bacillus sp. and Bacillus subtilis, (M) native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and (C) compost—on Triticum durum L. The agro-physiological and biochemical traits, along with the soil properties, were evaluated under two different water regimes, 100% crop evapotranspiration (ETc) for the well-watered regime and 30% ETc for the drought-stressed regime under field conditions, using a drip irrigation system. Drought stress (DS) led to significant reductions in the biomass, physiological parameters, and biochemical markers. Furthermore, the application of CM and MR significantly boosted the shoot and root dry weight by 137% and 72%, respectively, under DS compared to the control. Moreover, CM and R resulted in a notable increase of 167% and 130% in the grain and straw yield, respectively, under the same conditions. The normalized difference vegetation index showed improved values in the plants inoculated with MR and CMR, respectively, under DS conditions. Additionally, the soil quality was positively influenced by the application of M and/or R and/or C biofertilizers. These findings provide valuable insights into the intricate soil–plant interactions and the beneficial effects of combined biofertilizers in enhancing wheat’s resilience to drought stress.

For shingle interconnection there is no standard method to characterize the mechanical strength of the shingled joints. Therefore, we studied a die shear test for this purpose. In the first part, a single epoxy-based electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) was used in an industrial shingle stringer to produce shingle strings with different ECA printing widths and curing temperatures. It was observed that the printed ECA area increases at higher curing temperatures due to the increased formation of voids. Shear strength increased with elevating the curing temperature. In the second part of the study, three ECAs with varying glass transition temperature (Tg) were analysed with dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The shear strength of the ECAs correlates with the flexibility of the materials. ECA A, with the highest Tg, had the highest shear strength with an average of (25 ± 3) MPa, and ECA B with an average of (24 ± 9) MPa while ECA C had the lowest shear strength with an average of (15 ± 9) MPa. After characterising the shingled full-format PV modules produced using the three ECAs with electroluminescence and I–V measurements, it was found that the flexibility of the ECAs and the shear strength of the shingled joints had a very small effect on the module performance after thermal cycling 200 and mechanical load 5400 Pa. The ECAs with higher Tg showed more cell fracture but with negligible power loss. The ECA with the lowest Tg led to subtle joint degradation during the tests.

IntroductionPhytophthora infestans, the causative agent of late blight disease, has gained notoriety for its destructive potential, leading to substantial losses in potato yields. Although conventional systemic fungicides have been shown to be effective in controlling plant pathogens, growing environmental concerns have prompted the need for more integrated disease management approaches. Hence, in this study, the effectiveness of wild Origanum elongatum extracts as biopesticides was explored in controlling P. infestans and potentially mitigating its devastating impact in planta.MethodsThe aerial parts of O. elongatum were subjected to sequential extraction using water, hexane, chloroform, and methanol. The obtained extracts were tested in vitro through the poisoned food procedure for their capacity to obstruct P. infestans growth and to defeat potato blight severity in vivo. The phyto-contents (total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC)), as well as the antioxidant activities, were spectrophotometrically determined in all extracts, and the phytoconstituents of the most active extract (methanolic extract) were profiled via high-performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–PDA–MS/MS).ResultsIn vitro, the complete inhibition rate of the P. infestans was obtained using the methanolic extract at 5 mg/mL, followed by the hexane and chloroform extracts at 10 mg/mL. Interestingly, complete inhibition of the pathogen was achieved upon the application of the aqueous extract at 10 mg/mL. In vivo, the aqueous extract at 25 mg/mL reduced the P. infestans severity rate to 27.25%, while the methanolic extract at 20 mg/mL led to the lowest severity rate. Moreover, the hexane and chloroform extracts impaired the pathogen severity rate to 50% and 41% using 20 mg/mL, respectively. The TPC and TFC in the extracts were variable with high concentrations detected in the methanolic extract with 485.42 mg GAE/g and 58.24 mg QE/g, respectively. In addition, the methanolic extract showed the highest antioxidant activities, while the chloroform extract exhibited the lowest activity. Liquid chromatography (LC)–MS/MS analysis of the methanol extract revealed 56 components from diverse classes. These included organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, and coumarins.ConclusionThese findings suggest that O. elongatum could be investigated as a potential source of antifungal compounds targeting different phytopathogens.

