Meknes Region Research Articles

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oils of Asphodelus microcarpus Salzm. & Viv. growing wild at different sites in Morocco: ADME-Tox, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations

ABSTRACT This study investigates the chemical variability and antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EOs) from Asphodelus microcarpus Salzm. & Viv. flowers, collected from five Moroccan regions. Analysis by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) revealed EO yields ranging from 0.01% to 0.12%. One hundred forty-four compounds, comprising 90.24–97.31% of the total content, were identified. A new chemotype, trans-Ferruginol (58.33%), was identified in the Meknes region. This is the first study to assess the antibacterial activity of EOs from these flowers, showing significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli, with MICs between 0.78 and 25 mg. mL−1. Theoretical studies, including ADME-Tox, molecular docking and dynamics, indicated that trans-Ferruginol is non-toxic and strongly interacts with antimicrobial target proteins. The findings suggest that these EOs could serve as an alternative to antibiotics, potentially mitigating bacterial resistance.

Assessment of faba bean-cereal intercropping: Impact on black aphids, weed management, and faba bean yield in the Meknes region, Morocco

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the association between faba bean and cereal crops on the incidence and severity of black aphids, weed control, and faba bean yield in Meknes region, Morocco. Regression and correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between different parameters. The results showed that the combination of faba bean with cereals significantly reduced black aphid infestation, weed density, and biomass compared to faba bean alone. The present study also revealed a positive correlation between reduced aphid incidence and improved faba bean yield. Analyses also revealed significant correlations between weed density and aphid incidence/severity as well as notable associations between faba bean crop biomass, weed biomass, and faba bean yield. These findings underscore the importance of crop associations in enhancing the resilience and productivity of faba beans through integrated aphid and weed management. They highlight the complexity of the interactions between aphids, weeds, and faba bean crops, requiring a holistic approach to understand their impact on crop yield.

Contribution to the knowledge of the Amphipoda (stygobionts) collected from the Meknes aquifer, Morocco

Abstract Groundwater in the Saïss Basin is an important resource economic and social for the region. They are also the reservoir of an original biological diversity. The subterranean aquatic fauna is to date largely unknown in the Meknes region. It, therefore, represents both a significant part of the national natural heritage and an essential part of the regional natural heritage to be taken into account when conservation measures are considered. Eight wells and two springs were investigated between February 2013 and February 2014. The study was conducted in three localities in the surroundings of Meknes (Meknes, El Hajeb, and Agouray). In fact, Amphipod distribution data is based on unpublished data from my thesis work. Most hypogean taxa are crustaceans, principally the Amphipoda. This research work is a contribution to the knowledge of Amphipoda (stygobionts) collected from the Meknes aquifer. Among the subterranean Amphipoda, species belonging to the genera Metacrangonyx and Pseudoniphargus, which have never been described previously, are limited to a single locality (Agouray), typically found in Wells W4 and W5. In addition, the first record of (Metacrangonyx sp, and Pseudoniphargus sp1 and sp2.) for the stygofauna of the Meknes aquifer was also recorded. These results represent an important contribution to regional biodiversity and finally to complete the inventory of the stygofauna of Morocco.

Unveiling Blastocystis epidemiology in Morocco: subtype diversity among clinical patients with and without gastrointestinal manifestations in the Meknes region.

Blastocystis is an intestinal protist frequently identified in humans and other animals, though its clinical significance remains controversial. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in faecal samples from symptomatic (n = 55) and asymptomatic (n = 50) individuals seeking medical care in Meknes, Morocco. Detection of the protist was accomplished through coproparasitological examination and culture in Jones medium. Culture-positive samples were subjected to molecular analyses (PCR and Sanger sequencing) based on sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Epidemiological questionnaires on demographics and potential risk factors were collected from participating patients. The overall Blastocystis infection rate was 51.4% (54/105), with no differences between symptomatic (52.7%, 29/55) and asymptomatic (50.0%, 25/50) individuals. Sequence analyses identified three Blastocystis subtypes, with ST3 being the most prevalent (42.0%), followed by ST1 (34.0%), and ST2 (12.0%). Regarding intra-subtype diversity, allele 4 was found within ST1; alleles 11/12 and alleles 34/36 (alone or in combination) were identified within ST2 and ST3 respectively. Allele 34 in ST3 (40.8%) and allele 4 in ST1 (34.7%) were the most common genetic variants circulating in the surveyed clinical population. A statistically significant association between ST2 and the presence of flatulence was observed. This is the first study assessing the epidemiology and genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. in the Meknes region, Morocco.

