Moroccan Context Research Articles

Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) in moroccan patients with type-2 diabetes

BackgroundThe objective of the study was to cross-culturally adapt and validate the General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) in patients with type-2 diabetes in Morocco.MethodsThe study was a cross-sectional study conducted between September 12 and October 12, 2022, and included patients with type-2 diabetes from a primary health care network. To measure the different psychometric parameters of the construct, data analysis was performed using SPSS v20. The study was approved by the Moroccan Association for Research and Ethics.ResultsA total of 284 patients were included in the study; the results of the different psychometric parameters were largely acceptable. Indeed, the improvement of the goodness-of-fit of the model in relation to the independence model was evaluated by the comparative fit index (CFI), which was higher than 0.95, as well as the normalized fit index (NFI), which expresses the percentage of the general covariance between the variable demonstrated via the tested model when the null model is taken as reference and was also higher than 0.95 in this study. Additionally, the Tucker Louis Index (TLI) or Unstandardized Fit Index, which measures the increase in goodness of fit when moving from the reference model to the model under study, had a value of > 0.95. The correlations between the items were good; indeed, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) index was > 0.7. The translated tool presents good internal consistency; thus, Cronbach’s α had a value of approximately 0.804 (> 0.7).ConclusionsThe version of the GMAS tool adapted to the Moroccan context has very acceptable psychometric values. This means that Moroccan researchers and health professionals can use it as an instrument to measure adherence among individuals with type-2 diabetes.

The effect of consumer-based authenticity on attachment and social networks in digital context: Case of Moroccan’s terroir products

The focus of this paper is to conceptualize and measure consumer-based authenticity as well as its effects on social networks (SN) and attachment. In addition, it explores the effect of consumer attachment. In order to address this focus, it suggests a framework for analyzing this relationship by using the Partial Least Squares Equation Modeling. This study utilizes applied quantitative research in the Moroccan context. The results showed that consumer-based authenticity represents a marketing tool that can influence purchase intention. The key contribution of this research is the feature of consumer authenticity that influences social network confidence. Consumers need to feel the connection with the terroir product goes beyond the digital interface as they look for a more human relationship. The virtual context may display a high risk of deficient relationships; hence, the low consumer-based authenticity.

THE CONTRIBUTION OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) TO THE ORGANIZATIONAL RESILIENCE OF MOROCCAN COMPANIES

In an environment characterized by fragile prospects and the predominance of downside risks, the issue of organizational resilience is receiving increasing attention in the field of management research. Indeed, the repercussions of uncertain reality prompt us to investigate the role of CSR in the development of organizational resilience of Moroccan companies. In this regard, the ultimate goal of this communication is to examine the relationship between CSR and organizational resilience in the Moroccan context. Our papers examines the effect of CSR determinants on the three dimensions of organizational resilience of companies, while highlighting the moderating role of the size of the company in question. An empirical study conducted on 80 Moroccan companies allowed us to confirm the significant causal relationship between CSR and organizational resilience in our sample, and showed that there is a significant and positive moderation effect between CSR and only the absorptive capacity of the surveyed companies. The results of our investigation have allowed us to derive managerial implications and highlight the importance of a societal orientation of companies to confront the future environment.

An investigation of Moroccan EFL Learners’ Explicit Attitudes towards World Englishes: Pedagogical Implications

The present study seeks to investigate the attitudes of Moroccan EFL learners (MEFLLs) towards different varieties of English speech (World Englishes (WE)). The study utilises a direct method of attitude measurement as the study’s participants are directly asked about their own explicit attitudes towards six English varieties of English speech[1] (namely, American English, British English, Indian English, Filipino English, Japanese English and Thai English). A sample of 544 MEFLLs was recruited in the study. The findings of the study show that MEFLLs’ attitudes towards varieties of English are aligned, to some extent, with those of previous studies conducted elsewhere (Jindapitak & Teo, 2012; Chien, 2018; Almegren, 2017). For example, it was found that MEFLLs, on the one hand, prefer Inner Circle Englishes (ICE) over Outer Circle Englishes (OCE) and Outer Circle Englishes over Expanding Circle Englishes (ECE) on the other hand. Another interesting finding is that the participants surveyed are already aware of English language variation, and they are willing to learn more about the different varieties of English spoken worldwide. Generally speaking, the Moroccan context seems to be a fertile setting for the discussion of World Englishes-related issues as the participants do, in fact, recognise and appreciate the sociolinguistic variation exhibited in the English language. The study concludes with a number of pedagogical implications for the choice of linguistic model(s) to be employed in EFL classrooms both inside and outside Morocco.
 
