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The title compound, C16H11N2OF, is a member of the azo dye family. The dihedral angle subtended by the benzene ring and the naphthalene ring system measures 18.75 (7)°, indicating that the compound is not perfectly planar. An intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond occurs between the imino and carbonyl groups. In the crystal, the molecules are linked into inversion dimers by C—H...O interactions. Aromatic π–π stacking between the naphthalene ring systems lead to the formation of chains along [001]. A Hirshfeld surface analysis was undertaken to investigate and quantify the intermolecular interactions. In addition, energy frameworks were used to examine the cooperative effect of these intermolecular interactions across the crystal, showing dispersion energy to be the most influential factor in the crystal organization of the compound.

Typhoid fever is a significant public health concern in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries with poor sanitation and hygiene conditions. In July 2016, an outbreak of typhoid fever occurred in Ghannouche, located in the south of Tunisia. This paper reports the results of a field investigation undertaken to identify possible transmission pathways and risk factors in order to propose control and preventive measures. A retrospective cohort study including a passive and active case finding, as well as an environmental and bacteriological investigation was conducted from July to September 2016. A case was defined as a person residing or having stayed in Ghannouche and having presented from the beginning of June clinical signs suggestive of typhoid fever, with, for a confirmed case, laboratory isolation of S.Tyhi, and for a probable case, an epidemiological link with a confirmed case. Attack rates were determined, and risk ratios were estimated with respect to exposures. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios were estimated using binary logistic regression. Among the 628 subjects investigated, 102 cases of typhoid fever were identified (74 confirmed and 28 probable) with an overall attack rate of 16.24%. Over 56% of cases were male and those under 10 years old were most affected (38.2%% of cases) with a median age of 12 years (interquartile range 5 to 25 years). The main clinical signs were fever (95%) and diarrhea (57%). Young age (adjusted OR = 0.95 and 95% CI = 0.93–0.97), low level of education (adjusted OR = 4.76 and 95% CI = 1.34–16.81), and the habitat type Arab or rudimentary house (adjusted OR = 4.93 and 95% CI = 2.61–8.27) were the socio-demographic factors independently associated with typhoid fever. Typhoid fever was found to be associated with drinking softened water (adjusted OR = 2.64 and 95% CI = 1.16–4.82), eating raw fruit and vegetables from family gardens (adjusted OR = 6.13 and 95% CI = 3.66–11.06), and using uncontrolled waste disposal (adjusted OR = 3.52 and 95% CI = 2.03–6.94). A total of 110 drinking water samples were analyzed; out of the 38 samples of softened water, 12 were non-compliant and 5 were positive for Salmonella. The screening activity identified two asymptomatic carriers, one of whom was a softened water seller. We concluded that drinking softened water from informal or unauthorized sale units, consuming fruit and vegetables from family gardens, uncontrolled dumping of household waste, and poor socio-economic conditions increase the risk of typhoid fever in this region. Many recommendations were implemented to stop this outbreak and to prevent further episodes.

Rockfalls can cause loss of life and material damage. In Northern Morocco, rockfalls and rock avalanche-deposits are frequent, especially in the Dorsale Calcaire morpho-structural unit, which is mostly formed by Jurassic limestone and dolostone formations. In this study, we focus exclusively on its northern segment, conventionally known as “the Haouz subunit”. First, a rockfall inventory was conducted. Then, two datasets were prepared: one covering exclusively the source area and the other representing the entirety of the mass movements (source + propagation area). Two algorithms were then used to build rockfall susceptibility models (RSMs). The first one (Logistic Regression: LR) yielded the most unreliable results, where the RSM derived from the source area dataset significantly outperformed the one based on the entirety of the rockfall affected area, despite the lack of significant visual differences between both models. However, the RSMs produced using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) were more or less similar in terms of accuracy, despite the source area model being more conservative. This result is unexpected given the fact that previous studies proved the robustness of the LR algorithm and the sensitivity of ANN models. However, we believe that the non-linear correlation between the spatial distribution of the rockfall propagation area and that of the conditioning factors used to compute the models explains why modeling rockfalls in particular differs from other types of landslides.

Focusing on the Oued Laou watershed, this study presents an innovative approach to simulate daily precipitation over a 35-year period in northern Morocco. We used the SARIMAX (AutoRegressive Seasonal Moving Average with Exogenous Variables) model and combined its potential with the Python programming language to achieve these Predictions. The SARIMAX model is an advanced time series analysis tool that integrates exogenous, autoregressive, seasonal and integrated variables. This model is capable of accurately predicting daily, monthly and annual precipitation averages for the study period. The climate projections obtained suggest that precipitation in the study area will decrease and it’s accompanied by increasing temperatures. This could have significant impacts on ecosystems, water resources and the agricultural sector. This study provides essential information for a better understanding of the particular climatic trends in northern Morocco. It provides a sound basis for making informed decisions on the sustainable management of natural resources. This information will be essential in anticipating and mitigating the effects of climate change, particularly with regard to precipitation and its potential impacts it could have on the environment and agriculture.