Improvement the estimation of reference evapotranspiration by combining different types of meteorological data Using machine learning models

Irrigation and the strategic planning thereof play a pivotal role in diverse hydrological inquiries, with reference evapotranspiration (ETo) standing as a paramount variable within this domain. While the equation (FAO-56 PM)is extensively employed for (ETo)estimation, its dependence on numerous weather datas such as solar radiation, temperature, relative humidity, extraterrestrial radiation and wind speed, introduces inherent constraints, the remote computation necessitates a substantial array of sensors, thereby incurring considerable expenses. To surmount this challenge, artificial intelligence methodologies, encompassing various machine learning (ML) models, are harnessed for ETo estimation, requiring only minimal parameters.This investigation scrutinizes the effectiveness of alternative equations (Hargreaves-Samani, Romannenko, Jensen-Haise, ASCE_PM) vis-à-vis (ML) models such as Xgboost,Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF) in the estimation of ETo across the Meknes region, utilizing diverse permutations of the four measured variables. The study employs an extensive array of hyperparameters in two distinct scenarios: (i) randomization of all data, and (ii) training on one station while validating on another. All methodologies employed in this study yield satisfactory outcomes when juxtaposed against empirical models reliant on minimal meteorological data.

Integration of Environmental Procedures and Team Cohesion: Survey of Tourism Industries in the Fez Meknes Region

This article studies the impact of integrating environmental actions at the level of tourism industries, focusing on the tourism sector in Morocco. It examines the impact of integrating environmental processes on the management of these industries and on team cohesion. The paper identifies the concepts of environmental management and team cohesion. To juxtapose the literature with the field, we conducted a field survey in Morocco's oldest region, Fez-Meknes, where tourism is important and local industries took advantage of the absence of tourists during the COVID-19 period to implement several environmental actions. By implementing these processes, tourist industries can improve their brand image and make considerable savings. On the other hand, they need to consider the impact of these new practices on team cohesion. Our article will attempt to examine the relationship between the implementation of environmental initiatives and the cohesion of players in the tourism industries of the Fez-Meknes region.

Assessment of the Impacts of Plant Growth-Promoting Micro-Organisms on Potato Farming in Different Climatic Conditions in Morocco

Environmental concerns are gradually reducing the global yield capacity of agricultural systems, with climate change representing the most significant challenge. Globally, Potatoes are the most essential non-cereal crop. Therefore, understanding the potential impacts of climate change on potato production is crucial for maintaining future global food security. This study aims to explore the roles played by PGPMs in two distinct regions, which are characterized by different climatic conditions, to assess their influence on two potato varieties, namely Siena and Bellini. Inoculation with these strains, particularly the Aureobasidium pullulans strains Ach1-1 and Ach1-2, resulted in significant improvements in growth and yield. In 2018, impressive yields of 194.1 kg/0.05 ha and 186.6 kg/0.05 ha were recorded for the two strains, with the Ain Taoujdate site achieving yields of 157.1 kg/0.05 ha and 151.1 kg/0.05 ha for each of the two strains. Additionally, further observations revealed that the Siena variety is more susceptible to rot than the Bellini variety. However, Ach1-1 and Ach1-2 strains had a significant effect on this rot, showcasing their potential to mitigate this negative issue in the Bellini variety. These promising results underscore the potential of PGPMs to enhance potato production in the Fez–Meknes region of Morocco, contributing to global food security amid climate change.