 [1] American English, AmE; British English, BrE; Indian English, InE; Filipino English, FiE; Japanese English, JpE; Thai English, ThE

Analyzing the integrated effect of circular economy, Lean Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0 on sustainable manufacturing performance from a practice‐based view perspective

AbstractThis study explores the interplay linking Lean Six Sigma (LSS), the Circular Economy (CE) and Industry 4.0 technologies (I4.0T), and their impact alone or combined, on sustainable organizational performance (SOP) within manufacturing firms. Using the existing literature, six hypotheses are identified and then analyzed following the Structural Equation Modeling method with SmartPLS software. A survey was designed and administrated in the Moroccan context. Based on the results, it was found that LSS, CE and I4.0T have a positive effect on SOP. Moreover, I4.0T significantly impacts both LSS and SOP. However, I4.0T had no significant effect on CE. Furthermore, the results show that LSS has a positive mediation role as a driver for the successful implementation of I4.0T within the SOP. This study will enable manufacturing professionals to understand the determinants of sustainable performance helping them to define their future business strategies. Also, it sets the benchmark for companies looking to achieve sustainable objectives by integrating I4.0 technologies into CE practices and the LSS approach. This study is a first attempt to examine the link between LSS, CE and I4.0 to achieve high triple bottom line gains (environmental, social and economic) within companies considering Morocco, an emerging economy.

Exploring the Moroccan EFL High School Teachers’ Feedback Practices as a Form of Formative Assessment: Opportunities and Challenges

This paper aims to explore the extent to which Moroccan EFL secondary school teachers use feedback as a form of formative assessment. It also aims at identifying the main challenges that render such practice difficult. Feedback is crucially important in the learning-teaching process. It is considered a key strategy of formative assessment. Despite the existence of several studies that recommend the use of formative assessment, it has not been properly addressed by research in the Moroccan educational system. Thus, exploring the Moroccan EFL teachers’ feedback practice can provide a clear picture of the opportunities and challenges of its implementation in the Moroccan context. The study follows a quantitative research design in which data were collected from 100 EFL secondary school teachers through questionnaires. Results revealed that the majority of teachers implement feedback as a formative tool to assess their students. However, they reported that workload, lack of time, and school regulations are the main obstacles which render formative feedback practices challenging. The findings will benefit policy makers, practitioners, researchers, and teacher trainers as well.

Maritime cultural heritage in Morocco: context and perspectives

Abstract Archaeological research conducted in Morocco over the last two decades has revealed a wealth of diachronic maritime cultural heritage resources, under water and in the coastal zone. However, observation and study has revealed that natural and anthropogenic threats are impacting these resources. Given the challenges to managing maritime cultural heritage (MCH) resources in a country with such an extensive coastline and limited human managerial resources, the national heritage agency and external research institutions have developed methodologies that in part aim at mitigating these threats. This development is illustrated through three projects, briefly outlined here: the Oued Loukkos Survey, the CBDAMM Project and the MarEA Project. These projects incorporate approaches that have been tailored to the Moroccan context, considering the type of resources, the extent of the coastline, types of threats, legislation, and people and institutions involved. In conclusion, this article stresses that an interdisciplinary methodological approach to documentation is necessary in order to inform successful mitigation strategies and to plan for future interventions of MCH.

