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This article proposes a new algorithm for computing dispersion curves of ultrasonic guided waves in multi-layered composites with large number of layers. The algorithm is based on balancing the eigenvalue problem of the Spectral Collocation Method (SCM) formulation. The SCM has proven effective in analyzing single-layer and simple waveguides. However, it struggles with large multi-layer structures due to numerical instability caused by irregular and sparse matrices in the eigenvalue problem. The proposed algorithm for balancing has significantly reduced both the conditioning measure and the matrix norm in the matrix system. The optimization of spectral formulation enables accurate calculation of dispersion curves and characterization of displacement/stress profiles using Matlab software. This precise characterization and mode separation are essential for selecting ultrasonic sensors for damage detection. A comparison was made with Dispersion Calculator (DC) software. The algorithm was first validated using a hybrid multi-layered composite [CFRP-Al-CFRP-Al], which was successful. The validated algorithm was then quantitatively evaluated using a cross-play laminate T800M913 [0/90/0/90] in terms of three parameters: Number of collocation points, wave propagation direction and thickness. The algorithm is then applied to a large number of layers using three configurations: Symmetric layup T80M913[0/90]10s, hybrid layup [CFRP-Al]50 and challenging layup T800M913[0/90]100. The study found that the balancing algorithm, when combined with the SCM, is effective for structures with a large number of layers. Finally, optimizing the SCM will enhance its competitiveness as an effective tool in ultrasonic non-destructive testing for the studied structures of great industrial interest.

Résumé : Depuis l'avènement de la pandémie de COVID-19 en 2019, l'Algérie a été confrontée à des défis sans précédent dans le domaine de l'éducation, entraînant la suspension temporaire des activités académiques, y compris la formation des doctorants. Cette situation a contraint les autorités algériennes à repenser les méthodes pédagogiques traditionnelles et à explorer de nouvelles approches pour assurer la continuité de l'apprentissage. Parmi ces approches, l'enseignement à distance hybride a émergé comme une solution viable pour permettre aux doctorants de poursuivre leurs études tout en respectant les mesures sanitaires en vigueur. Cette transition vers le numérique a été nécessaire pour répondre aux besoins des doctorants, en particulier ceux qui résident loin des centres universitaires ou qui ont des contraintes professionnelles. L'objectif de cette étude est d'analyser les implications de cette réforme sur le terrain, en examinant les avantages offerts par l'enseignement hybride ainsi que les défis potentiels associés à cette transition. Cette étude vise à fournir des recommandations pratiques pour améliorer l'efficacité de la formation des doctorants en Algérie dans le contexte de l'enseignement hybride, en identifiant les meilleures pratiques et en proposant des solutions innovantes pour garantir que cette transition vers le numérique réponde aux besoins des étudiants et contribue à l'amélioration de la qualité de l'enseignement supérieur en Algérie. Mots-clés : Réforme – enseignement Hybride – doctorants – e-learning – TICEs.

Context: In Morocco, acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a frequent cause of consultations in the first level health facilities. Scientific reports indicate that honey has an important biochemical therapeutic activity. Aims: To explore the therapeutic effect of honey on ARI in the Guelmim region of southern Morocco. Methods: This was a prospective clinical study aiming to compare the therapeutic effect of honey in the population that consumes it versus a control population, at the level of the regional hospital and health centers, the period of the study was between September 2022 and March 2023, All the participants were questioned through a questionnaire and the study of their files and monitoring forms. Results: The study population was divided into two equal groups of 417 people each. Honey significantly reduced the overall symptom score at Day 5 (p

Abstract Background This study aimed to explore the relationship between Parkinson’s disease and insertion/deletion polymorphism (I/D) of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene (ACE) and to highlight the related risk factors within Eastern Algerian population. A total of 262 individuals were recruited, including 100 PD patients and 162 controls. Polymerase chain reaction technique was employed to determine the ACE polymorphism genotype of each participant. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine factors potentially contributing to Parkinson’s disease. Results The mean age of onset of Parkinson’s disease in the patient group was 56.18 $$\pm 12.99$$ ± 12.99 . The results revealed that the D allele of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene and the DD genotype were most prevalent in both patients and controls. However, there were no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of the I/D polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene between patients and healthy subjects. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and profession were identified as potential risk factors for Parkinson’s disease. Conclusion The obtained data indicated no correlation between the angiotensin-converting enzyme I/D gene polymorphism and Parkinson’s disease in our research cohort. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that cardiovascular disease, diabetes and profession were possible risk factors for Parkinson’s disease.