Experimental and theoretical study of PEG/natural clay-based hybrids properties: Role of molecular weight

The present study in this article is designed firstly for a physicochemical and mineralogical characterization of a clay mineral from the Meknes region. The natural clay was first crushed (agate mortar), sieved (63μm) and purified, then characterized to determine the different physicochemical parameters as well as the minerals it contains. Secondly, hybrids based on this natural clay and the polymer (Polyethylene glycol: PEG) were produced using the direct intercalation process. In our study, we were interested in elucidating the role of the PEG molecular weight variation on the final product. These composites were observed using different techniques at different scales for a multi-scale characterization of their microstructure. The obtained results indicate a homogeneous mineralogical composition characterized by the predominance of clay minerals (smectite, kaolinite, and illite) associated with other minerals such as quartz and calcite. Moreover, the measurements of the physico-chemical parameters show an average cation exchange capacity (29mequi/100g) and a specific surface of about 204m2/g. The transmission electron microscopy confirms the formation of the intercalated structures by insertion of PEG chains in good conformity with the X-ray diffraction (XRD) findings. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis reports the presence of new PEG-related vibrational bands in the hybrids, this confirms the adsorption of PEG chains. We find that there is a consensus that HPEG8000 hybrids are more suitable and stable and that 8000g/mol is the optimal molecular weight. Finally, the XRD results were used to follow the inter-layer distance of the phases versus the molecular weight of PEG. These results show a very good agreement with the theory developed by using the De Gennes scaling laws.

Effects of organic and inorganic mulching, nettle extract, and manual weeding on weed management under direct-seeded lentil in Meknes region, Morocco

Weeds represent a major problem for the production of food legumes in Morocco. In order to cover its legume needs, the country currently imports this commodity, particularly lentils (Lens culinaris Medik.). The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of some agroecological strategies, such as manual weeding, fermented nettle extract (Urtica dioica L.), black plastic, and wheat straw mulching, on weed management, yield and yield components of lentil. The experiment was carried out at the Agroecology and Environment platform of the National School of Agriculture in Meknes, Morocco, in 2020–21 and 2021–22. Five treatments were tested in a complete randomized block design with four replications. The data analysis revealed that crop competition with weeds can result in a yield loss of over 60%. The weed flora identified was very diverse, with 27 different species. All treatments resulted in effective weed management compared to the control (untreated), significant economic gains and a difference in protein content, and a significant decrease in weed density and dry biomass by more than 50% at the flowering and maturity stages. The nettle extract treatment was less effective than the other treatments, but did not show phytotoxic effects on the crop, and it inhibited the germination of more than 50% of Glebionis coronaria (L.) seeds and more than 80% of Avena stirilis (L.) seeds compared to the control under laboratory conditions, which was confirmed in the field. The agroecological practices tested in this study resulted in the highest yield and yield components of the lentil crop compared to the control, leading us to conclude that reducing weed infestation is useful in cropping systems where chemical or mechanical weed control is not feasible, and for crops with low weed competitive ability.

Physicochemical and Mechanical Characterization of Ceramic Materials from Meknes Region (Morocco)

Physicochemical and Mechanical Characterization of Ceramic Materials from Meknes Region (Morocco)

Integrated agroecological practices for sustaining weed management and improving faba bean (Vicia faba var. minor) productivity under low-input farming

Bearing in mind the negative impacts of intensive farming systems based on monoculture and heavy chemical usage, there is a need to find sustainable agroecological practices (AP). The introduction of legume crops through intercropping practices, mulching, and plant water extracts are among the non-chemical strategies for agroecological weed management. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different agroecological practices on weeds, soil microbial load, soil nutrients, and faba bean yield. The results showed that agroecological practices, especially the treatment including the combination of the three AP, significantly reduced weed density and biomass. The treatments improved the soil microbial load at the harvest stage, land equivalent ratio, faba bean yield, and yield components compared to the sole faba bean. However, no significant differences were recorded in the parameters related to the soil macronutrients. These findings suggest that the integration of intercropping, plant extracts and mulching practices could be an important ecological alternative for weed management associated with faba bean crops under low-input farming in the Meknes region, Morocco.