When urban shrinkage goes South. Morocco's extreme management of declining mining towns between paternalism, entrepreneurialism and abandonment

In 2019, urban abandonment became a burning issue in Morocco after the accidental deaths of several young people in clandestine mining operations. The deaths in Jerada, a shrinking town near the Algerian border, sparked the hirak (social movement). This article has three objectives. First, it introduces the issue of urban shrinkage in Morocco, a North African country where shrinkage was overlooked by public policies and research until 2019. We will show that the territorial decline in Morocco is a major phenomenon that currently affects a fifth of its cities. Second, we aim to demonstrate that while some factors of territorial decline in Morocco are similar to those identified in the North (demographic transition, urban spread and deindustrialisation), other factors are more country specific. We highlight three factors that are particularly linked to the Moroccan context: the climate's impact on the decline of agricultural regions; the role of geopolitical conflicts and their impact on the borders; and, lastly, the role of politics in a state, which was governed by an external regime during the colonial period and has since been under an authoritarian regime. In both cases, some peripheral regions were dependent on or even abandoned by the centre. Third, we propose preliminary channels of reflection on the different ways that urban decline has been silently managed in Morocco. The process of urban decline is likely to trigger major social action. In the meantime, the public authorities' failure to identify the issue clearly is problematic for the regions concerned.

The determinants of institutionalization of Zakāt: the case of Morocco

PurposeMuslims have several religious obligations; the payment of a defined sum to the deprived part of the society is one of their financial obligations called Zakat. The institutionalization of this obligation has been the focal point of several research studies, however the Moroccan context has been studied by very few researchers. Therefore, this research aims to study the institutionalization of Zakat in the Moroccan context. Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors try to drive focus to the determinants of the payment of Zakat to a specialized institution in Morocco (institutions whose main activity is the management of zakat funds), through 302 questionnaires that have been administrated on Moroccans and partial least square (PLS) approach.FindingsThe results show that the intention and payment behavior of Zakat by Moroccans depends on the quality of the zakat institution's quality of services, its location, the competence and availability of personnel, the use of technology, the shari'ah compliance of the institution’s activities and the trust by showing professionalism in the management of Zakat funds and disclose information.Research limitations/implicationsThe lack of relevant data covering the number of Zakat payers in Morocco, their potential contributions and the amounts paid each year, slows down the progress of this project as it hinders the ability of state officials and decision-makers to assess the potential zakat funds that are currently in circulation, and thus makes it hard for them to attribute financial support to such project. It also makes it hard for researchers to get direct access to Muzzakis.Practical implicationsThe existing literature shows immense interest in the implementation of institutions who can manage the Islamic social instruments especially zakat. However, the lack of relevant payer data of Zakat in Morocco and other jurisdictions who have not yet institutionalized zakat slows down the progress of this project and hinders any progress. Thus, the initiating point of such institutions in Morocco and in other countries who have not yet launched this project, requires knowing what determines the behaviour of Zakat payers and their choice of paying zakat to an institution. The results of our research help give insights on the determinants of zakat institutionalization from zakat payers point of view. These results are useful to the state policy makers.Social implicationsLike other neighboring countries, Morocco must introduce Zakat into its social system in order to better manage the funds that will enable the tackling of serious social problems such as poverty.Originality/valueIn contrast to the widespread and extensive literature available in analyzing the determinants of donations and volunteering from a conventional perspective, the parallel analysis of these same concerns in social Islamic systems is still in its infancy and so is the implementation of institutions related to zakat and other traditional Islamic social instruments such as waqf.

La « sécularisation » des discours et des pratiques en contexte islamique : le cas du Parti pour la justice et le développement au Maroc

By putting in the Moroccan context the concept of ‘multiple secularities’, this paper digs the process of conceptualization of ‘secularization’ at the initiative of the Islamist leader, Saadeddine al-Othmani. The latter supported the acceptability of a secular principle adequate to religion, its symbols and their presence in the political and public space. Through the analysis of his writings as well as of other leaders’ discourses, this article follows the compromises between religious and secular revendications during the process of conceptualization inside the PJD-MUR. Using the theories of ‘secularization’ and ‘de-théologisation’, this study highlights the strategy of ‘rejection’ and ‘adaptation’ developed by the PJD. Rejecting the hypothesis of a linear secularization of Islamist ideology, it also examines the ongoing or incomplete structural mutations resulted from the ‘distinction’ ( tamiyyîz) between the party and the movement, as well as between the socio-political spheres.

