Mohammed VI Polytechnic University

Drought is a significant environmental stressor that induces changes in the physiological, morphological, biochemical, and molecular traits of plants, ultimately resulting in reduced plant growth and crop productivity. Seaweed extracts are thought to be effective in mitigating the effects of drought stress on plants. In this study, we investigated the impact of crude extract (CE), and polysaccharides (PS) derived from the brown macroalgae Fucus spiralis (Heterokontophyta, Phaeophyceae) applied at 5% (v/v) and 0.1% (w/v) respectively on radish plants Raphanus sativus L. subjected to varying levels of drought stress, specifically 80% of field capacity (FC) for no stress, 60% FC for moderate stress, and 40% FC for severe stress. Our examination of growth parameters, along with physiological and biochemical characteristics, revealed that both CE and PS increased the fresh weight over the control by 47.43% and 64% at 40% FC and 12.5% and 38% at 60% FC respectively. Under stress (40% FC), the application of CE and PS decreased proline content of radish leaves by 23.45% and 6.46% respectively in comparison with the control. Furthermore, PS treatment caused an increase of the alkaline phosphatase and urease activity in the soil by 182.5% and 34.6% respectively. CE and PS treatments led to decreased sugar content and total phenolics levels. Notably, lipid peroxidation was reduced in stressed plants treated with both CE and PS, with PS treatment yielding lower concentrations (3.75 nmol MDA.g− 1 FW at 40% FC). Overall, F. spiralis extracts interacted through several mechanisms using various compounds to mitigate the negative effects of drought stress on radish plants. These results demonstrate that seaweed extracts could be adopted in integrated production systems to boost food productivity under harsh climatic conditions.

The stability of interfacial flows between electrically conducting fluids is a critical factor in various industrial and natural processes, such as metallurgical casting, magnetohydrodynamic power systems, and geophysical fluid dynamics. This study aims to investigate the linear interfacial stability of two conducting fluids confined between solid planes, focusing on the effects of an applied magnetic field on the lower plate. It seeks to understand how parameters like the Hartmann number, oblique angle, load parameter, and electrical conductivity influence flow stability and velocity profiles. The governing partial differential equations for the flow are derived using fluid mechanics principles and appropriate boundary conditions. Linear stability analysis is employed to analyze the system, leading to the Orr–Sommerfeld equations. These equations are solved numerically using the Chebyshev collocation method in MATLAB to explore the magnetic field's influence.

Low- and middle-income countries are facing a rapid increase in nutritional problems, particularly in Africa, where undernutrition, overweight and micronutrient deficiencies coexist, creating a double burden of malnutrition and a challenge to public health policies. In this context, Morocco stands out for its early nutritional transition, characterized by a moderate prevalence of overweight and undernutrition and elevated levels of micronutrient deficiencies. The aim of this study was to assess the weight status of women of childbearing age and identify its determinants to suggest ways to improve it. The study was conducted in the province of Essaouira in Morocco, which is characterized by a predominance of rural areas and multidimensional poverty. We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional survey of 1,466 married women of childbearing age via stratified random sampling. Data were collected via questionnaires and anthropometric measurements; we applied the WHO curves to classify BMI. Data entry and statistical processing were performed via SPSS® v. 26. The results show that women’s weight status is worrisome, with an average BMI of 26.4 kg/m². The prevalence of overweight was 61.6% (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²), with 17.9% of women being obese. Bivariate analysis revealed that age, education level, socioprofessional activity, family structure, household income and parity were significantly associated with overweight. Binary logistic regression confirmed that women’s age and level of education are major determinants of overweight/obesity. There is a need to strengthen public health policies aimed at reducing overweight and obesity among women of childbearing age in Morocco, with an emphasis on nutrition education and monitoring their weight status throughout their reproductive lives.

While Portugal's extensive historical connections with China and Africa span over five centuries, these two trajectories have largely remained isolated within Lisbon's foreign policy. Similarly, from the perspectives of both China and Lusophone African countries, whose relationships with each other are relatively recent, a similar isolated pattern is discernible in their foreign policies towards each other and Portugal. The establishment of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and the Portuguese Speaking Countries (Macau Forum) in 2003 marked the initial point of convergence within this intricate relational triangle. Nevertheless, two decades later, its operational dynamics still predominantly manifest in bilateral interactions, with economic outcomes, while not insignificant, falling short of their potential. This chapter posits that part of the rationale for this situation lies in the absence of a comprehensive, long-term historical perspective among policymakers on all three sides. Notably, China's historical approach to its relationship with Africa remains somewhat obscure within this triangular dynamic. Consequently, this chapter endeavours to bridge this gap by examining the historical cycles in the China-Africa relationship during the latter half of the past century. It aims to distil the historical continuities that underpin China's approach to cooperation and differentiate it from traditional partners. The argument presented here underscores the necessity of longitudinal analyses to unveil the wisdom of successive historical cycles. Comprehending these insights is pivotal to rectifying past errors and injustices, ultimately paving the way for more constructive and equitable relationships characterized by a fairer distribution of benefits and costs among all involved parties.

