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Introduction: For thousands of years, Cannabis sativa has been used for its medical and recreational benefits. Nowadays, there is an increasing interest in the use of C. sativa and its non-psychoactive products/effects to treat certain diseases. This study was conducted to examine the gastrointestinal effects of a sequential ethanolic fraction of C. sativa threshing residues (EFCS). Methods: In vivo and in vitro approaches were used to investigate the gastrointestinal properties of EFCS. Antidiarrheal, antibacterial, spasmodic, laxative, and antiulcer effects were tested respectively against castor oil induced diarrhea, disc diffusion method, isolated tissue preparations, charcoal transit time, and ethanol induced ulcer model. Results: EFCS induced a spasmodic effect on an isolated rabbit jejunum, which was inhibited by atropine and verapamil. Moreover, under free calcium conditions, the effect of EFCS was significantly reduced. The acute toxicity assay in female and male mice showed that EFCS was a safe product. Additionally, EFCS like loperamide presented antidiarrheal effect in mice and inhibited intestinal fluid secretions. Unlike the standard drug (loperamide), EFCS increased the motility of the intestinal transit. Furthermore, EFCS showed a protective effect against gastric ulcers induced by ethanol in mice and exhibited antimicrobial properties against Bacillus cereus strains. Conclusion: The results of this study reveal that EFCS possesses anti-diarrheal, antibacterial, spasmodic, laxative, and anti-ulcer activities. EFCS has potential therapeutic use against gastrointestinal diseases. Also, our work values the non-psychoactive products of C. sativa.

The characterization of lignocellulosic biomass present in archaeological wood is crucial for understanding the degradation processes affecting wooden artifacts. The lignocellulosic fractions in both the external and internal parts of Moroccan archaeological cedar wood (9th, 12th, and 21st centuries) were characterized using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR deconvolution mode), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and SEM analysis. The XRD demonstrates a significant reduction in the crystallinity index of cellulose from recent to aging samples. This finding is corroborated by the FTIR analysis, which shows a significant reduction in the area profiles of the C-H crystalline cellulosic bands (1374, 1315, and 1265 cm−1) and C-O-C (1150–1000 cm−1). The alterations in the lignin fraction of aging samples (from the 9th and 12th centuries) were demonstrated by a reduction in the intensity of the bands at 1271 and 1232 cm−1 (Car-O) and the formation of new compounds, such as quinones and/or diaryl carbonyl structures, within the 1700–1550 cm−1 range. The SEM images of cedar wood samples from the 9th and 12th centuries reveal voids, indicating that the entire cell wall component has been removed, a characteristic feature of simultaneous white rot fungi. In addition, horizontal "scratches" were noted, indicating possible bacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the efficiency in organic matter and heavy metals removal from a synthetic brassware effluent using a natural adsorbent applied for the first time. raw coal used in continuous adsorption experiments was collected from the Jrada region (Morocco). Several analytical methods were adopted to evaluate material adsorption properties before and after the treatment of the effluent, including Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy-Dispersive X-ray, X-ray Diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. During the experimental part of this study, the adsorption kinetics carried to evaluate the performance of the test column has been investigated with optimization of operating parameters namely granular size, flow rate and column height. Finally, the selected parameters were used to evaluate the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal abilities. The results obtained show that the fixed column using a granulometry of 40 µm, a flow rate of 3 mL/min and a bed height of 18 cm provides a competitive performance, against both, organic matter and heavy metals. And the removal rates reached are 86 % of COD, 69 % of sulfate and 100 % of the most dominant heavy metals in brassware effluent; particularly Nickel, Silver and Copper.

Research infrastructures play a key role in launching a new generation of integrated long-Term, geographically distributed observation programmes designed to monitor climate change, better understand its impacts on global ecosystems, and evaluate possible mitigation and adaptation strategies. The pan-European Integrated Carbon Observation System combines carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG; CO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O, H 2 O) observations within the atmosphere, terrestrial ecosystems and oceans. High-precision measurements are obtained using standardised methodologies, are centrally processed and openly available in a traceable and verifiable fashion in combination with detailed metadata. The Integrated Carbon Observation System ecosystem station network aims to sample climate and land-cover variability across Europe. In addition to GHG flux measurements, a large set of complementary data (including management practices, vegetation and soil characteristics) is collected to support the interpretation, spatial upscaling and modelling of observed ecosystem carbon and GHG dynamics. The applied sampling design was developed and formulated in protocols by the scientific community, representing a trade-off between an ideal dataset and practical feasibility. The use of open-Access, high-quality and multi-level data products by different user communities is crucial for the Integrated Carbon Observation System in order to achieve its scientific potential and societal value.

