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Physical attractiveness has an important and great influence in human social life as it was widely linked to the possession of a variety of positive qualities that makes an individual better than the others, as well as offering many advantages to the individual’s life especially in a society obsessed with beauty and attractiveness. As consequences to the attractiveness influence, people tend to look more and more attractive using makeup or in most of the time plastic surgeries. In parallel to the increased need to plastic surgeries, the need to simplify and show how the face will look like after the surgery is recommended, to plan the procedures, verify the satisfaction of the patient, and reduce the risks during the surgery as well. In this paper, we introduce a novel system to analyze and enhance the attractiveness of 3D faces using a Free Form Deformation technique based on the Bezier function. This system was tested on two 3D face datasets and the experimental results show that the edited 3D faces are more attractive compared to the original faces in terms of respecting the beauty canons which are: facial symmetry, golden ration, neoclassical proportions, and the angular profile.

In analytical systems of Arabic text recognition, segmentation is a critical and decisive stage. In this stage, words after being extracted from the text document are segmented into individual characters to allow the feature extraction and classification. The absence of standard corpus for printed Arabic text does not allow a good and objective comparison between different segmentation systems. In this paper, we propose two contributions. The first one is a multi-font reference corpus of printed Arabic text, in which we grouped all segmentation problems and which can be used as a reference to compare different segmentation systems. The second is a hybrid method for segmentation of printed multi-font Arabic text. The proposed method is based on two of the most known techniques in the field: contour based and Template matching techniques. This method is insensitive to the font variability and the characters overlapping. To evaluate the results of this method, we have studied, implemented and tested other methods in literature by using the proposed corpus. The experimental results show that our method gives better segmentation rates.

In this study, a new nano-sized mesoporous silica (MSN) as support for Ni-based catalysts was produced from natural resources and tested in the dry reforming of methane between 823 and 1023 K. The fresh and spent catalysts Ni-x/MSN (x = 5, 10 and 20 wt.%) were characterized by various techniques. All catalysts are selective for hydrogen production and exhibited long-term stability with low coke formation predominantly as carbon nanotubes, for Ni loadings less than 10% at 973 K. The catalytic results were correlated with the in situ generation of Ni nanoparticles which are highly dispersed on the MSN surface due to strong metal-support interactions thus preventing the sintering process. No significant deactivation was recorded along 25 h on stream meaning that the textural properties of the catalysts have not been altered by the coke deposition or reaction temperature. The prepared MSN is a potential support to be utilized for hydrogen generation.

Resume Introduction La sequestration pulmonaire est une malformation rare. Elle est caracterisee par un territoire du tissu bronchopulmonaire non fonctionnel vascularise par une ou plusieurs arteres systemiques aberrantes. Observation Nous rapportons le cas d’un homme âge de 30 ans, hospitalise pour bilan d'hemoptysie de faible abondance recidivante et chez qui l’angioscanner thoracique revele une sequestration lobaire inferieure droite par trois vaisseaux systemiques. Le patient a ete traite par une lobectomie inferieure droite avec une section-ligature des trois vaisseaux. Conclusion Ce cas est presente pour souligner la singularite de l’aspect radiologique et peroperatoire de cette anomalie rare.

New mesoporous nano-silica with special physicochemical properties was successfully produced from silica-rich rocks using alkaline-based chemical treatment and low temperature. Pumice is a high quality silica-rich rock and used as raw material. An experimental design based on Response Surface Methodology (RSM) combined to Central Composite Design (CCD) was chosen to model and optimize the process parameters using three major independent variables that affect the production yield of nano-silica (reaction temperature, reaction time and molar ratio (n = nNaOH/nSilica). From analysis of variance (ANOVA), the three chosen variables were recognized as the influential factors for the silica production yield. The mesoporous nano-silica produced under optimum reaction conditions was characterized by various techniques. The chemical composition of nano-silica products is confirmed by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and the amorphous nature by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The microstructural analysis reveals that the nano-silica exhibits a mesoporous structure with an average pore diameter around 5.5 nm and an irregular distribution of nanoparticles as agglomerated clusters with an average value of 8 nm and very high specific surface area (422 m2 g−1) compared to the conventional silica (257 m2 g−1). The mesoporous nano-silica obtained here is economically inexpensive by comparison with other existing methods.