Phytochemical screening of two medicinal plants: Calendula officinalis L. and Ammi visnaga L., collected from the Meknes region, Morocco

Phytochemical screening of two medicinal plants: Calendula officinalis L. and Ammi visnaga L., collected from the Meknes region, Morocco

Weed competition, land equivalent ratio and yield potential of faba bean (Vicia faba L.)-cereals (Triticum aestivum L. and/or Avena sativa L.) intercropping under low-input conditions in Meknes region, Morocco

Weed competition, land equivalent ratio and yield potential of faba bean (Vicia faba L.)-cereals (Triticum aestivum L. and/or Avena sativa L.) intercropping under low-input conditions in Meknes region, Morocco

An Investigation of Social Media Addiction among Moroccan Adolescent Students

This is a quantitative study that aimed at investigating the extent to which Moroccan adolescent students are addicted to social media platforms. Kimberly Young’s Internet Addiction Test was adopted and adjusted to serve the objective of this study. The sample consisted of 200 Moroccan adolescent students from the region of Meknes. The results highlighted that Facebook is the most frequently used social media site among participants, while twitter is the least. Furthermore, when they go online, they prefer to communicate with family and friends, entertain themselves, and read about social issues. To add, the findings revealed that only 11% of participants are severely addicted to social media, 24 % are MILD or average social media users, and 61 % were reported to be moderately addicted. On the other hand, the test showed that 3.5 % of participants are not social media addicts. Finally, a statistically significant difference was proven among students in terms of their social media addiction level based on their educational stream. In the same vein, no statistically significant difference was revealed based on gender.

Qualitative and Quantitative Ethnobotanical Analysis of the Knowledge of Indigenous Populations on Medicinal Plants in the Meknes Region of Morocco

Plants constitute a major resource used for subsistence by people. Ethnobotany plays an important role in preserving plant diversity and in understanding and interpreting the knowledge that allows plants to be used effectively and sustainably to meet people's needs. Indeed, medicinal plants are a therapeutic resource that is frequently mobilized by populations for the treatment of various diseases in physiotherapy. In this study, based on 394 questionnaire forms, a series of ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in 2018. The surveys focused on the main medicinal plants used and their uses in traditional herbal medicine. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices were used to assess the importance of plants in traditional medicine and the relationships between populations and the natural systems that surround and support them. The analysis of the results allowed the inventory of 84 species and 44 families, the most represented in the region being the Lamiaceae, Asteraceae and Apiaceae. The species shown to be most used by the local population were: Origanum compactum, Dysphania ambrosioides and Lavandula angustifolia. In particular, the local population was found to make use of the plants to treat dermatological, metabolic, respiratory, rheumatological, urological, cardiovascular, nervous system, nephrological and ENT diseases. Moreover, plant foliage was the most used part and the majority of the remedies are prepared as infusion and decoction. This study reveals that the population of the prefecture of Meknes has a thorough knowledge of medicinal plants and uses them traditionally for the treatment of a variety of diseases.

Study of the mechanical behavior of marls: Case from Fes - Meknes region (Morocco)

In relationship with urban expansion at the level of cities located in the Sais basin, several projects have been carried out and others still in progress. Therefore, the recognition of the mechanical characteristics of soils and subsoil remains essential before any construction project, in order to avoid the shrinkage-swelling phenomenon associated with marls soil. In order to minimize the risk of instability, the present work consists of the characterization and study of the mechanical behavior of marly soils in some locations of Sais basin. In-situ tests have been performed in the field and samples submitted to other geotechnical tests in the laboratory such as the odometer compressibility and direct shear tests. The obtained results show that the studied marly soils exhibit strongly consolidated behaviors with the depth according to Menard test, and to the ratio of the pressiometric modulus (EM) and the corrected limit pressure (PL*).

