Determinants of internet addiction among medical students in Casablanca: a cross-sectional study

Objective:This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and determinants of Internet addiction among medical students at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca,Morocco.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study conducted among students at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in Casablanca between October and March 2020.An online questionnaire was administered to students to collect data and internet addiction was assessed by the Young questionnaire.A score threshold≥50 was adopted to define addiction.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with internet addiction.Results:Out of a total of 4093 FMPC students enrolled in the 2020-2021 academic year,506 agreed to participate in this study,including 303 females and 203 males.The mean addiction score assessed on the Young scale was(49.08±16.11).The prevalence of Internet addiction was 44.5%(225/506,95% CI:40% to 49%).Multiple regression analysis showed that being older than 20 years(OR=0.17,95% CI:0.40 to 0.64),being female(OR=1.70,95% CI:1.04 to 2.78),being in the dissertation year(6th year)(OR=5.17,95% CI:2.23 to 11.44),having a history of psychiatric consultation(OR=2.64,95% CI:1.34 to 5.21),having divorced parents(OR=2.64,95% CI:1.05 to 5.87),use of sleeping medication(OR=2.9,95% CI:1.05 to 3.70),sleep disorders(OR=2.06,95% CI:1.25 to 3.79),sleep deprivation(OR=2.26,95% CI:1.39 to 3.65),excessive daytime sleepiness(OR=5.39,95% CI:2.19 to 13.24),anxiety disorders(OR=1.47,95% CI:1.18 to 2.30),duration of internet connection(>4 h)(OR=11.43,95% CI:4.85 to 27.66),and having frequent conflicts with parents(OR=2.37,95% CI:1.49 to 3.79)and friends(OR=0.26,95% CI:0.11 to 0.65)were independently associated with internet addiction.Conclusion:The prevalence of Internet addiction among medical students in Casablanca remains high.Targeted action on the determinants would be of great value in prevention.

Comparison of Machine Learning Methods for Satellite Image Classification: A Case Study of Casablanca Using Landsat Imagery and Google Earth Engine

Satellite image classification is crucial in various applications such as urban planning,environmental monitoring,and land use analysis.In this study,the authors present a comparative analysis of different supervised and unsupervised learning methods for satellite image classification,focusing on a case study in Casablanca using Landsat 8 imagery.This research aims to identify the most effective machine-learning approach for accurately classifying land cover in an urban environment.The methodology used consists of the pre-processing of Landsat imagery data from Casablanca city,the authors extract relevant features and partition them into training and test sets,and then use random forest(RF),SVM(support vector machine),classification,and regression tree(CART),gradient tree boost(GTB),decision tree(DT),and minimum distance(MD)algorithms.Through a series of experiments,the authors evaluate the performance of each machine learning method in terms of accuracy,and Kappa coefficient.This work shows that random forest is the best-performing algorithm,with an accuracy of 95.42%and 0.94 Kappa coefficient.The authors discuss the factors of their performance,including data characteristics,accurate selection,and model influencing.

Passive Study of Energy Efficiency of a Building with PCM on the Roof during Summer in Casablanca

Energy efficiency in buildings is today a prime objective for energy policy at national and international levels. Because the residential and commercial energy consumption has steadily increased reaching figures between 20% and 40%. The use of thermal insulation of the building envelope is one of the most currently requested solutions to reduce this energy consumption. Phase Change Materials (PCM) have received increased attention due to their ability to store large amounts of thermal energy within narrow temperature ranges. This property makes them ideal for storage of passive heat in the building envelopes. An experimental study was conducted to analyze the influence of PCM in the construction of exterior walls. Two test cells are constructed in the Faculty of Science Ain Chock, Casablanca. One is equipped with a 0.56 cm layer of PCM on its roof while the second is a reference cell without PCM. The results presented for the period from 8th to 10th July 2014 show that the integration of PCM layer reduces the amplitude of instantaneous heat flux through the horizontal wall. The indoor and the internal vertical wall temperatures, in the case of the cell with PCM, are relatively decreased compared to those of the reference one. For example, the maximum deviation between the indoor temperatures of the cubicles is not more than 1.5℃ while the one on the west faces reaches 3℃ by mid day. Also the inclusion of a layer of PCM shifts the time of peak load and discharge.

