Kenitra City Research Articles

The relationship between smartphone overuse, anxiety, and depression among middle school adolescents in the city of Kenitra, Morocco: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAdolescents face various addiction issues, including excessive smartphone use, which significantly impacts their mental health, leading to anxiety and depression. This study aimed to analyze the impact of smartphone use on the mental health of middle school adolescents in the city of Kenitra, Morocco, focusing particularly on the prevalence of depression and anxiety and to identify the factors influencing these behaviors. The present cross-sectional study included a sample of 341 middle school adolescents from Kenitra city, Morocco. Participants completed a comprehensive questionnaire covering various aspects, including sociodemographic information, smartphone addiction assessment using the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), and mental health assessment using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Descriptive statistics were performed, and Mann–Whitney U-test and chi-square test were both used for comparisons between the excessive and non-excessive group, respectively. A Spearman’s correlation analysis was performed to evaluate associations of smartphone overuse with depression and anxiety.ResultsAmong 341 participants, 37.4% demonstrated smartphone overuse. Males exhibited nonsignificantly higher scores on the SAS than females (p = 0.082). In addition, the mean psychological distress scores for the study participants were 7.62 ± 3.31 for anxiety and 7.75 ± 3.7 for depression. Males exhibited significantly lower scores on the HADS subscales in comparison with females (p < 0.001). Interestingly, the results of the study showed a statistically significant positive correlation between anxiety (r = 0.2441, p = 0.013) and depression (r = 0.4035, p < 0.0001) subscales of HADS and SAS.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that adolescent students exposed to smartphone overuse are vulnerable to mental disorders. The results will be useful in helping schools put in place efficient measures to prevent excessive use of smartphones.

Analysing Thermal Land Surface Characteristics and Urban Expansion in Kenitra City, Morocco, using Remote Sensing and GIS

Abstract This research investigates how land use and cover the affect land surface temperature in Kenitra. It employs Geographic Information System techniques and remote sensing methods to monitor and control surface temperature changes. The present study integrates remote sensing and geographic information system to process satellite images. Furthermore, it focuses, also, on analyzing land surface temperature and its correlation with land cover changes over three time periods (1989, 2000, 2020) using landsat satellite data. Thus, supervised classification is employed to map these changes and derive urban heat islands from thermal band data. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the relationship between land use and land surface temperature. It utilizese a landscape dynamics assessment based on multi-source and multi-sensor remote sensing technologies. Specifically, the study uses landsat satellite data (TM for 1989 and OLI-8 for 2002 and 2020) to assess the effects of land use and land cover changes on land surface temperature distribution in the Kenitra city. Spatial and statistical analyses are performed by comparing maps from remotely sensed data generated using geographic information system. Therefore, these analyses reveal various changes in the kenitra region between 1989 and 2020. The primary changes observed include an increase in built-up areas and bare ground with a decrease alongside in natural areas (vegetation, etc.). The average temperatures in 1989, 2002, and 2020 were 29°C, 31.05°C, and 32°C, respectively. The obtained results are valuable for planning and managing climate scientists, land-use planners, and researchers focusing on sustainable urbanization areas. The study’s findings will assist urban planners and policymakers in adopting appropriate measures for sustainable planning in the city to mitigate the adverse effects of land surface temperature.

Major and trace elements determination in organic and conventional Moroccan vegetables using the k0-standardisation method of neutron activation analysis

The aim of the present work is the determination of different essential (minor and trace) elements found in five Moroccan vegetables collected from large commercial markets in Kenitra city, Morocco, and in some organic vegetables which were traditionally grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, in a plot located in the rural commune of Dar Laaslouji, 48 km from Kenitra city. The k0-standardisation method of the Neutron Activation Analysis (k0-INAA) using the TRIGA Mark II research reactor of 2 MW at the National Centre for Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (CNESTEN) and gamma-ray spectroscopy facility were employed. For quality control, the accuracy of measurements has been investigated using certified reference materials (IAEA-336 lichens, and NIST SRM 1547 peach leaves) which were analyzed simultaneously with the samples. Good agreement was found between certified and determined values. The primary results are presented and discussed for the concentration of minor and trace elements in some vegetables (tomatoes, carrots, green peppers, cilantro and mint), that are widely used in Moroccan meals.