The peri-urban solid waste in the Kenitra region is experiencing a significant change in terms of quantity and quality. High concentrations of both inorganic and organic materials are present in these wastes, posing a significant threat of pollution. This research seeks to analyze the extent of soil contamination by heavy metals, providing valuable insights to prompt proactive interventions and propose alternative solutions for sustainable waste management. The objective of this work is to study peri-urban soil contamination in the Kenitra region-Morocco. For that several soil contamination indicators have been analyzed, namely: nitrogenous, fertilizer and heavy metals concentration, soil pH, ... Etc. The analyzed soil samples were taken of water from the different points at the levels of the studied region. The analysis shows that the studied soils are polluted with Zn, Mg, Cu, Ni, Cr, Cd, Pb, and other chemical elements. The results obtained suggest a correlation between soil pollution and the concentrations of the measured heavy metals. Furthermore, the analysis shows that heavy metals, contamination is particularly related to the presence of lead, cadmium, and zinc. The zinc contamination in the soil is about 390 mg/kg for a standard of between 0.2 and 2 mg/kg. Lead concentrations are 53 mg/kg for a standard of 0.3 mg/kg. Based on Moroccan standards the soil is contaminated by lead, cadmium, and zinc.

Groundwater potential in Morocco’s Souss-Massa mountainous basin (SMMB) is being identified using geospatial tools and geological data. We deployed four mathematical models, namely Data-Driven Multi-index Overlay (DMIO), Geometric Average (GA), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Logistic Regression (LR), to establish data-driven patterns among the nine influencing factors, primarily drainage density, permeability, slope, distance to rivers, elevation, lineament density, distance to lineaments, intersection node density, and rainfall. Based on the Concentration-Area (C-A) fractal approach, the findings of the four models were developed and classified into five levels of potentiality ranging from very low to very high. The regions designated as having high and very high potentialities for the DMIO, GA, SVM, and LR models, respectively, account for 22.44 %, 9.80 %, 19.36 %, and 26.77 % of the overall basin. We validated the models by calculating each model's area under the ROC curve (AUC). The estimated AUC values are more than 70 %, suggesting the model performs well. The four models' performance was compared, revealing that the SVM model outperforms the others. Gravimetric data shows that possible groundwater zones closely coincide with gravimetric lineaments. The findings of this study can provide valuable insights to decision-makers, allowing them to improve decision-making processes and develop holistic groundwater resource management in the Souss-Massa mountainous basin (SMMB).

In his narrative Selfie with Sheikh, published in 2017, Peters explores the multifaceted aspects of alterity that arise within the context of cultural and spatial boundary crossings, influenced by the ethnic, religious, or social backgrounds of the protagonists. The novel powerfully emphasizes how these differences can lead to tensions and conflicts, not only in foreign worlds but also within their own communities. Peters underscores that an exaggerated differentiation can result in the strong exclusion and marginalization of the Other. Through this cultural-critical portrayal, the novel encourages overcoming prejudices and promoting a respectful acceptance of others. The aim of this article is therefore to highlight the multiple nuances of meaning of alterity in Peters’ work. It is especially important to emphasise how the attempt is made to normalise and accept foreignness, to subject it to reflection. This raises questions about the complexity of alterity and border-crossing in Peters’ novel Selfie mit Sheikh and the interaction between individual experiences, social constructions and cultural influences.