Groundwater quality and aquatic fauna of some wells and springs from Meknes area (Morocco)

ABSTRACT This work focuses on the Meknes aquifer, which constitutes the main water resource in the northern central region of Morocco. The groundwater fauna is to date largely unknown in the Meknes region. However, it contains many animal species, especially small crustaceans. The study aimed to correlate the physico-chemical characteristics of wells and springs with the aquatic fauna in these habitats. Two kinds of descriptors were used such as the physico-chemical analyses of water and faunistic sampling was consequently performed for one year at 10 stations. Multivariate analyses showed a significant difference between stations. The water quality, variable from one station to another, is undoubtedly not the fundamental determinant influencing the distribution of fauna. These results represent an important contribution to regional biodiversity and may influence mainly by local factors, especially the protection levels of the wells and springs. Among the subterranean crustaceans, species belonging to the genera Typhlocirolana, Maroccolana and Pseudoniphargus have never been described before. These results are a contribution to the knowledge of the regional biodiversity and suggest that biodiversity as well as the physico-chemical characteristics of the water could provide valuable ecological information on the groundwater ecosystems status.

TRANSFORMATION OF THE MOROCCAN COUNTRYSIDE AIT ALI BOUBKER: CASE STUDY

Starting from the two last decades of the former century, the Moroccan countryside has experienced profound transformations, which the researcher perceives to have taken and are taking place at an accelerated pace. In this regard, we present through this paper, a field study of one of these sites, namely the countryside of Ait Ali Boubker which is located within the purview of the province Sefrou and the Department of Imouzzer Kandar, part of Fes – Meknes region. This study adopted the technique of interviewing of a selected sample from the population of the chosen countryside. Our sample consists of 58 interviewees, including 23 females and 35 male respondents. Age has been a decisive determinant in the selection of the target segment. Thus, a group of people belonging to the generation of independence was selected so that its views about the various changes in this country could be verified. This allowed us to compare and contrast the past with the present-day situation and measure the vicissitudes of the events through the opinions and experiences of the living reality of these cohorts. The results of this survey point out that this countryside, which is predominantly inhabited by an Amazigh population, has witnessed several social, economic, cultural and linguistic changes because of a hodgepodge of factors. Thus, the population sample attributes the reasons behind this shift to the invasion of various communication channels, urbanization and mechanization as well as acculturation. If the trend continues in this direction, the researcher believes that the Moroccan countryside is gradually disappearing as a consequence of the confluence of the aforementioned factors and that the Moroccan Bedouin is progressively abandoning his bedouinness and adapting or else absorbing components of an increasingly globalized social environment.

Migration to solar water pump system: Environmental and economic benefits and their optimization using genetic algorithm Based MPPT

The amount of rainfall in Meknes region in Morocco is insufficient to meet agricultural water demand. Pumping methods based on diesel and butane are thus an unavoidable option for local farmers. Nonetheless, the region receives an average of 4.72 kW.m−2.day−1 of solar irradiation per day, thus solar pumping systems can cover irrigation needs while also provide other benefits such as lowering greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing energy expenditures, and aiding in environmental preservation. Farmers in the Meknes region, on the other hand, are hesitant to employ photovoltaic energy to power their equipment. This work has two aims: the first is to explore the solar energy resource in the region. This is to analyze the capacity of the energy resource to adequately meet the energy needs of solar water pumping systems in the region. Secondly, based on the coupling theory, a comparative study was conducted. The objective was to evaluate the two methods of operation of solar systems, namely direct coupling and coupling with a DC–DC adapter with a genetic algorithm. The findings of this study reveal that with this adaptation stage, this solution doubles energy efficiency.

Design, modeling and simulation of perturb and observe maximum power point tracking for a photovoltaic water pumping system

<span>Maximum power point tracking (MPPT)</span><span> is considered one of the important factors in minimizing the installation costs and improving the efficiency of any photovoltaic water pumping system. The MPPT controller is specifically used to extract the maximum available power from the </span><span>photovoltaic (PV) array. The maximum power can be achieved by using a specific algorithm. This work aims to raise awareness among farmers about the energy benefits available in the region of Meknes in Morocco, the economic gain and the environmental impact applied to the solar pumping system so that it can be generalized. To obtain the maximum power at each moment, a direct current (DC) water pump (SQF 0-6-2) powered by the solar panels (REC_330NP) through a buck converter was adapted. In addition, this study illustrates the theory of operation of the perturb and observe (P&O) algorithm and simulates the evaluation of this algorithm under different operating conditions (temperature and solar irradiation), and showed the advantages of this system that can operate at the optimal power regardless of disturbances.</span>