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This paper presents the first results of 1-year survey of aquatic Diptera, carried out in two Moroccan High Atlas rivers, Assif Ahançal and Assif n'Aït Bouguemaz, which are registered as Ramsar sites and drain a large part of the mountainous Geopark of Mgoun. This survey, which consists in a first study of the longitudinal distribution of these insects, occurs during the period September 2019–July 2020, at high and medium altitudes (1086–2408 m). Limited to immature stages, this study permitted to collect 561 specimens of Diptera from 16 river sections, mainly using a Surber-net sampler. Among the collected material, we were able to identify 38 genera and 11 species, belonging to five families. This fauna is relatively rich in new taxa for Morocco or for the High Atlas mountains. Indeed, two Chironomidae species, Macropelopia notata (Meigen, 1818) and Psectrocladius (Allopsectrocladius) flavus (Johannsen, 1905), and one Tipulidae, Tipula (Yamatotipula) pierrei, Tonnoir, 1921, are newly recorded in Morocco, as well as five genera: three Chironomidae (Krenopelopia, Fittkau; Natarsia, Fittkau; and Psilometriocnemus, Saether), one Empididae (Chelifera, Macquart), and one Ceratopogonidae (Atrichopogon, Kieffer). Two other species, Parachironomus frequens (Johannsen) and Heterotrissocladius marcidus (Walker), and seven genera are reported as new taxa in the High Atlas. The two rivers have similar richness (21 taxa each), mainly due to Chironomidae (94%), the most abundant and diversified family. The Empididae (4.8%) are relatively under-represented in the two rivers, as well as the other families (Ceratopogonidae, Tipulidae, and Tabanidae), which do not exceed 1% of the total dipteran abundance. The vertical distribution of the taxa revealed significant influence of the altitude on community compositions and distributions. In waiting to collect adults, immature dipteran stages prove the high abundance and diversity of the benthic entomological assemblages, which give hope that a more deep study of the dipteran fauna in the two Ramsar sites will provide remarkable novelties, in both systematic and ecological domains. It is also expected that this study will permit to assess the aquatic biodiversity of these ecosystems and its sensitivity to the increasing human disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Morocco, investigations of bats are limited and fragmentary. The majority of studies were done in northern provinces close to the Mediterranean Sea and focused on the geographical distribution of bats. With the aim of overcoming these gaps, we used diurnal caves visits, hand nets and mist nets, and acoustic surveys to make an inventory of the Atlantic littoral of Safi-Essaouira provinces, which is considered one of the most neglected regions in the country. In total, five caves and nine foraging habitats were surveyed from 2020 to 2022. Our surveys highlighted the distribution of eleven bat species belonging to five families, of which Rhinolophus blasii and Tadarida teniotis species were newly recorded in the study area. Three caves, namely, Sbaa Fam, Haouya, and Sidi Benkrara were newly discovered and hosted medium-sized colonies of five species. They were important for bats during the daytime, hibernation, and breeding. In foraging habitats, 2650 passes of 10 species were recorded. Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Pipistrellus kuhlii were the most active, followed by Miniopterus schreibersii and Eptesicus isabellinus, while Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Hipposideros tephrus, Rhinolophus mehelyi, T. teniotis, Myotis punicus, and R. blasii were less active. Olive groves were the most diverse habitat with 8 species, followed by Safi pinewood and degraded Argane forest with 4 species each and Sidi Abderrahmane lake with 3 species. The other habitats hosted only two species each. This paper is the first to highlight data on bats in the coastal areas of Morocco and North Africa. Our results contribute to improve knowledge of the annual cycle of these bats and fill the gaps related to their distribution in the coastal area of the Safi-Essaouira provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sand flies are the exclusive vectors of leishmaniasis. This group of parasitic diseases is a serious public health problem in Morocco. The aim of this study was to investigate the sand fly fauna, mainly the species composition, biodiversity, and seasonal activity of sand flies in El Hajeb in central Morocco. A total of six stations (Aït Naaman, Aït Rbaa, Aït Brahim, Ain Taoujdate, Sidi Mbarek, and Aït Oufella) were studied, five of which had recently recorded cases of leishmaniasis. Sand fly bimonthly captures were carried out using a sticky paper trap in different biotopes from March to December 2019. A total of 14590 adult sand flies were collected. The activity of the sand fly started in April and declined in November. The periods of high abundance were July, September, and November. Morphological identification of sand flies shows the presence of twelve species: Phlebotomus papatasi, P. longicuspis, P. perniciosus, P. sergenti, P. bergeroti, P. alexandri, P. dreyfussi, P. ariasi, Sergentomyia fallax, S. minuta, S. schwetzi, and S. antennata. The analysis showed that species belonging to the genus Phlebotomus were the most dominant (93.3%) and the risk periods were spread during the summer and autumn seasons. The present study provides for the first time information on the species of sand flies in El Hajeb. It, therefore, provides decision makers with an important tool to conduct vector control actions during peak periods in order to limit the transmission of leishmaniasis. A preprint was made available by the research square in the following link: "https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-1409330/v1/dfef7013-0327-4a54-897f-214924a2d950.pdf?c=1646838874." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solution of inverse problems in groundwater flow has been massively invested by several researchers around the world. This type of problem has been formulated by a constrained optimization problem and this constraint is none other than the direct problem (DP) itself. Thus, solving algorithms are developed that simultaneously solve the direct problem (Darcy's equation) and the associated optimization problem. Several papers have been published in the literature using optimization methods based on computation of the objective function gradients. This type of method suffers from the inability to provide a global optimum. Similarly, they also have the disadvantage of not being applicable to objective functions of discontinuous derivatives. This paper is proposed to avoid these disadvantages. Indeed, for the optimization phase, we use random search-based methods that do not use derivative computations, but based on a search step followed only by evaluation of the objective function as many times as necessary to the convergence towards the global optimum. Among the different algorithms of this type of methods, we adopted the genetic algorithm (GA). On the other hand, the numerical solution of the direct problem is accomplished by the CVFEM discretization method (Control Volume Finite Element Method) which ensures the mass conservation in a natural way by its mathematical formulation. The resulting computation code HySubF-CVFEM (Hydrodynamic of Subsurface Flow by Control Volume Finite Element Method) solves the Darcy equation in a heterogeneous porous medium. Thus, this paper describes the description of the integrated optimization algorithm called HySubF-CVFEM/GA that has been successfully implemented and validated successfully compared to a schematic flow case offering analytical solutions. The results of this comparison are qualified of excellent accuracy. To identify the transmissivity field of the realistic study area, the code HySubF-CVFEM/GA was applied to the coastal "Chaouia" groundwater located in Western of Morocco. This aquifer of high heterogeneity is essential for water resources for the Casablanca region. Results analysis of this study has shown that the developed code is capable of providing high accuracy transmissivity fields, thus representing the heterogeneity observed in situ. However, in comparison with gradient method optimization the HySubF-CVFEM/GA code converges too slowly to the optimal solution (large CPU-time consuming). Despite this disadvantage, and given the high accuracy of the obtained results, the HySubF-CVFEM/GA code can be recommended to solve in an efficient and effective manner the identification parameters problems in hydrogeology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study is an investigation and assessment of distance learning in Morocco during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research surveyed 3037 students and 231 professors enrolled in different stages of higher education programs. It aims to investigate the limitations of e-learning platforms and how these activities take place at public and private Moroccan universities during the coronavirus confinement. For this purpose, two structured questionnaires were constructed by researchers from different specialties, and the type of data was based on the responses of students and professors from 15 universities. In this paper, we have used three methods: descriptive analysis, regression analysis, and qualitative response analysis. As a data analytics tool, Microsoft Power BI was used to analyze data, visualize it, and draw insights. In this study, both professors and students stated that online learning is not more interesting than ordinary learning and professors need to provide at least 50% of their teaching in face-to-face mode. Recommendations at teaching and technical levels, such as the need for technical support and training in the use of these tools, were provided to enhance and promote distance education in Morocco. The contribution of this paper comes as a result of data analysis obtained from a survey conducted in some famous Moroccan universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper assesses the behavior of a wind energy conversion system (WECS) under the fuzzy control in several sites located in Morocco. The sites involved in this study are located in coastal areas, namely, Assila, Houceima, Tetouan, Dakhla, Essaouira, and Laayoun. Furthermore, the first part deals with an inventory and state of art of the wind potential, achievements, work in progress, and future projects in the Kingdom of Morocco. Subsequently, a statistical analysis of the wind data and concerning the wind speed and direction in relevant geographical areas was presented in detail. The second part of the paper examines the control of WECS which is based on the direct control of the permanent magnet synchronous generator. Generator connection to the power grid is achieved by two power converters in back‐to‐back configuration controlled by pulse width modulation. The whole system modeling including the generator modeling was discussed. The control development based on (Fuzzy‐proportional‐integral) corrector for the machine‐side converter and the maximization of the power extracted from the wind using the maximum power point tracking technique have been developed. The grid‐side converter ensures the system connection to the grid with good power quality and controls the DC bus voltage. The control strategy is verified through the simulation in the Matlab‐Simulink environment to validate and evaluate the dynamic performance of the system using real wind measurements for the selected sites. The obtained results prove the effectiveness of the intended control. Interestingly, the southern zone of Morocco is more convenient for the exploitation of electricity production compared to the northern zone of the country which it can be beneficial for autonomous applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an implementation of real-time energy management systems (EMS) to maximize the efficiency of the electricity distribution in an isolated hybrid microgrid system (HMGS) containing photovoltaic modules, wind turbine, battery energy storage system, and diesel generator (DG) which is used as a backup source. These systems are making progress worldwide thanks to their respect for the environment. However, hybridization of several sources requires power flow control (PFC). For this reason, in this work, a proper energy management system is developed using LabVIEW software and embedded in a suitable platform for the real-time management of the hybrid energy system. The developed EMS is tested and validated through a small-scale application which accurately represents the case study of an isolated mosque located in a remote area of Morocco. The aim of this paper is to (i) propose a novel modelling method and real-time monitoring interface under the LabVIEW software based on the real data obtained by an optimal sizing previously made using Homer-pro software and (ii) implement the power control system on a low-consumption embedded platform that is the Raspberry-pi3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of anthropogenic activities in recent decades has resulted in the appearance of numerous new chemical compounds in the environment, known as "emerging pollutants" (EPs) or "contaminants of emerging concern" (CECs). Although partially or not yet regulated or monitored, there is growing research interest in these EPs among the scientific community because of their bioaccumulation, persistence, and adverse effects. Among these, endocrine disruptors, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals can have harmful impacts on human health and the ecosystem. Conventional wastewater treatment technologies are not effective in removing these contaminants, allowing them to be released into the receiving environment. In order to improve the understanding of emerging pollutants, this review discusses the source, occurrence, and impacts of bisphenol A, atrazine, amoxicillin, and paracetamol as model molecules of emerging environmental pollutants, an issue that remains underrepresented in Morocco. Then, treatment methods for EPs are reviewed, including adsorption, advanced oxidation processes, biodegradation, and hybrid treatment. It is proposed that adsorption and photocatalysis can be used as simple, effective, and environmentally friendly technologies for their removal. Thus, we summarize some of the adsorbent and photocatalyst materials applied in recent work to control these pollutants. Towards the end of this paper, the development of inexpensive and locally available (Morocco) materials to remove these compounds from wastewater is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for a real photovoltaic(PV)‐wind‐battery system installed in a remote area in Morocco. Besides the evaluation of the existing autonomous system, different scenarios are discussed. A techno‐economic evaluation of a PV‐battery system is carried out. Additionally, in order to enrich the discussion, the case of possible connection to the national grid, either in a medium‐ or low‐voltage level is considered. Costs were analyzed using on‐site collected data of energy production and initial (realistic) costs of the different components of the power plant with various discount and degradation rates. In contrast to the grid‐connected mode where all the available energy could be exploited, the detailed analysis shows that the LCOE is affected by the energy management strategy (droop control) in the standalone mode where a part of the energy cannot be used. Furthermore, the degradation rate, the discount rate, and the battery lifetime affect the LCOE. The results show that the LCOE for the PV‐wind‐battery system is optimal compared to the PV‐battery system under different system designs, especially for the low voltage grid‐connection where the grid parity could be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dairy sector in Morocco is a sector that struggles to develop by facing several difficulties. Therefore, a significant gap has emerged between the main national producers and small farmers, while in the economy, the development of small economic actors presents an important lever of growth. If we assume that the consumer's milk demand function is linear, that it depends only on the consumer's price, and that production costs follow a decreasing return, and finally, by considering only two actors representing the different types of producers, we will show in this paper that a competitive production subsidy of 0.5 MAD can triple the market share of small farmers while being in a situation of Nash-Cournot's equilibrium. In addition, the addition of a subsidy to production costs will reduce the price of milk and, thus, increase the annual milk consumption of Moroccans from 59 liters, which is below the world average consumption, to 94 liters annually, thus benefiting the consumer in addition to small farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morocco plays a key role in the life of many migratory birds and their survival, thanks to the diversity and richness of its ecosystems. The International Waterbird Census (IWC) has been regularly implemented in Morocco since 1983. Thanks to this program, a large database on wintering waterbirds' populations has been collected. In this article, we summarize the wintering data of three globally threatened waterbirds: Aythya ferina, Marmaronetta angustirostris, and Oxyura leucocephala. The population of Aythya ferina, which is declining, is largely distributed in the country, in over a hundred wetlands, 26 of which verify the national importance criteria. Marmaronetta angustirostris has a stable trend over the years even though its population can know high annual fluctuations; it winters in more or less 50 wetlands, among which 18 host more than 1% of its regional population and 16 verify the criteria for national importance. On the contrary, Oxyura leucocephala, a globally endangered bird only encountered in a dozen wetlands, shows a moderate increase in its numbers; only two wetlands verify the Ramsar criterion 6, while a total of six can be considered of national importance. Furthermore, given the conservation statuses of these waterbirds and according to the Ramsar criterion 2, all their hosting sites are of international importance. The results presented in this paper are a crucial step for the adoption and implementation of adequate conservation measures for the species and their key sites. Nevertheless, comprehensive research and coordinated efforts on the factors (ecological and anthropogenic) influencing the species, at the national and international levels, are required for a better understanding of their populations' dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All studies of solar systems need the hourly values of solar fluxes related to the different components of solar radiation. However, for most sites, measurements are not available. The goal of this paper is to establish an hourly solar radiation data bank for the entirety of Morocco. This data bank will contain the energetic components (global, diffuse, direct, and inclined solar radiation) and the spectral components (ultraviolet I UV , infrared I IR , and photosynthetically active radiation I PAR ). To create this database, in the beginning, we build up models for predicting the various components of the hourly solar radiation, from measurements provided by the different stations owned by the Laboratory of Solar Energy and Environment (LESE). Then, these equations will be verified by using statistical tests. Moreover, we compared our results with those obtained by similar studies. Finally, based on the daily database of global radiation provided by the Laboratory of Solar Energy and Environment, we created an hourly database that unites the various components of solar radiation over 10 years for the entirety of Morocco. Regarding the validity study, the statistical indicators showed that the used models have minimal errors that do not exceed, for the global radiation, -2.93% in Rabat, -3.9% in Tangier,-3.28% in Marrakech, and -0.85% in Fez, and for diffuse radiation, -1.09% in Rabat, -0.68% in Fez,-3.08% in