دور تيارات النقل في إبراز المركزية الحضرية وتنظيم المجال الجهوي للمدن حالة مدينة القنيطرة، المغرب

This article aims to highlight the role of transportation streams in enhancing the urban centralization of Kenitra. The study will analyze how the city’s regional area is organized, starting with the first-class taxi transport streams and other forms of transportation such as dual and unrevealed transportation. We will be able to get precise data regarding the number of daily trips made between the city of Kenitra and other locations due to this study. Additionally, it will provide us with a clear understanding of the relationships that exist between the city and the territorial areas and surrounding regions, which enables us to calculate the difference in movement density between the city of Kenitra and the various regions that fall under its area of impact. This study is contemporary because it is one of the few that examined how transportation organized Kenitra's regional area and increased its urban centrality. It is also contemporary because field research was used, which lends scientific validity to the conclusions drawn.

Evaluation Study of Ammonium Removal from Groundwater by Electrodialysis: Case Study of Real Groundwater from the City of Kenitra in Morocco.

In this work, we investigated the feasibility of ammonium removal by electrodialysis (ED), a well-known electro-membrane process, based on the selective migration of anions and cations through anion exchange membranes (AEMs) and cation exchange membranes (CEMs). ED experiments are performed using a laboratory pilot. The ion exchange membranes (IEMs) pair used is AXE/CMX, AXE as an AEMs and CMX as a CEMs. The first tests are performed with real groundwater solutions from Kenitra city (Morocco), spiked with an initial concentration of 3 mg/L NH4Cl. The results gave a specific demineralization (SD) to NH4 + ions of 84.60 %; for a demineralization rate (DR) of 80 % and a time of 60 min. The multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) presents a total inertia of 99.23 %, the majority of the variables of which are positively correlated on the C1 axis with a variance of 95.5 % than that of C2 of 3.78 %. The quality of the diluted water determined by the Legrand-Poirier method showed that the water was aggressive and that the addition of 4.54 mg/L Ca2+ was necessary to balance the water and make it fit for human consumption.

Gender and Body Mass Index Difference in Aerobic Capacity: A Study in Moroccan High School Students.

Different tests are used to evaluate the aerobic capacity of a person. This study aims to investigate the gender and Body Mass Index (BMI) difference in aerobic capacity measured by using shuttle and Spartacus test. The study was conducted on 230 high school students (135 girls and 95 boys) followed their study in public establishment in kenitra city (Morocco). All participants were classified according to their gender (male vs. female) and their BMI (normal weight vs. overweight-obese) and performed the both test of shuttle and Spartacus. Running speed at the last completed stage, run time, maximum heart rate (max HR) max HR and perceived exertion were measured and analyzed. For each test, VO2max was estimated by using the proposed equation. There was significant BMI difference in the measured parameters (p<0.001). Difference in VO2max between male and female remained significant with high-speed level in boys. A significant difference between males and females (p < 0.001) was observed in shuttle test. Participants with normal weight or physical activity had good aerobic capacity. Compared to the Shuttle test, the Spartacus provides a 11.5% higher final speed (11.2 vs. 9.7km/h) and a total test time 2.3 times longer (11.3vs. 4.9 min) (p < 0.001). Our study underlines the interest of the Spartacus test and is preliminary. Indeed, these results must now be replicated in a larger sample of obese adolescents.

Impact of urban dynamics and climate change on forest areas the Maamora forest in the city of Kenitra, Morocco

Studies have focused on the issue of drought on one hand, and urban dynamics on the other, as prominent topics in physical geography for the former, which specializes in climate change, and human geography for the latter, which concerns field sciences. This research is part of a series of studies and specifically relates to a wetland area in the western plain, specifically Maamora Forest in the city of Kenitra. This research addresses three main axes: the first axis relates to human factors contributing to the reduction and deterioration of Maamora Forest over the past three decades and analyzes their impact on the forest. This is done by determining the development and dynamics of cork oak through remote sensing data, manifested in the analysis of aerial images from three different periods (1975, 1995, and 2022), complemented by field research throughout the period between 2022 and 2023. The second axis focuses on studying climatic data for the studied area, extending from 1987 to 2019. It highlights the manifestations of climate change, such as a decrease in annual precipitation and an increase in temperatures, and their impacts on the overall forest and specifically on cork oak trees. This is done using the LANG equation. The results indicate that the region has experienced four dry periods, accounting for 87.5% of the total 28 years, which range from 1987/1988 to 1995/1994, 1997/1998 to 2010/2011, 2012/2013 to 2014/2015, and 2016/2017 to 2018/2019. In contrast, the percentage of semi-humid and extremely dry years only accounted for 6.25% each, with an average duration of two years. The third axis relates to monitoring the effects of climate change on the forestry sector, specifically the Maamora Forest, through the use of modern techniques such as remote sensing and spectral plant and water indicators. It aims to understand the role of these technologies in spatial monitoring of factors and phenomena that negatively impact forest areas in general, and the Maamora Forest in particular.

