Search

This paper aims to conceptualize the success factors of a digital transformation (DT) strategy and analyze its impact on a company's economic performance. We explore the concepts that affect the field of DT definition and the key drivers that lead to successful DT. Through these key drivers considered as success factors, we propose a research framework linking these drivers to the DT strategy and then corporate economic performance in emerging markets. To test the research model empirically and provide a contextualized interpretation of the results, we adopted a sequential explanatory design. Initially, we performed a quantitative study through a survey among companies listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange in Morocco. We then analyzed the collected data using the structural equation method. Next, to explain the results, we conducted a qualitative analysis through interviews with semi-structured questions. The findings show that in an emerging economy context such as Morocco, placing the customer at the core of the DT strategy, aligning the organization with the DT strategy, adopting a value system imbued with DT values, and establishing an operational roadmap to drive the change can enhance the company's digital transformation. These drivers contribute to 59.5% of the implementation of the DT strategy. Driving a DT strategy has a significant impact on companies' economic performance, contributing to 21.5% of their commercial and financial outcomes. This study highlights that the maintenance of a "phygital" business model, which mixes digital and physical business models, and the lack of human resources involvement in the DT process are specific to the emerging market context studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the composition and quality characteristics of the "Moroccan Picholine" virgin olive oil (VOO) produced in Taza province (northern Morocco). Legal quality indices, pigments, total phenols, oxidative stability, and fatty acid composition were analyzed under the impact of three extraction systems (two phase [C2] and three phase [C3] centrifugation decanters and super‐pressure [SP]) in three production sites (Bni Frassen, Bouchfaa, and Taza) during three consecutive crop seasons (2014, 2015, and 2016). All the assessed parameters were largely affected by the extraction system. Indeed, the two phase centrifugation system provided the better quality of VOO with the lowest values of free fatty acids and oxidation indices and the highest amounts of oleic acid, carotenoids, and total phenols therefore the greatest oxidative stability. Crop season and production site had only significant impacts on some parameters. VOO produced in 2015 from Bni Frassen was richer on total phenols hence presented lower values of peroxide value. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed a clear separation along PC1 (58%) between C2 with better VOO characteristics from both C3 and SP, while PC2 (11%) allowed a net distinction of VOO produced in 2014 from those in 2015 and 2016. Moreover, the oxidative stability of the assessed VOO was found strongly related to total phenol and carotenoid contents as well as oleic/linoleic ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yield crops is a complex component depending on several grain filling traits. Knowledge of their relative contribution to grain yield determination under contrasting environments is essential to optimize grain yield and its stability. This study evaluates the changes resulting from durum wheat breeding in Morocco during the last three decades on grain filling rate (R) and duration (D), final grain weight (W), and days from sowing to anthesis (DSA). A set of six durum wheat varieties, released between 1984 and 2007, was grown in experiments conducted under contrasting environments during three growing seasons. The analysis of variance revealed that water regimes and growing seasons accounted for the largest percentages of variability for R, D, W, and DSA. D and DSA increased significantly over time under both water regimes. W exhibited an increasing trend under irrigated conditions, but a significant decline under rainfed ones. In contrast, the change of R was only significant under irrigated conditions. The path coefficient revealed that irrigated and rainfed conditions impacted differently the direct and indirect effects among traits with higher values of direct effects recorded under water-limited conditions. Within irrigated trials, R and D affected directly and positively grain yield. Regarding rainfed conditions, grain yield was only dependent on W. These findings indicate that genetic progress in grain filling traits and their direct and indirect effects on grain yield differed significantly between rainfed and irrigated conditions. Therefore, when selecting for high-yielding durum wheat genotypes, a particular attention should be paid to the environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Color indices are important quality traits that define the consumer visual acceptance and agroindustrial preferences. Little is known regarding these properties in the commercial almond cultivars grown in Morocco. This work aimed at investigating kernel color indices in five cultivars, namely, "Fournat de Brézenaud," "Tuono," "Ferragnès," "Ferraduel," and "Marcona." Color indices consisted in the following: brightness (L∗), redness index (a∗), yellowness index (b∗), chroma (C∗), hue (H∗), and metric saturation (S∗). Measurements were performed over three consecutive growing seasons (2016–2018) across five different sites from northern (Aknoul, Bni Hadifa, and Tahar Souk) and eastern (Rislane and Sidi Bouhria) Morocco. All factors (cultivar, growing season, and site) affected significantly studied color properties; however, genotype was the main variability source. Wide variabilities were found among cultivars. "Marcona" showed the highest L∗, while "Ferragnès" and "Ferraduel" displayed greater scores of a∗, b∗, C∗, and S∗. Sidi Bouhria presented the lowest L∗ but higher a∗, H∗, and S∗. Moreover, Bni Hadifa displayed higher L∗, b∗, and C∗. 