The orthogonal moments are giving relevant results of these last years within the framework of object detection, pattern recognition and image reconstruction. This article is based on orthogonal functions called "Orthogonal Mountain functions (OMFs)" and we introduce a new set of moments called the multichannel Mountain Fourier moments (MMFMs), their performance is in reconstruction, noise invariants, rotation, scale and translation for image color. To validate these proposed techniques, we made several experimental tests to analyse images. We compare the results obtained from invariant moments and other current orthogonal invariant moments; the experiments show the power of the proposed moments.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of various fertilizer treatments on the morphological traits and mineral content of Aloe vera plants. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in Rabat, as well as two other fields in Skhirat and Sidi Bettach. The treatments including the ‘no application’, control F0 and three treatments which is compost (Organova) F1, compost combined with humus (Humivital) F2, and nitrogen (ammonitrate) 33% F3. The productivity of biomass was estimated based on the variables of morphological traits and mineral content. The effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the different variables of Aloe vera depends on the site. Significant effects were found for the most of the variables such as length, width, dry matter; ash content, manganese Mn, copper Cu, zinc Zn, calcium Ca, potassium K, carbon C, nitrogen N, sulfur S contents. Site effect was significant, with the higher values obtained for length, Width, Dry matter, Ash contents, Ca and N in Skhirat. Site effect was also significant for Mn and Cu in Sidi Bettach, and K in the greenhouse. The effect of the treatment F1 was significantly higher for the length and width of the leaves than F3 and the control F0, in addition F2 was significantly higher for the width of the leaves, nitrogen N and sulfur S contents.

Abstract: The growing significance attributed to classroom assessment within ESP context is gaining ground in education system. Assessment has appeared as the influential conceptual fashion that visualizes the connection between learning and positive outcomes. Moreover, it portrays novel position to view assessment as a central part of the educational process instead of separate analytical mediation which addresses students’ attainment. The later, in that way increases students’ self-direction through regular tasks and practice as they become more liable and responsible for their personal knowledge. By means of diverse outputs, students produce more; over and above they develop self-confidence and reach supplementary motivation to learn. Accordingly, the end goal of the present paper is to consider the positive outcomes of continuous assessment on honing students’ English proficiency level and to check in what way assessment contributes in raising students’ motivation to be good at English and raising assessment literacy among students. To detect suitable answer to the raised concerns, a set of instruments were used. As part of data compilation process the researcher utilized pre and post tests to measure students overall proficiency level before and after the intervention. Additionally, regular assessments were conducted using a classroom observation diary to gauge students ‘progress. A questionnaire was employed to measure the participants’ satisfaction throughout the training sessions. The findings from the students’ continue evaluations are reported in a way that boosts students' self-confidence and refines their general competence level while also increasing motivation. Keywords: sustained assessment, students’ attainment, self-direction, motivation.

Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are proteoglycans with an unusual molecular structure characterised by the presence of a protein part and carbohydrate chains. Their specific properties at different stages of the fruit ripening programme make AGPs unique markers of this process. An important function of AGPs is to co-form an amorphous extracellular matrix in the cell wall-plasma membrane continuum; thus, changes in the structure of these molecules can determine the presence and distribution of other components. The aim of the current work was to characterise the molecular structure and localisation of AGPs during the fruit ripening process in transgenic lines with silencing and overexpression of SlP4H3 genes (prolyl 4 hydroxylase 3). The objective was accomplished through comprehensive and comparative in situ and ex situ analyses of AGPs from the fruit of transgenic lines and wild-type plants at specific stages of ripening. The experiment showed that changes in prolyl 4 hydroxylases (P4H3) activity affected the content of AGPs and the progress in their modifications in the ongoing ripening process. The analysis of the transgenic lines confirmed the presence of AGPs with high molecular weights (120–60 kDa) at all the examined stages, but a changed pattern of the molecular features of AGPs was found in the last ripening stages, compared to WT. In addition to the AGP molecular changes, morphological modifications of fruit tissue and alterations in the spatio-temporal pattern of AGP distribution at the subcellular level were detected in the transgenic lines with the progression of the ripening process. The work highlights the impact of AGPs and their alterations on the fruit cell wall and changes in AGPs associated with the progression of the ripening process.