Assessment of the Impact of the Landfill on Groundwater Quality: A Case Study of the Mediouna Site, Casablanca, Morocco

A local case study for the environmental impact of landfill leachate on groundwater quality along and across the Mediouna landfill is presented, based on physicochemical and statistical approaches. The landfill has been operational since 1986 and it receives municipal solid wastes produced by the city of Casablanca, whose the daily waste output exceeds 4000 t. This waste is stockpiled in old sandstone quarries;the site has never been sealed before its opening. The aim of this study is to update the knowledge about groundwater quality around the landfill, to determine the factors controlling the extent of groundwater contamination and compare the results with those of 1989 and 2001. To evaluate groundwater pollution due to this landfill, piezometric level and geochemical analyses have been carried out on 19 wells. The physicochemical data of groundwater down-gradient of the landfill site is showing a deterioration of its quality, to the point that the wells have become unusable. The statistical treatment of physicochemical data by principal components analysis allowed the mapping of three areas downstream of the landfill. The first is hardly polluted, the second is moderately polluted and the third is characterized by mineralization through their waters and the almost absence of organic matter. The extent of groundwater contamination from an area with a radius of 200 m in 1989, to an area with a radius of about 1 km in 2001 to more 2 km as of today. This extension is controlled by the structural factor of faults, by the lithology of aquiferous and the intensity of water pumping;the wells equipped with pumps exert pressure against the advanced front of the pollution.

Antibacterial activity of plant methanolic extracts on a field isolate of <i>Pseudomonas syringae</i>pvtomato from the Casablanca region (Morocco)

A bacterial field isolate recovered from infected tomato plants in a green-house at Sidi Rehal, a region near Casablanca city (Morocco), was identified as the gammaproteobacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 strain, the causal agent of bacterial speck. The bacterial isolate was characterized by morphological, biochemical and molecular biological tests, its growth curves carried out in various culture media, and its phytopathogenicity verified by infection tests. A screening was performed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of methanolic extracts of 12 selected Moroccan plants against the P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 isolate, and Agar-well diffusion and Broth microdilution methods were used to determine minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations. Among the methanolic extracts tested, only those of Nigella sativa, Geranuim robertianum, Aizoon canariense and Rubia peregrine showed clear inhibitory and bactericidal activities, although the highest values were achieved with N. sativa, a plant used in Morocco as a spice, condiment and medicinal treatment.

Dosimetric Comparison: Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) and 3D Conformal Radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in High Grade Glioma Cancer—Experience of Casablanca Cancer Center at the Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital

Background: Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is currently employed as a major arm of treatment in multiforme glioblastoma (GBM). The present study aimed to compare 3D-CRT with IMRT to assess tumor volume coverage and OAR sparing for the treatment of malignant gliomas. Materials and methods: We assessed 22 anonymized patients datasets with High Grade Glioblastoma who had undergone post-operative Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) and 3D Conformal Radiotherapy (3D-CRT), This study will compare and contrast treatment plans Rapidarc and 3D-CRT to determine which technology improves significantly dosimetric parameters. Results: Plans will be assessed by reviewing the coverage of the PTV using mean, maximum and minimum doses while the OAR doses will be compared using the maximal doses for each, as set out in the QUANTEC dose limits. Conclusion: The use of IMRT seems a superior technique as compared to 3D-CRT for the treatment of malignant gliomas having the potential to increase the dose to the PTV while sparing OARs optimally.

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Used in Traditional Treatment of the Oral Pathology:The Ethnobotanical Survey in the Economic Capital Casablanca,Morocco(North Africa)

In order to identify the medicinal and aromatic plants most requested for the treatment of the most common oral pathology,an ethnobotanical survey was carried out in the economic capital Casablanca,Morocco.The data basis was obtained draw selected traditional herbalists based on the semi-structured questionnaire.Quantitative indices such as use value(UV),family UV(FUV),fidelity level and informant consensus factor(ICF)were intended to evaluate the importance of plant species.A total of 46 plants species belonging to 22 families that were used.Juglandaceae family showed the highest significance(FUV=0.75).We identified 40 species used for gum disease(gingivitis,periodontal abscess),15 for dental pain(toothache,tooth sensitivity),14 for halitosis,12 for oral ulcers(aphtous,mouth ulcers and herpes),3 for dental stain(teeth cleaning,sparkling and bleaching)and only 2 for tooth decay.The used plants are mainly prepared as decoction(80.4%).Syzygium aromaticum(UV=0.94)was the specie most commonly prescribed by local herbalists.The higher ICF(0.75)was registered for the use gum disease.