2016 (drier growing season) had the highest values of most indices. Principal component analyses (PCA) discriminate all factors through the first three components: PC1 (61%, genetic component) and PC2 (30%) and PC3 (7%) which were of environmental nature since they separate sites and growing seasons, respectively. Despite environmental effects, we suggested a possible discrimination among the studied cultivars based on their kernel color indices. Drought conditions during fruit development seemed to improve kernel quality via synthesis of pigments resulting in higher a∗ and b∗. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since December 2019, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has catapulted the world into a marked health crisis, with over 29 million cases and >930,000 deaths. To better detect affected individuals at an early stage and stop disease progression to an advanced stage, several studies have been conducted to identify the clinical, biological, and radiological characteristics of COVID-19. This study aimed to enrich the literature by critically analyzing the clinical and biological characteristics of 134 patients from the North African Mediterranean region, including numerous genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors that may influence disease evolution. This single-center retrospective study included all patients older than 18 years confirmed to have COVID-19 and hospitalized at the Cheikh Khalifa University Hospital affiliated with Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences, Casablanca, Morocco. Clinical, demographic, and biological data were analyzed in a cohort of severe and non-severe patients. Univariate analysis was performed to identify factors predictive of severity. There were 134 patients: the median age was 53 years, and 54.5% were male. Of these, 89 had mild to moderate disease; 45 had severe to critical disease, of which 14 died and 31 survived. Advanced age, presence of comorbidities, male sex, and infection in ethnic or family groups were risk factors for progression to severe disease. The presence of abnormalities in the following parameters were strongly associated with progression to severe disease: white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, lymphocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, D-dimers, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ferritin, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) during both admission and hospitalization. Based on these results and an extensive literature review, we recommend that clinicians closely monitor the biological parameters identified herein and perform immunological and genetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work examined the influence of crop season, extraction system and production site on the composition of fresh olive mill wastewater collected from northern Morocco. ANOVA analysis showed that most of the traits were largely affected by the extraction system (≥60% of total variance). Comparison among extraction systems showed significant differences for all traits, except for chlorides. Three phase centrifugation system (C3) displayed the highest value of total phenols, while all the remaining traits were higher in two phase centrifugation system (C2). Concerning crop seasons, we noticed a general decrease in values of total solids, chemical oxygen demand, chlorides, C/N ratio and total aerobic mesophilic flora, from 2014 to 2016 season; in contrast, an increase in suspended solids, total kjeldahl nitrogen and proteins was detected. OMW with highest total phenols content and then more acidic were collected during 2015 season. Between production sites, Bni Frassen produced OMW with the highest values for salt and total phenols, but the lowest ones were obtained for microbiological traits. OMW from Taza were rich in total kjeldahl nitrogen and proteins. An increase in organic load indicators was observed in Bouchfaa. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained about 82% of total variability: 58%, 16% and 8% for principal component 1 (PC1), PC2 and PC3, respectively. Extraction system fitted the variability of PC1. PC2 was mainly explained by production sites, while PC3 separated crop seasons. Correlation studies showed significant relationships especially among the traits expressing organic load, while microbiological counts were largely associated to total phenols and pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivated almond is an important nut crop commercially grown worldwide. The majority of research works carried out on almond fruit has been focused on chemical composition. However, fruit quality is defined by both chemical and physical characteristics, which are still not well documented. Here, we investigated gravimetrical traits of almond fruit in the five following cultivars: 'Ferraduel', 'Ferragnès', 'Fournat de Brezénaud', 'Marcona', and 'Tuono'. The present study was carried out across three different sites in northern Morocco namely Aknoul, Bni Hadifa and Tahar Souk and over two harvest seasons (2015 and 2016). Gravimetrical measurements consisted in: In-hull weight, nut weight, kernel weight, hull percentage, shelling percentage, true density, bulk density, and porosity. The outcomes of ANOVA demonstrated that cultivar, site, harvest season, and their interactions affected significantly almost gravimetrical traits. In fact, hull percentage, kernel bulk density, and both nut true and bulk densities were mainly under genotypic dependency, while harvest season (climatic factor) was the main variability source in kernel weight. Furthermore, site (edaphic factor) was the most important in determining in-hull weight, nut weight, and kernel true density, while shelling percentage, and kernel and nut porosities were controlled jointly by genetic and edaphic factors. Wide variabilities were found between cultivars, sites, and harvest seasons for almost parameters as demonstrated by LSD's test. Almond kernels from our cultivars were very small (cv. 