Amidst growing interest in sustainable packaging, this study delves into the preparation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐based biofilms filled with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) sourced from red onion skin waste, coupled with bio‐active red onion extract (OPE). These innovative bionanocomposite films hold promise for active food packaging applications. The investigation focuses on understanding the interplay between the added agents (OPE and CNC) and the macromolecular chains of PVA. Furthermore, the effects of various OPE concentrations on the physicochemical characteristics and antibacterial properties of CNC‐filled PVA bio‐nanocomposites were also examined. The integration of CNC and OPE noticeably enhanced the film's properties. Mechanical strength increased by 37%, thermal stability improved with a 92°C increase in decomposition temperature, and UV barrier properties were enhanced by 45%. Additionally, antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens improved, with the highest inhibition rates reaching 89% against Staphylococcus fungi and 79% against Staphylococcus aureus. The findings demonstrated that the incorporation of bio‐active OPE significantly enhanced the UV barrier, antibacterial properties, and biodegradability of PVA‐CNC bio‐nanocomposite films. These films present a promising approach for sustainable and active food packaging solutions, capable of extending shelf life while reducing environmental impact. Further research in real food systems is recommended to validate these results.

A family of single-parameter Atkinson–Shapley rules for TU-games is introduced. These rules are marginalist with a specific transformation of the marginal contributions depending on a parameter, which assesses how equality among payoffs fairly offsets inefficiency in the redistribution. This normative content is similar in spirit to that of Atkinsonian social welfare functions. It is shown that the higher the value of the parameter (being positive), the greater the social welfare of the resulting distribution of payoffs according to the so-called generalized Lorenz criterion. The Atkinson–Shapley rules are relevant to propose solutions in cases where redistributed payoffs must exceed the worth of the grand coalition. This point is illustrated through an example involving a public pension system with unfunded liabilities.

The present study combined Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis with high resolution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy equipped with an electrospray ionization source (LC-ESI-MS/MS) in the screening and quantification of four naturally occurring aflatoxins (AFs) AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 in milled hybrid maize cultivars (n = 171) from selected counties in the Rift-Valley region of Kenya. Samples were extracted in a single-step process using acetonitrile/water 80:20 v/v in 0.5% formic acid without further clean-up steps. Aflatoxins were analyzed in both positive and negative ionization modes using the multi-reaction monitoring (MRM) acquisition process that allowed confirmation and quantification of the aflatoxins in a single run. The MRM mode was utilized for quantitative analysis while qualitative analysis was done using the enhanced product ion mode. Aflatoxin presence was detected in the following ranges and frequencies: AFB1 (0-9.36μg/kg), AFB2 (0-6.62μg/kg), AFG1 (0-7.72μg/kg) and AFG2 (0-9.18μg/kg). Additional mycotoxins recovered included the following; sterigmatocystin (0-8.3μg/kg) and deoxynivalenol (0-7.3μg/kg). In overall, low amounts of aflatoxins were recovered from the milled maize samples with an additional low total aflatoxin content above the stipulated regulatory limit of 10μg/kg. Given that slow continued exposure to aflatoxins (especially in low amounts) has been proven to be a leading cause of various forms of cancer, urgent intervention measures and national surveillance programs ought to be introduced to protect consumers from gradual aflatoxin poisoning emanating from the consumption of contaminated Kenyan maize.