Mycotic Infections in Diabetic Patients in Casablanca

Introduction: The diabetes constitutes the factor risk of mycotic infections. The pathogenic agents depend on the climate, geography and the migration. The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of the mycotic infections within the hospitalized diabetic patients, to describe their localization and identify the responsible germs. Patients and methods: It is about a descriptive and retrospective study conducted from November 2015 to March 2016 in endocrinology office at CHU Ibn Roch of Casablanca. It was included all diabetic patients hospitalized with whom mycotic infection has been suspected. Results: In total 350 diabetic patients have been hospitalized during the period of research. A mycotic infection has been suspected in 138 patients corresponding to the prevalence of 39.4 percent. The means localizations of mycotic infections were feet (intertrigos: 38.4%), onychomycosis (29%), vulvovaginal (21.7%) and mouth (oral candidiasis: 13.3%). The most frequent pathogenic agents were dermatophytes (Trichophyton rubrum: 61%, Trichophyton mentagrophytes: 6.3%) and Candida albicans (23.1%). The direct test and the culture were negative in 7.3%. Conclusion: One-third of the diabetic patients showed a mycotic infection. The feet, constitute the predilection localization of mycotic infections in the diabetic. The dermatophytes and Candida albicans constitute the most frequent pathogenic agents found in our study.

Comparison of Different Regularized and Shrinkage Regression Methods to Predict Daily Tropospheric Ozone Concentration in the Grand Casablanca Area

Tropospheric ozone (O3) is one of the pollutants that have a significant impact on human health. It can increase the rate of asthma crises, cause permanent lung infections and death. Predicting its concentration levels is therefore important for planning atmospheric protection strategies. The aim of this study is to predict the daily mean O3 concentration one day ahead in the Grand Casablanca area of Morocco using primary pollutants and meteorological variables. Since the available explanatory variables are multicollinear, multiple linear regressions are likely to lead to unstable models. To counteract the multicollinearity problem, we compared several alternative regression methods: 1) Continuum Regression;2) Ridge & Lasso Regressions;3) Principal component regression (PCR);4) Partial least Square regression & sparse PLS and;5) Biased Power Regression. The aim is to set up a good prediction model of the daily ozone in the Grand Casablanca area. These models are fitted on a training data set (from the years 2013 and 2014), tested on a data set (from 2015) and validated on yet another data set data (from 2015). The Lasso model showed a better performance for the prediction of ozone concentrations compared to multiple linear regression and its other alternative methods.

Wave Reflection by Rectangular Breakwaters for Coastal Protection

In this study,we focus on the numerical modelling of the interaction between waves and submerged structures in the presence of a uniform flow current.Both the same and opposite senses of wave propagation are considered.The main objective is an understanding of the effect of the current and various geometrical parameters on the reflection coefficient.The wave used in the study is based on potential theory,and the submerged structures consist of two rectangular breakwaters positioned at a fixed distance from each other and attached to the bottom of a wave flume.The numerical modeling approach employed in this work relies on the Boundary Element Method(BEM).The results are compared with experimental data to validate the approach.The findings of the study demonstrate that the double rectangular breakwater configuration exhibits superior wave attenuation abilities if compared to a single rectangular breakwater,particularly at low wavenumbers.Furthermore,the study reveals that wave mitigation is more pronounced when the current and wave propagation are coplanar,whereas it is less effective in the case of opposing current.