'Tuono'), small (cvs. 'Ferraduel', 'Ferragnès', and 'Marcona'), and medium (cv. 'Fournat de Brézenaud'). Furthermore, corresponding nuts were hard (cvs. 'Fournat d Brézenaud' and 'Tuono') to very hard shelled (cvs. 'Ferraduel', 'Ferragnès', and 'Marcona'). Among sites, fruits harvested from Bni Hadifa performed better in terms of in-hull weight, nut weight, and kernel weight. Whereas, Tahar Souk had the greatest values of hull percentage and shelling percentage. Principal component analysis (PCA) allowed a good discrimination of cultivars, sites, and harvest seasons. The first component was of genetic order along which cultivars were separated, while the second and the third components exerted together an environmental control since they separated sites and harvest seasons, respectively. Significant correlations were highlighted among studied characteristics. The most important ones were modeled through simple regressions and therefore they can be used to predict each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work is to evidence the effects of ripening index and water regime on the quantity and quality indices of "Moroccan Picholine" virgin olive oil (VOO) produced in northern Morocco. Olive trees were subjected to full irrigation and rainfed conditions, and olive fruits were collected at different ripening times. Results showed that the extracted volume of VOO increased during ripening, and decreased when full irrigation was applied. In regard to VOO quality, the statistical analysis revealed the predominant effect of ripening index on the majority of the considered parameters, except total phenols content that was strongly influenced by water regime. At more advanced stages of maturity, lower values of peroxide value, K232, carotenoids, chlorophylls and total phenols were registered while more free fatty acids were accumulated. Moreover, full irrigation reduced total phenols and increased free fatty acids, even if a great amount of pigment content was scored. Correlation studies showed significant relationships between pigments content and oxidation indices (peroxide value and K232). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was carried out on monovarietal virgin olive oils from Moroccan Picholine cultivar produced in northern Morocco to assess their oxidation stability as affected by chlorophyll and carotenoid contents and total phenols under different extraction systems, production sites and crop seasons. Results showed that the assessed traits were greatly influenced by the extraction system as compared to the production site and crop season. Two-phase decanter centrifugation allowed the production of virgin olive oil with higher values of carotenoids, total phenols and oxidative stability. Chlorophylls were more abundant in those from a super-pressure system. The effect of the production site on the studied oils was also observed, although in a lesser degree. The highest levels of pigments were scored in Bouchfaa, while total phenols content was greater in Bni Frassen. About the crop season, 2014 exhibited the highest values of chlorophylls and better oxidative stability, while higher contents of total phenols and carotenoids were recorded for 2015. Lastly, a stepwise regression was applied to explain the relationships between oxidative stability and the rest of the traits. The contribution of carotenoids with total phenols content to the variability of oxidative stability was around 51%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Almond [Prunus dulcis(Mill.) D.A. Webb] is one of the most important nut crops worldwide. It requires chilling during winter to break dormancy and develop fruiting buds. However, late winter chilling and early spring frosts may damage the reproductive tissues leading to productivity reduction. In the present work, we evaluated the frost susceptibility by means of chlorophyll fluorescence in flower buds of almonds cultivated in two different sites in Morocco: Aknoul in the north and Sidi Bouhria in the east. Five widely grown almond cultivars, namely Marcona, Fournat de Brézenaud, Ferragnès, Ferraduel, and Tuono, were involved in this study. Flower buds were incubated in temperatures of –3, –2, –1, 0, and 25 °C during 24 h and thereafter the Fv/Fm ratio was measured at the ovary zone. Combined analysis of variance showed that cultivar was the major source of variability, while site and cultivar by site interaction effects were of lesser extent and explained together less than 20%. At 25 °C, all cultivars displayed higher scores of Fv/Fm ratio. By decreasing temperature of incubation, this ratio decreased proportionally. Kinetics of chlorophyll fluorescence in response to the frost treatment followed two patterns: A linear decrease translated by frost susceptibility for late-flowering cultivars Ferragnès and Ferraduel, and quadratic curve with an inflection point at –1 °C indicating a chilling tolerance for Tuono and the early-flowering cultivars Marcona and Fournat de Brézenaud. However, Ferragnès and Ferraduel (with later flowering date) are not likely to be affected