Image moment invariants has been widely used in the fields of pattern recognition and computer vision, since they are able to represent pattern features independently of geometric transformations. Currently, Separable Moments and their invariants are gaining more interest, due to their capability for combining the basic properties of different orthogonal moments. However, most of the existing separable moment invariants are derived indirectly from the geometric invariants, based on the relationship orthogonal polynomials and the geometric basis. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a direct approach to construct a set of discrete separable Tchebichef-Krawtchouk Moment Invariants which are simultaneously invariant to Rotation, Scaling and Translation transformation, based on the explicit form of the Tchebichef and Krawtchouk polynomials. Consequently, the experimental and theoretical results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method and show their superiority in image classification and pattern recognition in comparison with the existing methods.

In the present work, a newly synthesized hybrid β-chitin/dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA) loaded with copper nanoparticles Cu(NPs) was investigated as an antibacterial agent using various strains. The hybrid β-chitin/DCPA was obtained via a mechano-chemical route and the Cu(NPs) supported over β-chitin/DCPA matrix was successfully synthesized from Cu(II) ions using the ultrasound-assisted method followed by in situ chemical reduction with sodium borohydride. All the prepared materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), simultaneous thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Cu(NPs) after the reduction process was identified by the optical absorption spectroscopy, in the visible light region around 600 nm. The antibacterial activity of Cu-based materials was investigated against series of Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus, L. monocytogenes) and Gram-negative (E. coli, P. aeruginosa) strains, using the microtitration assay by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Among the materials tested, Cu(NPs)/β-chitin/DCPA exhibited a high antibacterial effect exceeding CuII-β-chitin/DCPA and many others reported antibacterial agents, with a MIC value of 125 μg.mL−1 (6 μg.mL−1 of copper). The excellent antibacterial result was related to high dispersion properties of the hybrid support (β-chitin/DCPA) which avoid the aggregation of Cu(NPs) via various surface bonds with β-chitin biopolymer. Copper-based materials synthesized here exhibit promising antibacterial activities which can be explored in more details in others bacterial strains.

Statistical and artificial intelligence learning algorithms such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) are widely used in many meat quality assessment applications to classify and predict the freshness of beef meat. This paper presents the implementation of the PCA and SVM algorithms on an embedded system based on a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). A dataset of eighty-one hue, saturation, and intensity (HSI) beef meat images was used. The PCA is used as a projection and prediction model where the SVM is used for the classification and identification of the beef meat. Results obtained from PCA projection model on a desktop system using Matlab software show the projection of three groups which represent the degree of beef meat freshness during the days of cold storage. A perfect prediction of the new unknown samples was obtained by PCA prediction model. A successful rate 100% of classification and identification was obtained by SVM. The PCA and SVM methods were implemented on the C6678 multi-core DSP. The implementation results of these algorithms were similar as those obtained by Matlab software. The processing time of the algorithms measured on the embedded system was lower compared to the desktop system. The embedded platforms based on DSP as portable tools can be used to predict or identify the sample beef meat freshness anywhere and in real-time.

Resume Le Maroc est un pays d’endemie aussi bien pour la tuberculose pulmonaire que pour le kyste hydatique. La coexistence de ces deux affections au niveau pulmonaire est rare, surtout dans la meme lesion. Dans cet article, nous rapportons le cas d’un kyste hydatique du poumon associe a une infection tuberculeuse dont le diagnostic a ete meconnu avant l’intervention chirurgicale d’autant plus que le bilan phtisiologique etait negatif. Nous fumes confrontes a des difficultes operatoires a cause de l’inflammation perilesionnelle et de la fragilite des tissus, mais les suites operatoires ont ete simples. Nous rapportons ce cas afin de rappeler qu’une telle association existe et doit etre gardee a l’esprit, surtout dans les pays endemiques.