Heavy metal characterization of dewatered sludge from the Kenitra wastewater treatment plant (Morocco) for agricultural use

The wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of the city of Kenitra treats urban wastewater, this said treatment produces significant quantities of dehydrated sludge which are then placed in the public dump. The valorization of the dehydrated sludge of the WWTP-Kenitra became a priority, seen the enormous quantities produced of their complex and heterogeneous composition. Objective: It is in this present work which aims at following the fate of the dehydrated sludge of the WWTP-Kenitra after their dehydration as well as their characterization by the analysis of the heavy metals in order to study the possibility of their valorization with one of the dies answering the protection of the environment. Results: The results of the analyses of the composition of the dehydrated sludge in Metallic Traces Element is in conformity with the standards AFNOR and the directive 86/278/CEE of the European Commission and does not reflect any danger in their use for the agriculture. Conclusion: The valorization of the sludge of the WWTP of the city of Kenitra is encouraged.

Assessment of Vitamin D, Calcium, Cholesterol, and Phosphorus status in Obese and Overweight patients in Kenitra city (Morocco)

Obesity and vitamin D deficiency have both been identified as major public health problems around the world. Overweight and obesity can cause many complications, including cardiovascular complications, but can also disrupt phosphocalcic metabolism, the objectives of our work are first of all: To write the phosphocalcic profile, the lipid balance as well as the dosage of vitamin D in an obese and overweight population, and to understand if the insufficiency in vitamin D is a cause or consequence of obesity. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. It took place at the Mimosas Kenitra, Medical Analysis Laboratory for 18 months. The population concerned includes subjects Men and women aged between 20 years and 70 years who have BMI (Weight/height2)&gt;25. Patients who are morbidly obese present a vitamin D deficiency of 60%, while 30% of obese patients with vitamin D deficiency were normal. The work of this thesis evaluated the phosphocalcic balance as well as the concentration of vitamin D.

Factors influencing violent behavior in football stadiums in Kenitra city (Morocco)

The violent behaviors developed by football fans, traditionally known as hooliganism, are deeply rooted in history and widely spread geographically. They relate to the physical aggression and vandalism of the spectators. In Morocco, hooliganism has undergone a considerable evolution. To study the factors involved in the violence at the football stadium, questionnaires were written and filled out to the spectators of the Boutola football matches. The questionnaire includes questions about age, socio-occupational status and drug use. The results showed a relationship between age and socio-economic level and soccer stadium violence. A significant difference in the number of cases of violence (p &lt;0.5%) between drug users and non-users was shown. According to these results, it seems necessary to Sensitize the young people on the negative effects of violence, bring together sports leaders, former athletes, representatives of supporters' groups (Ultras) and relevant government departments and integrate young people into society.

Multi-Agent-Based Fault Location and Cyber-Attack Detection in Distribution System

Accurate fault location is challenging due to the distribution network’s various branches, complicated topology, and the increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs). The diagnostics for power system faults are based on fault localization, isolation, and smart power restoration. Adaptive multi-agent systems (MAS) can improve the reliability, speed, selectivity, and robustness of power system protection. This paper proposes a MAS-based adaptive protection mechanism for fault location in smart grid applications. This study developed a novel distributed intelligent-based multi-agent prevention and mitigation technique for power systems against electrical faults and cyber-attacks. Simulation studies are performed on a platform constructed by interconnecting the power distribution system of Kenitra city developed in MATLAB/SIMULINK and the multi-agent system implemented in the JADE platform. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.

Water Quality Modelling of the Sebou River Estuary (Morocco) Before and After the Installation of the Kenitra City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant

Water Quality Modelling of the Sebou River Estuary (Morocco) Before and After the Installation of the Kenitra City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant

ASSESSMENT OF URBAN WASTEWATER POLLUTIONDISCHARGED BY THE MOROCCAN CITY OF KENITRA AT THESEBOU RIVER ESTUARY

The dangerous chemical contamination of the Sebou River Estuary by the untreated urban wastewater from the city of Kenitra has been the subject of an extensive and comprehensive characterization through the study of the physico-chemical qualities of effluent samples from eight different municipal wastewater collectors (A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H) using standard methods. The evaluated physico-chemical parameters include: flow rate, pH, temperature (T °), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), suspended matter (SM) and electrical conductivity (EC). The characterization of the examined parameters displayed a moderately neutral pH level in the domestic wastewater collectors (B to H), nonetheless, collector (A) showcased an exceptionally alkaline pH that arrays from 8.1 to 9.6, which in turn impacts the electrical conductivity and temperature, to the point of occasionally reaching up to 30.3 °C in the collectorin question. Pertaining to the collected (COD) and (BOD5) results, their values significantly exceeded the Moroccan standards, especially in collectors A, G and F, exhibiting thus low biodegradability with a COD / BOD5 ratio exceeding 3. The characterization of municipal wastewater and the measurement of its flow made the estimation of the pollution quantity discharged at the level of the Sebou river estuary achievable, these data will subsequently be used in favor of modeling and monitoring the fate of pollution in the receiving environment.