L’impact de la prise en charge des couches sémantiques sur la recherche d'information touristique : Cas des établissements et services touristiques digitalisés au Maroc

Tourism is an economic and a wealth-creating pillar that involves several volatile actors that are rich in dynamic, complex and heterogeneous information (Benckendorff et al., 2019). Therein, the continuous increase in the volume of information available on tourism offerings on the web has made user decision making a crucial task. As a result, the use of personalized and intelligent recommendation systems is essential for the satisfaction of tourism consumers (Grün et al., 2017). The objective of this article is to reveal the impact of the deployment of semantic techniques on the quality and accuracy of search results for tourism information, in the case of tourism in Morocco. This will be done through ontologies, which are a key component in the semantic web (Buhalis, 2020). To this end, we first presented the implementation of the semantic web and the use of ontologies in it. Then, we described the basic background of ontologies. Finally, we discussed the existing ontologies in the tourism domain in Morocco. The findings show that, the assumption of ontological conceptualization during the creation of digital content by tourism establishments, as a context-aware knowledge base, ensures the implementation of a semantic correspondence between users' preferences and the characteristics of tourism offers published, thus improving the quality and accuracy of the recommendations according to the user's context (Abbasi-Moud et al., 2022). Nevertheless, the evolution of tourism ontologies following changes in this sector is of major complexity. For this reason, the invention of an automatic approach, based on artificial intelligence techniques, NLP, Machine Learning or Deep Learning, can contribute to an evolutionary, reliable and easier maintenance of tourism ontologies, in the Moroccan context.

Cross-cultural Pragmatic Failure in Moroccan EFL learners’ Requests

“Most of our misunderstandings of other people are not due to any inability to hear them or to parse their sentences or to understand their words…. A far more important source of difficulty in communication is that we so often fail to understand a speaker’s intention”
 (Miller in Thomas 1983:92)
 The concern in this paper is with such situations where we fail to understand “what is meant by what is said” thus with situations of pragmatic failure especially in an area of cross-cultural communication. Undoubtedly, these are situations where the actual use of language for the maintenance and preservation of social harmony among interactants depict clearly cross-language variations and interference. The discussion will revolve around such basic issues as: a) how interactional events in intercultural communication establish relationships between participants marking dimensions of social distance, status and politeness, b) the effects which different linguistic forms in different languages can have on the performance of the foreign language learner and c) basically the implications of all this for the teaching of the pragmatic competence to the non-native speakers of English, with special reference to the teaching of English at the university level in the Moroccan context.
 Keywords: Intercultural communication; politeness; pragmatic failure; Requests.

CRYPTOCOCCAL INFECTION IN PLHIV : SERIES OF 12 CASES AT THE LABORATORY OF MOHAMMED VI UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OF MARRAKECH

Background: Cryptococcal infection is opportunistic and causes high morbidity and mortality among severely immunocompromised patients, specially those living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). Cryptococcus neoformans is the most frequently identified species, incriminated in 90% of cryptococcal meningitis (CM). Methods: This is a descriptive retrospective study over a 2-years period (2021 - 2022) involving 12 PLHIV in whom we have isolated Cryptococcus neoformans from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood culture, respiratory or skin specimen. All patients received antifungal therapy, associated to therapeutic lumbar punctures for those who presented with increased intracranial pressure. The clinical examination findings, laboratory data and evolution under treatment of these patients were reviewed. Results: The twelve patients were all HIV-infected adults, with median age of 41.25 ± 12.22 years and male predominance with a sex ratio of 1:2. All patients had low CD4 T-cell counts at diagnosis (<100 cells/µl). Neurological involvement existed in all patients of this cohort : Isolated CM was diagnosed in three cases (25%). Nine patients (75%) had disseminated cryptococcosis: Central nervous system (CNS) with positive hemoculture in six cases, CNS and pulmonary involvement with positive hemoculture in two cases, CNS and cutaneous involvement with positive hemoculture in one case. Cryptococcus neoformans was identified in all cases. Of the twelve patients, seven (58%) survived with good response to the treatment. Lethality rate was 42%. Conclusion: This study demonstrates cryptococcal disease is a high mortality infection in PLHIV.Priority should be given to access to rapid diagnostic CrAgtests to accessibility to liposomal amphotericin B. This could improve the clinical outcome of the patients in our moroccan context.