Digital Pulse-Doppler radar chain consists of signal processing algorithms that require high computing power. Multi-processor and multi-core parallel embedded machines are one of the solutions to meet real-time constraints of many radar applications. In this paper, we proposed efficient and scalable parallelization methods of the Pulse-Doppler radar signal processing chain. First, we evaluated Open Multi Processing (OpenMP) to identify its best scheduling technique in order to exploit efficiently the available computing cores. Then, we have proposed new parallel and scalable approaches based on direct memory access (DMA) and inter-processor communication (IPC) techniques, combined with the best OpenMP scheduling method to accelerate radar signal processing chain. To prove the scalability of our proposed parallel approaches, two radar use cases with different real-time and memory constraints have been experienced. We used the eight cores C6678 digital signal processor (DSP) as a target for all our implementations. The obtained results show an overall parallel efficiency of 95%, which is better than the best state-of-the-art implementations.

Background Anti-N-Methyl- d -Aspartate encephalitis is a subcategory of auto-immune encephalitis. It is known for its aggressive presenting symptoms and rapid deterioration, yet it is treatment responsive. It is associated in 50 % to ovarian teratoma. Case We report the case of a 19 year old female patient presenting for a psychiatric disorder of sudden onset with rapid deterioration. Neurologic imaging was in favor of encephalitis, and CSF studies revealed Anti NMDA receptors. Further abdominal imaging showed a right ovarian teratoma of 4 cm. Laparoscopic ovarian cyst resection was done, and corticotherapy, IVIG and anticonvulsants were given. We report complete resolution of symptoms after 7 months. Conclusion Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis with ovarian teratoma is a rare entity with rapid deterioration. Early diagnosis, surgical resection and proper medical treatment are essential for the management of this disease.

A green and efficient synthesis of new sulfonamide-1,2,3-triazoles 5 in heterogeneous conditions has been developed. The procedure involved one-pot four-component tandem sulfonamidation/azidation/1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (1,3- DC ) reactions under a cooperative effect of ultrasound irradiation and Cu (II) supported on amorphous mesoporous silica [mSiO2-Cu (II)] catalysis at room temperature in aqueous medium. In addition, the 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles 5 were synthesized by regioselective and chemoselective methods to afford the pure products in excellent yields and short reaction times under ultrasonic irradiation. The supported catalyst has been prepared from copper (II) nitrate by simple method using ultrasound activation and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) method. Also, the catalyst is easily prepared, stable, efficient, selective, and reusable under ultrasonic conditions.

This study focused on a detailed examination of the thermal behavior of Brushite-based calcium phosphate (CaHPO4•2H2O, DCPD) to identify and characterize the intermediate phases which have been the subject of previous several controversies. For that, in situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction (HT-XRD) supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), simultaneous thermal gravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were used and the combination of results showed that the progressive thermal stress of DCPD in air resulted in a complex heterogeneous formulation consisting of dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous (CaHPO4, DCPA) and an amorphous calcium phosphate, which appears at low temperatures (~160 °C) and persists up to 375 °C. This amorphous phase was identified as a disordered calcium pyrophosphate (Ca2P2O7, CPP) by the appearance in FTIR spectra of a characteristic band δ(P—O—P) of pyrophosphate groups, located at 740 cm−1. This band is shifted to low frequencies (725 cm−1) as the temperature is increased, indicating the crystallization of the amorphous CPP material into γ-CPP. The high temperature treatment (≥ 375 °C) leads to β−CPP polymorph. The quantification of the amorphous CPP phase by HT-XRD analysis depends on the heating rate of the decomposition of DCPD and presents a maximum at 300 °C for 10 °C min−1. According to the present characterization results, obtaining pure DCPA from the thermal dehydration of DCPD is not effective and leads to biphasic materials including a disordered calcium pyrophosphate phase.