The following contribution investigates the main determinants that impact the financial performance and sutainability of Moroccan microfinance institutions (MFIs) in terms of governance indicators, staff productivity variables, and loans portfolio quality. Using an unbalanced panel data extracted from the Mix Market database and using structural equation modeling, 10 Moroccan MFIs were analyzed for the period between 1999 and 2017. Results indicate that there is no evidence of the impact of the regulatory environment and portfolio quality on these institutions' profitability, which is represented by the return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE), and sustainability, which is represented by the operational self-sufficiency (OSS) and the number of active borrowers. However, results indicate that personnel productivity has a significant positive direct impact on both profitability and sustainability. This study provides guidance to policy makers in terms of enhancing the performance of personnel productivity of these institutions in the Moroccan context.

In Morocco, the endemic Artemisia herba-alba is well known by its traditional uses and health benefits. The search for natural, safe, and effective antibacterial and antifungal agents from plants is in high demand due to microbial and fungal resistance to conventional synthetic antibiotics and antifungal drugs. In this study, the A. herba-alba was collected from the region of Fez-Boulemane during the periods of March, June, and September. Essential oils (EOs) were extracted from the aerial part of the plant by the hydrodistillation method. The chemical constituents were determined using GC-MS as analytical tools. The antimicrobial activities of different oils were tested using the macrodilution method. The results showed the difference in the yields between the three EOs (0.49, 1.74, 1.30% (mL/100 g)), respectively, as well as in their corresponding chemical compositions. The main constituents revealed by GC-MS are higher contents of oxygenated monoterpenes (84.7, 84.4, 81%), such as cis chrysanthenyl acetate (30, 26.7, 27.6%), β-thujone (23.2, 12.9, 15.4%), camphor (9.76, 14.3, 15.8%), chrysanthenone (2.4, 1, 14%), 1,8-cineole (1.5, 11.7, 11.8%), trans β-dihydroterpineol (7.8, 7.2, 6.9%), α-thujone (4.8, 3, 5.4%), and sesquiterpenic davanone (3.9, 1.5, 1.4%), respectively. The three EOs biological activities’ results showed significant antimicrobial effects against four bacteria tested (E. coli, B. subtilis, S. aureus, M. luteus), with the MIC values ranging from 0.1 to 0.03% (v/v), as well as interesting antifungal effects on both wood rot fungi against four fungi examined (G. trabeum, P. placenta, C. puteana, C. versicolor) and molds against three microorganisms tested (A. niger, P. digitatum, P. expansum), with MIC values ranging from 0.2 to 0.03% (v/v) and 0.4 to 0.03% (v/v), respectively. The June and September EO samples showed more potent activities than those collected during March. Our research findings showed quantitative variability in both EO contents and chemical compositions, which could be due to the phenological stages, climatic conditions of growth, and harvesting periods. The potent results of the antimicrobial/antifungal activities were provided by the EOs of June and September and might be correlated to the contribution and synergism effect of all oxygenated monoterpenes. These results support the possible application of A. herba-alba EOs as natural and safe antibacterial agents, and an effective alternative to synthetic drugs, enabling the prevention and treatment of certain pathogenic infections in food and health, and the preservation of wood alteration against fungi.

The aims of this study are to investigate the structure of four historical Moroccan cedar softwood samples of different aging time duration (16th, 17th, 19th, 21st centuries) and compare among these four samples, using two analytical methods, FTIR and XRD, in order to confirm some structural changes and determine the degree of deterioration. The pronounced hemicellulose deterioration was highlighted by a breakdown of IR acetyl groups at 1738 cm−1 from the 19th century sample until aged ones. The cellulose XRD crystallinity index showed an important decrease from recent to oldest samples (51.8 to 20.2%) justifying the damages mainly in the two oldest samples (17th and 16th centuries), also confirmed by FTIR. The alteration of lignin was manifested in the case of the two ancient samples (16th and 17th centuries), proven by the decrease in IR bands related to aromatic nuclei (1595, 1500, 1230 cm−1) evolving towards a new diconjugate C=O formers at 1647 cm−1 (quinone, Ar-CO-Ar, Ar-CO-C=C). For accurate elucidation, the data of two combined techniques were compared and correlated. The obtained results depended on the part of the wood exposed to weathering effects (internal or external) and were influenced by both extended time of aging and effects of natural deterioration agents. The effects of natural aging were investigated in four historical Moroccan cedar softwood samples (16th, 17th, 19th, 21st centuries) using two analytical tools: FTIR and XRD. The pronounced hemicellulose deterioration was highlighted by a breakdown of IR acetyl groups at 1738 cm−1 and declines in the absorption signal at 1268 cm−1 from the 19th century sample until aged ones. The cellulose XRD crystallinity index (CrI) estimation showed an important decrease from recent to oldest samples (51.8 to 20.2%) justifying the damages mainly in the two oldest samples (17th and 16th centuries). These data were also confirmed by FTIR showing a significant reduction in both area profiles of C-O-C (1150–1000 cm−1) and C-H crystalline cellulosic bands (1375, 1318, and 1268 cm−1), respectively. The lignin alteration in both old samples (16th and 17th centuries) was proven by the decrease in IR aromatic skeleton (1595, 1500, and 1230 cm−1) evolving towards a new diconjugate C=O formers at 1647 cm−1 (quinone, Ar-CO-Ar, Ar-CO-C=C). To determine the structural difference and the degree of deterioration, the IR area of C=O band intensities ranging from 1550 to 1800 cm−1 was exploited. For accurate elucidation, the data of two combined techniques were compared and correlated. The obtained results depended on the part of the wood (internal or external) exposed to weathering effects and were influenced by both extended time of aging and effects of natural deterioration agents.