by low temperatures at the end of spring when there is no risk of frost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Calendar of reproductive phenology in almond cultivars grown in Mediterranean. • Chilling and heat requirements of almond cultivars grown in Morocco. • Correlation of reproductive phenology with agro-climatic requirements. • 'Fournat de Brézenaud' and 'Marcona' should be grown in areas with low frost risks. • Chill decline could threaten production of high chilling cultivars. Agro-climatic requirements are of crucial importance for establishment and management of nut tree orchards. In this work, we investigated timing and duration of key reproductive phenology events and their chilling units (CU) and heat requirements namely growing degree-days (GDD) and degree-hours (GDH) in five Mediterranean almond cultivars of early ('Marcona'), intermediate ('Fournat de Brézenaud'), and late flowering time ('Ferraduel', 'Ferragnès', and 'Tuono'). Field phenological observations were performed during three growing seasons (2016–2018) across five contrasting sites in northern and eastern Morocco. Phenological records consisted of timing of initial inflorescence (Inf), inflorescence duration (Inf D), initial flowering (Ini F), full flowering (Ful F), final flowering (Fin F), flowering duration (FD), ripening (Rip), fruit development period (FDP). Our outcomes reveal that 'Marcona' and 'Fournat de Brézenaud' presented low CUs. 'Tuono', 'Ferraduel', and 'Ferragnès' required higher GDD and GDH to reach flowering time. Additionally, 'Marcona' had the highest FDP and GDD and GDH for ripening. Sites of northern Morocco exhibited a delayed timing of inflorescence and flowering and longer Inf D, FD, and FDP and high GDD and GDH for different phenological events. 2016 had low CU resulting in delayed timing of inflorescence and flowering but shortened Inf D and FD. Important correlations were outlined among phenological events and agro-climatic requirements. Principal component analysis explains data variation through first principal component (PC, genotypic), the second and the third PC discriminated sites and growing seasons, respectively (environmental components). In conclusions, owing to their early flowering and fruit set, 'Fournat de Brézenaud' and 'Marcona' should be grown in areas with low frost risks. 'Marcona' is not recommended for warmer environments because of its longer FDP. Chill decline induced by global warming may threaten production of high chilling requirement cultivars ('Ferraduel', 'Ferragnès', and 'Tuono'). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Although acknowledged as toxic herbs, Aristolochia species are still widely used worldwide. The aristolochic acids (AA) they contain can induce the so-called “aristolochic acid nephropathy”, leading to renal fibrosis and upper urinary tract cancer. Traditional Moroccan medicine still often uses Aristolochia species under the vernacular name of Bereztem for the treatment of numerous ailments, notably cancer, diabetes or digestive tract disorders. As the botanical identity and renal toxicity of used species remain unexplored, the safety of patients may be threatened. Material and methods Ethnopharmacological data were collected from herbalists from the provinces of Oujda and Berkane, located in North-Eastern Morocco. Samples of Bereztem were collected at herbalist shops and checked for their content in AA using TLC and LC-MS methods. The toxicity of crude methanolic extracts of each herb was assessed on a HK-2 cell-based in vitro model by measurement of the cell survival to evaluate cytotoxicity and by assessment of renal-specific toxicity via (i) the evaluation of genes (E-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin) expression by RT-qPCR; (ii) the quantities of β-catenin and vimentin by immunofluorescence microscopy; (iii) the secretion of fibronectin; and (iv) the excretion of interleukin-6. Results The survey indicated that, among 42 herbalists visited, 33 were retailers of Bereztem , which was generally sold as a cancer treatment. Botanical investigations revealed that Aristolochia longa was frequently substituted by Bryonia dioica , which was associated with a higher cytotoxicity. Parameters specific to renal toxicity were also found to be enhanced, as compared to Aristolochia baetica and A. longa : down-regulation of β-catenin and E-cadherin and up-regulation of vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin, and secretion of fibronectin and interleukin-6. Conclusion In accordance with the Moroccan regulations, the use of so-called Aristolochia species should be discontinued. On one hand, the correctly identified aristolochia contain nephrotoxic aristolochic acids; on the other hand, aristolochia are massively substituted in North-Eastern Morocco and adulterated by a well-known toxic herb, B. dioica . Our data indicate that the bryony renal toxicity may be deleterious in shorter time periods than aristolochia. Reinforced on-site controls are needed to remind herbalists and harvesters that these herbs should be prohibited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of seven aphid species, collected in west-central Morocco, to transmit barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) was determined. Aphids were either collected from grasses showing symptoms of BYDV infection or were allowed acquisition access to plants infected with a PAV-like isolate of BYDV before transfer to oat test plants. BYDV transmission by six of the seven aphid species was confirmed by ELISA test; only Melanaphis donacis failed to transmit. The six newly defined BYDV vector species brings the total known to occur in Morocco to ten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To