Tangier, and -2.49% in Marrakech. These results show the good quality of the used estimation models. Thus, the data bank that we have realized will fill the gap of the hourly solar data and will meet the needs of engineers, installers of solar systems, and researchers who often need an extensive database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is modelling and controlling the spread of COVID-19 disease in Morocco. A nonlinear mathematical model with two subclasses of infectious individuals is proposed. The population is divided into five classes, namely, susceptible (S), exposed (E), undiagnosed infectious ( I n c ), diagnosed patients ( I c ), and removed individuals. To reflect the real dynamic of the COVID-19 transmission in Morocco, the real reported data are used for estimating model parameters. Two controls representing screening effort and limited treatment are considered. Based on viability theory and set-valued analysis, a Lyapunov function is constructed such that both exposed and infected populations are decreased to zero asymptotically. The corresponding controls are derived via a continuous selection of adequately designed feedback map. Numerical simulations are presented with three scenarios (cases when each control is used alone and the case when two controls are combined). Our results show that when only one control is to be applied, screening is the most effective in decreasing the number of people in the three infected compartments, whereas combining both controls is found to be highly effective and leads to a significant improvement in the epidemiological situation of Morocco. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first one that applies the set-valued approach to a controlled COVID-19 model which agrees with the observed cases in Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we aim to estimate and predict the situation of the new coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in countries under quarantine measures. First, we present a new discrete-time mathematical model describing the evolution of the COVID-19 in a population under quarantine. We are motivated by the growing numbers of infections and deaths in countries under quarantine to investigate potential causes. We consider two new classes of people, those who respect the quarantine and stay at home, and those who do not respect the quarantine and leave their homes for one or another reason. Second, we use real published data to estimate the parameters of the model, and then, we estimate these populations in Morocco. We investigate the impact of people who underestimate the quarantine by considering an optimal control strategy to reduce this category and then reducing the number of the population at risk in Morocco. We provide several simulations to support our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Coronary artery diseases (CAD) are clinical cardiovascular events associated with dyslipidemia in common. The interaction between environmental and genetic factors can be responsible for CAD. The present paper aimed to examine the association between c.56C > G (rs3135506) APOA5 gene polymorphism and CAD in Moroccan individuals and to perform an association update meta-analysis. Materials and Methods. The c.56C > G variant was genotyped in 122 patients with CAD and 134 unrelated controls. Genetic association analysis and comparison of biochemical parameters were performed using R statistical language. In addition, a comprehensive meta-analysis including eleven published studies in addition to our case-control study results was conducted using Review Manager 5.3. Publication bias was examined by Egger's test and funnel plot. Results. The case-control study data showed that the c.56C > G polymorphism was associated with CAD susceptibility under codominant (P -value = 0.001), recessive (P -value <0.001) and log-additive (P -value = 0.008) inheritance models. In addition, this polymorphism was significantly associated with increased levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressures, triglycerides, glycemia, and total cholesterol. Furthermore, meta-analysis showed a significant association between the c.56C > G gene polymorphism and increased risk of CAD under recessive (OR = 3.39[1.77–6.50], P value <0.001) and homozygote codominant (OR = 3.96[2.44–6.45], P value <0.001) models. Conclusion. Our case-control study revealed a significant association between c.56C > G polymorphism and CAD in the Moroccan population. In addition, meta-analysis data supported the implication of this polymorphism in CAD susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research paper deals with the worldwide problem of photovoltaic (PV) power forecasting by this innovative contribution in short-term PV power forecasting time horizon based on classification methods and nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous input (NARX) neural network model. In the meantime, the weather data and PV installation parameters are collected through the data acquisition systems installed beside the three PV systems. At the same time, the PV systems are located in Morocco country, respectively, the 2 kWp PV installation placed at the Higher Normal School of Technical Education (ENSET) in Rabat city, the 3 kWp PV system set at Nouasseur Casablanca city, and the 60 kWp PV installation also based in Rabat city. The multisite modelling approach, meanwhile, is deployed for establishing the flawless short-term PV power forecasting models. As a result, the implementation of different models highlights their achievements in short-term PV power forecasting modelling. Consequently, the comparative study between the benchmarking model and the forecasting methods showed that the forecasting techniques used in this study outperform the smart persistence model not only in terms of normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) and normalized mean absolute error (nMAE) but also in terms of the skill score technique applied to assess the short-term PV power forecasting models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper deals with a nonlinear control of a wind energy conversion system (WECS) based on a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) interconnected to the distribution grid. The system connected to the grid is achieved by two IGBT based back‐to‐back converters controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM) and a capacitor as a DC link between them. Firstly, a literature review on the recent studies of nonlinear control in the wind energy field is introduced. Subsequently, a complete description of the wind energy conversion system with its dynamic modeling is presented. The second part of this article focused on the proposed control laws that rely on backstepping control as well as the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) command. The main objective of the control is to optimize the extraction of the wind power in the presence of a real wind profile and to keep the PMSG working properly with the best performance in both static and dynamic modes. The wind profile of this simulation is measured from the Dakhla region in Morocco to test the system robustness against real conditions. The simulation analysis prove the validation of the control strategy using a 2‐MW wind turbine and showed that the backstepping control based on the Lyapunov stability technique offers excellent results in terms of THD rate that does not exceed 0.95%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. In Morocco, pediatric pneumonia remains a serious public health problem, as it constitutes the first cause of mortality due to infectious diseases. The etiological diagnosis of acute respiratory tract infections is difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to use Multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay tests in a routine setting for exact and fast identification. Objectives. In this paper, we present the clinical results of pediatric pneumonia and describe their etiology by using molecular diagnosis. Study design: Tracheal secretion was collected from infants presenting respiratory distress isolated or associated with systemic signs, attending the unit of Neonatology between December 1, 2016, and Mai 31, 2018. Samples were tested with the multiplex RespiFinder® SMART 22 FAST which potentially detects 18 viruses and 4 bacteria. Results. Of the 86 infants considered in this study (mean age 31 ± 19 days) suspected of acute respiratory tract infections, 71 (83%) were positive for one or multiple viruses or/and bacteria. The majority of acute respiratory tract infections had a viral origin (95%): respiratory syncytial viruses (A and B) (49%), rhinovirus (21%), coronaviruses 229E (11%), humain metapneumovirus (5%), influenza A (3%), influenza H1N1 (1%), adenovirus (2%), and parainfluenza virus type 4 (2%). Among our patients, 6% had Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Coinfections were not associated with severe respiratory symptoms. Conclusion. The clinical spectrum of respiratory infections is complex and often nonspecific. Thus, the early and fast detection of related causative agents is crucial. The use of multiplex real time polymerase chain reaction may help choose an accurate treatment, reduce the overall use of unnecessary antibiotics, preserve intestinal flora, and decrease nosocomial infection by reducing the length of hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monitoring of cultivated crops and the types of different land covers is a relevant environmental and economic issue for agricultural lands management and crop yield prediction. In this context, this paper aims to use and evaluate the contribution of multisensors classification based on machine learning classifiers to crop-type identification in a semiarid area of Morocco. It is a very heterogeneous zone characterized by mixed crops (tree crops with annual crops, same crop with different phenological states during the same agricultural season, crop rotation, etc.). Therefore, such heterogeneity made the crop-type discrimination more complicated. To