This qualitative study of the soils of the Zaër region is part of a context of good development, preservation and sustainability of agricultural soils. Its aim was to establish a reference framework for the physico-chemical characteristics of the region's agricultural soils. It was based on a spring sampling campaign carried out in 2021. Composite samples taken from thirteen sites with diverse soils were analysed in the laboratory. The soil analysis results were compared with reference values. The soils examined were moderately acidic to moderately alkaline, with low levels of organic matter. Nevertheless, the concentrations of exchangeable calcium and magnesium were found to be sufficient, while sodium levels were very low. Furthermore, cation exchange capacity was low in spring, reflecting the high and low nutrient retention capacity of soil, respectively. Phosphorus and potassium levels appear to be low. In the light of these results, the use of organic and mineral fertilisers and calcium amendments is strongly recommended to improve agricultural quality and productivity in the region studied.

The purpose of this study was to provide information on cysts of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee. This included an anatomical and radio-anatomical reminder of the cruciate ligaments of the knee, along with details of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, anatomical risk factors, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment of ACL cysts. A retrospective analysis was conducted, involving the review of 7 radioclinical records from the medical imaging department of Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat, covering a period of 3 years (2018-2020), during which 7 cases of ACL cysts were diagnosed. The results revealed that ACL cysts are a rare condition, frequently detected incidentally during the assessment of meniscal lesions. Symptoms commonly include knee pain and limited mobility, and MRI is considered the diagnostic modality of for distinguishing between simple fluid-filled cysts and infiltrative cysts, as well as for ruling out other differential diagnoses. Treatment options include radio-guided infiltration puncture and arthroscopic resection.

Hydatid disease is still endemic in several regions worldwide including Morocco, and is caused in most cases by the larval form of 2 species of the tapeworm Echinococcus: E. granulosus and E. multilocularis. Primary hydatid disease of the bone without systemic involvement is rare. The disease has a silent clinical evolution until it reaches complicated stages. Complications may include pathological fracture, neural deficit, infection, and fistulization of the abscess. Preoperative diagnosis is based on clinical history, imaging findings, and serological tests, which lack high sensitivity and specificity. Although the interpretation of imaging studies can prove to be very confusing because the bone changes evolve with time, and the nonspecificity of these findings often leads to a mistaken diagnosis. The diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, especially in patients who reside in or travel to sheep-raising areas where hydatid disease is endemic. A high index of suspicion is necessary for the diagnosis, especially in patients that live in or travel to sheep-raising areas where hydatid disease is endemic. The treatment of choice remains surgical, following the principles of a locally malignant lesion. Chemotherapy (albendazole alone or in combination with praziquantel) is indicated when surgery is not possible or as an adjuvant treatment. The prognosis is often poor. We report the case of a 28-year-old woman with long-standing pain in the left hip joint in which the imaging findings were thought of as being either tuberculous or neoplastic. The result of a CT-guided biopsy concurred with an unexpected diagnosis of a hydatid cyst. This case highlights that in the absence of a high index of suspicion for echinococcal infection, the semblance of imaging findings of hydatid disease in the bone to those of other skeletal pathologies can lead to misinterpretation.

Salinity poses a significant challenge to tomato plant development and metabolism. This study explores the use of biostimulants as eco-friendly strategies to enhance tomato plant tolerance to salinity. Conducted in a greenhouse, the research focuses on the Solanum lycopersicum L. behavior under saline conditions. Tomato seeds were treated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), compost, and their combination under both non-saline and saline conditions (0 and 150 mM NaCl). Plant height, number of flowers and fruits, shoot fresh weight, and root dry weight were negatively impacted by salt stress. The supplementation with compost affected the colonization of AMF, but the application of stress had no effect on this trait. However, the use of compost and AMF separately or in combination showed positive effects on the measured parameters. At the physiological level, compost played a beneficial role in increasing photosynthetic efficiency, whether or not plants were subjected to salinity. In addition, the application of these biostimulants led to an increase in nitrogen content in the plants, irrespective of the stress conditions. AMF and compost, applied alone or in combination, showed positive effects on photosynthetic pigment concentrations and protein content. Under salt stress, characterized by an increase in lipid peroxidation and H2O2 content, the application of these biostimulants succeeded in reducing both these parameters in affected plants through exhibiting an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity. In conclusion, incorporating compost, AMF, or their combined application emerges as a promising approach to alleviate the detrimental impacts of salt stress on both plant performances. These findings indicate optimistic possibilities for advancing sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.