Understanding the oxidation mechanisms of black phosphorus (BP) at the atomic scale is essential for developing effective passivation strategies to enhance its stability in ambient conditions. To explore this, the effects of O2 and H2O molecules on BP layers are elucidated using reactive force field (ReaxFF) molecular dynamics simulations at constant concentrations of molecules and room temperature. As a potential solution, the passivation efficacy of 1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (NTCDA) is evaluated. The initial oxidation processes are analyzed through atomic structural changes, charge dynamics, and radial distribution functions. Moreover, the thickness of the oxidized BP layers is quantitatively determined. Results show that elevated O2 concentrations significantly accelerate oxidation and increase the thickness of the oxidized layers, while H2O has a weaker influence. The interaction between O⁻ and H⁺ ions in H2O reduces its interaction with BP, but O2 molecules cause H2O to become negatively charged, allowing it to interact with P⁺ ions. Importantly, passivating BP with NTCDA effectively mitigates oxidation, creating a protective layer that repels O2 molecules. Ultimately, this study reveals the initial oxidation and passivation processes of BP layers, offering crucial theoretical insights to guide experimental methods and practical applications in semiconductor devices.

All‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries, employing solid electrolytes, offer a promising solution to address safety concerns inherent in conventional lithium‐ion batteries. Among the various types of Li‐ion solid electrolytes, LiTi2(PO4)3 (LTP) with the Na Super Ionic CONductor (NASICON) structure stands out as a particularly attractive material, despite its relatively low ionic conductivity at room temperature. One approach to enhance the performance of LTP solid electrolytes involves modifying the network size or redistributing Li cations and vacancies within the adjacent sites of the NASICON structure. Therefore, this study seeks to replace lithium ions with divalent cations, thereby increasing the concentration of vacancies, and facilitates the migration of Li⁺ ions between adjacent partially populated M1 sites. Introducing divalent elements not only augments vacancies in the lithium sites but also induces variations in local disorder within NASICON structures. Consequently, NASICON compounds, MIIx/2Li1−xTi2(PO4)3 (MII = Mg, Zn, and Cd), were synthesized via the sol–gel method, and their structural, microstructural, and electrical properties were thoroughly analyzed using a variety of techniques. The presence of divalent cations in the M1 site results in a reduction of symmetry and an enhancement of local disorder. A correlation between ionic conductivity and structure was established, which was linked to the disorder of lithium atoms within the structure. Electric modulus formalism was employed to explore electric relaxation, revealing that the diffusion and relaxation processes are thermally activated.

Agriculture today faces the challenge of increasing food production while minimizing the environmental impacts of agricultural practices, particularly the inefficient use of fertilizers. To address this issue, researchers have explored the potential of controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) capable of releasing nutrients at a controlled rate over an extended period. However, the use of non-biodegradable polymer coatings in many commercial CRFs raises environmental concerns. This study investigates the potential of incorporating Moroccan Ghassoul clay, modified or natural, into fertilizer granules to modulate nutrient release profiles. The unique physicochemical properties of clay minerals potentially grant them the ability to adsorb and release essential nutrients gradually over time. The modification of the ghassoul clay was performed using the pillaring technique, which creates a. complex microstructure that can restrict the transfer of water molecules and nutrients. The characterization of pillared and non-pillared clays was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), providing insights into the influence of pillaring on basal spacing and interlayer structure. The morphological analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). It was found that incorporating pillared clay into fertilizers improved the physical properties of granules compared to those incorporating untreated clay and non-incorporated ones. Nutrient release tests assessed using three phosphatic fertilizers through sand column revealed that the use of untreated clay resulted in faster nutrient release due to its inherent swelling properties, facilitating granule disintegration upon contact with water. In contrast, granules co-granulated with pillared clay exhibited a slower release of nutrients, suggesting increased efficiency under specific conditions. The findings demonstrate the incorporation of clay emerges as an effective strategy for modulating nutrient release rates, whether accelerating or slowing, enabling improved fertilization optimization, and potentially addressing environmental concerns.

Backgrounds and Aims Forest litter is mainly composed by leaves, roots and wood debris (WD) residues. WD decomposition in Mediterranean ecosystems has received less attention compared to other materials and to boreal, tropical and temperate biomes. The OMDY model describes organic matter decomposition using ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Methods The mass loss and the ¹³C NMR of ten mediterranean wood and shrub species were monitored for a long-term (5 years) experiment. The regularized generalized regression LASSO was used to select the NMR spectra regions more predictable for the WD decomposition. The OMDY model was applied to simulate the long-term decomposition experiment of ten mediterranean wood and shrub species. Results WD species, chemical composition and decomposition time significantly influenced the dynamics of the remaining mass during the decomposition. The NMR analysis revealed an increase in alkyl C and carbonyl C while a decrease in di-O-alkyl C and O-alkyl C. Pistacia lentiscus L. showed the highest decomposition, with a O-alkyl C declining and alkyl C rising. Erica arborea L. decomposed less, showing smaller decreases in O-alkyl C, lower alkyl C accumulation. The LASSO method identified three chemical regions as crucial for WD decomposition. The OMDY model, using as input these NMR molecular regions, demonstrated a high capacity to describe long-term WD decomposition. Conclusions The model is adaptable to describe the decomposition of wood. The results show that the model is general, as NMR can describe different materials' spectra and ordinary differential equations predict their reduction.