overcome these challenges, the present work is the first study in this area which used the fusion of high spatiotemporal resolution Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellite images for land use and land cover mapping. Three machine learning classifier algorithms, artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine (SVM), and maximum likelihood (ML), were applied to identify and map crop types in irrigated perimeter. In situ observations of the year 2018, for the R3 perimeter of Haouz plain in central Morocco, were used with satellite data of the same year to perform this work. The results showed that combined images acquired in C-band and the optical range improved clearly the crop-type classification performance (overall accuracy = 89%; Kappa = 0.85) compared to the classification results of optical or SAR data alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Altitude is one of the determinant factors that influence the spatial distribution of birds and their species richness. However, few investigations studied its influence on African bird communities over a wide gradient in North Africa. Considering this knowledge gap, 194 sampling points were carried out along altitudinal gradient (773 to 2595 m) in two adjacent mountainous valleys in the Central High Atlas of Beni Mellal in Morocco, Aït Bouguemmaz (AB), and Ahançal (OA). Each valley was divided into three altitudinal intervals (low, medium, and high zones). For each spatial subdivision, we studied the phenological cycle, in the sense that each valley underwent a four-season monitoring, during 2018 and 2019. The results showed 131 species in the study area in 43 families; both valleys had similar community richness, but they differed by the phenological status of their species. Indeed, the increase in altitude led to a decrease in bird species richness, while it does not show any correlation with abundance. In addition, richness and abundance increased during the high-productivity seasons (i.e., spring and summer). Although these results were expected, they provide an opportunity to compare these results with higher latitude communities in Europe and to better focus future large-scale investigations on the combined influence of latitude and altitude on birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To keep pace with economic growth in an environment marked by globalization, competition, and the significant magnitude of market requirements, companies must be dynamic to adapt quickly to new demands. This dynamism must be achieved through frugal projects aimed at achieving better performance with fewer resources. In line with this vision, we have proposed a new frugal innovation approach to develop a new concept of machines to meet the requirements of Smart Automation, which is the main element of the transformation plan defined by our company as a strategy for the coming years. This strategy aligns with the direction set by Morocco for the second generation of the Industrial Acceleration Plan 2021–2025. This work serves to introduce the objectives of the second-generation Industrial Acceleration Plan in Morocco, describe a company transformation strategy with an emphasis on the Smart Automation component and its context, explain frugal innovation applications within our organization and their outcomes, and outline the project and frugal innovation approach perspectives in Morocco. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the newly proposed and implemented concept of frugal innovation, illustrated in a cost reduction of 59.7% compared with the manual process, of less than 56.3% compared with the existing semi-automatic process, and of less than 36.8% compared with the fully automatic process and in the improvement of quality by a reduction in customer complaints of 72.7% and in the scrap rate percentage of 0.2%. This has been achieved by providing cost-effective solutions in our competitive automotive environment. These results reinforce the importance of the approach in its global application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prickly pear serves as a significant source of income for farmers worldwide, with production taking place in temperate, subtropical, and cold regions. The objective of the present investigation is to explore the morphological parameters of Opuntia robusta and Opuntia dillenii which are resistant to the white cochineal (Dactylopius opuntiae), as well as the local prickly pear that is currently threatened with extinction. This investigation aims to evaluate the feasibility of replacing the endangered local prickly pear with the recently introduced species O. robusta and O. dillenii. This analysis is based on a comprehensive assessment of 26 qualitative and 25 quantitative traits pertaining to cladodes and fruits. In terms of species differentiation and the selection of discriminative features, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of various statistical methods, as well as the analysis carried out according to the descriptors recommended by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Of the 51 parameters evaluated, 13 qualitative and 23 quantitative characters are significant in differentiating the species under study. This underscores the importance of quantitative traits in distinguishing different prickly pear species. Furthermore, color is identified as a crucial characteristic for discriminating between the studied samples. O. robusta is characterized by its high fruit weight, large size, greater pulp content, and high pulp-to-peel ratio, all of which are desirable traits for fresh consumption. Additionally, O. robusta has the highest number of fully developed seeds, making it an attractive option for use in the cosmetic industry. This characteristic renders the O. robusta a potential substitute for the endangered ecotype. However, O. robusta is distinguished by its short stalk, which poses a challenge for fruit harvesting and leaves it susceptible to physical damage and quality loss. Conversely, O. dillenii displays a low pulp content, which serves as a critical indicator of fruit quality. The only desirable agronomic trait of this species is its elevated seed content, which has the potential for utilization in oil production for the cosmetic industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clean energy has become a growing concern, and many organizations pay attention to environmental protection and energy production as well. In the last few decades, the wind turbine has become the core of clean energy production and has advanced in generating electricity from 40 kW to 5 mW. However, the new design of the wind turbine causes several potential failures which frequently lead to the inability to accomplish the operational requirements intended to meet the customers' expectations. As a solution to this problem, the present paper proposes a novel systematic approach that combines Multicriteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques and Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) tool to reveal the fatal failures and optimize the maintenance actions. To further develop the preceding framework, this work will not only rely on the three risk factors that are involved in the traditional Risk Priority Numbers (RPN) approach but also will consider the economic aspect of the system. In the proposed approach, the grey Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is applied in the first place to calculate the weights of the four risk factors criteria. Second, the grey Multiattribute Border Approximation area Comparison (MABAC) technique is applied to rank the failure modes and their criticality on the whole system. The proposed model is verified within an organization of renewable energy production in Morocco. Furthermore, the results of the comparative and the sensitivity analysis affirm that the proposed research framework is adequate for enhancing other complex systems design, especially in a developing world where funds and resources are scarce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asteraceae family is well known for its toxic and repellent activity against mosquitoes. In this study, essential oils (EOs) extracted from the aerial parts of both wild and cultivated Artemisia campestris L. plants were tested for larvicidal activity against Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae), a pest mosquito widely suspected to be the vector responsible for West Nile virus transmission. The research aims at comparing the chemical composition and insecticidal activity of cultivated and wild A. campestris EOs. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation from the plant's aerial parts and were analyzed using GC-MS. Furthermore, the larviciding experiment was carried out following the standard WHO protocol. The result showed that wild and cultivated plant EOs differed only quantitatively, while the qualitative profile revealed a nearly identical chemical composition. Camphor (18.98%), car-3-en-5-one (11.25%), thujone (6.36%), chrysanthenone (6.24%), filifolone (4.56%), and borneol (3.56%) dominate the wild plant EO. Camphor (21.01%), car-3-en-5-one (17%), chrysanthenone (10.15%), filifolone (7.90%), borneol (3.38%), and thujone (3.08%) are the major compounds of the cultivated plant. Cultivation did not affect the EO production since the yield of the cultivated plant was 0.5 ± 0.1% and 0.6 ± 0.2% for the wild plant. The cultivated A. campestris EO had the highest insecticidal activity (LC50 = 9.79 µg/ml), and no significant difference was noticed between wild and cultivated A. campestris EO in terms of LC90. These findings could pave the way for a new method of producing biocides to control major disease vectors and offer a potential alternative for pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to highlight the activities of bioactive compounds present in the stem of sweet cherries, four different cultivars (Van, Burlat, Napoleon, and Cœur pigeon) were collected in Sefrou city in Morocco and were studied. Several assays were performed for this purpose, such as the quantification of phenolic compounds (TPC, TFC, and CTC) and the evaluation of the antioxidant activity using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The phenolic profile of each extract was characterized by UHPLC-DAD/MS analysis. The antidiabetic (α-amylase inhibition) and antigout (xanthine oxidase inhibition) activities were also investigated. The results showed high levels of phenolic compounds, with the values of 340 ± 12.06, 244 ± 10.20, 232 ± 5.07, and 19 ± 3.10 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract for the cultivars Napoleon, Coeur de pigeon, Van, and Burlat, respectively. According to the same order, the flavonoids showed amounts of 34.31 ± 2.08, 23.75 ± 1.02, 24.37 ± 1.20, and 23.31 ± 0.90 mg (rutin equivalent) RE/g extract. These values were correlated with the results of the antioxidant assays, where the Napoleon cultivar proved to be the most potent using the DPPH (IC50 = 2.51 µg/mL) and ABTS (IC50 = 55.38 µg/mL) assays. The phenolic profile of each extract resulted in the identification of twenty-two compounds belonging to five distinct groups. The major phenolic compounds identified were sakuranetin and dihydrowgonin with their glucosides. Antidiabetic activity assays showed that only stem extracts from Burlat and Napoleon cultivars were able to inhibit the α-amylase enzyme with values of 85.57 ± 1.09% and 68.01 ± 3.52%, respectively. All stem extracts proved their ability to inhibit the xanthine oxidase enzyme which is directly linked to the gout disease, with a high value for Van cultivar (40.63 ± 2.37%). These new findings could provide new opportunities for the valorization of cherry stems for the pharmaceutical application of their active phytochemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry products are one of the main foodstuffs consumed in Morocco. The deterioration of their hygienic quality and the emergence of antibiotic resistance are the major public health problems. This study was carried out to determine the level of emergence of antibiotic resistance. For that, between May 2021 and June 2022, poultry products (e.g., minced meat, sausage, and meat) were collected aseptically in sterile bags from retail stores in different cities of Morocco, labeled, and transported in chilled conditions to the laboratory. The bacterial analysis was performed within 24 hours. Isolation and identification of Escherichia coli were performed according to the Moroccan standard NM ISO 16649 2018. Antimicrobial susceptibility determination of 23 antibiotics was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The results showed a high level of antimicrobial resistance to amoxicillin (58%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (54%), piperacillin (63%), trimethoprim (32%), nalidixic acid (46%), and ofloxacin (43%). 58 isolates (60%) were positive for beta-lactamase class A (penicillinase) test detection, and 2 isolates (3%) produced extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. The high level of resistance demonstrated in this study should alert health organizations in the country. An establishment of surveillance programs to control the use and the administration of antibiotics in the poultry field and initiation of reliable methods to follow up on the latest updates on the emergence of bacterial resistance is a necessity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Morocco, conservation agriculture, particularly no tillage systems, has become an alternative strategy to mitigate land degradation caused by conventional tillage in semiarid to arid regions. This paper is based on behaviour to tillage treatments of two Vertisols in Morocco. After 11 years of testing, soil organic matter content results showed a significant difference (P<0.05) only at soil surface (0–10 cm) in favour of no tillage and a variation of 30% at this depth. The results obtained after 32 years of testing showed a significant soil profile difference (P<0.05), up to 40 cm under no tillage compared to conventional tillage, and a variation of 54% at 5–10 cm. For total nitrogen, there was no significant effect between no tillage and conventional tillage at the soil surface after 11 years unlike the result obtained after 32 years. There are no significant differences in bulk density between tillage treatments at soil surface for both sites. The measurement of soil structural stability showed a significant effect (P<0.05) for all three tests and for both sites. This means that no tillage helped Vertisols to resist different climatic constraints, preserving environmental soil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the spatial microdistribution and temporal microdistribution of the North African subspecies of the globally threatened Turtle Doves in Morocco. From the end of February to early September, we monitored the migration dates, counting arrival and departure dates, and breeding chronology, to clarify if the breeding season is divided into sub-breeding phases or not. Equally, the spatial distribution of nests following potential breeding phases was surveyed weekly in Beni Mellal province following a map of a selected orange orchard. Doves arrived in Beni Mellal in the third week of March and left in mid-October, according to the results. The first nests occurred in the second week of April, followed by the first eggs in the third week of April and the first chicks in the first week of May. PCA analysis showed that the nesting and laying stages were achieved principally during the last two weeks of April and the first three weeks of May, the hatching stage between the fourth week of May and the second week of July, and fledging between the fourth week of July and the first week of September. Further, the breeding season was divided into two phases: the first breeding phase, from the first week of April to the first week of June, and the second phase, between the second week of June and the second week of August. The DCA analysis and orchard-created map indicated that the first wave of breeders colonized the marginal trees located on the orchard sides, surrounded by foraging cereals and legumes, and the second breeding-phase nests were constructed in flocks next to the nests of the first breeding phase. According to this strategy, the first breeders prospect the orchard and select nesting trees near foraging resources, while the second breeders' wave colonizes trees near successfully used prospector sites. These findings are of great importance for comparative investigations and habitat-scale conservation management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. is well adapted to arid and semiarid regions and has great potential for industrialisation. One- to four-year-old cladodes of this species harvested in Drâa-Tafilalet region in the southeast of Morocco, were characterised by examining physical and physicochemical parameters. Their bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity were also investigated. The cladode age had a significant impact on all the studied characteristics except some morphological parameters. Cladodes of different ages have a nutritional value comparable to a wide range of vegetables, particularly in terms of calcium, potassium, betalain, total polyphenol, and vitamin C contents. They are very rich in calcium (37.8–42.5 g/kg of dry matter (DM)) and have high betalain content. The content of phenolic compounds (133.9–165.0 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g DM) is especially noteworthy. These cladodes also contain very high amounts of vitamin C, especially the one-year-old cladodes (8.1–18.5 mg GAE/100 g DM). The recorded flavonoid contents vary from 3.8 to 7.6 mg of quercetin equivalent per 100 mL of cladodes mash. Condensed tannin contents range from 10.9 to 21.8 µg/100 mL of cladodes mash. Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents also vary from 5.55 to 23.76 and from 1.9 to 6.0 mg/100 g DM, respectively. One- and two-year-old cladodes are rich in total soluble solids (TSS) and ash with high total titratable acidity (TTA), compared to three- and four-year-old cladodes. Four-year-old cladodes have the highest TSS/TTA ratio, while two-year-old cladodes are the wealthiest in betalains with a dominance of indicaxanthins (yellow pigments). The oldest cladodes have the lowest inhibitory concentration (IC50) for antioxidant activity. Three-year-old cladodes have some traits significantly different, which may have resulted from physiological changes related to their great buds emission at this age. This study highlights the nutritional and functional potential of Opuntia stricta cladodes and the importance of their valorisation, particularly in agri-food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidrug-resistant bacteria have emerged as a serious global health threat that requires, more than ever before, an urgent need for novel and more effective drugs. In this regard, the present study sheds light on the diversity and antimicrobial potential of Actinobacteria isolates in mining ecosystems. We have indeed investigated the production of bioactive molecules by the Actinobacteria isolated from abandoned mining areas in Midelt, Morocco, where average contents of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are higher than normal world levels. One hundred and forty-five Actinobacteria isolates were isolated and characterized based on morphological, chemotaxonomical, biochemical, and molecular data. Most of the 145 isolates were identified as Streptomyces. Isolates affiliated to the genera Amycolatopsis, Lentzea, Actinopolymorpha, and Pseudonocardia were also found. Antimicrobial producing potentials of Actinobacteria isolates were assessed against eight test microorganisms Gram+ and Gram− bacteria and yeast. Out of 145 isolates, 51 showed antimicrobial activities against at least one test microorganism. 