The kinetic analysis of the complex process of Moroccan Rif oil shale pyrolysis was studied in detail by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and its derivative (DTG) under non-isothermal conditions. The investigated pyrolysis region, located between 325 and 600 °C, is formed by partially overlapping peaks and it was successfully separated into three discrete processes using the mathematical Fraser-Suzuki algorithm that accommodates asymmetric functions. For each separated process, the isoconversional differential and integral Model Free methods were used to evaluate activation energy and two Master plots fitting methods were explored to get reliable kinetic models. The main pyrolysis step of Moroccan Rif oil shale involves the devolatilization of organic matter including bitumen and kerogen respectively and subsequent decomposition of pyrite mineral FeS 2 . The first process represents the principal pyrolysis kinetic in accordance with dominance of bitumen products in the studied oil shale. By applying the nonlinear least square analysis to kinetic data, it was found that all processes were well described by n-th order kinetic equations, with n ≈ 1, for the first and third processes and n ≈ 1.67 for the second process. Besides, the thermodynamic functions of activated complexes (ΔS*, ΔH* and ΔG*) for the pyrolysis step of studied oil shale were calculated and discussed.

In this paper, we have employed multi-stage parallel reaction approach and Fraser–Suzuki distribution method to fit the non-isothermal TG/DTG curves resulting from oxidation of Moroccan Timahdit (X-layer) oil shale. The kinetic study was conducted to overcome the insufficiencies of the previous works, which oversimplified the oxidation processing having complex behaviors. The differential curves (DTG) of thermal oxidation of Timahdit organic matter were separated into two independent reactions. Based on the results of the deconvolution method, the kinetic mechanism was obtained using Malek’s procedure, followed by the determination of the apparent activation energy Eα using isoconversional model free methods of Friedman, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS). The obtained values of Eα show that the first oxidation process is more energetic than the second. This behavior is correlated to nature of organic matter including in Timahdit oil shale. The kinetic modeling results for each individual peak showed that the thermal oxidation process is controlled by nth order reaction mechanism with n > 1, unlike to simple first order mechanism predicted by fitting methods.

Revue des Maladies Respiratoires - In Press.Proof corrected by the author Available online since vendredi 10 fevrier 2017

In this study, we have reinvestigated the thermal decomposition kinetics of iron(III) phosphate dihydrate FePO 4 ∙2H 2 O in air atmosphere by TG/DTG and DTA techniques using non-isothermal experiments. The apparent activation energy E α was determined by the differential and integral isoconversional methods and suggested that the decomposition reaction is complex and follows multi-step processes. A mathematical deconvolution technique using Fraser–Suzuki equation was applied to the DTG curves and allowed the separation of two distinct processes. The apparent activation energies determined by the isoconversional Friedman’s method were 93.05 ± 3.80 kJ mol −1 and 73.41 ± 3.14 kJ mol −1 for the first and second process respectively. Using Malek’s procedure for each process, the characteristics of y ( α ) and z ( α ) functions showed that the kinetic reaction follows the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami model (JMA( n )). One-dimensional nucleation and growth mechanism occurred firstly with f ( α 1 ) = 1.272(1 − α 1 )[−ln(1 − α 1 )] (1 − 1/1.272) and pre-exponential factor A 1 = 9.11 × 10 10 min −1 . After 27% of total conversion, a two-dimensional nucleation and growth mechanism becomes predominant with f ( α 2 ) = 2.306(1 − α 2 )[−ln(1 − α 2 )] (1 − 1/2.306) and A 2 = 1.28 × 10 8 min −1 . It was concluded that the two decomposition processes of FePO 4 ∙2H 2 O are closely interrelated and thus neglected the first process leads to incoherent results.