Background Climate change has devastating impacts on agriculture, increasing the yield gap for most crops, especially in developing nations. This is likely to worsen food insecurity in some countries, calling for efforts to close the yield gap as much as possible. Estimating the yield gap and its drivers is essential for devising strategies to increase yields. This study quantifies the wheat yield gap in Morocco's five major wheat production regions. It analyzes the historical sensitivity of wheat yield to temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture, which are important factors affecting agricultural productivity. Furthermore, it evaluates how these yield gaps impact the revenue of producers in these regions. This analysis was conducted using datasets, including the Global Dataset of Historical Yield (GDHY) for yield gap assessment, soil moisture data, ERA5 reanalysis data, and CHIRPS datasets for climate assessment from 1982 to 2016. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to reflect the variation characteristics of wheat yield and to identify the impacts of precipitation, temperature, and soil moisture on wheat yield. Results High regional differences in wheat yield gaps were observed, with values ranging from 1.64 t/ha in Casablanca Settat to 4.12 t/ha in Marrakech Safi, and temporal variability ranging from 9 to 18%. Wheat yields were found to be strongly correlated with rainfall, particularly from December to March. Temperature fluctuations had a significant negative impact on wheat yield across the regions. Soil moisture was positively correlated with wheat yields throughout all growing periods, showing the strongest impacts during the early vegetative development phase. Additionally, losses due to wheat yield gaps were considerable, ranging between $ 194 and 891 per hectare. The revenue loss due to Yield Gap I ranged from 49 to 71%, while the loss due to Yield Gap II ranged from 240 to 444%, depending on the method used to calculate the wheat yield gap. Conclusions Results reveal gaps in wheat yield, forming a basis for process-based modeling to understand crop yield gap drivers. Understanding yield gap drivers will play a pivotal role in evidence-based intervention strategies to enhance yields. By applying such strategies, it is possible to not only manage and reduce the variability in wheat production, but also ensure sustainable agricultural practices and achieve food security in Morocco and beyond.

The regulation of adsorption behaviors in crystalline porous materials (CPMs) using external electric fields (E‐fields) is an emerging field. CPMs are highly valued for their large surface area, well‐ordered pore structures, and chemical versatility, making them ideal for applications in adsorption/separation, catalysis, and biomedicine. In this review, the mechanisms underlying the E‐field‐induced structural and functional modifications in CPMs, such as phase transitions, framework distortions, and alterations in pore accessibility and selectivity, are delved into. Through a comprehensive analysis, the adsorption behaviors influenced by E‐field regulation are classified into three main categories: selective molecular adsorption, selective ion adsorption, and the diffusion/transportation of molecules and ions. Furthermore, in this review, the current landscape of research in this area, highlighting the challenges and future directions for developing E‐field‐regulated adsorbents is critically assessed. In this work, it is aimed to summarize recent advances and identify gaps in the understanding of E‐field effects on CPMs, providing a foundation for the rational development of next‐generation materials with E‐field modulated functionalities.

Citation: Ledmaoui, Y.; El Maghraoui, A.; El Aroussi, M.; Saadane, R. Review of Recent Advances in Predictive Maintenance and Cybersecurity for Solar Plants. Sensors 2025, 25, 206. https:// Abstract: This paper presents a systematic review that explores the latest advancements in predictive maintenance methods and cybersecurity for solar panel systems, shedding light on the advantages and challenges of the most recent developments in predictive maintenance techniques for solar plants. Numerous important research studies, reviews, and empirical studies published between 2018 and 2023 are examined. These technologies help in detecting defects, degradation, and anomalies in solar panels by facilitating early intervention and reducing the probability of inverter failures. The analysis also emphasizes how challenging it is to adopt predictive maintenance in the renewable energy industry. Achieving a balance between model complexity and accuracy, dealing with system unpre-dictability, and adjusting to shifting environmental conditions are among the challenges. It also highlights the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL), which are all incorporated into solar panel predictive maintenance. By enabling real-time monitoring, data analysis, and anomaly identification, these developments improve the accuracy and effectiveness of maintenance procedures.