31 isolates inhibited only bacteria, 7 showed activity against bacteria and Candida albicans, and 13 displayed activity against C. albicans solely. Our findings suggest that Actinobacteria isolated from natural heavy metal ecosystems may be a valuable source of novel secondary metabolites and therefore of new biotechnologically promising antimicrobial compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is a vital resource and a development lever for many countries, including Morocco. To develop these resources, mineralogical and hydrogeochemical studies as well as a bacteriological study were carried out on the groundwater of the Angads aquifer, which is located in the northeast of Morocco to highlight the processes at the origin of mineralization, their quality for human consumption and irrigation, as well as the hydrogeochemical facies of these waters. To do this, a multivariate statistical analysis using principal component analysis, varimax rotation of factors, and hierarchical ascending classification were conducted for all the groundwater samples of the Angads aquifer in Oujda. The main results revealed that these waters present faecal contamination by faecal and total coliforms and faecal streptococci. And another one by nitrates due to the high values of NO3−, as well as the mineralization of these waters is controlled by the nature of the geological formations crossed and the residence time in the aquifer, which is confirmed by the presence of ions such as Cond, HCO3−, Ca2+, Mg2+, and SO42−. Concerning the quality of the groundwater, according to Moroccan standards and the World Health Organization, the results show that they are generally unsuitable for human consumption and irrigation. Two diagrams were used to study the facies: Piper and Schoeller–Berkaloff. The results show that these waters are highly mineralized, with the chloride and sulphate calcic and magnesian facies dominating with 89.47%. To protect this vital resource, sustainable management actions must be implemented, in particular, to reduce the use of pesticides, control the use of fertilizers, and clean up and purify the groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasis is a parasitosis caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania and is transmitted by Phlebotominae sand flies. An entomological survey was carried out in different localities of Zagora Province. Our work allowed us to establish an inventory of sand flies to study potential vectors of leishmaniasis and to compare the composition and the specific abundance of different endemic stations. The sand flies were collected using CDC miniature light traps during the month of July 2019 in the ten studied villages. The results indicate the presence of thirteen species, belonging to the genera Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia. Phlebotomus papatasi was the predominant species (46.65%) followed by Ph. alexandri (17%), Ph. longicuspis (11.55%), Ph. bergeroti (1.53%) and Ph. sergenti (1.27%). Phlebotomus kazeruni (0.03%) was rare, and only one female was captured in Ifred. Sergentomyia schwetzi (8.69%) was the most prevalent species in the Sergentomyia genus followed closely by Se. fallax (6.84%). Sergentomyia africana was present with a proportion of (3.86%) followed by Se. clydei (1.96%). Sergentomyia dreifussi (0.46%), Se. antennata (0.08%), and Se. minuta (0.08%) were very limited. Phlebotomus papatasi, Ph. alexandri, Ph. bergeroti, Ph. longicuspis, Ph. sergenti, Se. schwetzi, Se. clydei, and Se. fallax are constant species, being present at least in 50% of the stations (occurrence> 50%). Common species (25%-49%) were Se. minuta and Se. africana and rare species were Ph. kazeruni and Se. antennata with a very limited distribution (occurrence <12%). The greatest species richness was found in Ksar Mougni and Ifred with the occurrence of 11 species, but overall, it was high (>9 species) in most of the villages. The Shannon-Wiener index was high (H' > 1) in eight localities (Ksar Mougni, Tassaouante, Bleida, ZaouiteLeftah, Ifred, Timarighine, Ait Oulahyane, and Ait Ali Ouhassou). The high value of this index is in favor of the ZaouiteLeftah locality (Shannon-Wiener index = 1.679) which is explained by the presence of a stand dominated by Ph. papatasi. In order to avoid exposure to infections, a good epidemiological surveillance and vector with rodent control measures must be well maintained. Awareness campaigns are also required and must be conducted for better knowledge of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw. belongs to the Cactaceae family and is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Mexico and the southern United States. O. dillenii are now used as medicinal plants in various countries. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition of ethanolic extracts obtained from seeds, juice, and peel of O. dillenii fruits collected from Morocco, and we evaluated their antibacterial, antifungal, and antidiabetic activities. Phytochemical screening revealed high quantities of polyphenols (193.73 ± 81.44 to 341.12 ± 78.90 gallic acid eq [g/100 g dry weight]) in the extracts. The major phenolic compounds determined by HPLC were gallic acid, vanillic acid, and syringic acid. Regarding flavonoids, quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucoside and kaempferol were the predominant molecules. Juice extracts showed weak to moderate antibacterial activity against the bacteria species Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella braenderup. All tested extracts displayed a significant inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities in vitro, with the peel extracts showing the greatest inhibitory effects. Together, these findings suggest that O. dillenii fruits are a promising source for the isolation of novel compounds with antibacterial or antidiabetic activities. For the most abundant phytochemicals identified in O. dillenii peel ethanolic extract, molecular docking simulations against human pancreatic α-amylase enzyme were performed. These indicated the presence of bioactive compounds in the extract with a better potential to decrease the enzyme activity than the commercial drug acarbose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nador lagoon is a coastal system connected to the sea through a narrow and shallow inlet; understanding its hydraulic performance is required for its design and operation. This paper investigates the hydrodynamic impacts of the whole lagoon due to tidal waves using a numerical approach. In this study we use a two-dimensional, depth-averaged hydrodynamic model based on so-called shallow water equations solved within triangular mesh by a developed efficient finite volume method. The method was calibrated and validated against observed data and applied to analyze and predict water levels, tidal currents, and wind effects within the lagoon. Two typical idealized scenarios were investigated: tide only and tide with wind forcing. The predicted sea surface elevations and current speeds have been presented during a typical tidal period and show correct physics in different scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eggs constitute an important part of the Moroccan diet. However, contaminated eggs can cause a serious public health problem if consumed undercooked, uncooked, or used in unpasteurized egg foodstuffs. This study was carried out to evaluate the microbial contents of eggs according to their sales sector in Morocco. For that, a total of 1770 eggs were collected from January to September 2021 from formal markets (refrigerated eggs from large shopping centers) and informal markets (eggs at ambient temperature from ambulatory sellers, street vendors, kiosks, and neighborhood stores) and transferred to the Avian Pathology Unit at Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute. The eggshells and their contents were tested separately; swabs of eggshells were used to inoculate Mac-Conkey agar, while the egg contents were cultured on Mac-Conkey and Mannitol salt agar, then standard microbiological tests were performed to identify the isolated organisms. The results showed that informal eggs were more contaminated (87%) than formal eggs (48) (p < 0.05). The bacteria isolated from the eggshells (informal and formal) were Enterobacter agglomerans (59% and 21%), Klebsiella spp. (24% and 4%), Enterobacter cloacae (17% and 8%), E. coli (9% and 1%), Serratia spp. (9% and1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9% and 1%), Shigella spp. (5% and 0%), Salmonella enteritidis (0% and 2%), Proteus spp. (4% and 0%), Enterobacter sakazakii (2% and 0%), Rahnella aquatilis (1% and 0%), and Staphylococcus aureus (0% and 1%). For the egg-contents, the detected bacteria (informal and formal) were Enterobacter agglomerans (14% and 28%), Klebsiella spp. (7% and 6%), Staphylococcus aureus (6% and 1%), Enterobacter cloacae (4% and 4%), E. coli (4%, 1%), Shigella spp. (4%, 0%), Acinetobacter baumannii (3% and 1%), Salmonella enteritidis (2% and 0%), Serratia spp. (1% and 6%), Proteus spp. (1% and 3%), and Enterobacter sakazakii (1% and 0%). We conclude that eggs might be contaminated with several bacteria and can constitute a public health threat in Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An entomological survey was carried out in the locality of Aichoune to conduct a study on sand flies, species composition, and monthly relative abundance. This study is essential for the implementation of integrated vector management control. Insects collection was carried out twice a month from January 2013 to December 2014 by means of adhesive and CDC-type light traps. A total of 5441 sand flies were collected with the predominance of males (a sex ratio = 1.89). The sampled specimens consist of seven species divided into two genera: Phlebotomus (99.55%) and Sergentomyia (0.44%). Phlebotomus sergenti was the dominant species with an average annual proportion of 47.38%, followed by P. perniciosus (37.32%), P. longicuspis (8,56%), P. papatasi (6.23%), and P. ariasi (0.05%). The genus Sergentomyia was less common (0.44%). S.minuta was represented only by 0.36% and S. fallax by 0.07%. The species dynamics showed a unimodal evolution for P. sergenti and P. papatasi. They were active from May to October. P. perniciosus presents a trimodal trend showing the most relevant peak in August. The highest number of specimens was collected