Effect of Circadian Preferences and Personality Traits on Academic Achievement in Active Students

Objective: During the past decades, several studies have explored individuals’ differences and their impact on scholarly achievement. The effect of circadian preference and personality on academic performance has been studied in different countries. However, studies have yet to analyze these variables in the Moroccan context (North West Africa) and test whether academic performance relates to circadian types and personality traits. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between those variables in young active students.Methods: This study included 167 Moroccan active students (age=16.34 years; SD=1.2). The personality trait was measured with Big Five Questionnaire for Children (BFQ-C). We also assessed the circadian typology by using Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). School grades were used to calculate academic success (grade point average [GPA]). We investigated the relationships between all the parameters.Results: This study indicates a significant difference in Big Five factors between athlete groups of chronotype. GPA is significantly related positively to MEQ score and openness but negatively to neuroticism. However, no correlation was observed with the other significant five factors.Conclusion: Professionals must consider circadian preferences and personality traits when looking to facilitate students’ scholarly achievement.

Impact of Sustainability Transition in Moroccan Cities Identity: The Case of Benguerir

Whether internationally or in Morocco, the construction industry is one of the world's most energy-consuming industries. Nationally, this sector is estimated to account for 33% of total energy consumption. In addition, the construction industry is one of the highest producers of GHG emissions. For these reasons, Morocco has taken steps to reduce the sector's impact on the economy and the environment. That's why the green sustainable cities trend has started in the last decade. Globalization trends and efforts to keep the concept of sustainability alive in a concrete city have brought along many conflicting choices. Moroccan cities are known for their strong identities due to the long process of shaping these cities throughout history. But new sustainability trends seem to introduce new colors that can strip them of their identity. This article is a research paper for the arid climate city of Benguerir, located in the South, one of the green cities of Morocco. Green represents a challenging context for implementing sustainability. This study reveals the different parameters of sustainability in cities, how important urban identity is, and how it can be perceived and discusses the transition and identity changes of cities. The case study exemplifies the Moroccan context, the reason behind the need for Moroccan green cities, the efforts of the government, and the problems green Moroccan cities may face when trying to preserve their identity. Benguerir is an example that has achieved various sustainability parameters and represents the policies of Moroccan green cities. The city can also represent upcoming challenges for cities in a similar context.

Anemia Due to Familial Vitamin B12 Deficiency: About 3 Cases

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a rare pathology in the paediatric population, most often due in our Moroccan context to a deficiency in intake. However, in rarer cases, it may be the result of an inborn anomaly in cobalamin transport or metabolism. A well-codified diagnostic approach can clarify the nature of the deficiency and adapt therapeutic options. We report 03 pediatric cases of three brothers treated for vitamin B12 deficiency. Diagnosed at 8, 4 and 3 years of age, they all presented with a severe anemic syndrome and delayed stature, two of them had seizures, and the elder brother was also delayed at school. Given the familial nature of the disease and the presence of proteinuria in 2 patients, Imerslund-Grasbëck disease was suspected in our patients. Treatment was based on parenteral vitamin B12 supplementation, with good clinical and biological progression in our patients. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a metabolic emergency and should be considered in the presence of hematological and neurological disorders. Although Imerslund-Gräsbeck disease is rare, it should be suspected and proteinuria investigated.

Morocco Reimagined

Abstract This article rereads the works of Carlos de Nesry and Abraham Serfaty, two important Jewish intellectuals from Morocco, to conceptualize their theorization of state and society in post-1956 Morocco. The article argues that Moroccan Jews’ striving for an inclusive citizenship in and belonging to the independent nation took several forms, but the most salient of which were the two embodied in the work of de Nesry and Serfaty. Although there is a robust literature on Moroccan Jews, these theorizations have not received the scholarly examination they deserve nor have they been put in dialogue with each other to tease out their significance for the situation of Jews in the Moroccan context. This article is an attempt to bring attention to the implications of a locally produced Jewish political theory for the larger Moroccan nation. By examining de Nesry’s and Serfaty’s writing against the background of political repression and increasing authoritarianism, I show how Jewish intellectuals navigated their place in a fast-changing post-independence country, furnishing ideas and projects that could have created a different Morocco.