Black carbon aerosols at an urban site in North Africa (Kenitra, Morocco)

Although black carbon is one of the most important atmospheric particulate components driving climate change and air quality, there is a lack of comprehensive air quality data from North African urban areas. Seven-wavelength aethalometer-collected data were used to provide first insights into the levels and patterns of equivalent black carbon (eBC) mass concentrations, particularly into the seasonal and diurnal cycles, that exist over an urban area in the North of Africa, Kenitra city, Morocco. The average BC mass concentration was observed as 0.90 ± 0.80 μg/m3. This BC value is overall largely lower than reported African and European urban location levels, although the role of COVID-19 restrictions could have influenced this result. The diurnal pattern revealed two BC peaks corresponding to morning and evening traffic rush hours. This variation is found to be seasonally dependent, with the maximum daily amplitude occurring in winter. The BC bimodal behaviour is observed in all the seasons but with varying degrees of the magnitude of the peaks (winter > autumn > summer). This observed seasonal heterogeneity was explained by varying meteorological conditions (wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity, air pressure, air temperature, rainfall, and boundary layer height), and air mass trajectory height and pathways. It was pointed out that the daily and seasonal variations are significantly influenced by local traffic sources, wind speed, and boundary layer dynamics. Hysplit backward trajectories revealed that the long-range aerosols transport through both south-western (Atlantic region), and western (over populated areas) regions can as well contribute to BC concentrations, although to a different extent. Finally, a common thread that runs through seasonal, and diurnal variations were that typical low hourly BC concentrations (distinguished in the afternoon) do not exceed the value of 0.5 μg/m3 representing a kind of urban background level.

Fault location and detection techniques in power distribution systems with distributed generation: Kenitra City (Morocco) as a case study

Rapid detection and efficient diagnosis of power outages can improve reliability, stability, and energy quality. Fault diagnosis is based on fault detection, location, isolation, and quick power restoration. An efficient solution for fault diagnosis could be artificial intelligent-based multi-agent systems. This paper proposed a new approach based on the multi-agent system for fault location and autonomous power restoration in the power distribution system that contains distributed generation (DG). Effective fault detection, localization, and high protection are required to control systems from the blackout and configure them appropriately after an outage. This paper tests the proposed protection approach using an open ring feeder distribution system of Kenitra city, Morocco. In addition, the impact of DG integration on fault location and multiple faults is addressed in this paper, with suitable backup protection given via agent coordination.

Physicochemical parameters, organoleptic property, and Escherichia coli load of fresh turkey organs

Escherichia coli is a common microorganism of the digestive microflora of many warm-blooded animal species, including humans. The presence of E. coli in food is an indicator of faecal contamination and ultimately, possible contamination by pathogenic digestive microflora. The aim of the present work was to study the physicochemical parameters, organoleptic property, and E. coli load in turkey organs (thigh, upper thigh, breast, throat, liver, wing, and skin). A total of 224 samples were purchased from several markets, and subjected to different experiments. Results showed that the best overall scores for organoleptic property were recorded for breast (8.64 ± 0.43) and upper thigh (7.12 ± 0.72). The physicochemical parameter results varied across the studied organs. E. coli was isolated up to 100, 93.75, 90.62, 87.50, 62.5, 56.25, and 40.62% in the skin, wing, throat, liver, thigh, breast, and upper thigh samples, respectively. The highest E. coli loads were recorded in the skin, throat, and wing at 3.89, 3.52, and 3.27 log10 CFU/g, respectively. The present work highlighted the physicochemical parameters, organoleptic property, and E. coli load of turkey organs purchased from several districts of Kenitra city, and discussed a number of practices to improve turkey meat quality and protect consumer health from coliform contamination.