in June, when the temperature reaches an annual average value of 25.5°C. The obtained results will help us better understand the leishmaniasis transmission dynamics in the Aichoune locality and will contribute to the design of a surveillance strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The infections transmitted by sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) pose always a real health problem due to the increasing number of cases detected each year and the annual emergence of new leishmaniasis outbreaks. This study evaluated the temporal evolution of six species of sand flies in five stations inventoried between May 2017 and April 2018, in order to determine for the first time the extent of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) transmission in the city of Fez. The monthly impact of Fez sand fly density has been studied using all multivariate statistical analyses, including multiple factor correspondence analysis (MCA), which were performed using XLSTAT and the version of SPSS 20.0 test. Differences between concentrations were considered significant if P < 0.05. To better study the results obtained, different ecological indices have been studied. This study showed that these vectors developed in different sectors of the city of Fez. A total of 816 sand flies were collected from five stations in the city, belonging to three species of the genus Phlebotomus (46.82%) and three species of the genus Sergentomyia (53.18%). The seasonal fluctuation of the average density followed a bimodal evolution for the three stations Dhar Richa, Ain Nokbi, and Boujloud. The stations of Ain Nokbi (0.87 ph/m2) and Dhar Richa (0.467 ph/m2) exposed the sites to a high average density with a maximum peak during August (1.965 ph/m2) and July (1.87 Ph/m2), respectively. S. minuta (44.24%), Ph. sergenti (26.96%), Ph. perniciosus (10.78%), and Ph. papatasi (9.07%) were the most qualified species. The calculated P value is above the 5% significance level, so the relative abundance of these species between study sites shows no significant difference. The period of phlebotomy activity of the genus Phlebotomus in Fez lasts seven months from May to November with a bimodal or trimodal evolution and varies according to the species or the surveyed station. The seasonal fluctuation of sand flies could be conditioned by climatic factors where the period of activity of the species coincides with the hot months (May, June, July, and August). We have observed that the temperature factor favors the prevalence of sand flies, while the difference in the relative abundance of species between the sites is related to the difference in the bioecological conditions of each site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organizations in the 21st century operate in evolving and highly competitive environments—such environments are catalysts for deviation in organization-planned operations, including production and maintenance. The differences between maintenance and production, in general, are well known, given the several studies found in the literature regarding industrial engineering. However, the differences between maintenance and production are becoming less significant as a result of increased understanding of the systemic approach to organizations where the whole matters more than the sum of the parts. The aim of this study was to maximize the productivity of a manufacturing factory by applying mathematical programming methods while simultaneously considering the requirements of efficient maintenance. A case study is used to show how systems theory can be used as the basis for evidence-based decision-making in a factory manufacturing line in Morocco. Despite the potential for conflict between optimal production objectives and efficient maintenance in high-performance factories, the four-month case application suggests that systems theory is a key for arbitration. Research implications are presented along with future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) due to Leishmania tropica is spreading to new areas in Morocco. Exposure to the vector, Phlebotomus sergenti, is the only proven risk factor. Our objective was to compare the densities and genetic characteristics of P. sergenti populations in two nearby localities in Morocco, one in an ACL endemic area (El Borouj) and another in a nonendemic area (Sidi Hajjaj). P. sergenti density was significantly higher in the endemic area than in the nonendemic town (p = 0.032). A different predominant P. sergenti mitochondrial lineage was evidenced in each one of the two localities, and for the first time, the P. sergenti lineage acting as a vector of L. tropica has been identified. Bioclimatic differences were detected between both localities. In conclusion we found differences in both the density and the mitochondrial lineage of P. sergenti populations that may explain the different epidemiological situation. Given that the density of P. sergenti in the locality without ACL cases seems sufficient to allow transmission, the main factor that would justify its nonendemic character could be the absence of P. sergenti Lineage IV, which seems to prefer warmer and drier climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work evaluated in vitro antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial properties of Salvia officinalis (S. officinalis) and Mentha suaveolens (M. suaveolens) essential oils (EO). The EOs were extracted, and their chemical composition was determined using GC-MS analysis. The in vitro antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial activities of S. officinalis and M. suaveolens EO were shown to be remarkable. Furthermore, S. officinalis EO demonstrated better antioxidant findings (using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP test) than M. suaveolens EO (p < 0.5). There were no significant differences in the inhibitory effects of the EOs on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities in the antidiabetic assays. All of the examined bacterial strains (10 different strains), with the exception of P. aeruginosa, demonstrated significant sensitivity to the tested EOs, with M. suaveolens EO exhibiting better activity than S. officinalis EO. Thus, the research indicated that EO from these two medicinal plants has considerable potential for application in the formulation of antibacterial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic pharmaceuticals. However, more research studies are required to interpret the pharmacologic action of the studied EOs and their principal constituents and to confirm their safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work deals with the study of the drying kinetics of Crocus sativus L. using convective solar drying. The main objective was to identify the influence of airflow drying temperatures for ambient air temperature ranged between 15.6 and 18.9°C, and a relative humidity between 24.4 and 46.5%. The equilibrium moisture content varies from 0.09 to 0.06 (% d.b), respectively, for drying air temperatures 35-50°C. The airflow velocity was about 0.2 m s-1, which implied establishing a phenomenological diffusion model of the water within the matrix. Empirical models were also determined as well as a polynomial equation (order 3) of the characteristic drying curve. The Midilli-Kucuk model was found to be the best to describe the experimental drying curves of Crocus sativus L. The effective moisture diffusivity ranged between 0.87 and 1.46 10-11 m2 s-1 for airflow temperature 35 and 50°C, while the average activation energy was calculated as 28.76 kJ mol-1. The increase in temperature decreases the total energy consumption which varies, respectively, from 3.211 to 2.681 kWh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

West Nile (WN) virus has been detected in Morocco in 1996, 2003, and 2010. One WN human case and 94 equine cases with 42 deaths were reported in the first outbreak. The second and the last epizootics were in Kénitra and Mohammedia regions, respectively. Culex pipiens mosquitoes were strongly suspected as WN vectors during these epizootics in Morocco. To help propose the first insecticide resistance management strategy in Morocco, we provide baseline data on the resistance status of C. pipiens mosquitoes to insecticides most used in public health in Morocco. We investigated the resistance intensity of C. pipiens and the role of monooxygenases in pyrethroids resistance using the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) in three prefectures of central Morocco: Mohammedia, Benslimane, and Skhirate. Bioassays were carried out using WHO (World Health Organization) diagnostic test kits for adult mosquitoes, with DDT 4%; deltamethrin 0.05%, 0.25%, and 0.5%; bendiocarb 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1%; and malathion 5%. The synergist PBO 4% was used to check for the involvement of detoxification enzymes in pyrethroids resistant populations. Mosquito populations tested displayed high resistance intensity to pyrethroids and carbamates in Mohammedia and moderate resistance intensity in Skhirate. In Benslimane, the resistance intensity of C. pipiens was high to carbamate and moderate to pyrethroids. The pre-exposure to PBO restored full or partial susceptibility to pyrethroids in the different regions. According to our finding, Mohammedia and Benslimane are at risk level 3 of control failure, while Skhirate is at risk level 2 of it. The employment of IRM is therefore imperative in all study sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the adsorption in aqueous solution of methylene blue (MB), a cationic dye used in the textile industry, by crushed Argan shells (used as raw materials) from the southern region of Morocco. These crushed Argan shells were first characterized by different technical analyses: elemental analysis, biochemical analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, mercury porosimetry, and zetametry. The adsorption kinetics was then studied by varying the experimental parameters such as the dye concentration in solution. We note that at pH = 8 , there is an elimination up