Globalization, Space and Information Technologies: A Semiotic Analysis of Space in Yacine Adnan’s Novel Hot Maroc

This study delves into the impact of globalization and information technologies on the socio-cultural and spatial dimensions of Morocco in the 21st century. Through a semiotic analysis of space in Yacine Adnan's debut novel, Hot Maroc, the author examines the changing face of Marrakech and Morocco at the onset of the new century, particularly with the emergence of the internet. The study argues that the author constructs a dystopian image of globalization in the Moroccan context, touching on both sociocultural and spatial aspects. The analysis of the semiotics of space in Hot Maroc reveals how the author uses space as a literary tool to depict the spatial and sociocultural transformations witnessed by Morocco. The study concludes that social and spatial mobility of characters is a crucial dimension through which one can make sense of the nature of these changes.

Assessment of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis prevalence using a molecular Point of Care: Findings from a respondent driven sampling study among MSM.

Due to the limited data available within the Moroccan context, the aim of the study was therefore to estimate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection and co-infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) as well as to update the behavioral indicators for this population. During the period of November 2020 to January 2021, 275 and 303 MSM in Agadir and Fes respectively, were recruited by using respondent-driven sampling protocol (RDS). Eligibility criteria for participants included men identified as having anal sex with another man in the last 6 months, aged 18 years or older and residing in either Agadir or Fes, regardless of their nationality, for the past 6 months.Anal swabs were collected from 445 respondents for molecular investigation of CT, NG, and TV. GeneXpert (Cepheid, USA) was used to test all samples. A survey on the socio-demographic, and risk behavior was then administered to participants. Most MSM subjects were identified as being young, and homosexual. CT prevalence was 11.3% (95%CI, 7.2 to 15.4) and 12.5% (95%CI, 7.5 to 17.5) in Agadir and Fes respectively; NG was 13.3% (95%CI, 8.5 to 18.1) in Agadir and 5.5% (95%CI, 1.9 to 9.2) in Fes. Meanwhile, TV prevalence was 0.4% (95%CI, 0 to 1.1) in Agadir and 0.2% (95%CI, -0.2 to 0.6) in Fes. A CT/NG co-infection was found in 4.5% (95%CI, 3.5 to 5.9) of cases in Agadir and 2.7% (95%CI, 1.9 to 3.9), in Fes. It follows that a regular risk assessment and Sexually Transmitted Infectious (STIs) screening should be administered in these two cities as part of a global strategy to enhance the sexual health of the key populations in question.

Stakeholders’ Involvement, Organizational Learning and Social Innovation: Factors for Strengthening the Resilience of Moroccan Cooperatives in the Post-COVID-19 Era

The Moroccan cooperative sector is increasingly important, not only in the social and economic fabric of Morocco, but also in the sustainable development of the Kingdom. With the advent of COVID, the cooperative sector offers more inclusive and sustainable economic alternatives than ever before. In this context, organizational resilience is essential to preserve the sustainability of cooperatives and anticipate potential crises. This study addresses the following issue: What are the organizational factors necessary to strengthen the organizational resilience of the Moroccan cooperative in the Fez-Meknes region in times of COVID-19 crisis? The purpose of this paper was to test the hypothesized relationships between a set of latent constructs (actor involvement and mobilization, organizational learning in times of a crisis and social innovation) and the organizational resilience of cooperatives in times of a COVID-19 crisis. The methodology adopted is structural equation modeling based on the PLS-SEM method under the “SmartPLS Version 3” used on data collected through a printed questionnaire administered to 160 cooperatives in the Fez-Meknes region. The results show the significant and positive influence between the exogenous constructs on the strengthening of organizational resilience of cooperatives as an endogenous construct. The novelty of the study lies in the identification of the organizational resources needed to strengthen the organizational resilience of cooperatives in the Moroccan context. The results show that organizational resilience depends on three selected organizational factors: stakeholder involvement and mobilization, organizational learning in the times of a crisis and social innovation.