Resume Introduction Les infections urinaires (IU) sont un motif tres frequent de consultation et de prescription medicale en pratique courante. L’usage excessif et/ou inapproprie des antibiotiques dans le traitement des infections urinaires est a l’origine de l’emergence et de la dissemination des bacteries uropathogenes multiresistantes. But Evaluer la frequence d’isolement et la resistance aux antibiotiques des souches d’Escherichia coli uropathogenes isolees au niveau de la region de Marrakech. Materiel et methodes Nous avons mene une etude retrospective sur une duree de trois annees (du 1er janvier 2010 au 31 decembre 2012). Elle a concerne l’ensemble des souches non redondantes d’E. coli uropathogenes isolees au laboratoire de microbiologie de l’hopital Avicenne de Marrakech, Maroc. Les echantillons urinaires proviennent de patients hospitalises et de patients en ambulatoire. Resultats Au cours de cette etude, 1472 enterobacteries uropathogenes ont ete isolees dont 924 souches non repetitives d’E. coli, soit une frequence d’isolement globale de 63 %. L’antibioresistance des souches d’E. coli isolees a mis en evidence des taux de resistance a l’amoxicilline (65 %), au sulfamethoxazole-trimethropime (55 %), a l’association amoxicilline-acide clavulanique (43 %), a la ciprofloxacine (22 %), a la gentamicine (14 %), aux nitrofuranes (11 %), a l’amikacine (8 %) et a la fosfomycine (7 %). Le nombre de souches d’E. coli resistantes aux cephalosporines de troisieme generation « C3G » par production de β-lactamases a spectre elargi « BLSE » a ete de 67, soit une frequence moyenne de 4,5 % de l’ensemble des enterobacteries uropathogenes isolees. Les resistances associees aux antibiotiques dans le cas des E. coli productrices de BLSE etaient de 82 % pour la ciprofloxacine, 76 % pour le sulfamethozole-trimethropime, 66 % pour la gentamicine et 56 % pour l’amikacine. Aucune resistance a l’imipeneme n’a ete enregistree pour les souches d’E. coli isolees, soit une sensibilite a l’imipeneme de 100 %. Conclusion La resistance aux antibiotiques des souches d’E. coli uropathogenes limite considerablement les options therapeutiques et constitue donc un reel probleme de sante publique. L’actualisation reguliere des statistiques de sensibilite aux antibiotiques des souches d’E. coli permet une meilleure adaptation de l’antibiotherapie probabiliste aux donnees epidemiologiques locales. Niveau de preuve 5.

Resume Introduction Les infections urinaires a enterobacteries productrices de β-lactamases a spectre elargi constituent un risque infectieux croissant et peuvent meme conduire dans de nombreux cas a des impasses therapeutiques du fait de leur multiresistance aux antibiotiques. But Suivre l’evolution du profil epidemiologique des enterobacteries uropathogenes productrices de β-lactamases a spectre elargi (E-BLSE) et decrire leur niveau actuel de resistance aux antibiotiques. Materiels et methodes Il s’agit d’une etude retrospective d’une duree de cinq ans (du 1 er janvier 2008 au 31 decembre 2012) concernant toutes les souches d’E-BLSE uropathogenes isolees au laboratoire de microbiologie de l’hopital Avicenne de Marrakech, Maroc. Resultats On a note, en 5 ans, une importante augmentation de la prevalence des E-BLSE. Chez les patients hospitalises, la plus grande prevalence des E-BLSE (51 %) a ete enregistree dans le service d’urologie. L’etude de l’antibioresistance des E-BLSE durant l’an 2012 a mis en evidence des co-resistances a la ciprofloxacine (82 %), au sulfamethoxazole–trimethropime (85 %), a la gentamycine (74 %) et a l’amikacine (51 %). Nos resultats ont souligne aussi, pour la premiere fois dans notre region, une emergence de la resistance a l’imipeneme (10 %). Conclusion L’importante augmentation de la prevalence des E-BLSE est devenue preoccupante tant en milieu hospitalier qu’en medecine communautaire. L’etude de la resistance des souches d’E-BLSE aux antibiotiques a mis en evidence des taux de co-resistance eleves aux antibiotiques, notamment aux molecules usuelles en urologie. Niveau de preuve 5.