In this study, an extension on the previously reported status of the COllaborative Carbon Column Observing Network's (COCCON) calibration procedures incorporating refined methods is presented. COCCON is a global network of portable Bruker EM27/SUN FTIR spectrometers for deriving column-averaged atmospheric abundances of greenhouse gases. The original laboratory open-path lamp measurements for deriving the instrumental line shape (ILS) of the spectrometer from water vapour lines have been refined and extended to the secondary detector channel incorporated in the EM27/SUN spectrometer for detection of carbon monoxide (CO). The refinements encompass improved spectroscopic line lists for the relevant water lines and a revision of the laboratory pressure measurements used for the analysis of the spectra. The new results are found to be in good agreement with those reported by Frey et al. (2019) and discussed in detail. In addition, a new calibration cell for ILS measurements was designed, constructed and put into service. Spectrometers calibrated since January 2020 were tested using both methods for ILS characterization, open-path (OP) and cell measurements. We demonstrate that both methods can detect the small variations in ILS characteristics between different spectrometers, but the results of the cell method indicate a systematic bias of the OP method. Finally, a revision and extension of the COCCON network instrument-to-instrument calibration factors for XCO2, XCO and XCH4 is presented, incorporating 47 new spectrometers (of 83 in total by now). This calibration is based on the reference EM27/SUN spectrometer operated by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and spectra collected by the collocated TCCON station Karlsruhe. Variations in the instrumental characteristics of the reference EM27/SUN from 2014 to 2017 were detected, probably arising from realignment and the dual-channel upgrade performed in early 2018. These variations are considered in the evaluation of the instrument-specific calibration factors in order to keep all tabulated calibration results consistent.

Background Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening neuropsychiatric emergency. The aim of our study was to update our bedside procedures by investigating NMS cases managed in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods This retrospective study included all NMS patients admitted to our hospital between January 2012 and December 2019. The variables analyzed included demographics, diagnosis, therapeutics, and outcomes. Results This study included 20 patients, with an average age of 36.6 years. The male to female ratio was 1:4. No patient had a history of NMS, and 60% of the patients had schizophrenia. First-generation neuroleptics (NLs) were the most commonly prescribed drugs (80%). The mean time between the introduction of NLs and onset of symptoms was 7.6 days. Rigidity was observed in 90% of the patients, hyperthermia and neuropsychic syndrome in 65%, and dysautonomia in 50%. The creatine phosphokinase level in all patients was four times the normal value. Mechanical ventilation was required in 20% of the patients and hemodialysis in one patient. None of the patients received specific therapy. The mean duration of ICU stay was 10 days. The mortality rate was 10%,, mainly associated with renal failure. The analysis of the predictors of mortality was limited by the size of our cohort. Conclusion NMS is a rare condition requiring multidisciplinary implementation of contextualized and updated procedures. Early detection and supportive treatment could improve the prognosis in resource-limited settings, where specific treatments are not available. Predictive risk factors should be investigated in larger multicenter cohorts.

Lately, due to its accessibility and eco-friendliness, walnut shell biochar (WS-BC) is gaining attention as an electrode material component in the electrochemical detection of water pollutants. The overall performance of WS-BC is reliant on the nature of raw biomass and the production methods as well. In our concept, biochar, prepared from raw walnut shell (WS) by pyrolysis, was added to a carbon paste electrode (CPE), and poly-tyrosine (p-Tyr) was electrodeposited on the surface of the BC-doped electrode. The conditions of the elaboration of the electrode, such as pH, potential, and the number of deposition cycles, pH were optimized. The obtained p-Tyr-BC-CPE platform was tested for the determination of cadmium, lead, copper, and mercury ions in water and soil samples, using square wave voltammetry (SWV). The raw WS biomass and its BC were examined by thermal analysis (TG-DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) techniques. The synergistic effects of the coexistence of the WS-BC and the thin film of p-Tyr, for the detection of traces of heavy metal ions were investigated by electrochemical tests. The electrochemical characterization of the unmodified and modified electrodes was performed using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods, while the Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+ detection experiments were studied using the CV and SWV techniques. The optimized experimental conditions for the p-Tyr-BC-CPE platform were evaluated. The obtained electrochemical results showed that the p-Tyr-BC-CPE platform produced excellent sensitivity toward the heavy metal ions: LOD of 0.086, 0.175, 0.246, and 0.383 nM for Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II), respectively. The modified electrode platform displayed high selectivity, stability, and good reproducibility.