produce nut virgin oils at a large scale, mechanical extractions have become widely accepted to obtain nut oils of higher quality without chemical residues. Little is known about kernel oil from the commercially grown almond cultivars in Morocco obtained by press extraction. This work was set up to evaluate effects of different environments on almond oil content (OC) and related quality traits, namely polyphenols (PP), saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and oleic/linoleic (O/L) ratio. To this end, the main cultivars were compared across various sites belonging to northern (typical Mediterranean climate) and the eastern Morocco (hot Mediterranean climate) over three growing seasons (2016–2018). Virgin oil achieved via mechanical press showed high quality as demonstrated by lower records of routinely measured parameters (acid value, peroxide value, and UV absorption coefficients K 232 and K 270) on one hand and higher records of PP and O/L on the other hand. Cultivars of longer fruit development period (FDP) such as 'Marcona' displayed higher OC, while 'Tuono' and 'Fournat de Brézenaud' (shorter FDP) presented the best record of PP. 2016 (the driest season) had the best scores of OC and PP. Eastern Morocco (relatively hot and dry) showed higher OC, PP, PUFA, but lower MUFA and, therefore, lower O/L. In conclusion, drier environments could enhance OC and foster the accumulation of more PP, PUFA but lower MUFA with a decreased oil stability. • Oils achieved through press extraction were of good quality and higher stability. • We identified and quantified 11 fatty acids in kernel oils with higher O/L ratio. • Genotype was the main variability source with important environmental effects. • Cultivars of longer fruit development period had higher OC but lower PP. • Drier environments enhanced OC and PP, PUFA but decreased MUFA and O/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In Morocco, the olive-growing is of great socio-economic importance. • This study was conducted on physiological and biochemical response to water shortage of three Moroccan varieties at different phenological growth. • Lack of similar works under Moroccan conditions, annual climatic fluctuations and the effect that may have on olive and oil production are the main reasons for this study. • Results allowed an estimate of water requirements for young olive trees in relation to growth stage, which can help for a good management to have a better production. Changes in leaf relative water content (RWC), water potential (Ψw), transpiration rate (E & Tsp), stomatal conductance (gs), maximum quantum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), total chlorophylls, carotenoids, proline and soluble sugars were investigated in young Moroccan olive varieties ('Moroccan Picholine', 'Menara' and 'Haouzia') grown in pots under three water regimes (well-watering, moderate stress and high stress). The water treatment was applied at different growth stages during three growing seasons (2015, 2016 and 2017). Results from ANOVA analyses showed that all parameters were found to be mainly under the impact of the water regime and growth stage. In fact, the severe stress led to significant reductions in Ψw, gs, E and Tsp by more than 24%, but also in RWC, Fv/Fm and total chlorophylls with percentages lower than 15%. In contrast, water shortage activated the accumulation of proline and soluble sugars by about 13%. Among growth stages, the bud development displayed the highest levels for RWC, Ψw, gs, E, Tsp and Fv/Fm, and the lowest ones for proline and soluble sugars, whilst, the opposite was observed during the fruiting stage. Although the impacts of variety, growing season and interactions were of minor extents, we observed some significant differences. In fact, the young olive trees belonging to 'Moroccan Picholine' have shown more resistance to water stress, especially during the 2017 season. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that 92% of the total observed variability was explained by the first two principal components, and allowed a good discrimination among the tree water regimes and the five growth stages. In addition, positive relationship was established between proline and soluble sugars, which were found negatively associated with the remaining parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work reports the controlled fermentation of heat-shocked, unsalted and inoculated green olives. The effects of heat-shock (60, 70 and 80 °C three times for 5 min), inoculation with the oleuropeinolytic strain of L. plantarum FSO175 (L.p-FSO175) and the addition of Cell-Free Supernatant of C. pelliculosa L18 (CFS of C.p-L18) on the fermentation process of unsalted green olives were examined. The results showed a drastic reduction in the initial indigenous Enterobacteria, and an improvement in the acidification of heat-shocked olives at 70 and 80 °C, when compared to 60 °C. The inoculation with L.p-FSO175 and addition of CFS of C.p-L18 enhanced the fermentation and preservation of unsalted green olives, indicated by a significant decrease in pH, increase in free acidity and total disappearance of Enterobacteria. The heat-shock treatment at high temperature (80 °C), inoculation with L.p-FSO175 and addition of CFS of C.p-L18 led to the best reduction in bitterness, and favorable color changes (L, a, and b) in fermented olives. This sequential method led to more appreciated sensory characteristics (mainly bitterness and color) of fermented olives, lower spoilage incidence in olives, and reduced fermentation time to 50 days, and therefore may be suitable to control the fermentation of unsalted green olives of the Moroccan picholine variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]