Environmental negotiations are complex, and conveying the interaction between science and policy in traditional teaching methods is challenging. To address this issue, innovative educational approaches like serious gaming and role-playing games have emerged. These methods allow students to actively explore the roles of different stakeholders in environmental decision-making and weigh for instance between sometimes conflicting UN Sustainable Development Goals or other dilemmas. In this work the phosphorus negotiation game (P-Game) is for the first time introduced. We present the initial quantitative and qualitative findings derived from engaging 788 students at various academic levels (Bachelor, Master, PhD, and Postdoc) across three continents and spanning 22 different countries. Quantitative results indicate that female participants and MSc students benefitted the most significantly from the P-Game, with their self-reported knowledge about phosphorus science and negotiation science/practice increasing by 71–93% (overall), 86–100% (females), and 73–106% (MSc students in general). Qualitative findings reveal that the P-Game can be smoothly conducted with students from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. Moreover, students highly value their participation in the P-Game, which can be completed in just 2–3 h. This game not only encourages active engagement among participants but also provides valuable insights into the complex environmental issues associated with global phosphorus production. We strongly believe that the underlying methodology described here could also be used for other topics.

Drought is one of the major challenges hindering development in semi-arid regions particularly in developping countries. Hence, this study aims to predict future climatic drought in the Haouz region of Morocco. Seven grid points of the ERA5 data were used to evaluate three regional climate models from Med-CORDEX and seven statistical bias correction techniques from the Climate Model data for hydrologic modelling of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool, using Percentage Bias values, Root Mean Square Error, correlation coefficient, and Taylor Skill Scores. For precipitation, the CNRM model corrected by the Power Transformation (PT) method proves to be the most accurate at low altitudes. At intermediate altitudes, the combination of the HadGEM model with the PT method is more adequate. Regarding maximum temperatures, the Variance Scaling (VS) and Distribution Mapping (DM) corrections applied to the CNRM and CMCC models, respectively, offer the best performance. For minimum temperatures, the CMCC-VS pair is more performant. Following these observations, a general trend towards decreasing precipitation and increasing maximum and minimum temperatures is recognized, exacerbated by altitude and RCP8.5 scenario. Trends in drought indices reveal an intensification of future climatic droughts, especially under RCP8.5 scenario. In the short term, extreme episodes occur for intermediate altitudes, particularly under RCP8.5 scenario, while for low-lying areas, an increase in moisture is noted under RCP4.5 scenario. In the mid term, an increased prevalence of mild droughts under both scenarios is noted. Over the long term, greenhouse gas emissions are amplifying severe droughts with RCP 8.5, showing a progressive worsening of climate change.

The pervasive presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment is well established, yet many critical questions remain about their distribution and potential impacts on both ecological and human health. To assess the risks that MPs pose, especially through marine ecosystems and human consumption, monitoring their ingestion by fish in natural environments is essential. This study investigated the contamination of 12 fish species, the most commonly consumed in Morocco, collected from the Atlantic Ocean off the Moroccan coast. Analysis of 240 fish (20 individuals per species) revealed that 100 % of the samples contained microplastics. MPs were detected in the gills, gonads, and gastrointestinal tracts of all 12 species. The average abundance of microplastics per fish ranged from 20.6 to 133.2 MPs, with the forms identified as fragments (60 %), fibers (30 %), films (8 %), and pellets and foams (1 %). Additionally, omnivorous and demersal species presented the highest levels of MP contamination. Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis identified seven polymers, with high-density polyethylene (34 %), polyethylene terephthalate (30 %), and polypropylene (17.5 %) being the most prevalent. The microplastics were predominantly dark or light in color, with a notable presence of red and blue particles. Fish ingest various sizes of microplastics, primarily particles smaller than 1 mm. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX) revealed that most MPs exhibited visible signs of weathering and contained inorganic components on their surfaces. The potential risk of MPs to fish, as assessed by the polymer hazard index (PHI), was categorized as level V, indicating that MPs may pose significant risks to human health. The highest estimated daily intake (EDI) of microplastics was found in children (1620 MPs/year), whereas the lowest intake was estimated in women (350 MPs/year) and men (337 MPs/year). Given the widespread presence of microplastics in commonly consumed fish species in Morocco, there is an urgent need for regulatory measures to ensure the safety of fisheries, both for domestic consumption and export. Policymakers should consider the development of guidelines for acceptable levels of microplastic contamination in fish to safeguard public health.

The synthesis route of a cathode material is pivotal in developing and optimizing materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The choice of the starting precursor, per example, critically influences the...