The morphological structure of the surface of four Cedrus atlantica softwood samples was monitored by scanning electron microscope. The obtained results have shown formation of cracks on the surface of samples with deterioration of the majority of cellulosic fibers. The alteration of wood structure and decomposition of carbohydrates exploited by scanning electron microscopy images could act as a confidential sign of an advanced stage of wood decay by biological attacks, leading upon time to the extinction of this natural wealth. It appeared that the studied samples were attacked by brown-rot fungus selectively decaying the cell wall of softwood materials. The scanning electron microscope morphological observation revealed that microfibril distribution was heterogeneous and dynamic contact angles increase significantly during exposure to the non-controlled environmental conditions.

The present work aims at elucidating the changes in the chemical composition of Moroccan cedar wood during exposure time to the natural degradation process. Correlation of these changes with certain physical properties and performance of this polymeric material were proposed. Four archaeological Cedrus atlantica wood samples dating from the 16th, 17th, 19th and 21st centuries were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. The infrared spectroscopic analyses demonstrated in detail the significant changes that occurred in different molecular groups of lignocelluloses fibers, as evidenced by the decrease of band intensities related to the carbohydrates and lignin. The influence of the natural degradation process on these fibers was enhanced by the gradual decline in fingerprint (1800-800cm-1) related to the cellulose amount accompanied by the detection of new carbonyl band at 1650cm-1 attributed to the C=O quinone suggesting the lignin’s oxidation.

Grounded in fieldwork experience, this article shows how the ethnographer can be reduced to his « origins ». However autobiographical the kind of minority experience described in this article may be, it is nonetheless common among those who are identified as belonging to the « inner-city youth » and to putative « immigrant communities ». In narrative terms, this minority experience takes the form of an impossibility to break free from a straightforward story of immigrants and inner-city life. The ethnographer must engage with these narratives about himself, which continually shape his identity as « immigrant inner-city youth ». This encumbered self, loaded with an imaginary biographical trajectory, rests on the fiction of a legendary origin. While he was born a French citizen in metropolitan France, the ethnographer is systematically expected to relate to the history of his parents born in the former French colonies. Positioning itself poles apart from the struggle for recognition, the article describes three institutional contexts in which the minority experience is a denial of the right to civil inattention.

As non-destructive technique, FT-Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the molecular structure and monitor changes in the composition of carbohydrates and lignin components containing wood materials. For this purpose, four samples originated from Moroccan cedar wood were analyzed. Following the FT-Raman spectra, it was found that carbohydrates were identified by the bands at 898, 1098, 1123 and 1456 cm-1, while lignin matrix was evaluated by the bands at 1657, 1598 and 1267 cm-1. The decrease of the intensities related to these feature bands reflects the effects of natural degradation phenomenon and shows the evidence of chemical changes and quick deterioration of these contents upon exposure time to natural degradation process. Thus, the FT-Raman tool has the potential to be one of crucial sources to characterize composite materials and to evaluate the chemical changes occurred on their structures under the influence of physico-chemical or biological attacks without causing any damage of the wood surfaces or their supports.

Les métastases thyroïdiennes sont très peu fréquentes. Elles peuvent de façon exceptionnelle révéler le cancer primitif. Nous rapportons le cas d'une patiente qui a présenté une dysphonie secondaire à un gros nodule thyroïdien lobaire droit. L'examen anatomopathologique de la pièce de l'hémi thyroïdectomie a révélé la présence d'un adénocarcinome d'origine pulmonaire. Le bilan d'extension a confirmé la présence d'une masse au niveau du Fowler droit ainsi qu'une métastase du trochanter fémoral droit et une récidive au niveau de la loge thyroïdienne. Une chimiothérapie à base de Paclitaxel, Carboplatine et Bevacizumab a été débuté. L'évaluation après 4 cures est en faveur d'une stabilité radiologique avec amélioration des symptômes.