to 232.6 mg/g, during an equilibrium time of 180 min. The correlation coefficient showed that the pseudosecond-order kinetic equation best describes the adsorption kinetics for the tested material. The adsorption isotherms of MB by Argan shells are suitably described by the Langmuir model which provide the best theoretical correlation of the experimental data. The thermodynamics of MB adsorption on Argan shells indicates a spontaneous and endothermic process. It was concluded that an increase in temperature leads to a greater adsorption of MB by the studied biosorbent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the Moroccan Court of Auditors, the meats are prepared in slaughterhouses that do not meet the basic conditions required by Moroccan standards. This survey is being conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of handlers regarding the salubrity and hygiene of meat and to evaluate the bacteriological load of work surfaces in a slaughterhouse located in the Marrakech region. A total of 100 people working at the slaughterhouse participated in the study. The average values concerning the attitude and practice of the carcass handlers were, respectively, very satisfactory (65.7%) and acceptable (53.44%), while the average value of knowledge was generally low (39%). Bacterial load was assessed by the serial dilution method using the standard procedure. Seventy samples were taken from the hands of manipulators, knives, clothes, hooks, door handles, floor, and walls over an area of between 20 and 100 cm2. The total number of aerobic mesophiles (TAVCs), Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella spp was determined for each sample. Escherichia coli was the predominant isolate (42%), while Salmonella spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the least bacterial isolates with 16% and 14%, respectively. Walls and knives were the most contaminated by E. coli at 90%. This survey reveals the importance of developing formal training for all slaughterhouse handlers regarding meat hygiene and safety during carcass processing to develop their knowledge and practices. Bacteriological results indicate a need to improve the available slaughter facilities and develop an appropriate slaughter process strategy to minimize the risk of carcass contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allium cepa L. remains the most cultivated Allium species in Morocco and around the world. With the purpose of making the first biochemical characterization of Moroccan onions, several biochemical components have been measured in eleven onion ecotypes. Onions were collected as seeds from different geographical origins and cultivated in the same environment, to eliminate the influence of the environment on biochemical expression. Moisture, total phenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, total and reducing sugars, and sulfur dioxide were the biochemical properties of interest. Except for moisture, the eleven onion ecotypes revealed a highly significant variation in terms of the studied biochemical characters. The total phenol and flavonoid content ranged from 5.94 to 11.22 mg equivalent gallic acid/g dry weight and 0.67 to 1.52 mg equivalent quercetin/g dry weight, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the studied onions showed a strong correlation with the polyphenols ( R 2 = 0.7189), especially with the flavonoids ( R 2 = 0.8063). The sulfur dioxide content parted from 85.60 to 30.43 ppm when measured using the Monier-Williams distillation method. The current results show that there is no correlation between total sugars and reducing sugars. In conclusion, these findings present a clear biochemical profile of Moroccan onion ecotypes, as well as confirm, for the first time, the presence of a clear variation between the biochemical profiles of Moroccan onion ecotypes, which could be useful for future valorization programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Determining cancer incidence and mortality is a key factor in the implementation of health policies and cancer prevention strategies. This report aims to describe the trends of cancer incidence in a single referral oncology department from the Marrakech region (Morocco). Material and Methods. All new cancer cases of age ≥ 15 years registered at the Medical Oncology department of Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakesh between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2019, were included. Central nervous system (CNS) cancers, tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, and thyroid cancers for which chemotherapy was not indicated or was managed in other cancer-specialized departments were excluded from the analysis. Manual data collection from printed archived medical records of the study population was performed. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using R software and Joinpoint Regression Program. Results. A total of 15648 new cancer cases were analyzed. Missing data (n = 1822) accounted for 11.64%, and 4.1% (n = 652) were excluded. The final statistical analysis and registration included 13174 cases. The median age at diagnosis is 54 years for females and 61 years for males. Female patients outnumbered males with a ratio of 1.58 among all age groups except those aged ≥75 y. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) for all sites was 68,0 per 100.000 person-years, which has increased with an annual percent change (APC) of 10.61%. The five most common malignancies among males are lung, stomach, prostate, colic, and rectal cancers. Among females, the five most frequent cancers are breast, cervix, ovary, colon, and stomach. Conclusion. The higher incidence observed in our results translates into a growing burden on the center and is expected to impact our ability to deliver cancer care. Epidemiological studies to identify risk factors and effective efforts are needed to further invest in cancer control and prevention plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the extraction and the variation of total phenolic and the flavonoid content of the Halimium halimifolium plant (the leaves and the stems) harvested from Morocco have been studied. It explores extracting the essential oil of this plant and analyzing its chemical composition by the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Interesting results have been obtained, in particular, the presence of 26 compounds where the major one is (+)-2-Bornanone (38.26%) followed by Eucalyptol (27.74%). This essential oil proves great antioxidant capacities which is measured with the total antioxidant activity (TAC) and the organic chemical compound 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. On the other hand, using solvents with different polarities (the hexane, the dichloromethane, the ethyl acetate, the ethanol, and the water), the quantifying of the total phenolic and the flavonoid content for different crude extracts of the Halimium halimifolium was done. The results show simultaneous increasing in the total phenolic content of the crude extract and the solvent polarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation is currently at the heart of the priorities of education systems. It is not limited to learning but affects several aspects: teachers, schools, training, management, education policies, and the system as a whole. There is a need in this area where research is extremely scarce in Morocco and especially in the teaching and education sector. The notion of transposing quality evaluation to the pedagogical side is very difficult and ambiguous. The evaluation of a school is a complex process, with varied practices and multiple actors. The first objective of this work is to present, within a rigorous methodological framework, the validation of pedagogical and administrative quality indicators in schools. This tool is a dashboard with precise indicators for the pedagogical audit of schools and educational institutions adapted to the Moroccan context. To select the best indicators, we used several techniques (structured interviews, focus groups, factor analysis, etc.) with the actors who carry out their activities. We identified three (03) fields and ten (10) criteria with indicators that form the basis of a quality assessment. The fields are management and strategic planning, administrative and sector management, and pedagogical organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbutus unedo L. (Ericaceae) is an evergreen shrub widely distributed in the Mediterranean region, particularly through the Moroccan forests. It is an important medicinal plant of great scientific interest due to its nutritional, pharmacological, and chemical properties. The objective of this review is to provide insights into traditional medicinal uses and phytochemical and pharmacological properties of A. unedo from Morocco. In Morocco, the plant has been used as a traditional medicine to treat several pathological conditions. Many phytochemical compounds have been reported in the plant, of which vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and their derivatives are the most prevalent. Leaves and fruits of A. unedo contain the most significant number of phytochemicals among the species. Furthermore, researchers have demonstrated that A. unedo exhibited antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiaggregant, and antihypertensive activities due to the presence of many biochemical compounds with health-promoting properties. According to different toxicity tests, the use of A. unedo is devoid of any significant side effects and/or toxicity. Despite its nutraceutical and health-promoting properties, Moroccan A. unedo remains underexploited mainly, and most of its traditional uses have not yet undergone scientific evidence-based research; therefore, improved knowledge about the potential value of the plant would allow understanding of its biological activity based on its phytochemical compounds that may contribute to the species preservation and valorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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