This case study focuses on the area of El Plateado near the city of Loja, Ecuador, where landslides with a high impact on infrastructures require monitoring and control. The main objectives of this work are the characterization of the landslide and the monitoring of its kinematics. Four flights were conducted using a remotely piloted aerial vehicle (RPAS) to capture aerial images that were processed with SfM techniques to generate digital elevation models (DEMs) and orthoimages of high resolution (0.05 m) and sufficient accuracy (below 0.05 m) for subsequent analyses. Thus, the DEM of differences (DoD) and profiles are obtained, but a morphometric analysis is conducted to quantitatively characterize the landslide’s elements and study its evolution. Parameters such as slope, aspect, topographic position index (TPI), terrain roughness index (TRI), and topographic wetness index (TWI) are analyzed. The results show a higher slope and roughness for scarps compared to stable areas and other elements. From TPI, slope break lines have been extracted, which allow the identification of landslide features such as scarps and toe tip. The landslide shows important changes in the landslide body surface, the retraction of the main scarp, and advances of the foot. A general decrease in average slope and TRI and an increase in TWI are also observed due to the landslide evolution and stabilization. The presence of fissures and the infiltration of rainfall water in the unsaturated soil layers, which consist of high-plasticity clays and silts, contribute to the instability. Thus, the study provides insights into the measurement accuracy, identification and characterization of landslide elements, morphometric analysis, landslide evolution, and the relationship with geotechnical factors that contribute to a better understanding of landslides. A higher frequency of the RPAS surveys and quality of geotechnical and meteorological data are required to improve the instability analysis together with a major automation of the GIS procedures.

Abstract Background Testicular microlithiasis in children was defined for the first time in 1961 based on histological criteria. There should be more than 5 calcifications per testicle in order to say that the patient has testicular microlithiasis. It has three different echographic grades depending on the number of calcifications. However, this disease is uncommon, with inaccurate prevalence and no certain information about its evolution or etiology. Main body We studied 4 clinical cases of children diagnosed with testicular microlithiasis, in light of the conducted review of the literature, and we defined the characteristics of this disease and proposed a management and monitoring framework based on the clinical observations. Conclusion There is a link between testicular microlithiasis and testicular cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to make a regular follow-up of children who present testicular microlithiasis with the presence of risk factors.

The title compound, C17H13NO3, adopts a Z configuration about the C=C bond. The isoxazole and methoxybenzylidene rings are almost coplanar with a dihedral angle of 9.63 (7)° between them. In contrast, the phenyl substituent is twisted significantly out of the plane of the oxazole ring, with the two rings inclined to each other by 46.22 (4)°. The crystal structure features C—H...O, C—H...N and C—H...π hydrogen bonds and π–π contacts. An analysis of the Hirshfeld surfaces points to the importance of H...H, H...C/C...H and H...O/O...H contacts. The included surface areas of the title compound were compared to those of the isomeric structure (Z)-4-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-3-phenylisoxazol-5(4H)-one [Zhang et al. (2015). CrystEngComm, 17, 7316–7322].

Fluorine is a very common element in the Earth’s crust and is present in the air, food, and in natural waters. It never meets in the free state in nature due to its high reactivity, and it comes in the form of fluorides. Depending on the concentration of fluorine absorbed, it may be beneficial or harmful to human health. Similar to any trace element, fluoride ion is beneficial for the human body at low levels, but as soon as its concentration becomes too high, it is toxic, inducing dental and bone fluorosis. The lowering of fluoride concentrations that exceed the recommended standards in drinking water is practiced in various ways around the world. The adsorption process has been classified as one of the most efficient methods for the removal of fluoride from water as it is environmentally friendly, easy to operate, and cost-effective. The present study deals with fluoride ion adsorption on modified zeolite. There are several influential parameters, such as zeolite particle size, stirring rate, solution pH, initial concentration of fluoride, contact time, and solution temperature. The maximum removal efficiency of the modified zeolite adsorbent was 94% at 5 mg/L fluoride initial concentration, pH 6.3, and 0.5 g modified zeolite mass. The adsorption rate increases accordingly with increases in the stirring rate and pH value and decreases when the initial fluoride concentration is increased. The evaluation was enhanced by the study of adsorption isotherms using the Langmuir and Freundlich models. The Langmuir isotherm corresponds with the experimental results of the fluoride ions adsorption with a correlation value of 0.994. The kinetic analysis results of the fluoride ions adsorption on modified zeolite allowed us to demonstrate that the process primarily follows a pseudo-second-order and then, in the next step, follows a pseudo-first-order model. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated, and the ΔG° value is found to be in the range of −0.266 kJ/mol up to 1.613 kJ/mol amidst an increase in temperature from 298.2 to 331.7 K. The negative values of the free enthalpy ΔG° mean that the adsorption of fluoride ions on the modified zeolite is spontaneous, and the positive value of the enthalpy ∆H° shows that the adsorption process is endothermic. The ∆S° values of entropy indicate the fluoride adsorption randomness characteristics at the zeolite-solution interface.