Obstetric Anesthesia Practice Significantly Evolved: A Field for Cesarean Delivery Parturient for the Provision of Safe Anesthesia in Urgent Circumstances

General anesthesia and Obstetric Anesthesia is the gold standard for a cesarean section but there are some cases where general anesthesia is unavoidable. The use of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery has decreased in recent years due to the widespread use of neuraxial techniques. The choice of anesthesia techniques for cesarean delivery depends on several factors, including the patient’s psychology and the attending physician’s experience. It is chosen because of its safety profile and its benefits to the mother and fetus. It may be indicated due to emergency, maternal refusal of regional techniques, or regional contraindications. Major complications include failed intubation, gastric content aspiration, and increased bleeding risk. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a newly launched team on obstetric anesthesia practice.

Perspectives and Experiences of Education Stakeholders: A Quantitative Study on the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Executive Training Using Structural Equation Modeling

The recent increase in the use of artificial intelligence has led to fundamental changes in the development of training and teaching methods for executive education. However, the success of artificial intelligence in regional centers for teaching and training professions will depend on the acceptance of this technology by young executive trainees. This article discusses the potential benefits of adopting AI in executive training institutions in Morocco, specifically focusing on CRMEF Casablanca Settat. Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) (Venkatesh et al., 2003), this study proposes a model to identify the factors influencing the acceptance of artificial intelligence in regional centers for teaching professions and training in Morocco. To achieve this, a structural equation modeling approach was used to quantitatively describe the impact of each factor on AI adoption, utilizing data collected from 173 young executive trainees. The results indicate that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, trainer influence, and personal innovativeness influence the intention to use artificial intelligence. Our research provides managers of CRMEFs with a set of practical recommendations to enhance the implementation conditions of an artificial intelligence system. It aims to understand which factors should be considered in designing an artificial intelligence system within regional centers for teaching professions and training (CRMEFs).

Preliminary Palynostratigraphic Data on the Middle Albian-Lower Cenomanian of the Tarfaya Basin, Southwest Morocco

The Tarfaya-Laayoune-Boujdour basin is of great interest to oil exploration;on this aspect, there has been exploration by the Moroccan National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mining, which has shown indices of oil and/or gas recorded in most wells drilled in the Moroccan Atlantic margin. FD-1 well, object of this study, is one of these wells located in the offshore Tarfaya-Laayoune-Boujdour basin. A palynological examination of the processed samples revealed the existence of organic palynomorphs, well conserved and rich in dinoflagellate cysts. The latter are composed of worldwide marker taxa of high stratigraphic resolutions. Thus, the middle upper Albian (3408 - 3408.5 m) is determined by the presence of Cribroperidinium tensiftense, Tehamadinium coummia, Spiniferella cornuta, Chichaouadinium vestitum, Dinopterygium alatum and Litosphaeridium arundum. The upper Albian (3406.5 - 3408 m) is characterized by the FOs of marker taxa: Cyclonephelium chabaca, Cribroperidinium auctificum and Chichaouadinium vestitum. Lastly, the upper Albian-lower Cenomanian transition is defined between 3404 m and 3406.50 m, as suggested by the FOs of Chichaouadinium boydii, Dinopterygium tuberculatum, Sepispinula ancorifera, Litosphaeridium conispinum, Prolixosphaeridium conulum and Xenascus ceratioides.

Assessing Moroccan physician knowledge and practices regarding maternal obesity's impact on childhood obesity:Implications for prevention and intervention

BACKGROUND Childhood obesity is a growing global concern with far-reaching health implications.This study focuses on evaluating the knowledge and practices of physicians in Morocco regarding the link between maternal obesity and childhood obesity.Despite the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity worldwide,this issue remains inadequately addressed in the Moroccan context.AIM To assess the awareness and practices of physicians in Morocco concerning the connection between maternal obesity and childhood obesity.METHODS The research encompasses a comprehensive survey of practicing physicians,revealing significant gaps in awareness and practices related to maternal obesity.RESULTS Notably,a significant portion of doctors do not provide adequate guidance to overweight pregnant women,highlighting the urgency for targeted educational programs.CONCLUSION In conclusion,this research illuminates critical areas for improvement in tackling childhood obesity in Morocco.By addressing these gaps,fostering awareness,and enhancing medical practices,the healthcare system can contribute significantly to preventing childhood obesity and improving the overall health of future generations.