Energy conversion is a fundamental process that finds application in diverse domains, including renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and industrial power systems. The selection of an appropriate energy conversion topology is pivotal in optimizing system performance, efficiency, and reliability. This review paper presents a comprehensive overview of energy conversion topologies employed in wind energy conversion systems, as well as their applicability in various other domains. The paper begins by elucidating the underlying principles and requirements of energy conversion systems, with a specific emphasis on the crucial role played by Maximum Power Point Tracking in achieving efficient energy harvesting. Furthermore, the paper provides an in-depth analysis of commonly utilized energy conversion topologies. Each topology is scrutinized based on its operating principles, merits, drawbacks, and typical applications. In addition, the review showcases recent advancements and emerging trends in energy conversion topologies, such as multi-level converters, matrix converters, and resonant converters. The paper also addresses the challenges encountered and future directions in this field, with a particular focus on developing more efficient and adaptable MPPT techniques for a wide range of energy sources. This comprehensive review paper serves as an invaluable resource for researchers, engineers, and practitioners involved in the dynamic realm of energy conversion.

This paper addresses the problem of output feedback control for high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems based on voltage source converters (VSC). Specifically, the system under study consists of two power grids and two VSC stations connected via a long HVDC cable. The primary goal of this paper is to propose a different approach for the online estimation of the grid voltage placed at a great distance from the control unit which is considered generally known, moreover the proposed technique aims to online estimation of the grid pulsation and the HVDC cable states, generally considered available. A nonlinear observer is intended to address these concerns. Only the line current measurements are used to estimate all state variables. Furthermore, utilizing the estimation offered by the proposed observer, an output feedback control strategy is formulated, using the backstepping design technique, to meet the three control objectives: 1) tight output voltage regulation of the HVDC cable; 2) ensuring a perfect power quality at both sides of the HVDC system; 3) regulation of the active power at the inverter station. The high effectiveness of the proposed output feedback controller’s performance is highlighted via a semi-experimental platform that includes a Processor In the Loop (PIL) on the embedded board eZdsp. Extra numerical simulations show that The proposed output feedback performance enjoys additional robustness properties and meets all control objectives.

The dynamic analysis of bridges simulated as Euler-Bernoulli beam models with elastic supports subjected to mobile loads are analyzed by conventional methods to obtain a new solution for displacement. Generally, these beam supports can be characterized by springs with a given stiffness, which considerably influence the structure's dynamic behavior and even attenuate the dynamic amplification. The solutions proposed until now are defined only on span but not supports. In this paper, we used Green's function, considering boundary and continuity conditions and shear force to study the global behavior of the beam. A new displacement formula is proposed for the beam to support a span according to the velocity of the mobile load, the beam rigidity, and the stiffness of supports. A further study leads to the present two new formulas, which directly give displacements at the level of supports according only to the beam rigidity and supports stiffness and to the load value at any time. The result of this analysis shows that several combined factors influence the vibratory behavior of the beam when it is supported on elastically supports, namely the stiffness of the supports, the rigidity of the beam, its length, the value of the mobile load, and its velocity. The evolution of support stiffness leads to classical boundary conditions. A study of coupling between the beam and supports is presented, with the study of the comportment in function to the ratio between the beam rigidity and spring stiffness.

Precision agriculture (PA) research aims to design decision systems based on agricultural site control and management. These systems consist of observing fields and measuring metrics to optimize yields and investments while preserving resources. The corresponding applications can be found on large agricultural areas based on satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and sol robots. All these applications based on various algorithms that are complex in terms of processing time. If these algorithms are evaluated offline on work-stations or desktops, this is not the case for algorithms that need to be embedded and should operate and help make real-time decisions. We, therefore, need an advanced study using hardware-software co-design approach to design decision systems to embed different algorithms, including sensor data acquisition and processing units. In this work, we propose a review in processing information tools-based embedded systems in PA algorithms with different applications: weed detection, numerical counting, monitoring of plant indexes, and disease detection. This review has been based on more than 100 papers to extract useful information on the different techniques used and the information processing systems. The elaborated study presents the various tools, databases, and systems in order to extract the advantages and disadvantages of system and application.