Metals contamination and trace element level in breast milk samples of mothers in Kenitra, Morocco

ABSTRACT The current study aimed to examine the quality of breast milk in Kenitra city (Morocco), regarding its levels of essential elements Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn) and heavy metals chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd), besides carried out the inter-element correlation and investigated their association with some sociodemographic parameters of lactating women. For this, a total of 95 (n = 95) samples of breast milk were collected, at the second postpartum month from mothers in five governmental health care centres in Kenitra. After total mineralisation, human milk sample analysis was conducted by using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) for the essential elements detection, and heavy metal quantification was performed by using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer with a graphite furnace. Mean levels of Fe, Cu and Zn were 0.43, 0.26 and 6.11 mg/L, while the main concentrations of Cr, Pb and Cd were 8.84, 3.20 and 0.60 µg/L, respectively. Statistical analysis had proved a highly significant correlation between surveyed elements, especially between Cu and Zn, Pb and Cd, besides the strong relationship between the essential elements mentioned before and the heavy metals. Moreover, breast milk elements are most affected by sociodemographic parameters, principally the body mass index (BMI) of mothers, dietary habits and newborn gender. Moreover, 6.46% and 27.37% of samples are exceeded the recommended limits for Cd and Pb, respectively, which verify the low contamination of surveyed breast milk samples. Whereas, the mean values of Cr and Zn were above the limits recommended by the word human organisation, but so far there are no reports of adverse effects on newborns at those reported doses. These data justify the requirement to set surveillance policies by health organisations with the purpose of limit maternal and foetal exposure to heavy metals and strengthen health education.

Microplastics in Surface Waters and Sediments in the Sebou Estuary and Atlantic Coast, Morocco

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants and present risks to human and environmental health. Microplastic levels were examined in sediment and surface water samples at stations along the Sebou Estuary and Atlantic Coast of Morocco. The microplastic abundance, distribution, and characteristics were characterized. The microplastics were separated into fragments, fibers, films, and granules. The results at all stations showed that the microplastic abundance in water samples ranged from 10 to 168 particles/m³, whereas in the sediment samples, the levels were from 10 to 300 particles/kg. Stations adjacent to Kenitra City showed significantly high levels of microplastics (p < 0.001) compared with the Atlantic Coast, likely due to population density and human activity. The majority of the detected microplastics was from 0.1 to 0.5 mm, followed by 0.5 to 1 mm. The predominant shape in water and sediments were fragments. The results for the type, size, and color of the microplastics suggest the Sebou Estuary is a hotspot on the Atlantic Coast. The results of this study may contribute to increased awareness and better implementation of solid waste management plans, especially at Kenitra City, to protect the biologically diverse ecosystem of the Moroccan Estuary and Atlantic Coast.

Anthropometry, food consumption and iron deficiency anemia, among primary school children (6-15 years) in Kenitra city (North-Western Morocco).

Introductionthe problem of malnutrition among children is a phenomenon associated with a rapid nutrition transition in Morocco and all developing countries. The objective of this study is to evaluate the nutritional status by anthropometry, food consumption and iron deficiency anemia among primary school children aged 6-12 years in Kenitra city (Morocco).Methodsthe survey covered 271 students (55% of boys and 45% girls) aged 6 to 12. Information concerning food consumption patterns, socioeconomic status and other lifestyle factors was obtained using questionnaires and interviews. Anemia was defined when haemoglobin < 11.5 g/dl.Resultsthe results showed that, 6.3%, 2.2% and 17.3% children were stunted, thin and overweight respectively. No significant association was found between gender and nutritional status of children. 16.2% children were anemic and food consumption found not to be varied and below recommendations.Conclusionthe finding in this study showed that overweight and obesity occurred more frequently than the various forms of under nutrition in the population studied. The finding support the urgent need to improve the nutritional status of children by implementing preventive strategy for the problem of malnutrition among school-aged children.

Microbiological evaluation of certain fruits and vegetables marketed in the city of Kenitra-Morocco

Fruits and vegetables are essential for human health due to their nutritional qualities, but the consumption of raw foods leads to food safety problems as they are recognized as sources of transmission of infectious diseases. The objective of this work is to assess the microbiological quality of some fruits and vegetables marketed in the Kenitra city. The samples were purchased at the fruit and vegetable markets during the period from April to July 2018.The detection of microorganisms in the samples requires several steps which are weighing, dilution, isolation, enumeration and 'identification. The results of the microbiological analysis of fruits and vegetables studied show significant concentrations of the total aerobic mesophilic flora varies between 2.25 and 8.48 log10 CFU / ml, Concerning total coliforms the contamination rates vary between 1.92 and 8.42 log10UFC / ml, as well as the presence of fecal coliforms between 1.13 and 8.05 log10UFC / ml, in the same samples analyzed, strains such as: Escherichia coli, staphylococcus aureus and a total absence of salmonella and shegilla. In order to improve the safety and hygienic quality of fruits and vegetables, the application of good hygienic practices as well as continuous microbial quality control is necessary to protect the health of consumers.