A Bronchopulmonary Onset of Candidemia Revealing a Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Candidemia is defined as being a yeast infection confirmed by the presence of at least one positive Candida blood culture. It is a life threatening infection causing high mortality. The clinical signs are generally compatible with the causative agent (whether there is a deep venous catheter or not). On the other hand and according to the 2012 Revised Chapel Hill Classification, granulomatosis with polyangiitis GPA is classified as a vasculitis associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies ANCA. It is a systemic disease characterized by the anatomopathological aspect of granuloma. We report the case of a patient who presented an atypical and a very rare revealing mode of GPA which was a bronchopulmonary candidiasis complicated by candidemia. Despite its controversy, the combination in the acute phase of antifungal treatment based on intravenous voriconazole and glucocorticoid therapy has made it possible to control candidemia and calm vasculitis.

Effect of No Tillage and Conventional Tillage on Wheat Grain Yield Variability: A Review

Conservation Agriculture(CA)covers more than 205 million hectares in the world.This made it possible to face and mitigate the challenges of climate change,reducing soil erosion and providing multiple ecosystem services.The first elementary factor influenced is the yield evaluation.It has a direct effect on farmers’choices for sustainable production.The present article records a review focused on wheat yield average positive change compared between conventional tillage(CT)and no tillage(NT)systems.The international database collected showed that NT is adaptable everywhere.The results of wheat yield differentiation showed the influence of crop rotation depending on stations located in different climatic zones.In more than 40 years of research,specialists have succeeded in demonstrating the importance of crop productivity like wheat.The whole integrates also experimentations where the initiation starts more than ten years.

Prognosis Factors of Urinary Quality of Life in Parkinson Disease

Introduction: Quality of life in Parkinson disease is not necessary linked to motor symptoms. It’s correlated of overactive bladders and prostatic symptoms. Prognosis factors of urinary quality of life are unknown. Objectives: Our study aims to find prognosis factors of quality of life associated specifically of urinary disorders in PD. Patients and methods: We conducted a transversal, analytic and descriptive study in Physical Medicine, and Neurology departments, Fann Teaching Hospital, Dakar and included patients followed for treatment of PD. Urinary disorders, quality of life and functional autonomy were assessed respectively by Urinary Symptoms Profile (USP), Qualiven Short Form, Schwab and England Scale. Results: 38 patients presented PD, with a mean age of 60.89 ± 13.6 years and sex-ratio of 2.45. Mean duration of PD was 3.1 ± 2.9 years. Urinary disorders were found in 47.36% and dominated by incontinence (88.88%) and overactive bladders (88.88%) which were minor in more than 55%. Quality of life was impaired in 88.88% of cases. Minor forms (43.75%) were predominant and constraint dimension (50%) was the most severely altered. Prognosis factors for quality of life of urinary disorders were PD stages (0.046) and functional autonomy (0.042). Discussion and conclusion: Urinary disorders in PD are common, impaired quality of life, especially the constraint dimension, depends on stage of evolution of PD and functional autonomy of patients.

An Overview of the Use of Medicinal Plants in Regenerative Dentistry

Aim: The oral cavity has the particularity to host multiple hard and soft tissues, in this paper, we will discuss the current therapies that lead to cell differentiation by regenerative therapies and the future alternatives proposed by medicinal plants and all the regenerative potential of these different tissues. Material and Methods: A detailed review of the literature through the various search engines: Scopus, PubMed, google scholar, Cochrane, etc., uses the selected keywords to explore the effect of the regenerative potential of several medicinal plants. Results: Through our research, we have proceeded to sort different medicinal plants, according to their repairing and regenerative potential on the different tissues of the oral cavity. Conclusion: Future studies are conceivable to explore the opportunities and potential provided by medicinal plants in the field of regenerative dentistry.

Numerical Investigation of the Thermal Behavior of a System with a Partition Wall Incorporating a Phase Change Material

The work deals with the thermal behavior of a conventional partition wall incorporating a phase change material(PCM).The wall separates two environments with different thermal properties.The first one is conditioned,while the adjacent space is characterized by a temperature that changes sinusoidally in time.The effect of the PCM is assessed through a comparative analysis of the cases with and without PCM.The performances are evaluated in terms of dimensionless energy stored within the wall,comfort temperature and variations of these quantities as a function of the amount of PCM and its emplacement.