Le leiomyosarcome représente une tumeur rare de la vessie. Sa présentation clinique est non spécifique et dominée par l'hématurie. La résection endoscopique de la vessie avec un examen anathomopathologique permet de poser le diagnostic. La rareté de cette localisation ne permet pas d'établir une stratégie thérapeutique standard, néanmoins la chirurgie reste le traitement le plus utilisé. Nous rapportons le cas d'une patiente âgée de 64 ans, ayant présenté une hématurie. L'examen anatomopathologique d'une résection endoscopique de la vessie a posé le diagnostic d'un leiomyosarcome.

La prescription de molécules onéreuses en cancérologie coûte cher à la société et implique un effort très important de la collectivité en faveur d'un malade. La prescription de ces médicaments doit d'une part être assortie à une efficacité notable et avoir un coût raisonnable. Pour pouvoir mesurer ce coût, il faut d'abord mesurer le bénéfice. QALY ''Quality adjusted life year'' ou année de vie pondérée par la qualité est un indicateur qui évalue simultanément l'espérance de vie avec la notion de qualité de vie et permet de l'associer à un coût. L'impact de ce coût sur la société varie d'un pays à l'autre en fonction des ressources économiques disponibles .A travers cet article nous suggérons l'introduction d'un nouvel indice économique qui permet de mesurer l'impact réel du coût du bénéfice en rapportant le coût d'une action de santé au produit intérieur brut par habitant. Nous avons choisi de nommer cet indice: le cout par QALY rapporté au PIB (CQP).A titre d'exemple le CQP du Bevacizumab dans l'indication du cancer colorectal en première ligne métastatique varie entre 75.51 au Maroc ,70.47 en Egypte ,43.57 en Algérie et 5.5 en France.

INTRODUCTION: la décision médicale partagée ''Shared decision making'' est un concept qui se développe depuis les années 1990. Il donne aux patients le soutien nécessaire pour exprimer leurs préférences et partager la décision médicale. Cette étude cherche à estimer le degré de participation du patient Marocain atteint de cancer au choix thérapeutique. METHODES: cette enquête a été réalisée auprès de 272 malades sous chimiothérapie pour une pathologie cancéreuse sous forme d'un entretien verbal basé sur un questionnaire. Les patients ont été sélectionnés selon un mode d'échantillonnage aléatoire, le nombre de patients a été choisi pour une marge d'erreur de 5% et un seuil de probabilité qui approxime les 90%. RESULTATSs: seulement 5.5% des patients dans l'enquête ont participé activement dans le choix thérapeutique. Pour 94% des patients de l'échantillon la stratégie thérapeutique adoptée par le médecin est la bonne et représente l'option optimale. Les principales causes retrouvées qui expliquent la non participation à la décision thérapeutique sont le bas niveau d'instruction, la non réceptivité à l'information ainsi que des défauts majeures dans la transmission et la perception de l'information. CONCLUSION: ces résultats prouvent que la relation médecin malade dans notre contexte baigne toujours dans le modèle paternaliste. La responsabilité de la décision thérapeutique est le plus souvent laissée au médecin. Il est nécessaire d'informer et d'impliquer le patient de façon active dans le choix thérapeutique afin de mieux sauvegarder la relation médecin-malade qui doit être fondée sur la confiance ainsi que sur une approche participative.

Cette étude montre le potentiel de l'information texturale des images à très haute résolution spatiale Pléiades pour la quantification et la cartographie de la structure forestière des peuplements de pin maritime du sud-ouest de la France (massif landais). Une première étape montre qu'il est possible d'estimer, par régressions linéaires multiples, les variables de structure forestière (comme le diamètre des couronnes ou la hauteur des arbres) à partir d'un ensemble d'attributs de texture automatiquement sélectionnés parmi un grand nombre de paramétrages possibles. La classification de l'image est ensuite effectuée en utilisant l'algorithme des forêts aléatoires (RF) pour discriminer cinq classes de structure forestière avec une approche hiérarchique. L'importance de variable des RF est utilisée pour la sélection des attributs de texture. Les résultats montrent l'intérêt de l'automatisation du processus, et de l'utilisation conjointe des deux résolutions des images Pléiades (panchromatique et multispectral) pour dériver les attributs de texture les plus performants pour détecter de fines variations de structure forestière.

This paper deals with the recovery of 3D information using a single mobile camera in the context of active vision. First, we propose a general revisited formulation of the structure-from-known-motion issue. Within the same formalism, we handle various kinds of 3D geometrical primitives such as points, lines, cylinders, spheres, etc. We also aim at minimizing effects of the different measurement errors which are involved in such a process. More precisely, we mathematically determine optimal camera configurations and motions which lead to a robust and accurate estimation of the 3D structure parameters. We apply the visual servoing approach to perform these camera motions using a control law in closed-loop with respect to visual data. Real-time experiments dealing with 3D structure estimation of points and cylinders are reported. They demonstrate that this active vision strategy can very significantly improve the estimation accuracy. Index Terms - Computer vision, robotics, active vision, structure from motion, vision-based control.