Introduction and objectives This was a retrospective study reviewing 93 cases of retrosternal goitre (RG) operated in our department, with the aim of describing epidemiological and clinical data and discussing the surgical challenges of RG. Patients and methods From January 2004 to December 2012, 35 men and 58 women presenting with RG had surgery. Eighty-nine cases (95.7%) underwent cervicotomy, and a sternotomy was mandatory in 4 cases (4.3%). Laryngoscopy was performed in all cases. A second preoperative laryngoscopy by a senior was mandatory for patients with hoarseness or dyspnea even if the initial laryngeal exam was normal. Results A cervical mass was noted in 81 cases (87.1%), dyspnea in 17 cases (18.3%), dysphagia in 2 cases (2.1%), hoarseness in 7 cases (7.5%), partial vena cava syndrome in 2 cases and recurrent goitre was noted in 2 cases (2.1%) after previous thyroid resection. Mediastinal extension was on the left side in 47 cases (50.5%), on the right side in 29 cases (31.2%) and bilateral in 17 cases (18.3%). A total thyroidectomy was performed in 86 cases (92.5%) and a unilateral isthmo-lobectomy was performed in 7 cases (7.5%). Mean goitre size was 9.3 cm. Postoperative complications were present in 9 cases (9.7%), 3 cases with hypoparathyroidism (3.2%) and 4 cases (4.3%) of recurrent nerve injury. There was no postoperative death. The histological study objectified 88 cases of multiheteronodular goitre, 4 cases of Basedow thyroid, and 1 case of thyroid carcinoma (papillary carcinoma). Conclusion Our experience confirms that cervicotomy often allows removing goitre with a mediastinal extension. However, intraoperative enlargement may be necessary, with increased operating time, hospital stay and morbidity.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Se realiza un estudio retrospectivo para la revision de 93 casos de bocio retroesternal (BR) operados en nuestro departamento, a fin de describir los datos epidemiologicos y clinicos y tratar los retos quirurgicos de los BR. Pacientes y metodos De enero de 2004 a diciembre de 2012, tratamos quirurgicamente a 35 varones y 58 mujeres con BR. Realizamos cervicotomia en 89 casos (95,7%), y la esternotomia fue necesaria en 4 casos (4,3%). Se realizo laringoscopia en todos los casos. Fue imperativa una segunda laringoscopia preoperatoria realizada por un especialista para los pacientes con ronquera o disnea, incluso cuando el examen laringeo inicial era normal. Resultados Se observo una masa cervical en 81 casos (87,1%), disnea en 17 casos (18,3%), disfagia en 2 casos (2,1%), ronquera en 7 casos (7,5%), sindrome parcial de la vena cava en 2 casos y bocio recurrente en 2 casos (2,1%) tras la reseccion tiroidea previa. La extension mediastinica se localizo en el lado izquierdo en 47 casos (50,5%), en el lado derecho en 29 casos (31,2%), y bilateralmente en 17 casos (18,3%). Se practico tiroidectomia total en 86 casos (92,5%), e istmo-lobectomia unilateral en 7 casos (7,5%). El tamano medio del bocio fue de 9,3 cm. Se presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias en 9 casos (9,7%), 3 casos con hipoparatiroidismo (3,2%) y 4 casos (4,3%) de lesion del nervio recurrente. No se produjeron muertes postoperatorias. El estudio histologico detecto 88 casos de bocio multiheteronodular, 4 casos de enfermedad de Graves-Basedow, y un caso de carcinoma tiroideo (carcinoma papilar). Conclusion Nuestra experiencia confirma que la cervicotomia permite a menudo la extirpacion del bocio con extension mediastinica. Sin embargo, puede requerirse una esternotomia, alargandose el tiempo quirurgico, la estancia hospitalaria y la morbilidad.

Pleuropericardial cysts of the mediastinum are rare lesions, usually congenital but exceptionally acquired. They are often asymptomatic, but complications can occur. We report below the case of a 35-year-old man who presented with an acquired right-sided para-tracheal mesothelial cyst that ruptured into the pericardium and was responsible for clinical tamponade. Although the majority of mesothelial cysts are asymptomatic, only a strict clinical and radiological follow-up can provide an indication for surgical resection. This should be reserved for symptomatic patients or for those facing an uncertain diagnosis.